Directional Terms
The front surface of the body.
The back surface of the body.
Anterior and Posterior
Quadrant containing the appendix, small intestine and large intestine.
RLQ
Lying face up.
Lying face down.
Blue discoloration of the skin
Cyanosis
Tip of a structure
Apex
Closest to the midline.
Farthest from the midline.
Medial and Lateral
Quadrant containing the gallbladder, liver, large intestine and part of the stomach.
RUQ
A patient sitting upright
Fowlers position
White blood cells that fight infection
leukocytes
Activities of Daily Living
ADLs
Closest to the feet.
Superior and Inferior
Quadrant containing the stomach, spleen, pancreas and part of the liver.
LUQ
Patient sitting up with the back of the stretcher at a 45 degree angle
Semi-Fowlers Position
Black, tarry stool typically caused by upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Melena
BLS
ALS
Basic Life Support
Advanced Life Support
Farthest from the surface of the skin.
Closest to the surface of the skin.
Deep and Superficial
Term for a structure on each side of the midline.
Bilateral
Position with patient upright with stretcher at a 90 degree angle
High-Fowlers Position
Red blood cells that contain hemoglobin to carry oxygen
Erythrocyte
ASA
NTG
Aspirin
Nitroglycerin
Closest to the point of attachment.
Furthest to the point of attachment.
Proximal and Distal
Term for a structure that is only on one side of the body.
Position with the patient on one side, arm extended above the head and knee resting on the ground. Usually for patients who are likely to vomit.
Recovery position
Inflammation of the liver causing yellow-orange pigmentation of the liver
cirrhosis
IM
IO
IV
IN
intramuscular
intraosseous
intravenous
intranasal