Chapter 8 Terms Flashcards
Auscultation
Listening to sounds within the body, typically through a stethoscope.
Blood pressure
The force exerted by blood against the blood vessel walls as it travels throughout the body.
Chief complaint
A brief description, usually the patient’s own words, of why emergency medical services personnel were called to the scene.
DCAP-BTLS
A mnemonic to help remember the components of a rapid trauma assessment; the initials stand for deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures /penetrations, burns, tenderness, lacerations and swelling.
Detailed physical exam
An in-depth head-to-toe physical exam; takes more time than the rapid assessment and is only done when time and the patient’s condition allow.
Diastolic blood pressure
The force exerted against the arteries when the heart is between contractions, or at rest.
DOTS
A mnemonic to help remember what to look for during a physical exam; the initial stand for deformities, open injuries, tenderness and swelling.
Focused medical assessment
A physical medical exam on a medical patient, focused only on the area of the chief complaint, e.g., the chest in a patient complaining of chest pain.
Focused trauma assessment
A physical exam on trauma patient, focused only on an isolated area with a known injury such as a hand with an obvious laceration.
Ongoing assessment
The process of repeating the primary assessment and physical exam while continually monitoring the patient; performed while awaiting the arrival of more highly trained personnel or while transporting the patient.
OPQRST
Mnemonic to help remember the questions used to gain information about the pain; the initials stand for onset, provoke, quality, region/radiate, severity and time.
Palpation
Examination performed by feeling part of the body, especially feeling for a pulse.
Physical exam
Exam performed after the primary assessment; used to gather additional information and identify signs and symptoms of injury and illness.
Pulse oximetry
A test to measure the percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood using a pulse oximeter.
Rapid medical assessment
A term describing a quick, head-to-toe exam of a medical patient.
Rapid trauma assessment
A term describing a quick, head-to-toe exam of a trauma patient.
Respiratory rate
The number of breaths per minute; normal rates vary by age and other factors.
SAMPLE history
A way to gather important information about the patient, using mnemonic SAMPLE; the initials stand for signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, pertinent past medical history, last oral intake and events leading up to the incident.
Secondary assessment
A head-to-toe physical exam as well as the focused history; completed following the primary assessment and management of any life-threatening conditions.
Sphygmomanometer
A device measuring BP; also called a BP cuff.
Stethoscope
A device for listening, especially to the lungs, heart and abdomen; may be used together with a BP cuff to measure BP.
Systolic blood pressure
The force exerted against the arteries when the heart is contracting.
Vial of life
A community service program that provides emergency medical services personnel and other responders with vital health and medical information (including any advanced medical directives) when a person, who suffers a medical emergency at home, is unable to speak; consists of a label affixed to the outside of the refrigerator to alert responders and a labeled vial or container that has pertinent medical information, a list of medications, health conditions and other pertinent medical information regarding the occupant(s).
