HCB 102 Patient Assessment
Airway - Passageway by which air enters and leaves the body.
Primary Assessment - A prehospital assessment that is the first step in the total assessment.
Rapid Trauma Assessment - A prehospital assessment that is a rapid assessment of the head, chest,
abdomen, pelvis, extremities and posterior of the body to detect signs and symptoms of injuries.
Reassessment - A prehospital assessment that is a procedure for detecting changes in a patient's
condition. Involves 4 steps: repeating the primary assessment, repeating and recording vital signs,
repeating physical exam and checking interventions.
Secondary Assessment - A prehospital assessment done after the scene safety and primary
assessment that includes patient history, review of systems, physical examinations and vital signs.
Blunt - (Force Trauma) injury caused by a blow that does not penetrate the skin or other body
tissues.
Breathing - Inhalation and exhalation of air or gaseous mixtures.
Chief Complaint - In medicine, the reason for the call (in EMS) or reason for their visit (in/out
patients) usually in their own words.
Circulation - The course of the blood from the heart through the arteries, capillaries, and veins back
again to the heart.
Cyanosis - Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by an excess of
deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood.
Continuum of Care - Concept involving an integrated system of care that guides and tracks patient
over time through a comprehensive array of health services spanning all levels of intensity care.
Airway - Passageway by which air enters and leaves the body.
Primary Assessment - A prehospital assessment that is the first step in the total assessment.
Rapid Trauma Assessment - A prehospital assessment that is a rapid assessment of the head, chest,
abdomen, pelvis, extremities and posterior of the body to detect signs and symptoms of injuries.
Reassessment - A prehospital assessment that is a procedure for detecting changes in a patient's
condition. Involves 4 steps: repeating the primary assessment, repeating and recording vital signs,
repeating physical exam and checking interventions.
Secondary Assessment - A prehospital assessment done after the scene safety and primary
assessment that includes patient history, review of systems, physical examinations and vital signs.
Blunt - (Force Trauma) injury caused by a blow that does not penetrate the skin or other body
tissues.
Breathing - Inhalation and exhalation of air or gaseous mixtures.
Chief Complaint - In medicine, the reason for the call (in EMS) or reason for their visit (in/out
patients) usually in their own words.
Circulation - The course of the blood from the heart through the arteries, capillaries, and veins back
again to the heart.
Cyanosis - Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by an excess of
deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood.
Continuum of Care - Concept involving an integrated system of care that guides and tracks patient
over time through a comprehensive array of health services spanning all levels of intensity care.
