ABRASION: |
area of skin scraped off down to the dermis |
ABSCESS: |
collection of pus and inflamed tissue |
ACID REFLUX: |
pain and burning caused by stomach acid traveling up the esophagus |
ADRENALINE: |
name for epinephrine outside the US |
AIRWAY: |
breathing passage |
ALLERGY: |
exaggerated physical reaction to a substance |
AMNIOTIC FLUID: |
liquid inside the pregnant uterus |
AMBU-BAG: |
CPR breathing unit (brand name) |
ANAEROBE: |
organism that doesn’t require oxygen to survive |
ANALGESIA: |
pain relief |
ANAPHYLAXIS: |
hypersensitivity to a substance due to antibodies after an initial exposure |
ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK: |
life-threatening organ failure as a result of hypersensitivity to a substance |
ANGINA: |
heart pain caused by lack of oxygen |
ANTIBIOTIC: |
substances that kill bacteria in living tissue |
ANTIBODY: |
substances produced by the body that respond to toxins |
ANTICOAGULANT: |
substances that stop clotting |
ANTIEMETIC: |
substances that stop vomiting |
ANTIHISTAMINE: |
drugs that relieve minor allergies |
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: |
substances that limit inflammation |
ANTISEPTIC: |
anything that limits the spread of germs on living surfaces |
ANTIVENIN: |
substance that inactivates snake or insect venom |
ANTIVIRAL: |
substances that kill viruses |
APPENDICITIS: |
inflammation of the appendix |
ARTERY: |
blood vessel that carries oxygen to the tissues |
ARTHRITIS: |
inflammation of the joints |
ASCITES: |
fluid accumulation in the abdomen |
ASPHYXIANT: |
substance that deprives the body of oxygen |
ASPIRATION: |
inhalation of fluids into the airways |
ASTHMA: |
shortness of breath caused by a narrowing of airways, often due to an allergic reaction |
ASYMPTOMATIC: |
without signs or symptoms |
ATHEROSCLEROSIS: |
blockage of the coronary arteries |
AVULSION: |
tissue torn off by trauma |
BAG VALVE MASK: |
CPR breathing apparatus |
BANDAGE: |
wound covering |
BETADINE: |
iodine antiseptic solution |
BILE: |
fluid found in the gall bladder |
B.R.A.T. DIET: |
diet used to treat dehydration consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce and dry toast |
BRONCHITIS: |
inflammation of the airways |
BRONCHUS: |
main respiratory airway |
BRUISE: |
injury that does not break the skin but causes bleeding due to damaged blood vessels |
CAPILLARY: |
tiny blood vessel that connects arteries to veins throughout the body |
CARDIAC: |
relating to the heart |
CARTILAGE: |
fibrous connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as the joints, outer ear, and larynx |
CATARACT: |
a clouding of the lens of the eye |
CELLULITIS: |
inflammation of soft tissues |
CHIN-LIFT: |
CPR technique that improves airflow |
CHOLECYSTITIS: |
inflammation of the gall bladder |
CHOLELITHIASIS: |
gall stones |
CIRRHOSIS: |
chronic liver damage |
CLOSED FRACTURE: |
broken bone that does not break the skin |
COLLAPSE SITUATION: |
circumstance where modern medical care no longer exists for the long term |
COLOSTRUM: |
early breast milk rich in antibodies |
CONCUSSION: |
loss of consciousness caused by trauma to the cranium |
CONJUNCTIVITIS: |
inflammation of the eye membrane |
CORNEA: |
clear covering over the iris |
COSTOCHONDRITIS: |
chest pain caused by inflammation of the rib joints |
COTYLEDONS: |
segments of the placenta |
CPR: |
cardio-pulmonary resuscitation |
CROWNING: |
late stage of labor when the baby’s head starts to emerge from the vagina |
CURETTAGE: |
scraping dead pregnancy tissue from the uterus after a miscarriage |
CYANOSIS: |
blue color caused by lack of oxygen |
DEBRIDEMENT: |
removal of dead tissue from a wound |
DEHYDRATION: |
loss of body water content |
DERMATITIS: |
inflammation of the skin |
DERMIS: |
deep layer of the skin |
DIABETES: |
disease in which the body fails to produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels (type 1) or is resistant to the insulin it produces (type 2) |
DIAGNOSIS: |
identification of a medical condition |
DILATION: |
the act of making more open |
DISCHARGE: |
drainage from a surface or wound |
DISINFECTANT: |
substance that kills germs on non-living surfaces |
DISLOCATION: |
traumatic movement of a bone out of its joint |
DISTAL: |
away from the torso |
DIURETIC: |
substance that increases urine flow |
DRESSING: |
wound covering |
DRUG OF CHOICE: |
best drug for a particular illness |
DUODENUM: |
part of the bowel after the stomach |
DYSENTERY: |
dangerous diarrheal disease |
ECLAMPSIA: |
seizures caused by elevated blood pressures during a pregnancy |
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY: |
pregnancy that implants outside of the womb |
EDEMA: |
fluid accumulation |
ELAPID: |
family of venomous “coral” snakes |
ELECTROLYTES: |
elements found in body fluids |
ENDEMIC: |
native to an area or species |
EPIDERMIS: |
superficial layer of the skin |
EPILEPSY: |
convulsive disorder |
EPINEPHRINE: |
hormone used to treat severe allergic reactions (known as adrenaline outside the US) |
EPISTAXIS: |
bleeding from the nose |
ERYTHEMA: |
redness due to inflammation |
ESOPHAGUS: |
tube that runs from the back of the mouth to the stomach |
ESSENTIAL OILS: |
highly concentrated liquids of various mixtures of natural compounds obtained from plants |
EXPECTORANT: |
substance that loosens congestion |
FRACTURE: |
a broken bone |
FROSTBITE: |
frozen tissue, usually in extremities |
GALL BLADDER: |
organ near the liver that stores bile |
GANGRENE: |
death of tissue due to lack of circulation |
GASTROENTERITIS: |
inflammation of the stomach/intestine |
GINGIVITIS: |
inflammation of the gums |
GLAND: |
organ that produces hormones |
GLUCOSE: |
blood sugar |
GRAND MAL SEIZURE: |
generalized convulsion in epileptics |
GRANULOMA: |
nodule formed by immune system’s attempt to wall off an infection or a foreign object |
HEARTBURN: |
chest pain caused by stomach acid |
HEAT STROKE: |
symptoms caused by overheating |
HEIMLICH MANEUVER: |
action taken to remove foreign object from the airways |
HEMOGLOBIN: |
red blood cell component that carries oxygen to the tissues |
HEMORRHAGE: |
blood loss |
HEMORRHOID: |
varicose vein near the anus |
HEMOPTYSIS: |
coughing up blood |
HEMOSTATIC AGENT: |
substance that stops bleeding |
HEPATITIS: |
inflammation of the liver |
HERNIA: |
weakness in the body wall |
HESITANCY: |
difficulty starting a urine stream |
HISTAMINES: |
substances formed in allergies that cause physical symptoms |
HIVES: |
bumpy red rash caused by allergies |
HORMONE: |
substance produced by a gland that affects body functions |
HYDRATION: |
addition of water to the system |
HYGIENE: |
cleanliness as health strategy |
HYPEROPIA: |
farsightedness |
HYPERTENSION: |
high blood pressure |
HYPERTHERMIA: |
heat stroke or heat exhaustion |
HYPERTHYROIDISM: |
condition caused by high thyroid levels |
HYPHEMA: |
bleeding into the white of the eye |
HYPOGLYCEMIA: |
low blood glucose levels |
HYPOTHERMIA: |
syndrome caused by heat loss |
HYPOTHYROIDISM: |
condition caused by low thyroid levels |
IMMOBILIZATION: |
prevention of movement |
IMMUNITY: |
protection against a disease |
IMPETIGO: |
skin infection with weeping sores |
INFARCTION: |
death of heart tissue due to lack of oxygen |
INFLAMMATION: |
reaction to injury characterized by redness, swelling, discharge, pain and heat |
INFLUENZA: |
viral respiratory illness |
INTEGRATED CARE: |
treatment using different medical methods |
INTOXICATION: |
state of being poisoned |
INTRAVENOUS: |
inside the vein |
IRIS: |
colored portion of the eye |
IRRIGATION: |
forceful application of fluid to a wound to clean out debris, blood clots, and dead tissue |
IRRITANT: |
substance that causes inflammation of tissue |
ISCHEMIC: |
lacking oxygen due to circulatory failure |
JAUNDICE: |
yellowing of the skin and eyes due to liver malfunction |
KETOACIDOSIS: |
life-threatening condition related to failure of blood glucose control |
KILOGRAM: |
2.2 pounds |
LACERATION: |
penetration of both skin layers by injury |
LARYNX: |
the voice box |
LASIK: |
laser surgery to correct vision |
LETHARGY: |
extreme fatigue or drowsiness |
LIGAMENT: |
supportive tissue that connects bones |
LITER: |
0.264 gallons |
LOCALIZED: |
isolated to an area |
LYMPHATICS: |
drainage system for body fluids |
MASS CASUALTY INCIDENT: |
more victims than available help |
MENINGITIS: |
inflammation of the brain/spinal cord |
MENSTRUATION: |
periodic blood flow from the uterus |
MIGRAINE: |
headaches caused by vascular spasms |
MISCARRIAGE: |
early pregnancy loss |
MOLESKIN: |
protective material for blisters |
MYOPIA: |
nearsightedness |
NEUROLOGIC: |
pertaining to the nervous system |
OPEN FRACTURE: |
broken bone that pierces the skin |
OPTHALMOSCOPE: |
instrument used to look into the eyes |
OTITIS: |
inflammation of the ear |
OTOSCOPE: |
instrument used to look into ear canal |
OVARY: |
female organ that produces eggs |
PALPATION: |
to feel with the hands |
PALPITATIONS: |
sensation of dread caused by a rapid heart rate |
PATHOGEN: |
something that causes disease |
PEDIATRIC: |
pertaining to children |
PELVIC: |
pertaining to the bones that provide support for legs and spine |
PEPTIC: |
relating to stomach acid |
PERCUSSION: |
to tap on the body to identify hollow and solid areas; for example, when searching for a tumor |
PERINEUM: |
area between the vagina and anus |
PERIOSTEUM: |
outside lining of the bone |
PETIT MAL SEIZURE: |
epilepsy characterized by loss of awareness without generalized convulsive behavior |
PHARYNX: |
the throat |
PHLEBITIS: |
inflammation seen in varicose veins |
PHLEGM: |
mucus discharge from the respiratory tract |
PIT VIPER: |
snake in the rattlesnake family |
PNEUMONIA: |
an infection of the lungs |
PNEUMOTHORAX: |
free air in the lung cavity affecting breathing |
POST-ICTAL STATE: |
semiconscious state after experiencing a grand mal seizure |
POTABLE: |
safe to drink |
PRE-ECLAMPSIA: |
pregnancy-induced hypertension |
PRESSURE POINTS: |
areas where pressure on blood vessels stops bleeding to distal areas |
PROGNOSIS: |
likely outcome of a medical condition |
PRONE: |
lying face down |
PROPHYLAXIS: |
preventative measures |
PROTOZOA: |
microscopic organisms that sometimes act as parasites |
PROXIMAL: |
closer to the torso |
PULMONARY: |
relating to the lungs |
PRURITIS: |
itchiness |
PULMONARY: |
relating to the lungs |
PUS: |
inflammatory discharge caused by the body’s response to infection |
PYELONEPHRITIS: |
inflammation of the kidney |
QUADRANT: |
body area divided into quarters |
REBOUND: |
pain elicited by pressing, then made worse by releasing the pressure on a part of the body |
REFLUX: |
acid traveling up the esophagus |
RELAPSE: |
recurrence of a disease’s symptoms |
RENAL: |
relating to the kidneys |
RESPIRATORY: |
relating to breathing |
RHYTHM METHOD: |
method of determining fertile periods by tracking menstrual cycles |
SALINE: |
salt water solution used for IV fluids and irrigating wounds |
SEBORRHEA: |
oily, itchy rash on scalp and face |
SEDATION: |
to relax or put to sleep |
SEIZURE: |
convulsion |
SHOCK: |
life-threatening syndrome caused by multiple organ failure or malfunction |
SOFT TISSUE: |
muscle, tendons, ligaments, skin, fat |
SPRAIN: |
damage to a ligament caused by hyperextension |
SPHYGNOMANOMETER: |
instrument used to measure pressure |
STERILE: |
free of germs |
STERNUM: |
breastbone |
STETHOSCOPE: |
instrument used for listening to heart, lungs, and for evaluating blood pressure |
STRAIN: |
damage to a muscle or tendon |
STROKE: |
brain hemorrhage with paralysis |
SUBCUTANEOUS: |
under the skin |
SUPINE: |
lying face up |
SUSPENSION: |
a drug mixed in a liquid |
SUTURE: |
wound closure with needle and thread |
SYNDROME: |
collection of symptoms |
SYSTEMIC: |
condition affecting the entire body |
TACHYCARDIA: |
elevated heart rate |
TENDON: |
connection of a muscle to a bone |
THERMOREGULATORY: |
related to body temperature |
TINCTURE: |
plant extract made by soaking herbs in a liquid (such as water, alcohol, or vinegar) for a specified length of time, then straining and discarding the plant material |
TINNITUS: |
ringing in the ears |
TOURNIQUET: |
item that uses pressure to stop bleeding from a wound |
TRAUMA: |
injury caused by impact |
TRIAGE: |
to sort by priority |
TUMOR: |
a growth in or on the body |
TYMPANIC MEMBRANE: |
eardrum |
ULCER: |
damage to the wall of the skin, stomach or intestine due to pressure, acid or disease |
ULTRAVIOLET: |
invisible light waves that damage skin or eyes |
UMBILICAL: |
relating to the “belly button” |
URGENCY: |
sudden desire to urinate |
URTICARIA: |
allergic rash |
UTERUS: |
womb |
VARICES: |
enlarged and dilated veins |
VASCULAR: |
relating to blood vessels |
VEIN: |
blood vessel that carries de-oxygenated blood back to the lungs |
VERTIGO: |
dizziness |
WHEEZING: |
high-pitched noises heard while breathing during an asthma attack |