Medical Terminology Flashcards
(273 cards)
1
Q
C-Spine
A
Cervical Spine region, (C1-C7)
2
Q
-ectomy
A
surgical removal (e.g. tonsillectomy)
3
Q
Epigastric Region
A
Upper central region of the abdomen
4
Q
Fontanel
A
Soft-spot of infant’s skull
5
Q
-itis
A
inflammation (e.g. appendicitis)
6
Q
-scopy
A
viewing with a scope (e.g. colonoscopy)
7
Q
L-Spine
A
Lumbar Spine region, (L1-L5)
8
Q
Suprapubic Region
A
Lower central region of the abdomen
9
Q
auscultation
A
listening with a stethoscope
10
Q
Fluctuating vs. Intermittent
A
Fluctuating - Sx always present, but varying in intensity without resolving
Intermittent - Sx completely resolve sometimes but continue to return.
11
Q
baseline
A
the normal state of being for each specific patient
12
Q
benign
A
normal, of no danger to health
13
Q
catheter
A
Tube inserted into vessels or body cavities to permit injection or withdrawal of fluids or to keep passage open
14
Q
Paroxysmal
A
Occasional, sporadic, transient
15
Q
differential diagnosis
A
the diseases that a physician is considering as the reason for the patient’s symptoms
16
Q
Transient
A
Resolving spontaneously after onset
17
Q
FHx
A
Family History, the part of the patient history listing diseases and health conditions within the patient’s family.
18
Q
grossly
A
obviously; a lot; wholly
19
Q
hemorrhage
A
excessive or profuse bleeding
20
Q
infarct
A
area of dead tissue after a lack of blood supply (e.g. myocardial infarction)
21
Q
R/o
A
Rule out
22
Q
Review of Symptoms (ROS)
A
The part of the chart containing the symptoms a patient has or does not have, grouped by body/organ system. This section is subjective.
23
Q
ischemia
A
lack of blood supply to a specific area
24
Q
palpation
A
examine by touch
25
affect
the expressed or observed emotional and social responses
26
auditory hallucinations
hearing voices, noises, music, or sounds that are not actually real
27
depressed
appearing sad, unhappy
28
S/p
Status post (a procedure or event)
29
SHx
Social History, the part of a patient's history listing substance use, occupation, diet, exercise, living situation, marital status, etc.
30
flat affect
lack of normal interactions, monotone, unemotional
31
homicidal ideation
thoughts of killing another person
32
suicidal ideation
thoughts of killing oneself
33
tangential thoughts
though processes that do not follow normal or logical progressions
34
Sx
Symptoms
35
visual hallucinations
seeing objects, people, or things that do not actually exist
36
Tx
Treatment
37
UTD
Up to Date
38
aphasic
absence of the ability to neurologically generate or understand language. Either inability to create words or inability to understand spoken words
39
WNL
Within Normal Limits (normal, not concerning)
40
ataxia
loss of coordination
41
cephalgia
headache
42
epilepsy
seizure disorder
43
Abcess
A collection of pus underneath the skin
44
Appendicitis
Dangerous infection of the appendix
45
Arthritis
Inflammation of the joints
46
facial asymmetry
dropping of one side of the face indicating neurological damage
47
Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
Arryhthmia characterized by irregularly contracting atria, often rapidly.
48
hemiparesis
weakness of one half of the body
49
hemiplegia
paralysis of one half of the body
50
loss of consciousness (LOC)
passing out
51
meningitis
infection of the meninges, the outer lining of of the brain and spinal cord
52
Bell's Palsy
Localized facial nerve dysfunction causing facial droop and numbness
53
moves all extremities (MAEx4)
the patients moves their arms and legs normally, indicating normal motor function
54
Bronchitis
Inflammation/infection of the bronchi (upper airway)
55
normal DTRs
normal deep tendon reflexes, rated as 2/4
56
oriented x3
oriented to person, place, and time
57
CA
Cancer, Carcinoma
58
paresthesia
abnormal tactile sensation often described as tingling, numbness, or pinpricking
59
Cellulitis
Inflammation of the skin cells
60
CVA
Cerebrovascular Accident, AKA stroke. Blood flow to the brain is restricted by a clot or hemorrhage causing neurological damage and dysfunction.
61
postictal
the state of somnolence and decreased responsiveness after a seizure
62
syncope
passing out, LOC or fainting
63
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gall bladder
64
vertigo
room-spinning dizziness (not light-headed)
65
Cholelithiasis
Production of gall stones
66
abrasian
scrape of the skin due to something abrasive
67
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a chronic inflammation of the lungs that obstructs airflow
68
avulsion
a forcible pulling away of a part or structure
69
CRF
Chronic Renal Failure, a decrease in the kidney's capacity to filter waste and fluid from the blood
70
cyanosis
blue color of the skin due to lack of oxygen
71
diaphoresis
sweating
72
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation or infection of the outer layer of the eye
73
ecchymosis
bruising
74
CABG
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, a heart surgery done to open blood flow to the heart in the coronary arteries if blocked/obstructed.
75
eczematous rash
dry, scaly skin consistent with eczema
76
edema
swelling
77
erythema/erythematous
redness/red
78
fascia
fibrous membrane of connective tissue supporting and separating muscles and body organs
79
fluctuance
palpable fluid beneath the skin indicative of infection/pus
80
CAD
Coronary Artery Disease, Buildup of plaque in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.
81
hematoma
raised area with underlying blood which occurs in tissue resulting from ruptured blood vessels
82
Costochondritis
Inflammation of the rib cartilage
83
incision and drainage (I&D)
procedure used to drain and abscess to relieve pain and speed healing
84
Croup
Viral infection of the upper airway with a barking cough and often stridor
85
DVT
Deep Venous Thrombosis, a blood clot formed deep in the body, typically the leg
86
induration
hardened area of tissue; soft tissue that becomes extremely firm
87
keloid
hypertrophic scar; raised scar
88
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin
89
laceration
splitting of the skin due to trauma (a cut due to something sharp)
90
Diverticulitis
Acute inflammation of the diverticula pouches
91
maculopapular rash
a rash that is both raised and red
92
Ectopic Pregnancy
Egg developing/implanted outside of the uterus; extremely dangerous due to risk of rupture
93
mottled
patchy skin color due to poor blood circulation
94
pallor
pale skin typically due to anemia
95
Endometriosis
Presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside of the uterus
96
papular
raised bumps
97
petechial rash
red or purple discolorations on the skin that do not blanch (lighten) on applying pressure (a sign of meningitis)
98
Gastroenteritis
General term for inflammation of the GI tract
99
GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, AKA acid reflux. Occurs when stomach acid or food and fluids back up into the esophagus
100
pitting edema
edema that retains an imprint when touched
101
pruritic
itchy
102
purulence/purulent
pus/pus-like
103
Gout
A type of arthritis characterized by uric acid crystallizing in the joints
104
serosanguinous
consisting of serum and blood
105
subungual
BENEATH NAIL
106
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver
107
tenting
slow return of the skin to its normal position after being pinched, a sign of either dehydration or aging, or both
108
IDDM
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, AKA Type 1 Diabetes.
109
Lymphangitis
Inflammation of a lymphatic vessel, appears as red streaking
110
turgor
skin elasticity (poor turgor is a sign of dehydration or age)
111
ulcerations
blisters or open sores
112
Multiple Sclerosis
MS, autoimmune demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
113
urticarial rash/wheals
a patchy red, raised rash, consistent with allergic reactions
114
MI
Myocardial infarction, death of cardiac muscle due to prolonged ischemia. AKA heart attack
115
vesicular rash
vesicles; fluid filled blisters (e.g. herpes)
116
arthralgias
joint aches
117
Nephrolithiasis/renal calculi
Kidney stone
118
atrophic
showing signs of tissue degradation or breakdown
119
NIDDM
Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, AKA Type 2 Diabetes.
120
bony tenderness
tenderness of the bone indicative of a fracture
121
Otitis externa
Infection of the outer ear (Ear canal)
122
deformity
visual abnormality of a bone or anatomical structure
123
OM
Otitis Media, Infection of the inner ear (Behind the TM)
124
dislocation
disconnected joint; complete misalignment of the joint
125
fracture (Fx)
broken bone
126
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas
127
kyphosis
hunchback, rounded thoracic convexity of the spine
128
PID
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, inflammation of a woman's reproductive organs
129
malleolus
bony prominence on each side of the ankle (medial malleolus and lateral malleolus)
130
PUD
Peptic ulcer disease, ulcers develop in the stomach causing pain and emesis
131
Pericarditis
Inflammation or infection of the pericardium, the protective membrane surrounding the heart
132
myalgia
muscular pain
133
PVD
Peripheral vascular disease, causes narrowing, blockage, or spasming of peripheral blood vessels
134
paraspinal tenderness
tenderness of the muscles beside the spine
135
range of motion (ROM)
capability of a joint to go through its complete spectrum of movements
136
Pharyngitis
Throat infection/inflammation
137
Pneumonia
Infiltration or infection inside of the lung tissue
138
vertebral point-tenderness
tenderness directly over the spine (vertebrae), increased likelihood of fracture
139
PTX
Pneumothorax, presence of air or gas in the pleural space; a collapsed lung
140
Psoriasis
Autoimmune skin disease the causes dry, scaly, red, itchy patches of skin
141
PE
Pulmonary Embolism, blockage of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches due to a translocated clot
142
adnexal tenderness
tenderness of the ovaries during the pelvic exam indicative of ovarian cyst or torsion
143
Pyelonephritis
Inflammation of the kidneys
144
Sciatica
Compression of the sciatic nerve causing back pain with radiation to posterior leg
145
c-section
cesarean section
146
cervical os
the opening of the cervix; always will be closed unless passing tissue from the cervix
147
Sepsis
Dangerous infection of the blood, bacteria within the blood stream
148
Sinusitis
Infection/inflammation of the sinuses
149
CVA tenderness
costovertebral angle tenderness; tenderness over the kidneys
150
dysmenorrhea
painful menstruation
151
dysuria
painful urination
152
Tinea
Fungal rash
153
TIA
Transient ischemic Attack, AKA mini-stroke. Neurological function is regained completely over time.
154
foley catheter
a tube inserted through the urethra to drain urine, often left in place
155
frequency
urinating often
156
URI
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, an infection of the upper airway (sinuses, throat, lungs, or airways.
157
G/P/Ab
gravida (the # of times pregnant)/para(the # of live children born)/abortion(# of failed pregnancies)
158
BMP
Basic Metabolic Panel, blood test measuring 8 different substances to eval kidney function, fluid and electrolyte balance, blood sugar levels, acid/base balance, and metabolism
159
gravid
the state of being pregnancy; appearing pregnant
160
hematuria
blood in the urine
161
intrauterine pregnancy (IUP)
when a fertilized egg implants and starts to develop within the uterus, where it is supposed to be
162
CXR
Chest X-Ray
163
last normal menstrual period (LMP)
last time they had a menstrual period
164
CBC
Complete Blood Count. A blood test used to evaluate overall health and detect a wide range of disorders including anemia, infection, and leukemia.
-w/ Diff: Includes specific counts of immune lymphocytes, granulocytes, and phagocytes
-w/ peripheral smear: evals number and appearance of RBCs.
165
OB/GYN
obstetrics and gynecology
166
spotting
passing very small amounts of blood from the vagina
167
urgency
abrupt onset of urge to urinate
168
dyspepsia
indigestion
169
dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
170
emesis
vomiting
171
hematemesis
gross amounts of blood in the vomit
172
hematochezia
bright red blood in the stool
173
CMP
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. Measures BMP + LFTs and Kidney Function.
174
hepatomegaly
enlarged liver
175
hernia
protrusion of part of an internal organ or tissue bulges through a weak area of muscle
176
CT
Computer Assisted Tomography. An X-ray providing cross sectional scans of the body.
177
McBurney's point
RLQ point tenderness indicative of appendicitis
178
melena
black tarry stool indicative of an upper GI bleed
179
Murphy's sign
pain with palpation of the RUP during a deep breath, indicative of cholecystitis
180
H&H
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, two chemicals measured to evaluate anemia
181
N/V/D
nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
182
organomegaly
enlarged organ
183
peritoneal signs (rebound, guarding, or rigidity)
signs indicative of acute abdominal inflammation (peritonitis)
184
UA
Urinalysis, used to detect a variety of disorders including infection, kidney and liver dysfunction, diabetes, etc.
185
Abx
Antibiotics
186
splenomegaly
enlarged spleen
187
ASA
Aspirin
188
BID
Twice Daily
189
bradypnea
decreased respiratory rate
190
IM
Intramuscular
191
NKDA
No Known Drug Allergies
192
NSAID
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drug
193
clear to auscultation (CTA)
no abnormal sounds when listening to the lungs with a stethoscope
194
PO
Per os (by mouth)
195
PRN
As needed
196
QHS
At bedtime
197
QID
Taken four times a day
198
dyspnea
difficulty/labored breathing, shortness of breath
199
Rx
Prescription
200
TID
Three times a day
201
dyspnea on exertion (DOE)
feeling short of breath during very light exercise (E.g. walking)
201
Afebrile
Not having a fever
202
Ambulatory
Able to move around, not confined to bed
203
Cachectic
Extremely skinny, bony, malnourished
204
hemoptysis
coughing up gross amounts of blood
205
Constitutional
The general appearance and nature of a patient
206
hypoxia
low oxygen saturation of the body, not enough oxygen in the blood
207
Distress
A patient's inability to tolerate their body-state, No Acute Distress (NAD) commonly written for comfortable patients.
208
pleurisy
general terms for pain with breathing
209
rales
crackles; wet crackling heard in the lungs, typically due to pneumonia or CHF
210
Lethargic
Septic, very sick, about to die.
211
rhonchi
sounds of mucous rolling around the bronchioles/bronchi
212
Malaise
Generalized discomfort or weakness
213
shortness of breath (SOB)
air hunger, difficulty breathing, or breathlessness
214
Non-toxic
Appearing stable and at no risk of deterioration
215
sputum
any mixed matter with the saliva that is passed through the mouth
216
Sommnolent
Appearing drowsy
217
Unkempt
Poorly kept hygiene
218
Well developed
Normal state of mental and physical development
219
Cornea
Transparent covering of the eye in front of the iris and pupil
220
stridor
upper airway noise; common sign in croup
221
tachypnea
increased respiratory rate
222
wheezing
high pitched sound heard in the lungs with asthmatics or lung disease
223
Aneurysm
Localized ballooning of a vessel due to a weakened vessel wall
224
EOMI
Extraocular movements intact
225
Fundoscopic exam
Examination of the interior surface of the posterior eye using an ophthalmoscope
226
Arrhythmia
irregular heartbeat
227
Artery
blood vessel carrying blood away from the heart, muscular, contractile
228
Nystagmus
Involuntary "shaking" eye movements
229
Ophthalmalgia
Pain in the eye
230
bradycardia
slow heart rate (HR<60)
231
Pale conjunctiva
Pale inner aspect of the eyelid most often due to anemia
232
cardiomegaly
enlarged heart
233
coronary artery
artery that supplies the heart with blood
234
Periorbital ecchymosis
Bruising around the eyes, indicative of trauma
235
dorsalis pedis pulse
pulse that is palpable on the dorsum (top) of foot
236
Photophobia
Light sensitivity
237
murmur
abnormal heart sound rated on a 1-6 scale
238
PERRL
Pupils equal round and reactive to light
239
Scleral icterus
Yellowing of the sclera due to jaundice
240
normal sinus rhythm (NSR)
the rhythm of a healthy heart
241
Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Blood in the white part of the eye
242
Palpitation
to beat rapidly, irregularly, or forcibly (usually related to the heart)
243
Cerumen
Wax
244
pulse exam
carotid, brachial, radial, femoral popliteal, dorsalis pedis (DP) or posterior tibia (PT)
245
Dentition
Teeth
246
Dry mucosa
Dry tongue, mouth, lips, indicative of dehydration
247
Edentulous
Without teeth
248
regular rate and rhythm (RRR)
normal heart sounds with a regular rate (60-100 bpm)
249
Epistaxis
Nose bleed
250
Gingiva
Gums
251
Nare
Nostril
252
stenosis
narrowing of a body opening or passage
253
Oropharynx
The back of the mouth where it meets the throat
254
tachycardia
fast heart rate (HR>100 bpm)
255
Otalgia
Ear pain
256
Pharyngeal erythema
redness of the pharynx, indicating a throat infection
257
thrombus
blood clot or blockage
258
Rhinorrhea
Runny nose
259
vein
vessel carrying blood towards the heart, soft, compressible.
260
Tinnitus
Ringing ears
261
Carotid bruit
whooshing blood flow heart with auscultation (carotid narrowing or plaque)
262
TM Erythema
Redness of the TM often due to infection
263
Tonsillar exudate
Pus on the tonsils, indicating infection
264
lymphadenopathy
enlarged lymph nodes
265
T&A
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
266
meningismus
stiff neck/signs of meningitis
267
supple
flexible, not-stiff
268
thyromegaly
enlarged thyroid
269
jugular vein distention (JVD)
jugular vein distention, sign of heart dysfunction
270
271
TM
Tympanic Membrane, AKA the ear drum
272
