Question 1

Abdomen

Accepted Answer

The part of the body containing the digestive organs; the belly.

Question 2

Abnormal electrical rhythm

Accepted Answer

Also called “arrhythmia” - when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats don't work properly. The faulty signaling causes the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or irregularly.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Question 3

Abortion

Accepted Answer

A process to end a pregnancy, using medicine and/or surgery.

Source: Medline Plus

Question 4

Abortion services

Accepted Answer

Services to assist to end a pregnancy which can be done either through medication or a procedure to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.

Question 5

Admission/Admit

Accepted Answer

The act or process of allowing someone to enter a hospital for a period typically 24hrs or longer to receive medical care.

Source: Cambridge Dictionary

Question 6

Adoption

Accepted Answer

A process whereby a person assumes the parenting of another, usually a child, from that person's biological or legal parent or parents. Legal adoptions permanently transfer all rights and responsibilities, along with filiation, from the biological parents to the adoptive parents.

Question 7

Aftercare

Accepted Answer

The care and treatment of a person after an operation, delivery, or convalescence from an illness.

Source: Medical Dictionary

Question 8

Agender

Accepted Answer

Denoting or relating to a person who does not identify as having a gender.

Question 9

Aggressive interventions

Accepted Answer

Usually refers to things like intensive care unit [ICU] admission, ventilator, cardiac catheterization, pulmonary artery monitor, and dialysis, but can also refer to repeated hospitalization or major surgery when a person is already near the ed of their life.

Question 10

Ambient temperature

Accepted Answer

The temperature that exists in a given environment.

Question 11

Anti-choking training

Accepted Answer

Training, inclusive of abdominal thrusts, used to prevent choking often provided as part of first aid.

Question 12

Anxiety

Accepted Answer

A feeling of worry and fear along with muscle tension. Anxiety may be considered normal in some instances such as public speaking or before making important decisions. Anxiety may become a disorder when it prevents one’s ability to function normally.

Source: Psychiatry.org

Question 13

Aromantic

Accepted Answer

Lack of romantic attraction to others; low or absent desire for romantic activity.

Question 14

Aromanticism

Accepted Answer

Defined as having little or no romantic feeling towards others: experiencing little or no romantic desire or attraction.

Question 15

Arterial line

Accepted Answer

An arterial line is a thin, flexible tube that is placed into an artery, commonly in the wrist or the groin. It helps your doctors and nurses check your blood pressure and take blood samples. It is used in operating rooms and intensive care units (ICUs). You may hear it called an "art-line" or "A-line."

Source: My Health

Question 16

Artificial nutrition

Accepted Answer

Refers to nutrient supplements other than food (whole or blended) that are given to a person through a tube that goes into their stomach or intestines, but can also refer to nutrients that are given directly into the blood stream.

Question 17

Asexual

Accepted Answer

Lack of sexual attraction to others, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity. It may be considered a sexual orientation or the lack thereof. It may also be categorized more widely, to include a broad spectrum of asexual sub-identities.

Question 18

Asexuality

Accepted Answer

The lack of sexual attraction to others, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity. It may also be categorized more widely to include a broad spectrum of asexual sub-identities. Asexuality is distinct from abstention from sexual activity and from celibacy.

Question 19

Aspiration

Accepted Answer

When something enters your airway or lungs by accident. It may be food, liquid, or some other material.

Source: Cedars Sinai

Question 20

Assessments

Accepted Answer

Gathering information concerning a hospitalized person’s individual physiological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual needs. It is the first step in the successful evaluation of a person requiring health care.

Source: NCBI

Question 21

Autopsy

Accepted Answer

A scientific examination of a person’s remains to document the state of all the body’s organs after death; often performed to help determine the cause of death or any contributing factors; requires opening all of the body’s cavities to exam the internal organs.

Question 22

Benzodiazepines

Accepted Answer

Class of depressant drugs prescribed to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures, can also be used for sedation in the ICU, and as part of anesthesia for surgery.

Source

Question 23

Birth defect

Accepted Answer

An abnormal body structure or function that develops before a baby is born. A birth defect is also called a Congenital Disorder or Congenital Abnormality.

Source

Question 24

Bisexual

Accepted Answer

Is a romantic or sexual attraction or behavior toward both males and females, to more than one gender, or to both people of the same gender and different genders.

Question 25

Bisexuality

Accepted Answer

A pattern of attraction toward both males and females, or to more than one sex or gender. A bisexual identity does not necessarily equate to equal sexual attraction to both sexes; commonly, people who have a distinct but not exclusive sexual preference for one sex over the other also identify themselves as bisexual.

Question 26

Bladder

Accepted Answer

Located in the lower abdomen, the bladder is a hollow organ, much like a balloon, that stores urine, until you’re able to go to the bathroom.

Source

Question 27

Blood clot

Accepted Answer

A semi-solid mass of blood cells and other substances that form in your blood vessels. Blood clots protect you from bleeding too much if you’re injured or have surgery. However, you may develop blood clots for other reasons, such as having certain medical conditions. When that happens, blood clots may cause symptoms and can be life-threatening.

Source

Question 28

Blood draw

Accepted Answer

Removal of a small sample of blood (typically less than a quarter of a cup) in order to test the levels of different components in the blood necessary to keep you healthy; sometimes this is done through an existing IV, sometimes it requires a separate needle to access your vein to get the sample.

Question 29

Blood pressure

Accepted Answer

The fluid pressure generated by the heart squeezing blood into your arteries, making blood flow continuously in a forward direction through the arteries in your body, thereby delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs. It is normal for your blood pressure to vary throughout the day and with activity.

Question 30

Blood products

Accepted Answer

Transfusable substances derived from human blood such as whole blood, red blood cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate.

Source

Question 31

Blood sample

Accepted Answer

A small amount of blood taken from a person for testing.

Question 32

Blood transfusion

Accepted Answer

Giving blood or blood products to a person through an IV catheter, typically to replace cells or substances that are missing or inadequate in the person receiving the transfusion.

Question 33

Breastfeeding

Accepted Answer

The process of feeding a mother's breast milk to her infant, either directly from the breast or by expressing (pumping out) the milk from the breast and bottle-feeding it to the infant.

Question 34

Breathing tube

Accepted Answer

The plastic tube used for intubation; can also refer to a tracheostomy; the piece of tubing that connects a person’s respiratory system to a mechanical ventilator.

Question 35

Central line

Accepted Answer

Also a central venous catheter; a catheter placed into a large vein as a form of venous access. Placement of larger catheters in more centrally located veins is often needed in critically ill people, or in those requiring prolonged treatment. These catheters are commonly placed in veins in the neck (internal jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein or axillary vein), groin (femoral vein), or through veins in the arms (also known as a PICC line, or peripherally inserted central catheters).

Source

Question 36

Chaplain services

Accepted Answer

services performed by a certified clergy member who provides spiritual care for individuals in a non-religious organization, rather than a church congregation. Chaplains can work in healthcare, hospice, or government facilities.

Chaplains are spiritual and pastoral counselors who work with people and their families to access spiritual strength and resources. Chaplains offer care and support when people and their families search for meaning in the midst of illness and hospitalization.

Question 37

Child abuse resources

Accepted Answer

Resources to assist with any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or "An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm."

This definition of child abuse and neglect refers to parents and other caregivers. A "child" under this definition means a person who is younger than age 18 or who is not an emancipated minor. Federal law has created guidance. State or territory laws have further delineation.

Question 38

Childbirth classes

Accepted Answer

Designed to help women access accurate and up to date information about childbirth and make informed decisions about their care. Exposure to evidence-based information about maternity care practices should assist women to make informed decisions that are based on that evidence.

Their purpose is to reduce fear of the unknown and let couples focus on the joy of the birth experience. Though you can't 'control' birth, taking classes will help you feel prepared and supported to make your treasured memories of the birth experience.

Question 39

Chronic disease

Accepted Answer

Conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both.

Source

Question 40

Chronic illness

Accepted Answer

A chronic illness is a long-term health condition that may not have a cure. Examples of chronic illnesses are: Alzheimer disease and dementia, arthritis, asthma, cancer, COPD, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, endometriosis, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), HIV/AIDS, migraine, mood disorders (bipolar, cyclothymic, and depression), multiple sclerosis, narcolepsy, Parkinson disease.

Source

Question 41

Circumcision

Accepted Answer

The surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis; this is fairly common for newborn boys in certain parts of the world, including the United States; for some families, circumcision is a religious ritual, but can also be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care.

Source

Question 42

Claustrophobia

Accepted Answer

An extreme fear of enclosed spaces that prevents one’s ability to function or perform daily activities.

Source

Question 43

Clergy

Accepted Answer

The group of religious officials (as priests, ministers, or rabbis) specially prepared and authorized to conduct religious services.

Question 44

Clinical ethicist

Accepted Answer

Also called a medical ethicist. A consultant who assesses the use of ethics in health care settings, such as hospitals and private medical practices. Their role is often to aid in understanding and communication between health care providers and people seeking care in the health care system.

Source

Question 45

Cognitive and behavioral differences

Accepted Answer

Cognitive refers to intellect: people with cognitive differences often take longer to complete academic tasks than people with typical cognitive function and can have difficulty focusing.

Behavioral refers to how a person acts, due to their emotions; in this case differences refers to people whose actions may be harmful to themselves or people around them without support or assistance.

Question 46

Colostomy

Accepted Answer

A surgical operation in which a piece of the colon (large intestine) is diverted to an artificial opening in the abdominal wall so as to bypass a damaged part of the colon and allow solid waste to leave the body.

Source

Question 47

Common gender

Accepted Answer

It denotes either a male or female sex.

Question 48

Common law

Accepted Answer

Also known as case law, is a body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts. Here it refers to two people who are seen as married by their state or jurisdiction without having been formally married to each other.

Question 49

Community decision-making

Accepted Answer

Based in the basic belief and value that every community has strengths, and every community has problems and concerns. The people within each community have the ability to solve their own problems and achieve their own goals.

Question 50

Complication

Accepted Answer

An unfavorable result of a disease, health condition, or treatment that generally involves a worsening of the disease or the development of new signs, symptoms, or negative changes that may become widespread throughout the body and affect additional organ systems.

Source

Question 51

Cord blood

Accepted Answer

The blood from the baby that is left in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth; it contains special cells called stem cells that can be used to treat some types of diseases.

Source

Question 52

CPR

Accepted Answer

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; using a carefully timed combination of rescue breathing and compressing the chest to support oxygen and blood flow in a person whose heart has stopped.

Question 53

Critical illness

Accepted Answer

A term coined by health insurers to describe a handful of the most common health situations that result in prolonged hospitalization or ICU care. “Critical-illness plans often cover diseases like cancer, organ transplant, heart attack, stroke, renal failure, and paralysis, among others. There is no coverage if you're diagnosed with a disease that isn't on the specific list for your plan, and the list of covered illnesses varies from one plan to another.”

Source

Question 54

Cultural traditions

Accepted Answer

Defined as the practices, beliefs, customs, and habits that are passed down from generation to generation within a particular society. These are practices of a specific group for an extended time that become the common habits and identity of these people.

Question 55

Culture

Accepted Answer

An umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior, institutions, and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups. Culture is often originated from or attributed to a specific region or location.

It can include the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group. also: the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time.

Question 56

Death Doula

Accepted Answer

Also End-of-Life Doula; a person who provides companionship, comfort, and guidance to those facing a terminal illness or death, and offers resources to help the dying person, along with their family and loved ones, make informed decisions in a supportive environment.

Source

Question 57

Decision-maker

Accepted Answer

The person or group of individuals who is responsible for making strategically important decisions based on a number of variables, including time constraints, resources available, the amount and type of information available and the number of stakeholders involved.

Question 58

Defibrillation

Accepted Answer

Administering a controlled electric shock to the chest in order to allow restoration of the normal heart rhythm.

Source

Question 59

Depression

Accepted Answer

A medical illness that causes feelings of sadness, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, and can decrease one’s ability to function at work and at home.

Source

Question 60

Diabetes

Accepted Answer

A condition that occurs when glucose (blood sugar) rises too high. Diabetes results from the body not making enough insulin or being unable to use insulin properly. Over a long period of time untreated diabetes leads to kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, and death.

Source

Question 61

Dialysis

Accepted Answer

This is a general term referring to several processes of balancing the body’s normal chemistry and removing toxins from the blood. Usually the kidneys do this job, but when they stop working, either temporarily or permanently, there are devices that can clean the blood and balance the body’s chemistry.

Hemodialysis is the process of removing blood from the body and running it through a machine that works like a kidney (cleans/balances) and then returns the blood back into the body through IV tubes.

Peritoneal dialysis is a process where the abdomen is filled with fluid through a surgically implanted tube. The fluid works slowly to absorb toxins and balance the body’s chemistry, and after a period of time (6 to 8 hours) is drained back out of the abdomen.

Any of these processes must be repeated every one to two days until either a person’s kidneys start working again or a new kidney is surgically implanted. Without working kidneys or dialysis toxins build up, usually resulting in death within two weeks.

Question 62

Diarrhea

Accepted Answer

When your stools are loose and watery. You may also need to go to the bathroom more often. Short-term (acute) diarrhea lasts 1 or 2 days. Long-term (chronic) diarrhea lasts several weeks.

Source

Question 63

Discharged

Accepted Answer

Describes the point at which inpatient hospital care ends, with ongoing care transferred to other primary, community or home environments. Generally, it is not an end point, but rather one of multiple transitions within a person’s care journey.

Source

Question 64

Disease

Accepted Answer

A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that has a known cause and a distinctive group of symptoms, signs, or anatomical changes.

Source

Medical Terminology

Frequently asked questions

Abdomen

Abnormal electrical rhythm

Abortion

Abortion services

Admission/Admit

Adoption

Aftercare

Agender

Aggressive interventions

Ambient temperature

Anti-choking training

Anxiety

Aromantic

Aromanticism

Arterial line

Artificial nutrition

Asexual

Asexuality

Aspiration

Assessments

Autopsy

Benzodiazepines

Birth defect

Bisexual

Bisexuality

Bladder

Blood clot

Blood draw

Blood pressure

Blood products

Blood sample

Blood transfusion

Breastfeeding

Breathing tube

Central line

Chaplain services

Child abuse resources

Childbirth classes

Chronic disease

Chronic illness

Circumcision

Claustrophobia

Clergy

Clinical ethicist

Cognitive and behavioral differences

Colostomy

Common gender

Common law

Community decision-making

Complication

Cord blood

CPR

Critical illness

Cultural traditions

Culture

Death Doula

Decision-maker

Defibrillation

Depression

Diabetes

Dialysis

Diarrhea

Discharged

Disease

Doula

ECMO

End of life

End-of-life (Death) Doula (EOLDs) Services

End-stage

Episiotomy

Ethics consultation

Ethnicity

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS)

Extreme medical illness

Family traditions

Feeding tube

Feminine gender

Fluid