Ch. 12 Computers and Technology in Health Care
Adenosine stress test:
A heart test for people who can't exercise; medicine (adenosine) is used to make the heart act as if it is exercising.
Computerized tomography (CT):
A specialized X-ray that takes "slices" of the body to create a detailed 3D image.
Dobutamine stress test:
Similar to an adenosine test, but uses dobutamine to make the heart beat faster and harder.
Echocardiogram:
An ultrasound of the heart to see its structures and how it pumps blood.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG
A test that records the electrical signals in your heart to check for rhythm issues.
Exercise stress test:
A test where you walk on a treadmill to see how your heart handles physical activity.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
Uses strong magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of soft tissues and organs.
Nuclear stress test:
A test that uses a tiny amount of radioactive substance to show how blood flows to the heart.
Positron emission tomography (PET):
An imaging test that uses a radioactive "tracer" to look for disease or check organ function.
Ultrasonography
Using high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the inside of the body.
Computer literacy:
The basic knowledge and ability to use computers and technology efficiently.
Computer-aided design (CAD):
Software used by architects and engineers to create precise 2D or 3D drawings.
Computer-assisted instruction (CAI):
Using computers to help teach or provide interactive learning materials.
Database
A digital collection of information organized so it can be easily searched and updated.
Electronic mail (Email):
Messages sent from one person to another via the internet.
Fields
Specific areas in a database record (like "First Name" or "Date of Birth").
File
A specific unit of data stored on a computer (like a document or a photo).
Firewalls:
Security systems that block unauthorized access to a private network.
Internet
The global network connecting millions of computers worldwide.
Mainframe computer:
A massive, powerful computer used by large organizations for bulk data processing.
Microcomputer
A small computer designed for one person (like a desktop or laptop).
Networks
A group of two or more computers connected together to share resources.
Personal computer (PC):
A general-purpose computer intended for individual use.
Record
A complete set of information in a database (e.g., one patient’s entire profile).
Spreadsheet
A digital grid (like Excel) used for calculating and organizing data and numbers.