Wilderness and Rescue Medicine 8th Edition

Glossary 269

poison Toxins that are encountered by surface contact, inhalation, or ingestion. There is no deliv- ery mechanism. polypro Slang for polypropylene clothing. positive mechanism of injury Any event that could cause injury or illness. post-concussive syndrome Signs and symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury, including headache, photophobia, nausea, sleep distur- bance, and dizziness. posturing Global extensor or flexor muscle con- traction resulting from severe brain injury. An indication of severe increased intracranial pres- sure. problem list (A) A succinct list of medical, logis- tical, and environmental problems associated with an ill or injured patient. Includes anticipated problems that may develop as a result of existing problems. Also called the assessment or diagnosis. prognosis The expected course or outcome of a medical problem. 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.