Medical Terminology and Assessment Techniques

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to medical terminology, assessment techniques, and infection control.

Pustule

Small, pus-filled lesion.

Cyst

Encapsulated fluid-filled sac.

Abscess

Localized collection of pus.

Nodule

Solid, raised lesion.

Vesicle

Small, clear fluid-filled blister.

Friction rub

Grating sound from inflamed pleura/pericardium.

Crackles

Fine popping sounds indicating fluid in alveoli.

Wheezes

High-pitched sounds resulting from narrowed airways.

Rhonchi

Low-pitched snoring sounds caused by secretions.

Erb's Point

Location at the 3rd intercostal space, left sternal border.

Tricuspid

Location at the 4th intercostal space, left sternal border.

Aortic

Location at the 2nd intercostal space, right sternal border.

Pulmonic

Location at the 2nd intercostal space, left sternal border.

Normal Findings

Indicates system functioning appropriately.

Abnormal Findings

Require reassessment, documentation, and provider notification.

Restraints

A last resort method requiring provider order and ongoing assessment.

High-Risk Patients

Includes older adults, those with impaired mobility, and sedated or confused patients.

Contact Precautions

Wear gowns and gloves for infections like MRSA and C. Difficile.

Droplet Precautions

Use surgical masks for infections like the flu and meningitis.

Airborne Precautions

Requires N95 respirator and negative pressure room for diseases like measles.

Local Infection

Confined to a specific body part or tissue.

Systemic Infection

An infection that spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream.

Sterile Technique

Practices that eliminate all microorganisms.

Chain of Infection

Model describing infection transmission, consisting of six links.

Septicemia

Presence of microorganisms in the bloodstream, which is a medical emergency.

Medical Asepsis

Practices that reduce the number and spread of microorganisms.

Surgical Asepsis

Practices that eliminate all microorganisms for invasive procedures.

Temperature Assessment

Normal findings for oral temperature range from 36.5°C to 37.5°C.

Vital Signs

Includes pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature assessment.