DRE Glossary of Terms Flashcards
(149 cards)
Accommodation Reflex
The adjustment of the eyes for viewing at various distances.
Meaning the pupils will automatically constrict as objects move closer and dilate as objects move further away
(Constrict=move closer)
(Dilate=move away)
Addiction
Habitual, psychological, and physiological DEPENDENCE on a substance beyond one’s voluntary control.
Additive Effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction.
For particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produce an additive effect if both affect the indicator in the same way.
Ex: Cocaine elevates pulse rate & PCP does as well. The combo of Cocaine/PCP produces the additive effect on PULSE RATE.
Afferent “Sensory” Nerves
Nerves that carry messages to the brain, from various parts of the body, including notably the sense organs (eyes, ears, etc.).
Sensory nerves are also known as afferent nerves.
Alkaloid
A chemical that is found in, and can be physically extracted from, some substance.
Ex: Morphine is a natural alkaloid of Opium. Meaning it does not require a chemical reaction to produce Morphine from Opium.
Analog (of a drug)
A chemical that is very similar to the drug, both both in terms of:
- Molecular Structure
- Psychoactive effects
Ex: Ketamine is an analog of PCP.
Anesthetic
A drug that produces a general or local INSENSIBILITY to pain and other sensations.
Antagonistic Effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction.
For particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produce an antagonistic effect if they affect the indicator in the opposite way.
Ex: Heroin constricts the pupils, while Cocaine Dilates the pupils. The combo produces an antagonistic effect on PUPIL SIZE.
Note: depending on dose and timing, the suspects pupils could be constricted, dilated or within DRE Avg Range.
Arrhythmia (Cardiac)
An abnormal heart rate.
Artery
The strong, elastic blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
Autonomic Nerve
A motor nerve that carries messages to the muscles and organs that we do NOT CONSCIOUSLY CONTROL.
Two kinds of autonomic nerves:
- The Sympathetic nerves
- Parasympathetic nerves
Axon
The part of a neuron (nerve cell) that sends out a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger).
Neuron has 3 parts:
The Cell Body
The Axon
The Dendrite
“Bad Trip”
A hallucination where the user becomes:
- panic stricken by what they are seeing or hearing.
- user may become uncontrollably excited
- user may even try to flee from the terror.
Note: Overdose Sign for a Hallucinogen is an Intense “Bad Trip”.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
The % of alcohol in a person’s blood.
Blood Alcohol Contration (BrAC)
The % of alcohol in a person’s blood as measured by a breath testing device.
Bipolar Disorder
A condition characterized by the alteration of MANIC and DEPRESSIVE states.
Blood Pressure (BP)
The force exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries.
Blood pressure changes continuously, as the ❤️ cycles between contraction (systolic) and expansion (diastolic).
Note DRE Avg. Ranges:
Systolic BP: 120-140 mmHg
Diastolic BP: 70-90 mmHg
Bradycardia
Abnormally SLOW ❤️ rate
Bradypnea
Abnormally SLOW rate of BREATHING.
Note: One overdose sign for a Narcotic Analgesic is Slow, shallow breathing.
Bruxism
Grinding of Teeth.
Note: Often associated with CNS Stimulants as a general indicator, especially Cocaine.
“Eating of one’s face”
Cannabis
Drug Category. Matrix Slot 7
Includes Marijuana, Hashish, and synthetics like K2, spice.
Active ingredient: a chemical called:
Delta-9 tetra/hydro/cannabinol (THC)
Metabolite: Carboxy THC
Keys: HGN: None VGN: None LOC: Present PS: Dilated (6)-Pupil size possibly normal. R2L: Normal PR: Up BP: Up BT: Normal MT: Normal
Carboxy THC
A metabolite of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Central Nervous System (CNS)
A system within the body consisting of:
- the brain
- the brain stem
- the spinal cord.
Cheyne-Stokes Respiration
Abnormal pattern of breathing.
Marked by breathless and deep, fast breathing.