Wilderness and Rescue Medicine 8th Edition

Glossary 263

Assessment (A)The part of the SOAP note giving a succinct list of medical, logistical, and environ- mental problems associated with an ill or injured patient. Also called problem list or diagnosis. asthma A chronic inflammatory disease that can cause acute episodes of lower airway constriction and respiratory distress. ataxia Uncoordinated voluntary movement. automated external defibrillator (AED) A computerized device used by bystanders or medi- cal personnel that can analyze heart rhythm and recommend and deliver an appropriate corrective electric shock. AVPU A consciousness assessment tool that clas- sifies patients as Awake, responsive to Verbal stim- uli, responsive to Painful stimuli, or Unresponsive. basic life support (BLS) The generic process of supporting the functions of the circulatory, respi- ratory, and nervous systems using CPR, bleeding control, and spine stabilization. beta-agonist Drug that stimulates beta-adrener- gic receptors in body cells. This is used primarily to relax the smooth muscle lining the bronchial tubes in the treatment of asthma and other causes of lower airway constriction. Examples include albuterol, salmeterol, and metaproterenol. biphasic reaction Return of the symptoms of anaphylaxis after treatment caused by the contin- ued presence of the antigen, and the metabolism and excretion of the emergency medications. blood pressure cuff Also known as a sphygmo- manometer. Used for measuring blood pressure. brain failure Impaired brain function evidenced by altered mental status or reduced level of con- sciousness. May include inadequate nervous sys- tem control of other critical systems.

bronchi and bronchioles Tubes of the lower airway conducting air to the alveoli of the lungs. bronchoconstriction Narrowing of the bronchi and bronchioles, often due to bronchospasm. bronchospasm Contraction of the muscular walls of the bronchial tubes. capillaries The smallest blood vessels in body tissues where gases and nutrients are exchanged between tissue cells and the circulating blood. cardiac arrest Loss of effective heart activity. cardiogenic shock Shock due to inadequate pumping action of the heart. cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) A tech- nique for artificially circulating oxygenated blood in the absence of effective heart activity. Includes positive pressure ventilation (PPV) and chest compressions. carotid pulse The pulse felt on the side of the neck at the site of the carotid artery. cartilage Connective tissue on the ends of bones at joints that provides a smooth gliding surface. central nervous system (CNS) The brain and spinal cord. cervical spine The section of the spine in the neck between the base of the skull and the top of the thorax. chief complaint The problem or symptom that the patient is most concerned about. clotting factors Chemicals in the blood contrib- uting to the process of blood clotting. cold challenge The combined cooling influence of wind, humidity, and ambient temperature.