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

Glossary 262

spinal cord The cord-like extension of the central nervous system encased within the bones of the spinal column, running from the base of the brain to the mid-lumbar spine. spine The column of bony vertebrae extending from the base of the skull to the pelvis. Includes the bones, ligaments, cartilage, and spinal cord. spine assessment A systematic examination of the spinal column and spinal cord function look- ing for evidence of injury. Also called Focused Spine Assessment. static rope A rope with very limited stretch. Often used in rescue work. In contrast to a dynamic rope that can stretch and absorb shock-loading. stethoscope An instrument used to transmit body sounds directly to the ears of the examiner via rubber tubes. STOPEATS A mnemonic used to summarize the various factors that can affect brain function: Sugar, Temperature, Oxygen, Pressure, Electricity, Altitude, Toxins, Salts. stridor Stuttering, raspy, or coarse wheezing sound heard on inspiration. Caused by partial obstruction of the upper airway. stroke Localized brain ischemia, typically caused by a clot or bleed, that results in partial loss of brain function. Capable of causing elevated intra- cranial pressure. subacute hypothermia A slow-onset hypother- mia in which glycogen stores and blood glucose are depleted and the patient becomes dehydrated. Subjective (S) The part of the SOAP note describ- ing what was learned from the scene, bystanders, and the patient history. sublingual Under the tongue. Usually refers to a route of medication administration such as a sublingual tablet of nitroglycerine or morphine.

submersion Occurs when somebody goes under water. survey A systematic examination of the scene or patient. swelling Abnormal fluid accumulation in body tissues due to bleeding or edema. symptomatic treatment Therapy that relieves symptoms but does not necessarily treat the cause. Symptoms (SX) Conditions described by the patient, e.g., pain on swallowing. synovial fluid Joint fluid, lubrication inside a joint. systemic Involving the entire body such as a sys- temic infection or systemic allergy. systemic toxins Toxins that affect the body as a whole. systolic blood pressure The pressure within the circulatory system generated by contraction of the heart. tamponade Bleeding within a confined space such that blood loss stops when the space if full. tendon Fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone. tetanus Nervous system spasm and paralysis cause by the toxin released by Clostridium tetani bacteria. Also called lock jaw. thorax The chest or chest cavity. tissue toxins Toxins that destroy body cells, caus- ing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Also called hemotoxins. tourniquet A constricting band used to prevent or restrict the flow of blood to an extremity.