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Foundations II
Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pulse | Light tap caused by expansion of the aorta sending a wave through the walls of the arterial system |
| Pulse rate | Number of pulsations felt in a minute |
| Tachycardia | A rapid heart rate |
| Palpitation | Person is aware of own heartbeat without having to feel for it |
| Bradycardia | Heart rate below 60 beats/minute in an adult |
| Pulse rhythm | The pattern of pulsations and pauses between them |
| Pulse amplitude | Quality of the pulse in terms of fullness; reflects strength of left ventricular contraction |
| Arrhythmia | Irregular pattern of heartbeats |
| Stroke volume | Quantity of blood forced out of the left ventricle with each contraction |
| Cardiac output | The amount of blood pumped per minute |
| Pulse deficit | The difference between the apical and radial pulse rates |
| Vital signs | A person's temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pain |
| Temperature | The difference between the amount of heat produced by the body and the amount of heat lost to the environment measured in degrees |
| Hypothermia | Low body temperature |
| Hyperthermia | High body temperature |
| Afebrile | Normal body temperature - "without fever' |
| Fever (Pyrexia) | An increase above normal in body temperature |
| Febrile | Above normal body temperature - "with fever" |
| Antipyretic | Fever reducing drug |