Vocabulary Terms in Medical Emergencies Kinns Chpt 27

Anaphylaxis

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Ambu Bag

A medical apparatus used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing or not breathing adequately.

Basic Life Support

A level of medical care that is used for victims of life-threatening illnesses or injuries until they receive full medical care.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

An emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and artificial ventilation to maintain blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest.

Code

An emergency medical situation that requires immediate resuscitation efforts.

Endotracheal Tube

A tube that is inserted into the trachea to maintain an open airway and facilitate ventilation.

Intraosseous

Referring to the injection of medication or fluids directly into the marrow of the bone, commonly used in emergencies when IV access is difficult.

Nasopharyngeal Airway Tube

A flexible tube inserted into the nasopharynx to maintain an open airway.

Necrosis

The death of body tissue, often due to lack of blood flow or infection.

Patent

Open and unobstructed; used to describe an airway that is not blocked.

Pocket Face Mask

A device used to provide positive pressure ventilation to a patient’s lungs while maintaining a seal over their mouth and nose.

Pruritus

Severe itching of the skin.

Recovery Position

A sideways position used to maintain an open airway in an unconscious person without spinal injuries.

Rescue Breathing

A form of ventilation, in which breaths are delivered to a patient who is not breathing.

Retractions

The visible pulling in of the skin over the bones during breathing, indicating respiratory distress.

Standard of Care

The level of care that a reasonably competent medical professional would provide under similar circumstances.

Triage

The process of prioritizing patient treatment based on the severity of their condition.

Triage Flow Map

A visual tool to guide medical staff in prioritizing care during emergencies.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Broslow Tape

A tool used to estimate the weight and size of pediatric patients to determine medication doses and equipment sizes.

Specialized Pediatric Crash Carts

Crash carts specifically designed for the emergency care of children, containing age-appropriate equipment and medications.

Crash Cart

A mobile cart containing emergency medications and equipment.

Defibrillator

A device that delivers a dose of electric current (shock) to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.

Syncope

A temporary loss of consciousness usually related to insufficient blood flow to the brain.

Vertigo

A sensation of spinning or dizziness.

Vasovagal Syncope

A common cause of fainting; a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure leading to reduced blood flow to the brain.

Laryngeal Mask Airway

A device used to keep a patient's airway open during anesthesia or unconsciousness.

Temperature-Related Emergencies

Emergencies arising from extreme body temperatures, such as hypothermia or heat stroke.

Burn Management

The assessment and treatment protocols for different degrees of burns.

Eye Injuries

Emergencies pertaining to trauma or injury affecting the eyes.

Bites and Stings

Injuries resulting from insect bites or animal bites that may require medical attention.

Diabetic and Musculoskeletal Emergencies

Medical emergencies related to diabetes and musculoskeletal injuries, respectively.

Irrigation

The process of washing out an area, such as an eye or wound, to remove foreign materials.

Hypoglycemia

Abnormally low blood sugar levels, requiring immediate treatment.

Hyperglycemia

Elevated blood sugar levels requiring medical attention.

Neurological Emergencies

Emergencies affecting the nervous system that require immediate action, such as strokes or seizures.

Concussion

A type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body.

Seizures

Episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that may result in convulsions or loss of consciousness.

Stroke (CVA)

A medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted.

Frostbite

Damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold.

Hypothermia

A dangerously low body temperature due to prolonged exposure to cold.

Heat Cramps

Muscle spasms that occur during exercise in high heat due to loss of electrolytes.

Heat Exhaustion

A heat-related illness that can occur after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Heat Stroke

A severe illness caused by prolonged exposure to heat, leading to a breakdown in the body's temperature regulation.

Burn Classification

Classification of burns into four degrees based on the depth of tissue damage.

Rule of Nines

A method for estimating the total body surface area burned in adults, using percentages for different body parts.

CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident)

Another term for a stroke.

Shock

A life-threatening condition in which the body is not getting enough blood flow.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Also known as a heart attack; occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked.

Nitroglycerin

A medication used to treat chest pain associated with angina or heart attacks.

Aspirin

A medication used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation, commonly used in cases of suspected heart attack.

Crash Cart Medications

Medications stocked in crash carts, including Amiodarone, Atropine, Epinephrine, Naloxone.