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31 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
auscultation
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a method of listening to sounds w/n an organ w/ a stethoscope
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AVPU scale
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A method of assessing level of consciousness by determining whether the PT is awake & alert, responsive to verbal stimuli or pain, or unresponsive; used principally early in the assessment
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blood pressure
BP |
the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries
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bradycardia
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slow heart rate >60 beats/min
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capillary refill
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the ability of the circulatory system to restore blood to the capillary system; evaluated by using a simple test
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chief complaint
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the reason a PT called for help. Also, the PT's response to questions such as "What's wrong?" or "What happened?"
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conjunctiva
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the delicate membrane lining the eyelids & covering the exposed surface of the eye
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cyanosis
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a bluish-gray skin color that is caused by reduced levels of oxygen in the blood
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diaphoretic
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characterized by profuse sweating
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diastolic pressure
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the pressure that remains in the arteries during the relaxing phase of the heart's cycle (diastole) when the left ventricle is @ rest
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hypertension
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blood pressure that is higher than the normal range
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hypotension
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blood pressure that is lower than the normal range
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jaundice
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a yellow skin or sclera color that is caused by liver disease or dynsfunction
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labored breathing
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breathing that requires visibly increased effort; characterized by grunting, stridor, & use of accessory muscles
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OPQRST
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An abbreviation for key terms used in evaluating a PT's signs & symptoms:
-Onset -Provocation or Palliation -Quality -Region/Radiation -Severity -Timing of pain |
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perfusion
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circulation of blood w/n an organ or tissue
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pulse
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the pressure wave that occurs as each heartbeat causes a surge in blood circulating through the arteries
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pulse oximetry
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an assessment tool that measures oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the capillary beds
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SAMPLE History
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A brief history of a PT's condition to determine
-Signs & Symptoms -Allergies -Medications -Pertinent Past history -Last oral intake -Events leading to injury/illness |
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sclera
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the white portion of the eye
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signs
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objective findings that can be seen, heard, felt, smelled or measured
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sniffing position
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an unusually upright position in which the PT's head & chin are thrust slightly forward
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spontaneous respirations
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breathing in a PT that occurs w/ no assistance
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stridor
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a harsh, high0pitched, crowing inspiratory sounds, such as the sound often heard in acute laryngeal (upper airway) obstruction
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symptoms
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subjective findings that the PT feels but that can be identified only by the PT
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systolic pressure
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the increased pressure along an artery w/ each contraction (systole) of the ventricles
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tachycardia
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rapid heart rhythm, <100 beats/min
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tidal volume
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the amount of air that is exchanged w/ each breath
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tripod position
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an upright position in which the PT leans forward onto 2 arms stretched forward & thrusts the head & chin forward
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vasoconstriction
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narrowing of a blood vessel
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vital signs
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the key signs that are used to evaluate the PT's overall condition, including respirations, pulse, BP, level of consiousness & skin characteristics
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