Clinical & Paramedic Science Exam Review

Comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, trauma, obstetric, and clinical assessment domains based on paramedic lecture notes.

Asthma

A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways causing bronchial hypersensitivity and reversible bronchoconstriction, driven by IgE antibody production and mast cell degranulation that releases histamine, cytokines, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A progressive airway disease encompassing chronic bronchitis and emphysema characterized by irreversible airflow limitation, alveolar destruction, mucus hypersecretion, loss of elastic recoil, V/Q mismatch, and CO2 retention.

Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema (CPO)

An acute respiratory condition caused by left ventricular failure, leading to elevated pressure in pulmonary veins, fluid leakage into alveoli, impaired oxygen diffusion, and presentation of pink frothy sputum.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

An obstruction of a pulmonary artery by a displaced thrombus (typically from a DVT), resulting in ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, hypoxia, sudden dyspnoea, and sinus tachycardia.

Tension Pneumothorax

A life-threatening accumulation of air within the pleural cavity that cannot escape, leading to progressively increased intrathoracic pressure, lung collapse, mediastinal shift, and obstructive shock via vena cava compression.

Pleural Effusion

An abnormal accumulation of fluid between the pleural layers surrounding the lungs, causing parenchymal compression, reduced lung volumes, dyspnoea, and diminished breath sounds.

Bronchiectasis

A disease characterized by permanent dilation of the bronchi resulting from chronic infection and inflammation, causing impaired mucociliary clearance and recurrent productive cough.

Croup

A viral upper airway infection (commonly parainfluenza) in children aged $6\,\text{months}$ to $6\,\text{years}$ causing subglottic inflammation, inspiratory stridor, hoarseness, and a characteristic barking cough.

Epiglottitis

A severe, rapidly progressive bacterial infection (commonly Haemophilus influenzae type B) causing swelling of the epiglottis, presenting with high-pitched stridor, drooling, and high risk of fatal airway obstruction.

Dynamic Hyperinflation

The trapping of air within the lungs due to incomplete exhalation or rapid breathing in severe asthma or COPD, raising intrathoracic pressure, impairing venous return, and increasing the work of breathing.

Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP)

A ventilatory parameter that maintains positive pressure in the lungs at the end of expiration to prevent alveolar collapse, expand functional residual capacity, and improve gas exchange surface area.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

A non-invasive ventilation technique supplying constant pressure across both inspiration and expiration to increase functional residual capacity, maintain alveolar recruitment, and decrease work of breathing.

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

A spectrum of myocardial ischemic conditions (angina, unstable angina, NSTEMI, STEMI) precipitated by coronary artery occlusion secondary to plaque rupture and thrombus formation.

Atherosclerosis

A chronic inflammatory vascular condition initiated by endothelial injury, leading to lipid accumulation, smooth muscle proliferation, and plaque formation that narrows arterial lumens and predisposes to thrombosis.

ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)

A type of myocardial infarction caused by complete occlusion of a coronary artery, leading to transmural ischemia and myocardial necrosis.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardial sac surrounding the heart that causes sharp, position-dependent chest pain worsening on inspiration and widespread (global) ST-segment elevation on ECG.

Cardiac Tamponade

Rapid fluid accumulation within the pericardial sac that compresses heart chambers, restricting diastolic filling and reducing stroke volume; characterized by Beck's triad (hypotension, JVD, muffled heart sounds).

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

A localized dilation of the abdominal aorta (defined as a diameter $\ge 3\,\text{cm}$ or >50% larger than normal) resulting from medial and adventitial wall weakening due to atherosclerosis or inflammation.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)

A non-atherosclerotic, non-traumatic tearing of the coronary artery wall that forms an intramural haematoma, compressing the true lumen and causing myocardial infarction, predominantly in women aged $45\text{--}55$.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

A narrow-complex tachycardia originating above the ventricles (often via AVNRT or AVRT) characterized by sudden onset, heart rate $>150\,\text{bpm}$, and absent or hidden P waves.

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

A rapid cardiac rhythm arising from an ectopic ventricular focus or re-entry circuit, presenting as wide QRS complexes ($>0.12\,\text{seconds}$) and severe risk of deterioration into ventricular fibrillation.

First-Degree AV Block

A conduction delay through the AV node defined by a prolonged PR interval ($>200\,\text{ms}$ or $>1$ large box) where every atrial impulse is conducted to the ventricles.

Second-Degree AV Block Type I (Mobitz I / Wenckebach)

An AV nodal conduction abnormality characterized by progressive lengthening of the PR interval until a QRS complex is dropped.

Second-Degree AV Block Type II (Mobitz II)

An Infranodal conduction defect below the AV node featuring constant PR intervals in conducted beats with intermittent, unannounced non-conducted P waves, carrying a high risk of complete heart block.

Third-Degree AV Block

A total absence of electrical conduction between atria and ventricles, resulting in complete AV dissociation with independent atrial and ventricular pacemakers.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormonal cascade initiated by renal renin release in response to low perfusion, producing angiotensin II (a potent vasoconstrictor) and aldosterone (promoting renal sodium/water reabsorption) to raise blood pressure.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

A pathological activation of the coagulation cascade causing microvascular thrombosis and widespread consumption of platelets and clotting factors, leading to simultaneous ischemia and severe systemic bleeding.

Subarachnoid Bleed

Extravasation of blood into the subarachnoid space between the arachnoid and pia mater, most commonly caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

An uninhibited, life-threatening sympathetic discharge triggered by a noxious stimulus below the level of a spinal cord injury at or above $T6$, causing severe hypertension, compensatory bradycardia, and diaphoresis above the lesion.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, multi-system IgE-mediated allergic reaction caused by mast cell and basophil degranulation, producing widespread vasodilation, capillary leak, bronchoconstriction, and respiratory or cardiovascular compromise.

Sepsis

A life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host inflammatory response to infection, characterized by cytokine release, vasodilation, capillary permeability, and tissue hypoperfusion.

Meningococcal Septicaemia

A rapidly fatal systemic infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, where bacterial endotoxins induce severe endothelial injury, DIC, and a characteristic non-blanching petechial or purpuric rash.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

An acute metabolic emergency caused by absolute or relative insulin deficiency, leading to hyperglycemia, osmotic diuresis, accelerated lipolysis, ketone accumulation, and metabolic acidosis with Kussmaul breathing.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS)

A life-threatening diabetic complication in type 2 diabetes characterized by extreme hyperglycemia, severe plasma hyperosmolarity, and profound dehydration without significant ketoacidosis.

Hyperkalaemia

An elevated serum potassium level ($>5.5\,\text{mmol/L}$) that alters cardiac repolarisation, producing peaked T waves, PR prolongation, QRS widening, and potential progression to sine-wave rhythms.

Rhabdomyolysis

The rapid breakdown of damaged skeletal muscle tissue releasing myoglobin, potassium, and creatine kinase into systemic circulation, risking acute tubular necrosis, renal failure, and hyperkalaemia.

Serotonin Syndrome

A toxic central nervous system state of excess serotonergic activity characterized by a triad of neuromuscular hyperactivity (clonus, hyperreflexia), autonomic instability (fever, tachycardia), and altered mental status.

Crush Release Syndrome

A systemic reperfusion injury occurring upon decompression of a crushed body part, leading to a sudden surge of myoglobin, potassium, and lactic acid into the circulation causing metabolic acidosis, hyperkalaemia, and cardiac arrest.

Trauma Triad of Death

A lethal, self-reinforcing clinical cycle in severe trauma consisting of hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, and coagulopathy.

Eclampsia

The onset of grand mal seizures in a pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia after $20\,\text{weeks}$ gestation, driven by placental dysfunction, vasospasm, and cerebral oedema.

Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH)

Excessive maternal blood loss exceeding $500\,\text{mL}$ following vaginal delivery or $1000\,\text{mL}$ following caesarean section, categorized by the 4 T's: Tone, Tissue, Trauma, and Thrombin.

Placenta Previa

An obstetric condition where the placenta implants over or adjacent to the internal cervical os, presenting as painless, bright red antepartum vaginal bleeding in the third trimester.

Placental Abruption

The premature separation of a normally implanted placenta from the uterine wall before delivery, causing painful, dark antepartum hemorrhage and uterine tetany.

Neurogenic Shock

A form of distributive shock caused by loss of sympathetic vascular tone following cervical or high thoracic spinal cord injury, presenting with severe hypotension, relative bradycardia, and warm dry skin.

Murphy's Sign

Inspiratory arrest caused by severe pain during deep palpation of the right upper quadrant, strongly indicating acute cholecystitis.

Kehr's Sign

Referred left shoulder tip pain when lying supine, caused by phrenic nerve irritation from intra-abdominal blood following a ruptured spleen or ectopic pregnancy.

Grey-Turner's Sign

Ecchymosis of the flanks indicating retroperitoneal hemorrhage, commonly seen in severe hemorrhagic pancreatitis or ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Cullen's Sign

Periumbilical ecchymosis resulting from intraperitoneal bleeding, classically associated with acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis or ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Sgarbossa's Criteria

A clinical scoring system used to diagnose acute myocardial infarction in patients with pre-existing LBBB or ventricular-paced rhythms based on concordant ST elevation, concordant ST depression in V1-V3, and excessive discordant ST elevation.

AEIOUTIPS

A diagnostic mnemonic for differential diagnosis of altered level of consciousness (ALOC): Alcohol/Acidosis/Arrhythmia, Electrolytes/Endocrine/Encephalopathy, Infection, Overdose/Oxygen/Opiates, Uremia, Temp/Trauma/Thiamine, Insulin, Psychiatric/Poisoning, Stroke/Seizure/Space-occupying lesion/Shunt/SAH.

METHANE Mnemonic

A standardized major incident declaration protocol: Major incident declared, Exact location, Type of incident, Hazards, Access, Number of casualties, Emergency services required.

Cardiac Axis Quadrants

Classification of electrical axis into Normal Axis ($0^\circ$ to $+90^\circ$), Possible LAD ($0^\circ$ to $-90^\circ$), RAD ($+90^\circ$ to $180^\circ$), and Extreme Axis ($-90^\circ$ to $180^\circ$) based on polarity in Lead 1 and Lead aVF.

QRS Wave Deflection Types

Categorization of ECG wave deflections as Positive ($R > S$), Equiphasic ($R = S$), or Negative ($R < S$).

Nine Abdominal Regions

Anatomical division of the abdomen into 9 regions: Right Hypochondriac, Epigastric, Left Hypochondriac, Right Lumbar, Umbilical, Left Lumbar, Right Iliac, Hypogastric, and Left Iliac.

12-Lead ECG Coronary Artery Distribution

Anatomical correlation of ECG leads to coronary blood supply: Septal and Anterior leads (V1-V4) by LAD; Lateral leads (I, aVL, V5-V6) by LCx or diagonal branch of LAD; Inferior leads (II, III, aVF) by RCA or LCx.

Brugada Syndrome ECG Types

Sodium channelopathy characterized by distinct ST-elevation patterns in right precordial leads (V1-V2) categorized into Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 ECG morphologies.

Path of Blood Flow Through the Heart

Sequential flow of blood: Vena cavae \rightarrow Right atrium \rightarrow Tricuspid valve \rightarrow Right ventricle \rightarrow Pulmonary valve \rightarrow Pulmonary arteries \rightarrow Lungs \rightarrow Pulmonary veins \rightarrow Left atrium \rightarrow Mitral valve \rightarrow Left ventricle \rightarrow Aortic valve \rightarrow Aorta.

ECG Lead Territories and Reciprocal Lead Relationships

Mapping of anatomical heart regions to facing leads (Septal: V1-V2; Anterior: V3-V4; Lateral: I, aVL, V5-V6; Inferior: II, III, aVF) and their corresponding reciprocal leads.

Cardiac Conduction System and ECG Wave Association

Pathway of electrical impulse propagation: SA node \rightarrow Internodal pathways/Bachmann's bundle \rightarrow AV node \rightarrow Bundle of His \rightarrow Bundle branches \rightarrow Purkinje fibers, mapped temporally to P wave, QRS complex, and T wave.

Sgarbossa's Criteria Waveforms

Electrocardiographic manifestations of ischemia in LBBB or paced rhythm, showing concordant ST elevation, concordant ST depression in V1-V3, and excessively discordant ST elevation $\ge 5\,\text{mm}$.

Paediatric Vital Signs Reference Values

Age-specific physiological parameters across newborns, infants (1-11 months), young children (1-4 years), older children (5-12 years), and adolescents ($>12$ years) for heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, and blood volume.

Pediatric Assessment Triangle Components

Rapid assessment model consisting of three core arms: Appearance, Work of Breathing, and Circulation to Skin.

Burn Depth Classification Diagram

Anatomical depth classification of burns into Superficial (epidermis), Partial-thickness (epidermis and dermis), and Full-thickness (extending through dermis into subcutaneous tissue).

Rule of Nines Body Surface Area Diagram

Method for estimating total body surface area (TBSA) burned in adults and paediatrics by assigning percentage values (9%, 18%, 14%, 1%) to distinct body segments.