Directional Terms
Abdomen
Positions
Colors
Important Terms
100

The front surface of the body. 

The back surface of the body. 

Anterior and Posterior

100

Quadrant containing the appendix, small intestine and large intestine. 

RLQ

100

Lying face up.

Lying face down. 

Supine and prone
100

Blue discoloration of the skin

Cyanosis

100

Tip of a structure

Apex

200

Closest to the midline. 

Farthest from the midline. 

Medial and Lateral

200

Quadrant containing the gallbladder, liver, large intestine and part of the stomach. 

RUQ

200

A patient sitting upright

Fowlers position

200

White blood cells that fight infection

leukocytes

200

Activities of Daily Living

ADLs

300
Closest to the head. 

Closest to the feet. 

Superior and Inferior

300

Quadrant containing the stomach, spleen, pancreas and part of the liver. 

LUQ

300

Patient sitting up with the back of the stretcher at a 45 degree angle 

Semi-Fowlers Position

300

Black, tarry stool typically caused by upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Melena

300

BLS 

ALS

Basic Life Support

Advanced Life Support

400

Farthest from the surface of the skin. 

Closest to the surface of the skin. 

Deep and Superficial

400

Term for a structure on each side of the midline. 

Bilateral

400

Position with patient upright with stretcher at a 90 degree angle

High-Fowlers Position

400

Red blood cells that contain hemoglobin to carry oxygen

Erythrocyte

400

ASA

NTG

Aspirin

Nitroglycerin

500

Closest to the point of attachment. 

Furthest to the point of attachment. 

Proximal and Distal

500

Term for a structure that is only on one side of the body. 

Unilateral
500

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

500

Inflammation of the liver causing yellow-orange pigmentation of the liver

cirrhosis

500

IM

IO

IV

IN

intramuscular

intraosseous

intravenous

intranasal