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

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Glossary

prophylaxis Treatment initiated to prevent a problem from developing. For example, prophy- lactic antibiotics to prevent infection in high-risk wounds. pulmonary edema Swelling of lung tissue result- ing in the collection of fluid in the alveoli. pulse oximeter Device that measures the per- centage of the hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen. rales Fine crackles. The noise produced by pul- monary edema. Sounds like crinkling cellophane or air being sucked through a wet sponge. red blood cells (RBC) Cells floating in the blood that contain hemoglobin. Primarily responsible for carrying oxygen. reduction The process of restoring a dislocated joint or deformed fracture to its normal anatomi- cal position. respiratory arrest Absence of effective respira- tion. respiratory distress Difficulty breathing, but the respiratory system is still able to adequately oxygenate the blood to maintain brain function. The patient remains awake and responsive. Any mental status changes are mild or primarily due to ASR. respiratory failure Difficulty breathing where the respiratory system is not able to adequately oxygenate the blood to maintain brain function. The patient will have altered mental status or reduced level of consciousness. rhabdomyolysis A condition in which the break- down of damaged and ischemic muscle cells release myoglobin, enzymes, and electrolytes that can cause kidney failure. rhonchi Coarse crackles. The sound produced by mucous or fluid in the lower airways.

rule out (r/o) Used as a verb for the act of deter- mining that a condition or problem does not exist. seizure Uncoordinated electrical activity in the brain. sepsis Systemic infection. serum The liquid portion of the blood, as distin- guished from blood cells and platelets. sexually transmitted infection (STI) Infection transmitted from person to person by sexual activity. shell/core compensation Vasoconstriction in the skin and gut to shunt blood to vital body organs. Occurs as compensation for volume shock and cold response. shell/core effect A compensation mechanism seen in shock and cold response that reduces blood flow to the body shell to preserve perfu- sion and warmth in the vital organs of the core. Can also be reversed in core/shell effect. shock Inadequate perfusion pressure in the cir- culatory system, resulting in inadequate tissue oxygenation. signs Response elicited by examination, e.g., pain when the examiner touches an injured area (ten- derness). sinus Hollow spaces in the bones of the skull. sinusitis Inflammation of the membranous lining of the sinuses due to infection, allergy, or toxic exposure. Usually used in reference to infection. solid organs Liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and other organs without significant hollow space. spasm Involuntary contraction of muscle.