Clinicals Vocab + Triage

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Standard Blood Test evaluating cellular components (RBCs, WBCs, Platelets)

BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel)

Blood chemistry test evaluating metabolism. It measures eight specific substances: glucose, calcium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide)

Culture & Sensitivity (C&S)

Microbiology test where a sample (Blood, urine, semen) is grown to identify a pathogen + tested against antibiotics to find the most effective treatment

IV Insertion

Placing a cathetar into a vein to deliver fluids, medications, or blood products directly into true blood stream

Foley Catheter

A flexible, indwelling tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder to continuously drain urine into the collection bag

Debridement

Surgical, chemical, or mechanical removal to promote healing

Reperfusion

Treatment procedure/bodily process that restores blood flow to an organ/tissue after it was blocked

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the stomach + intestines

Cellulitis

Deep, painful bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and warmth (usually lower legs)

Atelectasis

Partial/complete collapse of a lung/lobe of lung when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) deflate

CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)

Chronic condition where heart muscle is too weak/stiff to pump blood efficiently, leads to fluid backup in lungs + body

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Group of progressive lung diseases that cause airflow blockage + breathing difficulties

TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)

Temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain (a “mini-stroke”), resolves quickly → warning sign for future strokes

Contusion

Medical term for Bruise → Injury caused by blunt force + damages the capillaries without breaking skin

Laceration

Deep, ragged tear/cut in the skin/flesh

Fracture (Fx)

Medical term for Broken Bone

NPO p MN

Nothing by Mouth after Midnight (usually before a lab/surgery)

Strict I&O

Strict Intake and Output → Precise measurement + Documentation of every drop of fluid a patient consumes (Oral/IV) + excretes (urine)

Code Blue

Hospital emergency doe indicating a patient is experiencing a life threatening medical emergency

Guarding

Involuntary tensing/rigid tightening of the abdominal muscles when touched → signals sever inflammation or injury to internal organs

Emergent

A condition that is potentially life-threatening + causes sever harm if it’s not treated quickly

(ex: Severe chest pain or heavy uncontrolled bleeding)

Urgent

Serious condition that’s not immediately life-threatening → Prompt medical care within an hour or two to keep it from getting worse

(ex: Deep cuts that need stitches or severe abdominal pain)

Non-Urgent

A minor illness/injury that poses not significant risk

(ex: Sore throat or small sprains)