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Medical terminology > MT CH10 Normal Structures And Functions > Flashcards

MT CH10 Normal Structures And Functions Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the apical pulse?

A

Pulse felt or heard over the heart’s apex; it is measured in the fifth left intercostal space (between the ribs) about 8 to 9 cm from the midline

The apical pulse is an important clinical measurement in assessing heart function.

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2
Q

How is cardiac output defined?

A

The amount of blood pumped from the right or left ventricle per minute

Cardiac output is a crucial indicator of heart performance and overall cardiovascular health.

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3
Q

What does compliance refer to in a medical context?

A

The ease with which a structure expands under pressure, as in a blood vessel expanding to receive blood

Compliance is important in understanding vascular health and blood flow dynamics.

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4
Q

What are Korotkoff sounds?

A

Arterial sounds heard with a stethoscope during determination of blood pressure with a cuff

These sounds are critical for accurately measuring blood pressure.

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5
Q

What does perfusion mean?

A

The passage of fluid, such as blood, through an organ or tissue

Adequate perfusion is vital for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

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6
Q

Define precordium.

A

The anterior region over the heart and the lower part of the thorax; adjective: precordial

The precordium is an important area for physical examination in cardiology.

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7
Q

What is the term for the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure?

A

pulse pressure

Pulse pressure is an important indicator of cardiovascular health.

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8
Q

Define stroke volume.

A

The amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle with each beat

Stroke volume is a key measure of heart function.

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9
Q

What is the Valsalva maneuver?

A

Bearing down, as in childbirth or defecation, by attempting to exhale forcefully with the nose and throat closed

This action has an effect on the cardiovascular system.

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10
Q

What is a bruit?

A

An abnormal sound heard in auscultation

Bruits can indicate turbulence in blood flow.

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11
Q

What does cardiac tamponade refer to?

A

Pathologic accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac

This condition may result from pericarditis or injury to the heart or great vessels.

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12
Q

Define ectopic beat.

A

A heartbeat that originates from some part of the heart other than the SA node

Ectopic beats can lead to arrhythmias.

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13
Q

What is extrasystole?

A

Premature heart contraction that occurs separately from the normal beat

Extrasystoles can arise from ectopic foci.

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14
Q

What characterizes flutter in a cardiac context?

A

Very rapid (200-300 bpm) but regular contractions, as in the atria or the ventricles

Atrial flutter is a common type of arrhythmia.

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15
Q

What is hypotension?

A

A condition of lower-than-normal blood pressure

Hypotension can lead to dizziness and fainting.

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16
Q

Define intermittent claudication.

A

Pain in a muscle during exercise caused by inadequate blood supply; the pain disappears with rest

It is often associated with peripheral artery disease.

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17
Q

What is mitral valve prolapse?

A

Movement of the mitral valve cusps into the left atrium when the ventricles contract

Mitral valve prolapse can lead to mitral regurgitation.

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18
Q

What is occlusive vascular disease?

A

Arteriosclerotic disease of the vessels, usually peripheral vessels

This condition can restrict blood flow to limbs.

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19
Q

What is a palpitation?

A

A sensation of abnormally rapid or irregular heartbeat

Palpitations can be benign but may indicate underlying heart issues.

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20
Q

What is pitting edema?

A

Edema that retains the impression of a finger pressed firmly into the skin

This type of edema is often related to fluid overload.

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21
Q

What is polyarteritis nodosa?

A

Potentially fatal collagen disease causing inflammation of small visceral arteries; symptoms depend on the organ affected

This condition can lead to serious complications depending on the location and severity of the inflammation.

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22
Q

What is Raynaud disease?

A

A disorder characterized by abnormal constriction of peripheral vessels in the arms and legs on exposure to cold

Symptoms may include color changes in the skin, numbness, and pain in response to cold or stress.

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23
Q

Define regurgitation in a medical context.

A

A backward flow, such as the backflow of blood through a defective valve

This can lead to various cardiac issues, including heart murmurs and decreased efficiency of the heart.

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24
Q

What does stasis refer to?

A

Stoppage of normal flow, as of blood or urine; blood stasis may lead to dermatitis and ulcer formation

Stasis can result from prolonged immobility or vascular issues.

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25
What is subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE)?
Bacterial growth in a heart or valves previously damaged by rheumatic fever ## Footnote This condition can cause severe complications and is often associated with pre-existing heart valve abnormalities.
26
What is tetralogy of Fallot?
A combination of four congenital heart abnormalities: pulmonary artery stenosis, interventricular septal defect, displacement of the aorta to the right, and right ventricular hypertrophy ## Footnote This condition often requires surgical intervention early in life.
27
What is thromboangiitis obliterans also known as?
Buerger disease ## Footnote This condition is most common in young men and is correlated with heavy smoking.
28
What are vegetations in a cardiac context?
Irregular bacterial outgrowths on the heart valves; associated with rheumatic fever ## Footnote These can lead to further complications such as embolism or valve dysfunction.
29
What characterizes Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW)?
A cardiac arrhythmia consisting of tachycardia and a premature ventricular beat caused by an alternative conduction pathway ## Footnote WPW can lead to episodes of rapid heart rate and may require medical intervention.
30
What is cardiac catheterization?
Passage of a catheter into the heart through a vessel to inject a contrast medium for imaging, diagnosis, obtaining samples, or measuring pressure ## Footnote This procedure is essential for diagnosing various heart conditions.
31
Define central venous pressure (CVP).
Pressure in the superior vena cava ## Footnote CVP is an important measure in assessing right heart function and fluid status.
32
What is cineangiocardiography?
The photographic recording of fluoroscopic images of the heart and large vessels using motion picture techniques ## Footnote This imaging technique helps visualize cardiac structures and functions.
33
What is Doppler echocardiography used for?
An imaging method used to study the rate and pattern of blood flow ## Footnote It provides information about blood flow velocity and direction, crucial in assessing heart function.
34
What is a Holter monitor?
A portable device that can record from 24 hours to 1 month of an individual's ECG readings during normal activity ## Footnote This device is used to detect arrhythmias that may not be captured during a standard ECG.
35
What is homocysteine?
An amino acid in the blood that at higher-than-normal levels is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease ## Footnote Elevated homocysteine levels are often a marker for potential cardiovascular issues.
36
What is the role of a phlebotomist?
Technician who specializes in drawing blood ## Footnote Phlebotomists play a critical role in obtaining blood samples for diagnostic testing.
37
What is phonocardiography?
Electronic recording of heart sounds ## Footnote This technique helps in diagnosing various heart conditions by analyzing heart sounds.
38
What does plethysmography measure?
Measurement of changes in the size of a part based on the amount of blood contained in or passing through it ## Footnote Impedance plethysmography measures changes in electrical resistance and is used in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.
39
What is pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)?
Pressure measured by a catheter in a branch of the pulmonary artery; indirect measure of pressure in the left atrium ## Footnote PCWP is useful in assessing left heart function and diagnosing pulmonary congestion.
40
What is a radionuclide heart scan?
Imaging of the heart after injection of a radioactive isotope; used to test for myocardial infarction ## Footnote The PYP scan using technetium-99m is particularly useful for identifying damaged heart tissue.
41
What is a Swan-Ganz catheter?
A cardiac catheter with a balloon at the tip used to measure pulmonary arterial pressure ## Footnote This catheter is flow guarded through a vein into the right side of the heart and then into the pulmonary artery.
42
What is transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)?
Use of an ultrasound transducer placed endoscopically into the esophagus to visualize the heart ## Footnote TEE provides clearer images of the heart compared to transthoracic echocardiography.
43
Define triglyceride.
Simple fat that circulates in the bloodstream ## Footnote High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease.
44
What is ventriculography?
X-ray study of the heart's ventricles after introduction of an opaque dye by means of a catheter ## Footnote This procedure helps visualize the heart's pumping function.
45
What is atherectomy?
Removal of atheromatous plaque from the lining of a vessel; may be done by open surgery or through the vessel's lumen ## Footnote Atherectomy can help restore blood flow in narrowed arteries.
46
What does commissurotomy refer to?
Surgical incision of a scarred mitral valve to increase the size of the valvular opening ## Footnote This procedure is often used to treat mitral stenosis.
47
What is embolectomy?
Surgical removal of an embolus ## Footnote This procedure is critical in restoring blood flow after an embolism.
48
What is an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP)?
A mechanical assist device consisting of an inflatable balloon pump inserted through the femoral artery into the thoracic aorta ## Footnote It inflates during diastole to improve coronary circulation and deflates before systole.
49
What is a ventricular assist device (VAD)?
A pump that takes over a ventricle's function in delivering blood into the pulmonary or systemic circuit ## Footnote These devices are used to assist patients awaiting heart transplantation or recovering from heart failure.
50
What is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor?
A drug that lowers blood pressure by blocking the formation of angiotensin II ## Footnote Angiotensin II normally acts to increase blood pressure.
51
What is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)?
A drug that blocks tissue receptors for angiotensin II ## Footnote ARBs are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
52
What is an antiarrhythmic agent?
A drug that regulates the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat ## Footnote These agents are crucial in managing various arrhythmias.
53
What is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent?
Drug that decreases the rate and strength of heart contractions ## Footnote Commonly known as beta-blockers, they are used to treat hypertension and heart conditions.
54
What is a calcium-channel blocker?
Drug that controls the rate and force of heart contraction by regulating calcium entrance into the cells ## Footnote These are often prescribed for hypertension and angina.
55
What is Coumadin?
Trade name for the generic drug warfarin, which inhibits clotting by interfering with vitamin K ## Footnote Coumadin is used to prevent blood clots in various conditions.
56
What is digitalis?
A drug that slows and strengthens heart muscle contractions ## Footnote Often used in heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
57
What is a diuretic?
Drug that eliminates fluid by increasing the kidney's output of urine ## Footnote Diuretics lower blood volume and decrease the heart's workload.
58
What is heparin?
Substance that inhibits blood clotting by interfering with the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin ## Footnote Heparin is commonly used in hospitals to prevent clot formation.
59
What is a hypolipidemic agent?
Drug that lowers serum cholesterol ## Footnote These agents are important in managing hyperlipidemia and reducing cardiovascular risk.
60
What is lidocaine?
A local anesthetic used intravenously to treat cardiac arrhythmias ## Footnote Lidocaine can stabilize cardiac membranes and restore normal rhythm.
61
Loop diuretic
Drug that increases urine output by inhibiting electrolytes reabsorption in the kidney nephron
62
What is nitroglycerin?
A drug used in the treatment of angina pectoris to dilate coronary vessels ## Footnote Nitroglycerin helps relieve chest pain by increasing blood flow to the heart.
63
What are statins?
Drugs that act to lower lipids in the blood; the drug names end with -statin, such as lovastatin, pravastatin, and atorvastatin ## Footnote Statins are commonly prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels.
64
What is streptokinase (SK)?
An enzyme used to dissolve blood clots ## Footnote Streptokinase is often used in the treatment of heart attacks.
65
What is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)?
A drug used to dissolve blood clots; it activates production of a substance (plasmin) in the blood that normally dissolves clots ## Footnote tPA is used in emergency situations, such as acute ischemic stroke.
66
What is a vasodilator?
A drug that widens blood vessels and improves blood flow ## Footnote Vasodilators are used to treat conditions like hypertension and heart failure.

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