Busy. Please wait.
Log in with Clever
or

show password
Forgot Password?

Don't have an account?  Sign up 
Sign up using Clever
or

Username is available taken
show password


Make sure to remember your password. If you forget it there is no way for StudyStack to send you a reset link. You would need to create a new account.
Your email address is only used to allow you to reset your password. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.


Already a StudyStack user? Log In

Reset Password
Enter the associated with your account, and we'll email you a link to reset your password.

Med Term zCH15 Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, and Pharmacology

Quiz yourself by thinking what should be in each of the black spaces below before clicking on it to display the answer.
        Help!  

Term
Definition
albumin/o   albumin, protein  
🗑
calc/i   calcium, lime, the heel  
🗑
-centesis   surgical puncture to remove fluid  
🗑
creatin/o   creatinine  
🗑
glycos/o   glucose, sugar  
🗑
-graphy   the process of producing a picture or record  
🗑
hemat/o   blood, relating to the blood  
🗑
lapar/o   abdomen, abdominal wall  
🗑
-otomy   cutting, surgical incision  
🗑
phleb/o   vein  
🗑
radi/o   radiation, x-rays  
🗑
-scope   instrument for visual examination  
🗑
-scopy   visual examination  
🗑
son/o   sound  
🗑
-uria   urination, urine  
🗑
assessment   evaluation or appraisal of the patient's condition. Used to reach diagnosis and in formulating a plan of care.  
🗑
observation   1st step in physical assessment, observing overall appearance, emotional affect, and ambulation.  
🗑
overall appearance   observation: includes # of factors: how appropriately is patient dressed, whether any body odor, signs of possible difficulties w/ self-care.  
🗑
emotional affect   observation: refers to patient's expression, tone of voice, mood, & emotions.  
🗑
affect   the outward expression of emotion  
🗑
ambulation   observation: the way the patient walks, including gait, any unsteadiness, or possible difficulty.  
🗑
vital signs   4 key indications that body systems are functioning. temperature, pulse, respiration, & blood pressure.  
🗑
VSS   vital signs stable  
🗑
Avg normal body temperature   98.6 deg F or 37.0 deg C  
🗑
fever   oral body temperature of 100 deg F or higher, most commonly caused by an infection, an injury, or medications.  
🗑
temperature readings named for location in which they are taken:   oral (mouth), aural (ear), axillary (armpit), and rectal (in the rectum), temporal artery (forehead - scanner)  
🗑
hyperthermia   extremely high fever  
🗑
hypothermia   abnormally low body temperature  
🗑
pulse   rhythmic pressure against the walls of an artery that is caused by the beating of the heart. Pulse rate reflects # of times heart beats each minute & is recorded as bpm  
🗑
normal resting heart rate   differs by age group. Adults: 60-100 bpm, newborn 100-160 bpm, athletes 40-60 bpm  
🗑
respiration   aka respiratory rate, RR; # of breaths per min. Single respiration is 1 inhalation & 1 exhalation. Normal adults: 12-20 min  
🗑
blood pressure   BP; force of blood against the walls of the arteries.  
🗑
sphygmomanometer   measures force of blood against walls of arteries (measures BP). Digital does not require use of stethoscope  
🗑
stethoscope   required to listen to the blood sounds for BP  
🗑
systolic blood pressure   first beat heard  
🗑
diastolic blood pressure   last beat heard  
🗑
pain   5th vital sign, but subjective (determined by patient).  
🗑
pain rating scale   patient is asked to describe his/ her level of pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 (severe pain).  
🗑
acute pain   comes on quickly, can be severe and lasts only a relatively short time. Cane be caused by disease, inflammation, or injury to the tissues. Goes away when treated  
🗑
chronic pain   can be mild or severe, persists over longer period of time than acute pain & is resistant to most med treatments. Often causes severe problems for patient  
🗑
auscultation   listening for sounds w/in the body & is usually performed through a stethoscope  
🗑
respiratory sounds   heard through stethoscope, provide info about condition of lungs & pleura as patient breathes  
🗑
rales   aka crackles; abnormal crackle-like lung sounds heard through a stethoscope during inspiration (breathing in)  
🗑
rhonchi   coarse rattling sounds that are somewhat snoring. Usually caused by secretions in the bronchial airways  
🗑
stridor   abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound caused by blockage in the throat or in the larynx (voice box)  
🗑
auscultation   listening through a stethoscope to sounds w/in the body  
🗑
2 distinct sounds of heartbeat through stethoscope   lubb dupp or lub dub  
🗑
lubb sound   1 of 2 distinct heartbeat sounds, heard 1st, caused by tricuspid & mitral valves closing btw the atria & ventricles  
🗑
dupp sound   1 of 2 distinct heartbeat sounds, heard 2nd, shorter & higher pitched. Caused by closing of the semilunar valves in aorta & pulmonary arteries as blood is pumped out of the heart  
🗑
bruit   abnormal sound or murmur heard during auscultation of an artery. Usually due to partially blocked, narrowed, or diseased artery.  
🗑
thrill   abnormal rhythmic vibration felt when palpating an artery.  
🗑
heart murmur   abnormal heart sound that is most commonly a sign of defective heart valves. Described by volume & stage of the heartbeat when murmur heard.  
🗑
abdominal sounds   aka bowel sounds; normal noises made by intestines. Auscultation of abdomen performed to evaluate sounds & detect abnormalities.  
🗑
Ex of what increased bowel sounds might mean   bowel obstruction  
🗑
absence of bowel sounds   could indicate an ileus, which is the stopping of intestinal peristalsis  
🗑
palpation   an examination technique in which the examiner's hands are used to feel the texture, size, consistency, & location of certain body parts  
🗑
percussion   diagnostic procedure designed to determine the density of a body part by the sound produced by tapping the surface w/ fingers  
🗑
ophthalmoscope   instrument used to examine the interior of the eye  
🗑
otoscope   instrument used to visually examine the external ear canal & tympanic membrane  
🗑
speculum   instrument used to enlarge the opening of any canal or cavity, especially the vagina, to facilitate inspection of its interior  
🗑
stethoscope   an instrument used to listen to sounds w/in the body  
🗑
recumbent   any position in which the patient is lying down, cane be back-front-or side.  
🗑
decubitus   used in radiography, describes the patient lying in recumbent position  
🗑
positions in which patient is face-up   horizontal recumbent, dorsal recombent, lithotomy  
🗑
positions in which patient is face-down or on side   prone, Sims', knee-chest  
🗑
horizontal recumbent position   aka supine position; patient is lying on back, face up. Used for exams & treatment of anterior surface of body & for x-rays  
🗑
dorsal recumbent position   patient is lying on the back, face up, w/ knees bent. Used for exam & treatment of abdominal area & for vaginal or rectal exams  
🗑
lithotomy position   patient is lying on the back, face up, w/ feet & legs raised & supported in stirrups. Used for vaginal & rectal exams & during childbirth  
🗑
prone position   patient is lying on the abdomen face down. Arms may placed under head for comfort. Used for exam & treatment of back & buttocks  
🗑
Sims' position   patient is lying on the left side w/ right knee & thigh drawn up w/ left arm placed along the back. Used in exam & treatment of rectal area  
🗑
knee-chest position   patient lying face down w;/ hips bent so that knees & chest rest on table. Used for rectal exams  
🗑
stat   results needed immediately & have top priority  
🗑
profile, when used in regard to laboratory tests   tests that are frequently performed as a group on automated multi-channel laboratory testing equipment  
🗑
phlebotomist   medical professional who is trained to draw blood from patients for various laboratory tests & other procedures  
🗑
phlebotomy   aka venipuncture; puncture of a vein for the purpose of drawing blood.  
🗑
arterial stick   puncture of an artery, usually on inside of wrist, to obtain arterial blood.  
🗑
Arterial blood vs. venous blood   differ in concentration of dissolved gases containted  
🗑
capillary puncture   technique used when only a small amt of blood is needed as a specimen for a blood test.  
🗑
finger, heel, or earlobe stick   common places where a capillary puncture is performed & named after  
🗑
complete blood cell count   CBC; series of tests performed as a group to evaluate several blood conditions.  
🗑
erythrocyte sedimentation rate   aka sed rate; test based on the speed with which RBC's separate from plasma & fall to bottom of specialized test tube.  
🗑
elevated set rate indicates   presence of inflammation in the body  
🗑
normal range for sed rate, adults under 50   <15-20 mm/hr  
🗑
normal range for sed rate, adults over 50   <20-30mm/hr  
🗑
hematocrit   Hct; describes percentage, by volume, of a blood sample occupied by RBC's. Used to diagnose abnormal states of hydration, polycythemia, and anemia.  
🗑
hydration   fluid levels in body  
🗑
polycythemia   excess RBC's  
🗑
anemia   deficient RBC's  
🗑
platelet count   measures # of platelets in a specified amt of blood & is a screening test to evaluate platelet function. Also to monitor changes in blood assoc w/ chemotherapy & radiation  
🗑
thrombocytosis   an abnormal increase in # of platelets  
🗑
thrombocytopenia   abnormal decrease in # of platelets  
🗑
red blood cell count   RBC; determination of the # of erythrocytes in the blood. Depressed count can indicate anemia or an acute hemorrhage  
🗑
total hemoglobin test   Hb; usually part of a complete blood count. Can be elevated or low levels  
🗑
Elevated Hb levels indicate   Higher than normal hemoglobin concentration in plasma due to polycythemia or dehydration.  
🗑
Low Hb levels indicate   lower than normal hemoglobin concentration due to anemia, recent hemorrhage, or fluid retention  
🗑
-globin   protein  
🗑
white blood cell count   WBC; determination of the # of leukocytes in the blood. Elevated count can be indication of infection or inflammation  
🗑
white blood cell differential count   tests to see what % of total WBC count is composed of each of the 5 types of leukocytes. Provides info about immune system, detects certain types of leukemia, determines severity of infection  
🗑
basic metabolic panel   BMP or Profile 8; group of 8 specific blood tests that provide important info about current status of patient's kidneys, electrolyte balance, blood sugar, & calcium levels.  
🗑
significant changes in basic metabolic panel   can indicate acute problems such as kidney failure, diabetes-related complications, or respiratory problems.  
🗑
blood urea nitrogen test   BUN; measures the amt of nitrogen in blood due to waste product area. Performed to obtain an indication of kidney function.  
🗑
Urea   major end product of protein metabolism found in urine & blood  
🗑
crossmatch test   performed to determine compatibility of blood donor & recipient before a blood transfusion. Agglutination is a positive reaction that indicates donor unit is not suitable match  
🗑
agglutination   clumping together of RBC's  
🗑
C-reactive protein test   CRP; performed to identify levels of inflammation w/in body.  
🗑
The info provided by C-reactive protein test is obtained by the presence of the   C-reactive protein, which is produced by the liver only in episodes of acute inflammation. Elevated level can indicate heart attack, coronary artery disease, or autoimmune disorder  
🗑
lipid panel   aka lipid profile; measures amts of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides in blood sample  
🗑
prothrombin time   aka pro time; coagulation test used to diagnose conditions assoc w/ abnormalities of clotting time & to monitor anticoagulant therapy.  
🗑
a longer prothrombin time can be caused by   serious liver disease, bleeding disorders, blood-thinning medicines, or lack of vit K  
🗑
serum bilirubin test   measures ability of the liver to take up, process, & secrete bilirubin into the bile. Test useful in determining whether patient has liver disease or a blocked bile duct.  
🗑
thyroid-stimulating hormone assay   measures circulating blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) that can indicate abnormal thyroid activity.  
🗑
arterial blood gas analysis   ABG; measures the pH, oxygen, & carbon dioxide levels of arterial blood. Used to evaluate lung & kidney function & overall metabolism  
🗑
urinalysis   examination of the physical & chemical properties of urine to determine the presense of abnormal elemebts  
🗑
routine urinalysis   performed to screen for urinary & systemic disorders. Uses dipstick.  
🗑
routine urinalysis dipstick   plastic strip impregnated w/ chemicals that react w/ substances in the urine & change color when abnormalities are present  
🗑
microscopic examination   specimen is performed when more detailed testing of the specimen is necessary, ex to identify casts.  
🗑
casts   fibrous or protein materials, such as pus & fats, that are thrown off into the urine in kidney disease  
🗑
average normal range of pH of urine   4.5 to 8.0  
🗑
abbreviation pH describes   degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance  
🗑
pH value below 7   indicates acid urine & is an indication of acidosis  
🗑
acidosis   excessive acid in body fluids ("d" for down, below 7)  
🗑
alkalosis   opposite of acidosis ("l" for elevated....above 7)  
🗑
pH value above 7   indicates alkaline urine & can indicate conditions such as a UTI  
🗑
specific gravity of urine   reflects amt of wastes, minerals, and solids that are present  
🗑
low specific gravity of urine   aka dilute urine; characteristic of diabetes insipidus  
🗑
high specific gravity of urine   aka concentrated urine; occurs in conditions like dehydration, liver failure, or shock.  
🗑
albuminuria   presence of protein albumin in urine. High test levels are sign of impaired kidney function.  
🗑
albumin   form of protein found in most body tissues  
🗑
bacteriuria   presence of bacteria in urine  
🗑
calciuria   presence of calcium in urine.  
🗑
Abnormally high levels of calciuria   can be diagnostic for hyperparathyroidism  
🗑
Lower-than-normal levels of calciuria   can indicate osteomalacia  
🗑
creatinuria   increased concentration of creatinine in the urine  
🗑
creatinine   waste product of muscle metabolism that is normally removed by the kidneys. Presence of excess creatinine is indication of increased muscle breakdown or disruption of kidney function  
🗑
drug-screening urine test   rapid method of identifying the presence in the body of 1 or more drugs of abuse such as cocaine, heroin, & marijuana. Also detect performance-enhancing drugs by athletes  
🗑
glycosuria   presence of glucose in urine. Most commonly caused by untreated diabetes mellitus  
🗑
hematuria   presence of blood in urine. Can be caused by kidney stones, infection, kidney damage, or bladder cancer.  
🗑
ketonuria   presence of ketones in urine.  
🗑
ketones   formed when body breaks down fat, & their presence in urine can indicate starvation or uncontrolled diabetes  
🗑
proteinuria   presence of an abnormal amt of protein in the urine. Usually sign of kidney disease  
🗑
pyuria   presence of pus in urine. When pus present, urine is turbid in appearance  
🗑
turbid   cloudy or smoky appearance  
🗑
urine culture & sensitivity tests   aka urine C & S; lab test that is used to ID cause of UTI & to determine which antibiotic would be most effective treatment  
🗑
endoscopy   visual exam of interior of body cavity. Usually named for organs involved.  
🗑
endoscopic surgery   surgical procedure that is performed through very small incisions w/ use of an endoscope & specialized instruments. Named for body parts involved.  
🗑
endoscope   small, flexible tube w/ light & lens on the end. Fiberoptic instruments named for body parts they are designed to examine  
🗑
laparoscopy   visual exam of interior of abdomen w/ use of laparoscope that is passed through small incision in abdominal wall.  
🗑
lapar/o   abdomen  
🗑
why is laparoscope used   explore/examine interior of abdomen, take specimens to be biopsied, perform surgical procedures such as endoscopic removal of diseased gallbladder.  
🗑
centesis   surgical puncture to remove excess fluid or to remove fluid for diagnostic purposes.  
🗑
abdominocentesis   surgical puncture of abdominal cavity to remove fluid  
🗑
-centisis   surgical puncture to remove fluid  
🗑
amniocentesis   surgical puncture to remove amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac  
🗑
arthrocentesis   surgical puncture of joint space to remove synovial fluid for analysis to determine cause of pain or swelling in joint  
🗑
cardiocentesis   aka cardiopuncture; puncture of a chamber of the heart for diagnosis or therapy  
🗑
pericardiocentesis   puncture of the pericardial sac for purpose of removing fluid. Used to treat pericarditis  
🗑
peri-   surrounding  
🗑
endo   within  
🗑
contrast medium   administered by swallowing, via enema, or intravenously to make specific body structures visible. Media either radiopaque or radiolucent  
🗑
radiopaque   the substance does not allow x-rays to pass through & appears white or light gray on resulting film.  
🗑
radiolucent   the substance, such as air or nitrogen gas, allows x-rays to pass through & appears black or dark gray on resulting film  
🗑
intravenous contrast medium   injected into a vein to make the flow of blood through blood vessels & organs visible  
🗑
intra-   within  
🗑
radiography   x-ray; uses x-radiation passing through patient to expose film or create digital image that shows body in profile.  
🗑
resulting film appearance in radiography   hard tissues are light, soft tissues are shades of gray, air is black  
🗑
computed tomography   CT; uses x-radiation w/ computer assistance to produce multiple cross-sectional views of body.  
🗑
resulting film appearance in computed tomography   hard tissues are light, soft tissues appear as shades of gray  
🗑
magnetic resonance imaging   MRI; uses combination of radio waves & strong magnetic field to produce images.  
🗑
resulting film appearance in magnetic resonance imaging   hard tissues dark, soft tissues appear as shades of gray  
🗑
conventional radiology   creates image of hard-tissue internal structures by exposure of sensitized film to x-radiation.  
🗑
radiograph/ radiogram/ x-ray   resulting film of conventional radiology  
🗑
ionizing radiation   x-radiation; beneficial in producing diagnostic images & in treating cancer, but exposure can be dangerous w/ cumulative effects.  
🗑
invisible, has no odor, & cannot be felt   x-radiation  
🗑
dosimetry   science of measuring radiation exposure  
🗑
radiopaque hard tissues   bone/ tooth enamel, appear white or light gray on radiograph.  
🗑
radiolucent soft tissues   muscles & skin, appear as shades of gray to black on radiograph  
🗑
radiologist   physician who specializes in diagnosing & treating diseases & disorders w/ x-rays & other forms of radiant engery  
🗑
interventional radiology   use of radiographic imaging to guide a procedure such as a biopsy. Also used to confirm the placement of an inserted object such as a stent or feeding tube  
🗑
radiographic positioning   describes placement of patient's body & part of body that is closest to x-ray.  
🗑
radiographic projection   path that the x-ray beam follows through the patient's body from entrance to exit  
🗑
extraoral radiography   film is placed & exposed outside of the mouth  
🗑
panoramic radiograph   aka Panorex; shows all structures in both dental arches in a single film  
🗑
intraoral radiography   film is placed within the mouth & exposed by a camera positioned next to exterior of cheek  
🗑
tomography   use of x-rays or ultrasound to produce a cross-section of the body  
🗑
computed tomography scan   CT, computerized axial tomography CAT; uses thin, fan-shaped x-ray beam that rotates around patient to produce multiple cross-sectional views of body  
🗑
CT more effective than ? at imaging compact bone & preferred for head injuries or strokes   MRI  
🗑
contrast dye for CT scans   iodine  
🗑
tomotherapy   use of tomography in cancer treatment  
🗑
magnetic resonance imaging   MRI; uses combination of radio waves & strong magnetic field to create signals that are sent to a computer & converted into images of any plane through the body.  
🗑
MRI's used to   construct images of internal organs & tissues that often do not show up well in radiographs.  
🗑
MRI's are noninvasive means of examining   soft tissues such as those of heart, blood vessels, brain, spinal cord, joints, muscles, & internal organs.  
🗑
MRI images can be produced in   coronal, sagittal, or oblique planes & are created w/o use of x-radiation  
🗑
closed MRI   most common w/ most accurate pictures. Narrow, loud  
🗑
open MRI   less confining than closed, more comfortable for some ppl. Lower field strength which limits use  
🗑
gadolinium   natural chemical element sometimes used for contrast in MRI for patient's allergic to iodine  
🗑
magnetic resonance angiography   MRA, magnetic resonance angio; helps locate problems w/ BV's throughout body. Frequent alternative to angiography  
🗑
fluoroscopy   visualization of body parts in motion by projecting x-ray images on a luminous fluorescent screen.  
🗑
luminous   glowing  
🗑
cineradiography   recording of fluoroscopy images  
🗑
cine-   relationship to movement  
🗑
ultrasonography   aka ultrasound, diagnostic ultrasound; imaging of deep body structures by recording the echoes of sound wave pulses that are above the range of human hearing. No radiation  
🗑
sonogram   image created by ultrasonography.  
🗑
sonographer   technician specifically trained in ultrasonography  
🗑
common uses of ultrasound   evaluating fetal development; detecting presence of gallstones or blood clot; identifying tears in tendons, muscles or ligaments; confirming presence of a mass found on mammogram.  
🗑
carotid ultrasonography   use of sound waves to image the carotid artery to detect and obstruction that could cause an ischemic stroke  
🗑
echocardiography   ultrasonic diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the structures & motion of the heart.  
🗑
resulting record of an echocardiography   echocardiogram  
🗑
Doppler echocardiogram   performed in same way as an echocardiogram; measures speed & direction of blood flow w/in heart  
🗑
fetal ultrasound   noninvasive procedure used to image & evaluate fetal development during pregnancy.  
🗑
3D/4D ultrasound   technique that uses specialized equipment to create photograph-like images of the developing child  
🗑
transesophageal echocardiography   TEE; ultrasonic imaging technique used to evaluate heart structures. Performed from inside esphagus & b/c esophagus so close to heart, technique produces clearer images than those obtained w/ echocardiography  
🗑
nuclear medicine   radiopharmaceuticals are used for either diagnosing or treatment purposes.  
🗑
radiopharmaceuticals   contain radioactive materials called radioisotopes that produce a powerful form of energy called radiation. Can be inserted into a vein, taken by mouth, or placed inside body  
🗑
radiation therapy   nuclear medicine used for treatment of cancer & thyroid disease  
🗑
nuclear medicine technologist   specializes in preparation & administration or radiopharmaceuticals  
🗑
nuclear imaging   use of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic purposes. Images document structure & formation of organ or organs being examined. Low dose of radiopharmaceuticals taken internally  
🗑
each radiopharmaceutical contains   radionuclide tracer (radioactive tracer), which is specific to the body system being examined. The short-lived tracer can be given by mouth or inserted into vein  
🗑
radiopharmaceuticals emit   gamma rays that are detected by a special camera attached to a computer. Used to generate an image showing the pattern of absorption that can be indicative of pathology  
🗑
nuclear scan   aka scintigram; diagnostic procedure that uses nuclear med technology to gather info about structure & function of organs or body systems that cannot be seen on conventional x-rays  
🗑
bone scan   nuclear scanning test that ID's new areas of bone growth or breakdown. Can evaluate damage to bones, detect cancer that has metastasized to bones, & monitor conditions that affect bones.  
🗑
the results of bone scan are obtained after...   a radionuclide tracer is injected into the bloodstream, & patient then waits while material travels through body tissues.  
🗑
thyroid scan   radiopharmaceutical containing radioactive iodine is administered. Scan makes use of thyroid gland's ability to concentrate certain radioactive isotopes to generate images of it.  
🗑
what type of information is provided by a thyroid scan   size, shape, location, & relative activity of different parts of the thyroid gland  
🗑
single photon emission computed tomography   SPECT; type of nuclear imaging test that produces 3D computer-reconstructed images showing perfusion through tissues & organs  
🗑
perfusion   the flow of blood through an organ  
🗑
SPECT scanning used for   to view the flow of blood through arteries & veins in the brain. Also useful in diagnosing blood-deprived areas of brain following stroke  
🗑
positron emission tomography   PET, PET imaging; combines tomography w/ radionuclide tracers, usually inserted into vein, to produce enhanced images of selected body organs or areas.  
🗑
PET scans of whole body used for   to detect cancer & to examine the effects of cancer therapy  
🗑
PET scans of heart   used to determine blood flow to heart muscle. helps evaluate signs of coronary artery disease or to differentiate nonfunctional heart muscle from tissue that would benefit from angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery  
🗑
PET scans of brain   evaluate patients who have memory disorders of an undetermined cause, suspected or proven brain tumors, or seizure disorders not responsive to med therapy  
🗑
pharmacology   study of the nature, uses, & effects of drugs for medical purposes  
🗑
pharmac   drug  
🗑
pharmacist   licensed specialist who formulates & dispenses prescribed medications  
🗑
ac   before meals  
🗑
ad lib   as desired  
🗑
amt   amount  
🗑
bid   twice a day  
🗑
NPO   nothing by mouth  
🗑
pc   after meals  
🗑
po   by mouth  
🗑
prn   as needed  
🗑
qh   every hour  
🗑
qid   four times a day  
🗑
Rx   prescription  
🗑
sig   to be labeled accordingly  
🗑
tid   three times a day  
🗑
prescription drug   medication that can legally be dispensed only by a pharmacist w/ order from licensed professional such as physician or dentist  
🗑
over-the-counter drug   OTC; medication that can be purchased w/o prescription  
🗑
generic drug   usually named for generic structure & not protected by brand name or trademark. Ex diazepam is generic name of drug frequently used as skeletal muscle relaxant, sedative, & anti-anxiety agent  
🗑
brand-name drug   sold under name given by drug mfg, always spelled w/ capital letter, Ex Valium is brand name for diazepam  
🗑
@   at  
🗑
c with line over top   with  
🗑
formulary   list of prescription drugs covered by specific health care plan.  
🗑
Physician's Desk Reference   PDR; most commonly used drug info guide that is updated annually  
🗑
addiction   compulsive, uncontrollable dependence on drug, alcohol, or other substance. Can also be habit or practice that cannot be stopped w/o causing severe emotional, mental, or physiologic reactions  
🗑
controlled substances   addictive prescription meds & illegal drugs whose mfg, possession, & use are regulated by government  
🗑
tolerance   when body has become accustomed to a medication after being on it for a length of time, & higher doses are required to achieve the desired effect.  
🗑
adverse drug reaction   ADR, side effect; undesirable reaction that accompanies the principal response for which the drug was taken  
🗑
compliance   patient's consistency & accuracy in following the regimen prescribed by a physician or other health care professional.  
🗑
regimen relating to compliance   directions or rules  
🗑
drug interaction   result of drugs reacting w/ each other, often in ways that are unexpected or potentially harmful. Can occur when meds taken w/ herbal remedies or when more than 1 prescription taken @ a time  
🗑
synergism   interaction of 2 drugs taken together that enhances the effectiveness of both.  
🗑
idiosyncratic reaction   unexpected reaction to a drug that is peculiar to the individual  
🗑
palliative   substance that eases the pain or severity of symptoms of a disease but does not cure it.  
🗑
palliative care   treatment that focuses on alleviating pain & relieving symptoms rather than curing the disease  
🗑
paradoxical reaction   result of medical treatment that yields the opposite of normally expected results  
🗑
paradoxical   not being normal or the usual kind  
🗑
placebo   an inactive substance, such as sugar pill or liquid, that is administered only for its suggestive effects.  
🗑
antipyretic   medication administered to prevent or reduce fever. Aspirin & acetaminophen act by lowering a raised body temp but do not affect a normal body temp when fever not present  
🗑
pyret   fever  
🗑
anti-inflammatory   relieves inflammation & pain w/o affecting consciousness  
🗑
analgesic   class of drugs that relieve pain w/o affecting consciousness. aspirin, acetaminophen, & ibuprofen  
🗑
non-narcotic analgesics   such as aspirin, are sold OTC for mild to moderate pain. Prescription pain relievers sold through pharmacy are used for moderate to severe pain.  
🗑
narcotic analgesics   such as morphine, Demerol, and codeine, avail by prescription only to relieve severe pain. Also have sedative (calming) effect & can cause physical dependence or addiction.  
🗑
acetaminophen   analgesic that reduces pain & fever but does not relieve inflammation. Does not have negative side effecto of NSAIDS. Basic ingredient in Tylenol  
🗑
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs   NSAIDs are non-narcotic analgesics administered to control pain by reducing inflammation & swelling. Can attack stomach lining & thin blood  
🗑
OTC NSAIDS   aspirin, ibuprofen  
🗑
ibuprofen   nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine that is sold OTC under band names of Advil & Motrin. Med acts as analgesic & antipyretic  
🗑
anticonvulsants/ antidepressants   effective as part of some chronic pain mgmt programs.  
🗑
anticonvulsants   traditionally administered to prevent seizures such as those associated w/ epilepsy  
🗑
antidepressants   primarily administered to prevent or relieve depression  
🗑
pain-relieving creams   applied topically to relieve pain due to conditions such as osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis. Primary active ingredient capsaicin  
🗑
capsaicin   chemical found in chili peppers, found in pain-relieving creams.  
🗑
transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation   TENS; method of pain control by wearing a device that delivers small electrical impulses, as needed, to nerve endings through skin  
🗑
cutane   skin  
🗑
transcutaneous   performed through unbroken skin  
🗑
inhalation administration   describes vapors & gases taken in through nose or mouth & absorbed into bloodstream through lungs.  
🗑
oral administration   medications taken by mouth to be absorbed through walls of stomach or small intestine. Can be in forms of liquids, tablets, or capsules.  
🗑
enteric coating   meds to be released in small intestine are covered w/ this to prevent them from being absorbed in stomach  
🗑
rectal administration   insertion of meds in rectum either in the form of suppository or a liquid  
🗑
suppository   med in a semisolid form that is introduced into rectum. Melts @ body temp & absorbed through surrounding tissue  
🗑
sublingual administration   placement of medication under tongue where it is allowed to dissolve slowly. B/c sublingual highly vascular, meds quickly absorbed into bloodstream  
🗑
highly vascular   containing many blood vessels  
🗑
topical application   liquid or ointment rubbed into skin on area to be treated  
🗑
transdermal   medication administered from a patch that is applied to unbroken skin. Meds continuously released by patch, absorbed through skin & transmitted to bloodstream for systemic effect  
🗑
parenteral   taken into the body or administered in manner other than through digestive tract. most common through hypodermic syringe  
🗑
subcutaneous injection   SC; made into fatty layer just below skin  
🗑
intradermal injection   made into middle layers of skin  
🗑
intramuscular injection   IM; made directly into muscle tissue  
🗑
intravenous injection   IV; made directly into a vein.  
🗑
IV infusion   administered over period of time  
🗑
PICC line   peripherally inserted central catheter; frequently used for a patient who will need IV therapy for more than 7 days  
🗑
bolus   bolus infusion; single, concentrated dose of a drug usually injected into a blood vessel over short period of time  
🗑
complementary & alternative medicine   CAM; therapies used to supplement or replace allopathic medicine  
🗑
allopathic medicine   conventional, Western, medical practices & systems of health care  
🗑
alternative medicines   general term for practices & systems of health care other than allopathic approaches used in place of these treatments  
🗑
complementary medicine   general term for practices & systems of health care other than allopathic approaches used to supplement these treatments  
🗑
integrative medicine   model of health care based on both allopathic & alternative medicine  
🗑
holistic   a treatment approach that takes into consideration the whole body & its environment, including the mind, body, & spirit  
🗑
wellness   general term that means actively working toward a state of being in good physical & mental health. Healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction, & avoiding risky behavior  
🗑
Ayurvedic medicine   traditional Hindu system of medicine, emphasizing a holistic approach to preventive treatment through hygiene, exercise, herbal preparations, yoga, and treatment of illnesses w/ herbal medicines, physiotherapy, & diet  
🗑
Traditional Chinese medicine   system of ancient Chinese medicinial treatments including acupuncture, diet, herbal therapy, meditation, physical exercise, & massage to prevent, diagnose, & treat disease. Also used in complementary medicine  
🗑
kinesiology   study of body movements & physical activity.  
🗑
applied kinesiology   alternative therapy that combines muscle monitoring w/ principles of Chinese medicine  
🗑
naturopathy   aka naturopathic medicine; combo of nutrition, medicinal supplements & herbs, water therapy, homeopathy, & lifestyle modifications used to identify & treat root causes of symptoms & disease instead of surgery/ drugs  
🗑
homeopathy   involves use of substances created from plant or mineral products diluted a thousand-fold in water or alcohol. Body can stimulate its own healing response when right trigger given in minute doses, producing symptoms similar to disease being treated  
🗑
3 categories of complementary medicine   mind-body therapies, hands-on therapies, & energy therapies  
🗑
mind-body therapies   try to reduce stress & prevent negative effects on body. Used for stress reduction, pain management, lifestyle changes, & depression. Belief that emotions trigger physiological responses.  
🗑
mind-body therapy types   biofeedback, guided imagery, hypnosis, mindfulness meditation  
🗑
biofeedback   patient-guided treatment that teaches individuals to control muscle tension, pain, body temp, brain waves, & other bodily functions through relaxation, visualization, & other cognitive control techniques  
🗑
guided imagery   visualization; type of treatment in which patient follows verbal prompts to envision specific, peaceful location in detail, distancing themselves from any pain or stress currently experiencing  
🗑
hypnosis   type of therapy where patient placed in state of focused concentration & narrowed attention that makes them more susceptible to suggestions, then suggestions provided toward treatment goal  
🗑
mindfulness meditation   focused on becoming aware of thoughts & emotions & their physiological responses, as well as accepting them & maintaining a calm, constant awareness  
🗑
energy therapies   try to improve or maintain health by manipulating body's energy flow, or qi. Based on belief that illness is linked to blocked or insufficient energy levels  
🗑
Qi   believed to be fundamental life energy responsible for health & vitality.  
🗑
acupressure   traditional Chinese touch therapy involving finger pressure applied to specific areas of body to restore flow of qi  
🗑
acupuncture   traditional Chinese medical practice using very thin acupuncture needles inserted into specific points of body to restore flow of qi  
🗑
Qi Gong   Chinese system of movement,breathing techniques, & meditation designed to improve & enhance flow of qi  
🗑
Reiki   Japanese technique in which the practitioner transfers healing energy to the patient by means of visualization or gentle touch  
🗑
hands-on therapies   improve body function by physically manipulating or massaging body. Used for neck or back pain, relaxation, & increased range of motion  
🗑
chiropractic manipulative therapy   system of mechanical spinal adjustments made by chiropractor to correct biomechanical problems in skeletal framework of body  
🗑
osteopathic manipulative therapy   mechanical spinal adjustment used in conjunction w/ conventional medical therapies by osteopath  
🗑
craniosacral therapy   use of gentle touch to help body release tension, stress, & trauma to correct restrictions resulting from stress on CNS  
🗑
myofascial release   specialized soft-tissue manipulation technique used to ease pain of conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, movement restrictions, TMJ, & carpal tunnel syndrome  
🗑
neuromuscular therapy   NMT; form of massage that uses soft-tissue manipulation focusing on applying pressure to trigger points to treat injuries & alleviate pain  
🗑
trigger point   particularly taut band of muscle that is tender to the touch  
🗑
ADR   adverse drug reaction  
🗑
bpm   beats per minute  
🗑
BP   blood pressure  
🗑
BUN   blood urea nitrogen  
🗑
CBC   complete blood count  
🗑
CT scan   computed tomography scan  
🗑
endo   endoscopy  
🗑
ESR   erythrocyte sedimentation rate  
🗑
Hct   hematocrit  
🗑
MRI   magnetic resonance imaging  
🗑
RBC   red blood count  
🗑
RR   respiratory rate  
🗑
TPR   temperature, pulse, respiration  
🗑
WBC   white blood count  
🗑


   

Review the information in the table. When you are ready to quiz yourself you can hide individual columns or the entire table. Then you can click on the empty cells to reveal the answer. Try to recall what will be displayed before clicking the empty cell.
 
To hide a column, click on the column name.
 
To hide the entire table, click on the "Hide All" button.
 
You may also shuffle the rows of the table by clicking on the "Shuffle" button.
 
Or sort by any of the columns using the down arrow next to any column heading.
If you know all the data on any row, you can temporarily remove it by tapping the trash can to the right of the row.

 
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.

  Normal Size     Small Size show me how
Created by: kld0519
Popular Medical sets