PLTW

Chief complaint

The patient’s description of what they feel is their main health problem.

Physical signs

Pieces of evidence that indicate an illness that can be observed externally, such as a rash, coughing, or elevated temperature.

Symptoms

Any subjective evidence of disease a patient perceives, such as aches, nausea, or fatigue.

Diagnosis

The process of identifying a disease, condition, or injury from its signs and symptoms.

Importance of Family History

Helps indicate possible genetic conditions or predispositions.

Vital Signs

Measurements of some of the body’s basic functions, especially its ability to maintain homeostasis.

Systolic Blood Pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

The pressure in the arteries between heartbeats.

Blood Pressure Normal Range

120/80 mmHg is considered normal.

Oxygen Saturation Normal Range

95-99% is considered normal.

Hemoglobin

Allows red blood cells to pick up oxygen from the air and deliver it to the body.

Anemia

Occurs when you do not have enough red blood cells or when they do not function properly.

Hematocrit Test

A lab test to measure the percentage of blood volume made up of red blood cells.

LDL Cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol that raises the risk for heart disease and stroke.

HDL Cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, referred to as 'good' cholesterol.

Phlebotomist

A professional who collects blood from patients and prepares samples for testing.

Hematologist

A specialist in diseases of the blood and blood components.

Insulin

A natural hormone that turns food into energy and manages blood sugar levels.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels.

Positive Feedback

A feedback mechanism that amplifies change.

Negative Feedback

A feedback mechanism that reduces change and helps maintain homeostasis.

Type 1 Diabetes Cause

An autoimmune reaction that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 Diabetes Cause

Living with obesity or being overweight.

Glucose Tolerance Test

A test that finds problems with the way the body handles sugar after a meal.

HIPAA Violations

Healthcare employees divulging patient information or medical records falling into the wrong hands.

Protected Health Information (PHI) Sharing Conditions

Can be shared when there is a legitimate need for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.