ch. 06 key terms
abdomen
the part of the body containing the stomach, intestines, and other organs.
acute
a sudden and severe onset of symptoms or illness
electrocardiogram
(EKG, ECG) a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart
palliative care
specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses that focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF):
condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs
benign
refers to a tumor or growth that is not cancerous and does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body
anesthesia
loss of sensation or feeling, usually achieved through medication
embolism
blockage in a blood vessel, usually caused by a blood clot or other debris
prophylaxis
a preventative treatment used to protect against a particular disease or infection
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort
prognosis
the most likely outcome of a disease or condition based on medical treatment and other factors
antiocoagulant
a medication that prevents blood clots
hemoglobin
a protein in RBC that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
a severe lung condition that can occur in response to injury or infection
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
a microscopic infectious agent that can replicate only inside a host cell and cause various diseases
diastolic
the lower number in a BP reading that indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting
ischemia
a lack of blood flow to an area of the body, usually caused by a blockage in a blood vessel
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
class of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels
Malaria
a parasite disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes
x-ray
a medical test that uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of internal body structures
systolic
the higher number in a BP reading that indicates the pressure of the arteries when the heart is contracting.
myocardial infarction
(MI) commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA or stroke)
a disruption in blood flow to the brain that can cause damage to brain tissue
Ulcerative Colitis
a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon