Chapter 13 MA Vocab

vital signs

measurements—temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure—that monitor the functioning of the vital organs of the body

sphygmomanometer

a device that measures blood pressure

stethoscope

an instrument used to listen to the heart, lungs, and abdominal sounds.

thermometer: an instrument used to measure body temperature.

an instrument used to measure body temperature.

ophthalmoscope

an instrument used to examine the eyes.

otoscope

an instrument used to examine the ears.

drape

in health care, a sheet used to cover a patient and protect privacy

observation

in health care, gathering information by visual inspection, smell, and auditory inspection.

palpation

the act of touching parts of the body to feel structures beneath the skin.

auscultation

listening to sounds within the body using a stethoscope.

girth

the distance around something, such as the distance around a patient’s waist.

percussion

a form of examination that involves tapping on a body part with one or more fingers and listening to the sounds produced.

manipulation

a form of examination that involves moving a body part to gather information.

patient intake

the procedure used to collect important information about a patient’s health status before the patient meets with a provider.

chief complaint

in health care, a brief statement of the reason for a patient’s visit to a medical office.

over-the-counter (OTC)

a category of medication that can be purchased and used without a prescription.

baseline

an initial value that can be compared to future measurements.

critical value

in health care, a measurement that is so high or low that is life-threatening.

circadian rhythm

the 24-hour, day-night cycle.

febrile

having a fever.

afebrile

free of fever.

hyperthermia

an extremely high body temperature; 40°C (104°F) or above.

hypothermia

an extremely low body temperature; 35°C (95°F) or below.

pallor

a word used to describe skin that is lighter than normal for the patient’s natural skin tone.

cyanosis

condition in which the skin develops a blue or gray tint.

diaphoresis

extreme sweating.

skin turgor

the elasticity of the skin.

pressure injury

injury or wound that results from skin deterioration and shearing; also called pressure ulcer, pressure sore, bed sore, or decubitus ulcer.

pulse

the beat that is felt at different points of the body when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the arteries.

heart rate

the speed at which the heart is beating

heart rhythm

the overall pattern of the heartbeat.

volume

in relation to the heart, the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat.

radial pulse

the pulse located on the inside of the wrist, where the radial artery runs just beneath the skin.

tachycardia

rapid heart rate.

bradycardia

slow heartbeat.

apical pulse

the pulse located on the left side of the chest, just below the nipple.

respiration

the process of inhaling air into the lungs (inspiration) and exhaling air out of the lungs (expiration).

inspiration

the process of inhaling air into the lungs.

expiration

the process of exhaling air out of the lungs.

apnea

the absence of breathing.

dyspnea

difficulty breathing.

eupnea

normal respirations.

orthopnea

shortness of breath when lying down that is relieved by sitting up.

tachypnea

rapid respirations.

bradypnea

slow respirations.

Cheyne-Stokes

alternating periods of slow, irregular breathing and rapid, shallow respirations, along with periods of apnea.

pulse oximeter

a noninvasive device that uses a light to determine the amount of oxygen in the blood.

hypoxia

inadequate (not enough) oxygen supply to the tissues of the body.

systolic

first measurement of blood pressure; phase when the heart is at work, contracting and pushing the blood out of the left ventricle.

diastolic

the second measurement of blood pressure; phase when the heart relaxes or rests.

hypertension (HTN)

high blood pressure, regularly measuring 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

hypotension

low blood pressure, measuring 90/60 mm Hg or lower.

palpatory blood pressure

a form of blood pressure measurement that uses palpation rather than auscultation to monitor the pulse.

orthostatic blood pressure

a series of blood pressure measurements taken with the patient lying down, sitting up, and standing; also called postural blood pressure).

hydrocephalus

abnormal accumulation of fluid in the head.

body mass index (BMI)

a measurement found by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters; may be used as a screening tool for underweight or obesity.

biopsy

the removal of a tissue or cell specimen to examine for signs of damage or disease (e.g., cancer).

endoscopy

the use of a scope (viewing instrument) to visualize the gastrointestinal tract.

colposcopy

the use of a scope to visualize the cervix of the uterus.

sanitation

the process of removing visible blood and other contaminants; the first step in cleaning for medical purposes.

anesthetic

a medication used to reduce sensation.

sterile field

a sterile area set up for a surgical procedure; everything within the sterile field must be sterilized and sterility must be maintained within this area.

Mayo stand

portable stainless steel tray and holder often used to set up a sterile field.

scalpel

a very sharp cutting instrument used to make incisions during surgical procedures.

hemostat

an instrument used to clamp blood vessels and grasp other instruments or items during a surgical procedure.

forceps

an instrument used to handle dressings or to grasp body tissues during a surgical procedure.

retractor: an instrument used to pull back the edges of a surgical incision.