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

Glossary 256

compartment syndrome Swelling within a con- fined body compartment, like the connective tis- sue compartments in the leg or inside the skull, that results in ischemia. compensated volume shock (CVS) Condition in which the body is successfully maintaining pressure adequate to perfuse vital organs despite low blood volume. Evidenced by the volume shock pattern in an awake and responsive patient. compensation Involuntary changes in body functions designed to maintain perfusion pres- sure and oxygenation of vital body tissues in the presence of injury or illness. concussion Brain injury. May be mild or severe. Also called head injury or traumatic brain injury . conjunctiva The membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner surfaces of the eye lids. conjunctivitis Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to irritation, infection, or injury. Most often used in reference to infection (pink eye). consciousness andmental status (C/MS) On of the six vital signs. C refers to level of conscious- ness while MS refers to mental status in an awake patient. contusion Bruise or blunt injury to bone or soft tissue. cornea The clear part of the eye over the iris and pupil. cornice An overhanging drift of snow formed as wind blows over a ridge or mountaintop. crepitus The feel or sound of bones or cartilage grating when moved. Typical at the site of an unstable fracture. Can also describe the feel or sound of subcutaneous air when palpated.

cyanosis The blue color seen in the lips and skin of a patient with poor tissue oxygenation. This is the color of de-oxygenated hemoglobin. debridement Wound cleaning, including remov- al of foreign material and devitalized tissue. decompensated shock Condition in which the body is unable to maintain adequate pressure to perfuse vital organs in the presence of low blood volume. Evidenced by the volume shock pattern in a patient with significantly altered mental status or reduced level of consciousness. debris field The pile of snow and debris at the bottom of an avalanche where a buried victim is most likely to be found. decompression sickness Hyperbaric injury caused by the accumulation of bubbles in the cir- culatory system as dissolved gasses are released fromblood and body tissues; also called the bends. definitive medical care Therapy that cures the disease or corrects the problem. dental abscess Infection at the base of a tooth. diagnosis (DX) The identification of a medical problem by name. May be generic or specific. diaphragm Muscle at the lower end of the chest cavity, which contracts to create a vacuum that draws air into the lungs. The diaphragm works with muscles of the chest wall, shoulders, neck to perform ventilation. diastolic blood pressure The standing pressure within the circulatory system remaining while the heart is between contractions. Documented as the second or lower number in blood pressure. differential diagnosis (D/DX) The list of pos- sible causes of a medical problem or symptom. discharge Fluid escaping from the site of infec- tion or inflammation. Also called exudate.