Etimologías para las ciencias de la salud 5

Introduction to Medical Terminology

Overview of Medical Acronyms and Terms

• The course "Etimologías para las ciencias de la salud" introduces medical terminology, starting with acronyms like ABC, which stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. This protocol is crucial for quickly identifying and addressing life-threatening emergencies.

• ACS refers to Advanced Cardiac Life Support, a standardized set of techniques used in severe cardiovascular emergencies such as cardiac arrest to improve patient survival rates.

• EVB stands for Basic Life Support, which encompasses techniques to manage medical emergencies like cardiac arrests or respiratory issues until professional help arrives.

• ABA means Advanced Life Support; it involves advanced techniques requiring highly trained medical personnel and specialized equipment for critical situations like cardiac arrest or severe trauma.

• TE denotes pelvic floor disorders affecting muscles and connective tissues that support pelvic organs. Weakness or damage can lead to conditions such as urinary incontinence or chronic pelvic pain.

Surgical Procedures and Diagnostic Techniques

Understanding Common Medical Procedures

• Bypass (from English "bypass") is a surgical procedure creating an alternative route for bodily fluids like blood, avoiding obstructions or damaged areas.

• DX signifies diagnosis—the process by which healthcare professionals identify the nature of a disease based on clinical history, symptoms, and test results.

• EEG (electroencephalogram) records brain electrical activity through electrodes on the scalp. It helps diagnose neurological conditions by graphing this activity as waves.

• EKG (electrocardiogram) measures heart's electrical activity. It is essential for diagnosing heart-related issues.

Vital Signs and Imaging Techniques

Key Indicators of Health

• FC represents heart rate—the number of heartbeats per minute—an important indicator of cardiovascular health influenced by age and physical activity levels.

• FR indicates respiratory rate—the number of breaths taken per minute—considered a vital sign that aids in assessing health status, especially regarding respiratory diseases.

• FX stands for fracture—a break in a bone caused by trauma or certain diseases weakening bones. Fractures are common injuries requiring medical attention.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Diagnostic Imaging Methods

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of body organs and tissues for diagnostic purposes.

• RX refers to X-ray imaging—a technique using electromagnetic radiation to visualize internal structures primarily focusing on bones.

Emergency Medical Services

Role of Emergency Response Systems

• SAMU stands for emergency medical care system providing pre-hospital care during urgent situations while coordinating responses effectively before transferring patients if necessary.

• T signifies blood pressure—an essential measure indicating the force exerted by circulating blood against artery walls; it's crucial for assessing cardiovascular health.

• TAC refers to computed tomography scan—a diagnostic tool utilizing X-rays combined with computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body.

Medical Terminology and Procedures Explained

Understanding Imaging Techniques

• Detailed internal body images, known as cuts, allow physicians to visualize organs, bones, and soft tissues in various planes. This aids in diagnosing diseases and planning treatments.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• TCE stands for "traumatismo craneiofálico," which refers to injuries of the skull, scalp, or brain caused by external forces. These injuries can range from mild to severe and are often classified based on the Classgo GO scale that assesses patient consciousness levels.

Treatment Interventions

• The abbreviation TX denotes treatment or therapy, encompassing a range of medical interventions aimed at curing, alleviating, or preventing diseases or conditions in patients.

Nursing Care Essentials

• CGE represents "cuidados generales de enfermería," referring to nursing actions and attentions necessary for maintaining or restoring patient health. This includes observation, evaluation, treatment, and emotional support.

Vital Signs Monitoring

• SVT stands for "signos vitales por turno," indicating the periodic measurement and recording of vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure during each medical care shift (typically every 6 to 12 hours).

Urgent Medical Actions

• SAT is derived from the Latin word "stat," meaning immediate urgency. It signals that an action—like administering medication or conducting tests—must be performed as quickly as possible (usually within 30 minutes), indicating a critical situation requiring priority attention.

Medication Administration Routes

• VO signifies "vía oral," indicating that prescribed medication should be taken orally. IV refers to intravenous administration but was not fully detailed in this segment.