NREMT-B VOCABULARY {VERIFIED}

Abortion - A spontaneous or elective termination of pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation Abrasion - An injury resulting from friction of the skin against an object. Results in the removal of the epidermis. Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) - A blanket term for a number of conditions affecting the heart in which the coronary arteries are narrowed or occluded by fat deposits (plaque), clots, or spasm Afterbirth - The placenta, membranes of the amniotic sac, part of the umbilical cord, and some tissues from the lining of the uterus that are delivered after the birth of the baby. Anterior - The front of the body or towards the front of the body Automaticity - The ability of the heart to generate and conduct electrical impulses on its own. Battery - An assault in which the assailant makes physical contact. Brachial Artery - Artery of the upper arm; the site of the the pulse checked during infant CPR Bradycardia - Abnormally slow heartbeat Bradypnea - Abnormally slow breathing Bronchi - The passages that branch from the trachea and direct air into the lungs Carpals - Bones in the wrist. Eight in each for a total of 16 Cervix - A muscular ring that separates the uterus and the vagina Closed Wound - A wound that results from a blow, force, or strain. The skin surface is not broken, but soft tissue is damaged, and internal injury and hemorrhage may occur. Compensated Shock - Early state of shock during which the body's compensatory mechanisms are able to maintain normal perfusion. Crush Injury - An injury caused when force is transmitted from the body's exterior to its internal structures. Bones can be broken; muscles, nerves, and tissues damaged; and internal organs ruptured, causing internal bleeding. Cyanosis - A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. Decompensated Shock - Occurs when the body can no longer compensate for low blood volume or lack of perfusion. Late signs such as decreasing blood pressure become evident. Defibrillation - 1) Application of an electric shock to the myocardium through the chest wall to restore normal cardiac rhythm; 2) Conversion of a dysrhythmia to a normal rhythm by applying electric shock to the chest Diagnosis - A decision made based on the information regarding the patients history and the results of a physical examination Dialysis - A procedure to remove waste products from the blood of patients whose kidneys no longer function Distention - A condition of being stretched, inflated, or larger than normal. Dorsal - Being or located near, on, or toward the back or posterior part of the human body Duty to Act - An obligation to provide care to a patient Dyspnea - Difficult or labored breathing; shortness of breath Epidermis - Outer layer of skin Ethical - Having to do with morals, values, right and wrong Exhalation (Expiration) - A passive process in which the intercostal (rib) muscles and the diaphragm relax, causing the chest cavity to decrease in size and air to flow out of the lungs. Expressed Consent - A type of consent in which a patient gives express authorization for provision of care or transport. Femur - A heavy, long bone that forms the leg above the knee; longest bone in the body Fibula - A long thin bone positioned laterally alongside the tibia in the lower leg; this bone bears no weight Fowler Position - A sitting position. Glucose - A simple sugar that acts as an energy source for cells. Hallucinogens - Drugs that create hallucinations or alter perceptions of the external environment and inner awareness. Hemorrhage - Excessive or profuse bleeding Hemorrhagic Shock - Severe bleeding or loss of body fluid. Blood pressure decreases, thus blood flow is reduced to cells, tissue, and organs. Hives - Eruption of itching and burning swellings on the skin Hyperglycemia - Abnormally high concentration of glucose in the blood Hypertension - Abnormally high blood pressure Hyperthermia - Abnormally high body temperature Hypoglycemia - Abnormally low blood sugar level Hypotension - Abnormally low blood pressure