1Adnexa
conjoined, subordinate, or associated anatomic parts
2Anasarca
total body swelling
3Anesthesia
medication designed to take away pain; there are four types
4Local Anesthesia
numbs one small area of the body; you stay awake and alert
5Conscious or IV sedation
uses a mild sedative to relax you and pain medicine to relieve pain; you stay awake but may not remember the procedure
6Regional anesthesia
blocks pain in one area of the body; ex. epidural
7General anesthesia
affects your whole body; you go to sleep and feelemember nothing
8Aneurysm
an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel
9Aphasia
the inability to express oneself verbally through speech
10Arrhythmia
an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force
12Auscultation
the act of listening to sounds arising within organs (as the lungs or heart) as an aid to diagnosis and treatment
14CT Scan
Computerized Tomography Imaging Scan
15Dehiscence
a separation of layers, especially the parting of the sutured lips of a surgical wound
16Dental caries
tooth and decay or a cavity
17Dentition
the character of a set of teeth especially with regard to their number, kind and arrangement
19Dysmenorrhea
painful menstruation
20Ectopy
an abnormal wave seen on the EKG
21Effusion
the escape of a fluid from anatomical vessels by rupture or exudation
22Fascia
a type of connective tissue covering or binding together body structures
23Fasciculation
a small involuntary twitch
24Febrile
having or showing the symptoms of a fever
25Fundoscopy
exam in which an ophthalmoscope is used to visualize the fundi (aka the retina and optic nerve vessels of the eye)
27Hemorrhage
a copious discharge of blood from the vessels
28Hypo/Hyper-calcemia
a deficiency or increase of calcium in the blood
29Hypo/Hyper-kalemia
a deficiency or increase of potassium in the blood
30Hypo/Hyper-magnesemia
a deficiency or increased of magnesium in the blood
31Hypo/Hyper-natremia
a deficiency or increase in sodium in the blood
32Ileus
blockage of the intestines caused by lack of peristalsis
33Inguinal
pertaining to the groin area
34Ischemia
a decrease in the blood supply to a bodily organ, tissue, or art caused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels
35Ligament
a type of connective tissue that connects bones to bones, or supporting an organ in place
36Lingual
pertaining to the tongue
37Macerated
crushed skin without well-defined borders
38Mechanism of injury
manner in which injuries occur; actions or objects that cause trauma injury to a patient
39Meninges
the membranes covering the CNS-brain and spinal cord
40MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
43Nebulizer
a devise that aerolizes medications like albuterol so that they may be inhaled by the patient (breathing machine)
44Nephrolithiasis
the condition of having renal calculi (kidney stones)
46Nonrebreather mask
devise used to deliver high concentrations of oxygen to patients in acute respiratory distress; has a reservoir bag and a one-way valve to prevent rebreathing
47Odynophagia
painful swallowing
48Oropharynx
the part of the pharynx that is below the soft palate and above the epiglottis; continuous with the mouth
49Palpate
to examine by touch
50Paracentesis
a procedure to remove fluid that has accumulated in the abdominal cavity (peritoneal fluid)
51Paraspinal
the area on either side of the spine, but not directly over it
52Pericardial tamponade
fluid present in the pericardium (membranous sac that covers the heart, and exerts pressure)
53Pleurisy
inflammation of the pleura that is typically characterized by a sudden onset of painful and difficult respiration, as well as exudation of fluid or fibrous material into the pleural cavity (pleuritis)
54Post-ictal
occurring after a sudden epileptic attack or seizure
55Pyelonephritis
inflammation of the lining of the pelvis and the parenchyma of the kidney
56Pyresis
Of, pertaining to, affecting, or producing a fever
57Stellate
a laceration shaped like a star; having multiple branches radiating from a central point
58Superficial
of, relating to, or located near a surface
59Syncope
loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain
60Sepsis
the general term used to describe a body state of systemic inflammation, resulting from a widespread infection; sometimes referred to as blood poisoning
61Tendon
a type of connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones
62Tinea
any of several fungal diseases of the skin, especially ringworm
63Tinnitus
ringing in the ears
64Vertigo
a sensation of motion associated with various disorders in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to be spinning; uncontrollable dizziness
65Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
an umbrella term for situations where the blood supplied to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked
66Aspirin (ASA)
classified as a salicylate and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); blocks a certain natural substance in your body to reduce fever, pain, and swelling
67Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
instructions to withhold resuscitation efforts
68Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs
69Echocardiogram (ECHO)
diagnostic test in which Ultrasound is used to visualize the heart
70Methicillian-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
a contagious and antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria that leads to potentially dangerous infection
71Nil per os (NPO)
nothing by mouth
72Nitroglycerin (NTG)
medication that dilates blood vessels and decreases the workload on the heart; often used to treat angina pectoris
73Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)
a heart attack that is not diagnosed on the EKG but is diagnosed by an elevated troponin blood test
74National Emergency X-Ray Utilization Study (NEXUS)
refers to the study that created clinical decision rules for deciding which patients with neck injury should receive x-rays for evaluation
75No Known Drug Allergy (NKDA)
no allergy to medications in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI)
76Penicillin (PCN)
a group of antibiotics derived from Penicillium fungi
77Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
a condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot
78Range of Motion (ROM)
how far the person's joints can be moved in different directions
79ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
a myocardial infarction diagnosed by an ST segment elevation on an EKG
80Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI)
for patients with history of unstable angina (UA) and NSTEMI, the TIMI risk score is a simple prognostication scheme that categorizes a patient's risk of death and ischemic events and provides a basis for therapeutic decision making
81Abrasion
the rubbing or scraping of the surface layer of cells or tissue from an area of the skin or mucous membrane
82Diarrhea
abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools
83Dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
84Dysuria
difficult or painful discharge of urine
87Hematemesis
vomiting blood
88Hematochezia
the passage of bright red blood in the feces
90Hemiplegia
paralysis of one half of the body
91Hemiparesis
weakness on one half of the body
92Hemoptysis
bloody sputum
93Melena
the passage of dark tarry stools containing decomposing blood that is usually an indication of bleeding in the upper part of the alimentary canal, especially the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
94Paresthesia
a sensation of prickling, tingling or creeping on the skin having no objective cause and usually associated with injury or irritation of a sensory nerve or nerve root
95Polydipsia
excessive thirst
97Rhinorrhea
excessive mucous secretion from the nose; a runny nose
98Adenopathy
any disease or enlargement involving glandular tissue; one involving lymph nodes
99Arcus senilis
a white, gray, or blue opaque ring in the corneal margin (peripheral corneal opacity)
100Ascites
abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the spaces between tissues and organs in the cavity of the abdomen
101Ataxia
an inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements that is symptomatic of some central nervous system disorders and injuries and not due to muscle weakness; aka incoordination
102Babinski Reflex
a reflex movement in which when the sole is tickled the big toe turns upward instead of downward, which is normal in infancy but indicates damage to the CNS later in life
103Battle's sign
a discoloration behind the ear in the line of the posterior auricular artery often associated with a basilar skull fracutre
104Brudzinski's sign
the appearance of involuntary lifting of the legs when lifting a patient's head off the examining couch, with the patient lying supine
105Cachectic
Having the appearance of cachexia or indicative of a loss of weight, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, and significant loss of appetite in someone who is not actively trying to lose weight
Typically seen in patients with HIV, AIDS, cancer, COPD, or any degenerative or wasting disease
106Costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness
one of the two angles that outline a space over the kidneys formed by the lateral and downward curve of the lowest rib and the vertical column of the spine
CVA tenderness to percussion is a common finding in pyelonephritis and other infections of the kidney and adjacent structures
107Crepitus
term to describe the grating, crackling, or popping sounds and sensations experienced under the skin and joints or a crackling sensation due to the presence of air in the subcutaneous tissue
108Cyanosis
the appearance of a blue or purple coloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to the tissues near the skin surface being low on oxygen
109Decubitus
an ulceration of tissue deprived of adequate blood supply by prolonged pressure; aka pressure sore
110Diaphoresis
pespiration (sweating), especially profuse perspiration
111Distension
generally refers to an enlargement or ballooning effect
112Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTR)
to test the reflex, the physician will tap the tendon; in a healthy individual the intensity on both sides is equal and the connections between the spinal cord and the muscles are undamaged
113Ecchymosis
bluish discoloration of an area or mucous membrane caused by the extravasation of blood into the subcutaneous tissues as a result of trauma to the underlying blood vessels or fragility of the vessel walls
114Edema
an abnormal infiltration and excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity
115Eczematous rash
a dry, scaly, and itchy skin rash usually indicative of autoimmune skin disorders
116Erythema
skin condition characterized by redness or rash
117Exudate
fluid, such as pus or clear fluid, which leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues; the fluid is made of cells, proteins and solid materials and may ooze from cuts or from areas of infection or inflammation
118Facial palsy
paralysis of the face as often seen in CVA, or with a condition known as Bell's Palsy
119Fluid wave
physical exam technique used to detect ascites whereby the physician taps the side of the abdomen and feels pressure on the opposite side of the abdomen form the movement of fluid
120Gallop
abnormal extra heart sound on auscultation, resembling the sound of a galloping horse; sounds S3 and S4
121Glasglow Coma Score (GCS)
a neurological scale used to determine the level of consciousness of a patient
122Guarding
tensing of the abdominal wall muscles to guard inflamed organs within the abdomen from pain of pressure upon them; ;detected when the abdominal wall is pressed
123Hematoma
mass of usually clotted blood that forms in a tissue, organ, or body space as a result of a broken blood vessel
124Homan's sign
pain in the calf of the leg upon dorsiflexion of the food with the leg extended that is diagnostic of thrombosis in the deep veins of the area
125Hypopigmented
an area light in color than the surrounding skin
126Induration
hardening of a normally soft tissue or organ, especially the skin, due to inflammation, infiltration of a neoplasm, or accumulation of blood
127Jugular Venous Distention (JVD)
distended jugular vein the neck
128Kernig's sign
symptom of meningitis; the patient cannot extend the leg at the knee when the thigh is flexed because of stiffness in the hamstrings
129Malaise
an indefinite feeling of debility or lack of health often indicative of or accompanying the onset of an illness
130Malocclusion
abnormality in the coming together of teeth
131Meningismus
a constellation of signs and symptoms (e.g. headache, neck stiffness) suggestive of meningitis
132Mottled
an area of skin composed of macular lesions of varying shades or colors
133Normocephalic
having a normal size head
134Nuchal rigidity
resistance to flexion of the neck, stiffness of the neck
135Orthopnea
difficulty in breathing that occurs when lying down and is relieved upon changing to an upright position (as in congestive heart failure)
136Pallor
deficiency of color especially of the face; pale
137Paradoxical Movements
also known as flail chest and is usually caused by trauma to the chest in which air movement is reversed; instead of chest expansion on inhalation, you will notice the skin being sucked in
138PERRL(A)
signifies that the Pupils are Equal, Round, React to Light, and Accommodation; indicates normal findings
139Peritoneal signs
rebound tenderness and guarding, which indicate peritonitis
140Petechiae
pinpoint, round spots that appear on the skin as a result of bleeding under the skin; red, brown, or purple
141Pronator drift
involuntarily turning the forearm inwards on exam when arms are outstretched in front; commonly used in evaluating possible CVA patients
142Purulence
pus, or the condition of containing or discharging pus
143Raccoon eyes
a descriptive term for bilateral periorbital accumulations of blood or other substances; aka periorbital ecchymosis
144Rales
a type of abnormal respiratory or breath sounds heard on auscultation; aka crackles
145Rebound
a sensation of pain felt when pressure is suddenly removed
146Retractions
visible sinking of the chest wall upon inspiration
147Rhonchi
a whistling or snoring sound heard on auscultation of the chest when air channels are partially obstructed
148Scaphoid abdomen
an abdomen that dips in towards the patient when lying supine; the opposite of a distended abdomen
149Scleral icterus
physical exam finding that indicates yellowing of the sclera, which is typical of liver disease, especially hepatitis
150Stenosis
a narrowing or constriction of the diameter of a bodily passage or orifice
151Straight Leg Raise (SLR) Test
if and when affected leg is raised, pain is worsened and extends down the back of the knee indicating a positive or abnormal test meaning that one or more of the nerve roots leading to your sciatic nerve may be compressed or irritated
152Stridor
an abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound caused by a blockage of the throat or voice boxy (larynx) usually noted upon inspiration
153Tenting
skin that does not "snap back" towards the body immediately when pulled indicating dehydration
154Torsion
the abnormal twisting of a bodily organ on its own axis
155Trismus
a prolonged tonic spasm of the muscles of the jaw
156Turgor
the degree of elasticity of the skin used to assess the extent of dehydration, or fluid loss, in the body
157RUQ
right upper quadrant of the abdomen
158LUQ
left upper quadrant of the abdomen
159RLQ
right lower quadrant of the abdomen
160LLQ
left lower quadrant of the abdomen
161Epigastric
area of abdomen over the stomach
162Flank
the right or left area on the back just below the rib cage
163Periumbilical
area of abdomen around the umbilicus (belly button)
164Suprapubic
lower abdomen, area over the pubic bones
165RUE
right upper extremity; right arm
166LUE
left upper extremity; left arm
167RLE
right lower extremity; right leg
168LLE
left lower extremity; left leg
169Frontal
forms the front portion of the skull above the eyes and includes the forehead, the roof of the nasal cavity, and the roofs of the orbits
170Occipital
a saucer-shaped membrane bone situated at the back and lower part of the skull
171Parietal
located on each side of the skull just behind the frontal bone; shaped like a curved plate with four borders; top of the skull extending to upper back of the skull
172Temporal
situated at the sides and base of the skull
173Vertebrae
individual bones of the spine
174Vertebral column
spinal column
175Cervical spine
the first seven bones of the spinal column (C1-C7)
176Atlas
the first vertebrae of the spinal column identified as C1; supports front to back movement of the head
177Axis
the second bone of the spinal column identified as C2; supports movement of the head side to side
178Thoracic spine
middle twelve vertebrae of the spinal column (T1-T12)
179Lumbar spine
last five vertebrae of the spinal column (L1-L5)
180Sacrum
Following the lumbar spine, a flat triangular bone composed of five segments that gradually fuse
181Coccyx
Following the sacrum, four small segments that are fused; aka tailbone
182Anterior/ventral
front or belly side
183Distal
away from the center or origin
184Dorsal/dorsum
relating to the back or posterior of a structure
188Posterior/dorsal
backside
189Proximal
toward the center or origin
190Superior/super/supra
above
191Volar
pertaining to the palm or the sole
192Abduction
movement away from the midline of the body
193Adduction
movement toward the midline of the body
194Anatomical position
human body standing (or lying face up), arms to the side with the palms facing forward and feet side by side
195Dorsiflexion
Backward bending of either a hand or foot
196Flexion
Movement that decreases the angle of a joint; bending
197Extension
Movement that increases the angle of a joint; straightening
198Pronation
rotation of the forearm where the palm is facing down
199Pronator
the muscles that cause pronation
201Supination
rotation of the forearm where the palm is facing up
202Supinator
the muscles that cause supination
204Arterial line
a catheter that is placed in an artery (usually in the wrist) to monitor blood pressure and arterial gasses on critical patients; aka art line
205Catheter
plastic tube placed into the human body
206Central line
catheter tube placed into a large vein in the groin (femoral), neck (internal jugular), or chest (subclavian)
207Chest tube
large bore tube placed into the chest to remove blood from the chest cavity if present and to aid reexpansion of a collapsed lung
208Dermabond
skin glue used to repair simple lacerations that are not very deep
209Foley catheter
catheter placed into the urethra that reaches the bladder to assist emptying the bladder and/or for measurement of renal output
210Lumbar puncture (LP)
intrusion into the cerebrospinal space through vertebral space of the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid; occasionally medication is injected
211Procedural sedation
Use of medication to bring a patient to a desired plane of anesthesia to allow a procedure to occur in which the patient maintains enough consciousness to follow commands; formerly called conscious or moderate sedation
212Reduction
putting a fractured or dislocated bone back in place
213Splint
device used to immobilize an entire arm or leg, as well as a certain area on any extremity
214Suture
closing or repairing a laceration of the skin; aka stitches
215Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
an enlarged area in the lower part of the aorta, the major blood vessel that supplies blood to the body
216Alzheimer's Disease
a degenerative brain disease of unknown cause that is the most common form of dementia; progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, disorientation, and changes in personality and mood
217Arthritis
inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age
218Cerebrovascular attack (CVA)
a stroke; rapid loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain
219Coronary artery disease (CAD)
damage or disease in the heart's major blood vessels
220Congestive heart failure (CHF)
a chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should
221Diabetes mellitus (DM)
a metabolic disorder that results from inadequate insulin secretion
222Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
digestive disease in which stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining; aka acid reflux
223Hepatitis
an infection or inflammation of the liver
224Hyperlipidemia (HLD)
a condition in which there are elevated levels of cholesterol, a type of fat or liquid in the blood; high cholesterol
225Hypertension (HTD)
a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high; high blood pressure
226Myocardial infarction (MI)
a blockage of blood flow to the hear muscle starving the heart of oxygen resulting in cell death; heart attack
227Transient ischemia attack (TIA)
a brief attack, like a stroke, but lasts only minutes and causes no permanent damage; a mini stroke
228AKA
above the knee amputation of the leg
229Appendectomy
removal of the appendix
230Bilateral tubal ligation (BTL)
surgical cauterization of Fallopian tubes; aka getting tubes tied
231Cholecystectomy
surgical removal of the gallbladder
232Colectomy
partial or complete removal of the colon resulting in wearing of a colostomy bag
233Colonoscopy
visualization of the colon
234Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
the grafting of blood vessels from another part of the body to a coronary artery that will improve blood flow to heart tissue
235Debridement
surgical removal of foreign material, infection or dead/damaged tissue from injury or burn
236Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and first section of the small intestine
237Exploratory laparatomy
exploration of the abdomen usually to find and repair intestinal issues; aka ex lap
238Hemorrhoidectomy
removal of hemorrhoids
239Hysterectomy
removal of the uterus; leaves the ovaries and fallopian tubes in place
240Laparoscopy
a modern, minimally invasive surgical technique in which exploration and repair of the abdomen is performed through small incisions and laparoscope
241Laparotomy
a surgical procedure involving a large incision through the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity; aka celiotomy
242Mastectomy
removal of a breast
243Pressure equalizer (PE) tubes
the placement of tubes in the ear through the eardrum to prevent infection in children
244Tonsillectomy
removal of the tonsils typically performed on children; tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A) is the removal of the tonsils and adenoids
245Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpino-oophorectomy (TAHBSO)
total removal of uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes
246Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
a surgical procedure that removes portions of the prostate gland through the urethra
247ACS
acute coronary syndrome
249Photophobia
sensitivity to light by the eyes
250Dihiscence
a separation of layers, especially the parting of the sutured lips of a surgical wound
252a, an
lack of, without, not
253ab
away from, take away
255ante
before, in front of, forward
257aut, auto
self, by yourself
258bi
double, two, twice, both
262co, con, com
together, with
263contra
against or opposed
267dys
bad, painful, difficult
268e, ec, ex
away from, out of
269ect, exo, ecto
outside of
270end, endo, ent, ento
within or inner
272extra, extro
beyond, outside
273hyper
above, excessive, beyond
274hypo
below, beneath, deficient
280micro, micr
tiny, small
282multi, mult
many, several
289post
after or following, behind
290pre, pro
in front of, before, preceding
298ultra
above, excessive, beyond