Wilderness and Rescue Medicine 7th Edition Jeffrey Isaac, PA-C and David E. Johnson, MD

Glossary 254

Glossary

abrasion Superficial wound that damages only the outermost layers of skins or cornea. abscess A localized infection isolated from the rest of the body by inflammation. acute hypothermia Condition in which the patient has become hypothermic quickly, typi- cally due to cold water immersion, resulting in less dehydration and less glycogen depletion. acute stress reaction (ASR) Autonomic nervous system-controlled response to any stress, physical or emotional, that can cause severe but tempo- rary and reversible changes in vital signs. ASR can mimic respiratory distress, shock, or brain failure. advanced life support (ALS) The emergency treatment of major critical system problems using medications and advanced procedures. afterdrop Condition in which the body core tem- perature continues to decrease even after rewarm- ing has begun. airway The passage for air exchange between the alveoli of the lungs and the outside. Most com- monly refers to the upper airway, including the nose, mouth, and trachea. alkalosis Abnormal drop in acidity of the blood. Can be caused by a decrease in carbon dioxide in the blood or by certain toxins. allergy The body’s exaggerated immune response to an internal or surface agent, causing the local or systemic release of the chemical histamine and other mediators producing local or systemic swelling, itching, and rash. altitude illness The constellation of symptoms produced by altitude adjustment, high altitude cerebral edema, and high-altitude pulmonary edema. Can be mild, moderate, or severe.

alveoli Membranous air sacks in the lungs where gas is exchanged with the blood. amnesia Loss of memory. anaphylaxis Severe systemic allergic reaction capable of causing generalized edema, vascular and volume shock, and respiratory distress sec- ondary to upper airway swelling and lower airway constriction. angina The pain of myocardial ischemia. Also called Angina pectoris. May be stable or unstable. antibiotic (ABX) A drug that selectively kills or interferes with the function or reproduction of bacteria. Anticipated problems (A ’ ) Problems that may develop over time because of injury, illness, or the environment. Part of the SOAP note under Assessment (A). antifungal A drug that selectively kills or inter- feres with the function or reproduction of patho- genic fungus. antiviral A drug that selectively kills or interferes with the function or reproduction of viruses. arrhythmia Abnormal heart rhythm. Also called a dysrhythmia . artery Vessel carrying blood from the heart to the capillary beds in body tissues. Arteries have mus- cular walls, the constriction of which contribute to maintaining perfusion pressure. Carries blood under high pressure. aspiration Inhaling foreign liquid or other mate- rial into the lungs.