|
 |
 |
 | Glossary of Trauma Terms H - Z
What is A...?
Hypertension
- High blood pressure.
Hypotension
- Low blood pressure.
Intercranial Pressure Line (ICP)
- Small catheter, put into special areas of the brain that measures pressure inside the skull.
Intravenous Puncture
- A very small tube (catheter) put into a vein so that fluids and medicines can be given into the bloodstream.
Intubate
- Passage of a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea to ensure adequate delivery of oxygen.
Lumbar Puncture (LP)
- Spinal tap. Placing a hollow needle into a space in the lumbar portion (lower portion) of the spinal canal.
Nasogastic Tube (NG)
- A tube that goes through the nose or mouth down into the stomach so that stomach fluids and air can be removed. Liquid medicines and liquid food formulas can be given through the tube.
Neurological
- Having to do with the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
NPO
- Nothing by mouth.
Paralysis
- Unable to move a group of muscles.
Pneumo Boots
- Large plastic stockings that inflate and deflate in a cycle. These boots help to prevent blood clots from forming in the deep veins of the legs.
Pneumonia
- Lung infection, often caused by bacteria (germs) inside the lungs. Characteristics of pneumonia are servere chills, a high fever, headache, cough with phlegm, and chest pain.
Post-Concussive Syndrome
- Group of symptoms that occur after a blow to the head. Symptoms can be vague and persist for days or months. These may include headache, dizziness, change in emotion, memory, thinking and personality.
Pulmonary
- Having to do with the lungs and breathing.
Reflex
- The way the body reacts to light, noise or touch which the person cannot control.
Rehabilitation
- Process of restoring a person to the best possible level of functioning after a disabling event.
Respirator/Ventilator
- A machine that helps the patient breath (Ventilator, Breathing Machine).
Seizure
- Jerky movements that a person cannot control.
Septic/Sepsis
- Infection due to germs in patient's blood.
Spasm/Spasticity
- State of continuous muscle contraction that the person cannot control.
Splint
- Metal or plaster brace to position a body part.
TEDS
- Elastic stockings applied to the legs to help prevent clots from forming in the deep veins of the legs.
Tracheotomy Tube (Trach)
- A tube that goes through a hole made in the front of the neck, into the windpipe (trachea). This tube is used for the same reason as the Endotracheal tube (ET tube). The patient cannot talk with this tube in place.
Traction
- Heavy weights that help pull the ends of broken bones together in a straight normal position. Traction is used until the broken bone is repaired with a cast or an operation.
Ventilator
- A machine that helps the patient breathe (Breathing Machine, Respirator).
Vital Signs
- Measurement of blood pressure, heart rate (pulse), breathing and temperature.
 Back to top
| |
