# EMT & Paramedic Medical Terminology Study Guide
## 175+ Terms with Active Recall Exercises & NREMT-Style Quizzes

**Price:** $19 | **Format:** Markdown + PDF Workbook  
**Category:** EMS / Medical Education  
**Sections:** 8 + Exercises + Answer Keys + Bonus Materials  
**Design:** Navy blue + safety orange (#FF6B35) — professional EMS aesthetic

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> **📋 How to Use This Guide:** This isn't just a glossary. Each section contains a term table (study it), then exercises (test yourself), then a quiz (NREMT-style). Use the answer keys at the back only after you've tried every exercise. The NREMT cram sheet and prefix/suffix cheat sheet are designed for last-minute review before your exam.

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## 🩺 Section 1: Vital Signs & Assessment Terms (25 Terms)

| # | Term | Pronunciation | Definition | EMS Clinical Example |
|---|------|--------------|------------|----------------------|
| 1 | **Tachycardia** | tak-ih-KAR-dee-uh | Heart rate >100 bpm in adults | Your 68-year-old patient has a pulse of 132 — this tachycardia may indicate sepsis or dehydration. |
| 2 | **Bradycardia** | bray-dih-KAR-dee-uh | Heart rate <60 bpm in adults | The athlete's resting pulse of 48 is bradycardia — could be normal fitness or a heart block. |
| 3 | **Hypertension** | HY-per-ten-shun | Blood pressure consistently >130/80 mmHg | Your patient's BP of 178/104 indicates hypertension — ask about headache, vision changes, chest pain. |
| 4 | **Hypotension** | HY-po-ten-shun | Blood pressure <90/60 mmHg or symptomatic low BP | BP 82/50 in a trauma patient — hypotension suggests significant blood loss. |
| 5 | **Tachypnea** | tak-IP-nee-uh | Respiratory rate >20 breaths/min in adults | Respirations at 32/min — this tachypnea could be from anxiety, asthma, or pulmonary embolism. |
| 6 | **Bradypnea** | bray-DIP-nee-uh | Respiratory rate <12 breaths/min in adults | Opioid overdose patient breathing 6 times per minute — severe bradypnea requiring immediate intervention. |
| 7 | **Afebrile** | ay-FEB-ril | Without fever; normal body temperature | Patient reports feeling sick but temp is 98.6°F — they are afebrile. |
| 8 | **Diaphoretic** | dy-uh-foh-RET-ik | Profusely sweating | The MI patient is pale and diaphoretic — classic cardiac presentation. |
| 9 | **Pallor** | PAL-or | Pale or ashen skin color | Patient's facial pallor suggests poor perfusion — check for internal bleeding. |
| 10 | **Cyanosis** | sy-uh-NOH-sis | Bluish discoloration of skin/mucous membranes from hypoxia | Peripheral cyanosis in the fingertips — pulse ox reads 84%. |
| 11 | **Jaundice** | JAWN-dis | Yellowing of skin and sclera from elevated bilirubin | The patient's yellow eyes suggest jaundice — possible liver failure or hepatitis. |
| 12 | **Capillary Refill** | KAP-ih-lair-ee REE-fill | Time for color to return to blanched nail bed; normal <2 seconds | Capillary refill is 4 seconds — indicates poor peripheral perfusion. |
| 13 | **Pulse Oximetry** | puls ok-SIM-ih-tree | Non-invasive measurement of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) | SpO2 reads 89% on room air — administer oxygen to target >94%. |
| 14 | **Auscultation** | aws-kul-TAY-shun | Listening to body sounds with a stethoscope | Auscultation reveals crackles in the lung bases — consistent with pulmonary edema. |
| 15 | **Palpation** | pal-PAY-shun | Examining by touch | Palpation of the abdomen reveals rigidity — possible acute abdomen. |
| 16 | **Systolic BP** | sis-TOL-ik | Pressure in arteries during heart contraction (top number) | Systolic BP of 160 — the heart is working hard against resistance. |
| 17 | **Diastolic BP** | dy-uh-STOL-ik | Pressure in arteries during heart relaxation (bottom number) | Diastolic BP of 100 — vessels are constricted between beats. |
| 18 | **GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale)** | GLAZ-go KOH-muh skayl | 3-15 scale assessing eye, verbal, and motor response | GCS of 8 (E2 V2 M4) — patient cannot protect airway, consider intubation. |
| 19 | **AVPU** | ay-vee-pee-YOU | Alert / Verbal / Pain / Unresponsive — rapid consciousness assessment | Patient responds only to painful stimuli — AVPU = P. |
| 20 | **SAMPLE History** | SAM-pul | Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past history/Last oral intake/Events prior | "SAMPLE: S — chest pain, A — penicillin, M — metformin & lisinopril, P — hypertension & diabetes, L — ate lunch at noon, E — pain started while mowing lawn." |
| 21 | **OPQRST** | oh-pee-cue-are-ess-TEE | Onset/Provocation/Quality/Radiation/Severity/Time — pain assessment mnemonic | "Q — the pain is crushing, R — it radiates to the left arm, S — patient rates it 8/10." |
| 22 | **DCAP-BTLS** | DEE-cap BEE-tee-ell-ESS | Deformities/Contusions/Abrasions/Punctures-Burns/Tenderness/Lacerations/Swelling — trauma assessment | DCAP-BTLS head-to-toe reveals deformity to left femur and tenderness in C-spine. |
| 23 | **Distal Pulses** | DIS-tul PUL-sez | Pulses checked farthest from the heart (radial, pedal, posterior tibial) | Absent distal pulses in the left foot — possible vascular injury from the femur fracture. |
| 24 | **Skin Turgor** | SKIN TUR-gor | Skin elasticity; assesses hydration status | Poor skin turgor — the skin 'tents' when pinched, suggesting dehydration. |
| 25 | **Orientation (AxO)** | or-ee-en-TAY-shun | Awareness of Person, Place, Time, and Event (AxO4 = fully oriented) | Patient is AxO3 — knows name and location but thinks it's 2019. |

### ✏️ Exercise A: Fill in the Blank

1. Heart rate >100 __________ in adults
   *Tachycardia*
2. Heart rate <60 __________ in adults
   *Bradycardia*
3. Blood pressure __________ >130/80 mmHg
   *Hypertension*
4. Blood pressure <90/60 mmHg __________ symptomatic low BP
   *Hypotension*
5. Respiratory rate >20 __________ in adults
   *Tachypnea*
6. Respiratory rate <12 __________ in adults
   *Bradypnea*
7. Without fever; __________ body temperature
   *Afebrile*
8. Profusely __________
   *Diaphoretic*
9. Pale or __________ skin color
   *Pallor*
10. Bluish discoloration of __________ membranes from hypoxia
   *Cyanosis*
11. Yellowing of skin and __________ from elevated bilirubin
   *Jaundice*
12. Time for color to return to __________ nail bed; normal <2 seconds
   *Capillary Refill*
13. Non-invasive measurement of __________ oxygen saturation (SpO2)
   *Pulse Oximetry*
14. Listening to body __________ with a stethoscope
   *Auscultation*
15. Examining by __________
   *Palpation*
16. Pressure in arteries during __________ contraction (top number)
   *Systolic BP*
17. Pressure in arteries during __________ relaxation (bottom number)
   *Diastolic BP*
18. 3-15 scale assessing eye, __________ and motor response
   *GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale)*
19. Alert / Verbal / Pain __________ Unresponsive — rapid consciousness assessment
   *AVPU*
20. Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past history/Last __________ intake/Events prior
   *SAMPLE History*
21. Onset/Provocation/Quality/Radiation/Severity/Time — __________ assessment mnemonic
   *OPQRST*
22. Deformities/Contusions/Abrasions/Punctures-Burns/Tenderness/Lacerations/Swelling — __________ assessment
   *DCAP-BTLS*
23. Pulses checked farthest from the __________ (radial, pedal, posterior tibial)
   *Distal Pulses*
24. Skin elasticity; __________ hydration status
   *Skin Turgor*
25. Awareness of Person, Place, Time, __________ Event (AxO4 = fully oriented)
   *Orientation (AxO)*

### 🔗 Exercise B: Matching

Match the term (left) to its definition (right).

| Term | Letter | Definition |
|------|--------|------------|
| **Tachycardia** | ___ | |
| **Bradycardia** | ___ | |
| **Hypertension** | ___ | |
| **Hypotension** | ___ | |
| **Tachypnea** | ___ | |
| **Bradypnea** | ___ | |
| **Afebrile** | ___ | |
| **Diaphoretic** | ___ | |
| **Pallor** | ___ | |
| **Cyanosis** | ___ | |

| Letter | Definition |
|--------|------------|
| A | Profusely sweating |
| B | Blood pressure <90/60 mmHg or symptomatic low BP |
| C | Blood pressure consistently >130/80 mmHg |
| D | Pale or ashen skin color |
| E | Respiratory rate <12 breaths/min in adults |
| F | Without fever; normal body temperature |
| G | Bluish discoloration of skin/mucous membranes from hypoxia |
| H | Respiratory rate >20 breaths/min in adults |
| I | Heart rate >100 bpm in adults |
| J | Heart rate <60 bpm in adults |

### 🚑 Exercise C: EMS Scenario

You arrive at a residence for a 72-year-old female with generalized weakness. Your assessment
reveals: HR 108, BP 86/54, RR 24, SpO2 91% on room air, temp 101.8°F, skin warm and diaphoretic,
capillary refill 4 seconds, GCS 14 (E4 V4 M6).  **Which 6 terms from this section apply to this
patient?** Write them below along with how they present in this patient.

### 📝 Exercise D: Section Quiz (NREMT-Style)

**1.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Tachycardia. What does the term **Tachycardia** mean?
   A) Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past history/Last oral intake/Events prior
   B) Heart rate >100 bpm in adults
   C) Examining by touch
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**2.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Bradycardia. What does the term **Bradycardia** mean?
   A) Blood pressure consistently >130/80 mmHg
   B) Heart rate <60 bpm in adults
   C) Heart rate >100 bpm in adults
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**3.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Hypertension. What does the term **Hypertension** mean?
   A) Blood pressure <90/60 mmHg or symptomatic low BP
   B) Blood pressure consistently >130/80 mmHg
   C) Profusely sweating
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**4.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Hypotension. What does the term **Hypotension** mean?
   A) Pale or ashen skin color
   B) Blood pressure <90/60 mmHg or symptomatic low BP
   C) 3-15 scale assessing eye, verbal, and motor response
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**5.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Tachypnea. What does the term **Tachypnea** mean?
   A) Onset/Provocation/Quality/Radiation/Severity/Time — pain assessment mnemonic
   B) Respiratory rate >20 breaths/min in adults
   C) Heart rate >100 bpm in adults
   D) Unrelated to this condition

---

## 🩺 Section 2: Cardiovascular & Respiratory (25 Terms)

| # | Term | Pronunciation | Definition | EMS Clinical Example |
|---|------|--------------|------------|----------------------|
| 1 | **Myocardial Infarction (MI)** | my-oh-KAR-dee-ul in-FARK-shun | Heart attack; death of heart muscle from blocked coronary artery | "Crushing chest pain radiating to left arm, diaphoretic, nauseous — classic MI presentation." |
| 2 | **Angina** | an-JY-nuh / AN-jih-nuh | Chest pain from reduced blood flow to heart muscle | Stable angina — pain comes with exertion, relieves with rest and nitro. |
| 3 | **Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)** | kon-JES-tiv hart FAYL-yer | Heart's pumping ability is impaired, causing fluid backup | CHF patient with pulmonary edema — crackles throughout, SpO2 86%, JVD present. |
| 4 | **Pulmonary Edema** | PUL-moh-nair-ee eh-DEE-muh | Fluid accumulation in lung tissue/alveoli | Pink frothy sputum with severe respiratory distress — flash pulmonary edema. |
| 5 | **STEMI** | STEM-ee | ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction — full-thickness heart attack | 12-lead shows ST elevation in leads II, III, aVF — inferior STEMI. |
| 6 | **Cardiac Arrest** | KAR-dee-ak uh-REST | Cessation of effective heart function; no pulse, unresponsive | Patient collapsed, unresponsive, no pulse, agonal breathing — begin CPR immediately. |
| 7 | **AED** | ay-ee-DEE | Automated External Defibrillator — analyzes rhythm, delivers shock if indicated | AED advises shock — clear the patient, everyone stand clear! |
| 8 | **Defibrillation** | dee-fib-rih-LAY-shun | Delivery of electrical shock to restore organized cardiac rhythm | Defibrillation at 200 joules — conversion from V-fib to sinus rhythm. |
| 9 | **Synchronized Cardioversion** | SIN-kro-nized KAR-dee-oh-ver-zhun | Timed electrical shock for unstable tachyarrhythmias with a pulse | Unstable A-fib at 160 bpm — prepare for synchronized cardioversion at 100J. |
| 10 | **CPR** | see-pee-AR | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation — chest compressions and ventilations | High-quality CPR: 100-120/min, 2 inches deep, full recoil, minimize interruptions. |
| 11 | **BVM** | bee-vee-EM | Bag-Valve-Mask — manual ventilation device | Patient is apneic — begin BVM ventilations at 1 breath every 6 seconds. |
| 12 | **Endotracheal Intubation** | en-doh-TRAY-kee-ul in-too-BAY-shun | Placement of a tube through the vocal cords into the trachea | Failed BVM ventilation — prepare for endotracheal intubation with direct laryngoscopy. |
| 13 | **Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)** | or-oh-fuh-RIN-jee-ul | Curved device inserted into mouth to maintain airway in unconscious patients | No gag reflex — insert OPA to prevent tongue from occluding airway. |
| 14 | **Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)** | nay-zoh-fuh-RIN-jee-ul | Soft tube inserted through nostril to maintain airway | Gag reflex present but can't maintain own airway — NPA is the right adjunct. |
| 15 | **Aspiration** | as-pih-RAY-shun | Inhalation of foreign material (vomit, blood, food) into airway | Patient vomited and is now coughing with decreased breath sounds — aspiration pneumonia risk. |
| 16 | **Pneumothorax** | noo-moh-THOR-aks | Air in the pleural space causing lung collapse | Absent breath sounds on right, tracheal deviation — tension pneumothorax. |
| 17 | **Hemothorax** | HEE-moh-THOR-aks | Blood in the pleural space | Blunt chest trauma, decreased breath sounds, dull to percussion — hemothorax. |
| 18 | **Pulmonary Embolism (PE)** | PUL-moh-nair-ee EM-boh-lizm | Blood clot that travels to the lungs | Sudden onset SOB, sharp chest pain, clear lung sounds, recent long flight — high suspicion for PE. |
| 19 | **COPD** | see-oh-pee-DEE | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease — includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis | COPD exacerbation — pursed-lip breathing, barrel chest, home O2 at 2L. |
| 20 | **Asthma** | AZ-muh | Reactive airway disease with bronchoconstriction and inflammation | Wheezing, accessory muscle use, prolonged expiration — acute asthma exacerbation. |
| 21 | **Anaphylaxis** | an-uh-fih-LAK-sis | Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction | Hives, facial swelling, stridor after bee sting — anaphylaxis. Epinephrine IM now. |
| 22 | **Stridor** | STRY-dor | High-pitched upper airway sound indicating partial obstruction | Inspiratory stridor after eating peanuts — airway emergency. |
| 23 | **Wheezing** | WEEZ-ing | High-pitched whistling sound from narrowed lower airways | Expiratory wheezing throughout all lung fields — bronchospasm. |
| 24 | **Rales/Crackles** | ralz / KRAK-ulz | Fine crackling sounds from fluid in alveoli | Bibasilar crackles — consistent with CHF/pulmonary edema. |
| 25 | **Pleural Rub** | PLOOR-ul rub | Grating sound from inflamed pleural surfaces | Pleuritic chest pain with a rub heard on auscultation — pleurisy. |

### ✏️ Exercise A: Fill in the Blank

1. Heart attack; death of heart __________ from blocked coronary artery
   *Myocardial Infarction (MI)*
2. Chest pain from reduced __________ flow to heart muscle
   *Angina*
3. Heart's pumping ability is __________ causing fluid backup
   *Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)*
4. Fluid accumulation __________ lung tissue/alveoli
   *Pulmonary Edema*
5. ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction __________ full-thickness heart attack
   *STEMI*
6. Cessation of effective heart __________ no pulse, unresponsive
   *Cardiac Arrest*
7. Automated External Defibrillator — analyzes __________ delivers shock if indicated
   *AED*
8. Delivery of electrical shock __________ restore organized cardiac rhythm
   *Defibrillation*
9. Timed electrical shock for __________ tachyarrhythmias with a pulse
   *Synchronized Cardioversion*
10. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation — __________ compressions and ventilations
   *CPR*
11. Bag-Valve-Mask — __________ ventilation device
   *BVM*
12. Placement of a tube through __________ vocal cords into the trachea
   *Endotracheal Intubation*
13. Curved device inserted into mouth __________ maintain airway in unconscious patients
   *Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)*
14. Soft tube inserted through __________ to maintain airway
   *Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)*
15. Inhalation of foreign material __________ blood, food) into airway
   *Aspiration*
16. Air in the pleural __________ causing lung collapse
   *Pneumothorax*
17. Blood in __________ pleural space
   *Hemothorax*
18. Blood clot that __________ to the lungs
   *Pulmonary Embolism (PE)*
19. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease — __________ emphysema and chronic bronchitis
   *COPD*
20. Reactive airway disease __________ bronchoconstriction and inflammation
   *Asthma*
21. Severe, life-threatening __________ reaction
   *Anaphylaxis*
22. High-pitched upper airway __________ indicating partial obstruction
   *Stridor*
23. High-pitched whistling sound __________ narrowed lower airways
   *Wheezing*
24. Fine crackling sounds __________ fluid in alveoli
   *Rales/Crackles*
25. Grating sound from __________ pleural surfaces
   *Pleural Rub*

### 🔗 Exercise B: Matching

Match the term (left) to its definition (right).

| Term | Letter | Definition |
|------|--------|------------|
| **Myocardial Infarction (MI)** | ___ | |
| **Angina** | ___ | |
| **Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)** | ___ | |
| **Pulmonary Edema** | ___ | |
| **STEMI** | ___ | |
| **Cardiac Arrest** | ___ | |
| **AED** | ___ | |
| **Defibrillation** | ___ | |
| **Synchronized Cardioversion** | ___ | |
| **CPR** | ___ | |

| Letter | Definition |
|--------|------------|
| A | Delivery of electrical shock to restore organized cardiac rhythm |
| B | Fluid accumulation in lung tissue/alveoli |
| C | Heart's pumping ability is impaired, causing fluid backup |
| D | Timed electrical shock for unstable tachyarrhythmias with a pulse |
| E | Cessation of effective heart function; no pulse, unresponsive |
| F | Automated External Defibrillator — analyzes rhythm, delivers shock if indicated |
| G | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation — chest compressions and ventilations |
| H | ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction — full-thickness heart attack |
| I | Heart attack; death of heart muscle from blocked coronary artery |
| J | Chest pain from reduced blood flow to heart muscle |

### 🚑 Exercise C: EMS Scenario

You respond to a 58-year-old male with sudden onset crushing chest pain radiating to his left arm.
He is diaphoretic and nauseous. Vitals: HR 118, BP 152/98, RR 22, SpO2 94%. Lung sounds: crackles in
the bases. 12-lead shows ST elevation in leads V1-V4.  **Which 8 terms from this section apply to
this patient?**

### 📝 Exercise D: Section Quiz (NREMT-Style)

**1.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Myocardial Infarction (MI). What does the term **Myocardial Infarction (MI)** mean?
   A) Reactive airway disease with bronchoconstriction and inflammation
   B) Heart attack; death of heart muscle from blocked coronary artery
   C) Inhalation of foreign material (vomit, blood, food) into airway
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**2.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Angina. What does the term **Angina** mean?
   A) Heart's pumping ability is impaired, causing fluid backup
   B) Chest pain from reduced blood flow to heart muscle
   C) Heart attack; death of heart muscle from blocked coronary artery
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**3.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). What does the term **Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)** mean?
   A) Fluid accumulation in lung tissue/alveoli
   B) Heart's pumping ability is impaired, causing fluid backup
   C) Delivery of electrical shock to restore organized cardiac rhythm
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**4.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Pulmonary Edema. What does the term **Pulmonary Edema** mean?
   A) Timed electrical shock for unstable tachyarrhythmias with a pulse
   B) Fluid accumulation in lung tissue/alveoli
   C) Blood clot that travels to the lungs
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**5.** A patient presents with signs consistent with STEMI. What does the term **STEMI** mean?
   A) Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction
   B) ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction — full-thickness heart attack
   C) Heart attack; death of heart muscle from blocked coronary artery
   D) Unrelated to this condition

---

## 🩺 Section 3: Trauma & Musculoskeletal (25 Terms)

| # | Term | Pronunciation | Definition | EMS Clinical Example |
|---|------|--------------|------------|----------------------|
| 1 | **Open Fracture** | OH-pen FRAK-chur | Broken bone that penetrates the skin | Open tibia-fibula fracture — visible bone, control bleeding, cover with sterile dressing, splint. |
| 2 | **Closed Fracture** | KLOHZD FRAK-chur | Broken bone that does not penetrate skin | Deformity and swelling of forearm without open wound — closed radius fracture. |
| 3 | **Comminuted Fracture** | KOM-ih-NOO-ted | Bone broken into multiple fragments | High-speed MVC — comminuted femur fracture visible on imaging. |
| 4 | **Greenstick Fracture** | GREEN-stik | Incomplete fracture with bone bending (common in children) | 6-year-old fell from monkey bars — greenstick fracture of the ulna. |
| 5 | **Dislocation** | dis-loh-KAY-shun | Displacement of a bone from its joint | Shoulder dislocation — arm held in abduction, loss of normal contour. |
| 6 | **Sprain** | sprayn | Ligament injury from stretching or tearing | Ankle inversion injury — swelling and tenderness over lateral ligaments = ankle sprain. |
| 7 | **Strain** | strayn | Muscle or tendon injury from overstretching | Back strain — pain worsened with movement, no neurologic deficits. |
| 8 | **Laceration** | las-er-AY-shun | Irregular tear in the skin | Deep forearm laceration from broken glass — control bleeding, assess distal neurovascular status. |
| 9 | **Avulsion** | uh-VUL-shun | Tissue torn away from its attachment | Partial ear avulsion from dog bite — preserve avulsed tissue in moist gauze. |
| 10 | **Amputation** | am-pyoo-TAY-shun | Complete severing of a body part | Traumatic finger amputation — control bleeding, wrap severed part in moist gauze, place on ice. |
| 11 | **Hemorrhage** | HEM-oh-rij | Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding | Arterial hemorrhage from leg wound — bright red, spurting blood. Apply direct pressure and tourniquet. |
| 12 | **Hypovolemic Shock** | hy-poh-voh-LEE-mik | Shock from inadequate circulating blood volume | Tachycardic, hypotensive, pale, cool — hypovolemic shock from 2L blood loss in femur fracture. |
| 13 | **Distributive Shock** | dis-TRIB-yoo-tiv | Shock from widespread vasodilation (septic, anaphylactic, neurogenic) | Warm, flushed skin with hypotension after anaphylaxis — distributive shock. |
| 14 | **Cardiogenic Shock** | kar-dee-oh-JEN-ik | Shock from heart's inability to pump adequately | Massive MI leading to cardiogenic shock — hypotension with pulmonary edema. |
| 15 | **Obstructive Shock** | ob-STRUK-tiv | Shock from physical obstruction to blood flow | Tension pneumothorax causing obstructive shock — tracheal deviation, distended neck veins. |
| 16 | **Triage** | tree-AHZH | Prioritizing patients by severity in mass casualty | START triage: red (immediate), yellow (delayed), green (walking wounded), black (deceased/expectant). |
| 17 | **MCI (Mass Casualty Incident)** | em-see-EYE | Event where resources are overwhelmed by number/severity of patients | Bus crash with 25 patients — declared MCI, triage officer activated. |
| 18 | **C-Collar** | SEE-kol-ar | Cervical collar — immobilizes the neck | Mechanism suggests possible C-spine injury — apply C-collar before moving patient. |
| 19 | **Backboard** | BAK-bord | Rigid board for full spinal immobilization | Log-roll patient onto backboard, secure straps in order per protocol. |
| 20 | **Splint** | splint | Device to immobilize an injured extremity | Splint the forearm fracture in position found, check distal pulses before and after. |
| 21 | **Tourniquet** | TUR-nih-ket | Constricting device to control life-threatening extremity hemorrhage | Uncontrolled arterial bleeding from arm — apply tourniquet 2-3 inches above wound, high and tight. |
| 22 | **Compartment Syndrome** | kom-PART-ment SIN-drohm | Increased pressure within a muscle compartment causing ischemia | Crush injury to calf — severe pain, tight compartment, pain with passive stretch. Surgical emergency. |
| 23 | **Crush Injury** | krush IN-juh-ree | Tissue damage from prolonged compression | Patient trapped under concrete for 4 hours — crush injury. Monitor for hyperkalemia and rhabdomyolysis on release. |
| 24 | **Flail Chest** | flayl chest | Multiple rib fractures creating an unstable chest wall segment | Paradoxical chest movement — segment sinks in during inspiration. Ventilatory support needed. |
| 25 | **Log Roll** | log rohl | Technique to turn patient while maintaining spinal alignment | Log roll patient with 4 rescuers — maintain inline stabilization throughout. |

### ✏️ Exercise A: Fill in the Blank

1. Broken bone that __________ the skin
   *Open Fracture*
2. Broken bone that __________ not penetrate skin
   *Closed Fracture*
3. Bone broken __________ multiple fragments
   *Comminuted Fracture*
4. Incomplete fracture with bone __________ (common in children)
   *Greenstick Fracture*
5. Displacement of a __________ from its joint
   *Dislocation*
6. Ligament injury from __________ or tearing
   *Sprain*
7. Muscle or tendon __________ from overstretching
   *Strain*
8. Irregular tear __________ the skin
   *Laceration*
9. Tissue torn away __________ its attachment
   *Avulsion*
10. Complete severing of __________ body part
   *Amputation*
11. Excessive or __________ bleeding
   *Hemorrhage*
12. Shock from inadequate __________ blood volume
   *Hypovolemic Shock*
13. Shock from widespread __________ (septic, anaphylactic, neurogenic)
   *Distributive Shock*
14. Shock from heart's __________ to pump adequately
   *Cardiogenic Shock*
15. Shock from physical __________ to blood flow
   *Obstructive Shock*
16. Prioritizing patients by __________ in mass casualty
   *Triage*
17. Event where resources are __________ by number/severity of patients
   *MCI (Mass Casualty Incident)*
18. Cervical collar — __________ the neck
   *C-Collar*
19. Rigid board for __________ spinal immobilization
   *Backboard*
20. Device to immobilize __________ injured extremity
   *Splint*
21. Constricting device to __________ life-threatening extremity hemorrhage
   *Tourniquet*
22. Increased pressure within a __________ compartment causing ischemia
   *Compartment Syndrome*
23. Tissue damage __________ prolonged compression
   *Crush Injury*
24. Multiple rib fractures creating __________ unstable chest wall segment
   *Flail Chest*
25. Technique to turn patient __________ maintaining spinal alignment
   *Log Roll*

### 🔗 Exercise B: Matching

Match the term (left) to its definition (right).

| Term | Letter | Definition |
|------|--------|------------|
| **Open Fracture** | ___ | |
| **Closed Fracture** | ___ | |
| **Comminuted Fracture** | ___ | |
| **Greenstick Fracture** | ___ | |
| **Dislocation** | ___ | |
| **Sprain** | ___ | |
| **Strain** | ___ | |
| **Laceration** | ___ | |
| **Avulsion** | ___ | |
| **Amputation** | ___ | |

| Letter | Definition |
|--------|------------|
| A | Irregular tear in the skin |
| B | Incomplete fracture with bone bending (common in children) |
| C | Bone broken into multiple fragments |
| D | Tissue torn away from its attachment |
| E | Ligament injury from stretching or tearing |
| F | Muscle or tendon injury from overstretching |
| G | Complete severing of a body part |
| H | Displacement of a bone from its joint |
| I | Broken bone that penetrates the skin |
| J | Broken bone that does not penetrate skin |

### 🚑 Exercise C: EMS Scenario

You are dispatched to a motorcycle vs. car collision. Patient is a 28-year-old male with obvious
deformity to the right thigh (bone visible), a large laceration to the forearm with active bleeding,
and paradoxical chest wall movement. HR 132, BP 88/60, RR 32 and shallow, skin pale and cool.
**Which 8 terms from this section apply to this patient?**

### 📝 Exercise D: Section Quiz (NREMT-Style)

**1.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Open Fracture. What does the term **Open Fracture** mean?
   A) Device to immobilize an injured extremity
   B) Broken bone that penetrates the skin
   C) Shock from physical obstruction to blood flow
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**2.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Closed Fracture. What does the term **Closed Fracture** mean?
   A) Bone broken into multiple fragments
   B) Broken bone that does not penetrate skin
   C) Broken bone that penetrates the skin
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**3.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Comminuted Fracture. What does the term **Comminuted Fracture** mean?
   A) Incomplete fracture with bone bending (common in children)
   B) Bone broken into multiple fragments
   C) Irregular tear in the skin
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**4.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Greenstick Fracture. What does the term **Greenstick Fracture** mean?
   A) Tissue torn away from its attachment
   B) Incomplete fracture with bone bending (common in children)
   C) Cervical collar — immobilizes the neck
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**5.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Dislocation. What does the term **Dislocation** mean?
   A) Constricting device to control life-threatening extremity hemorrhage
   B) Displacement of a bone from its joint
   C) Broken bone that penetrates the skin
   D) Unrelated to this condition

---

## 🩺 Section 4: Neurological (20 Terms)

| # | Term | Pronunciation | Definition | EMS Clinical Example |
|---|------|--------------|------------|----------------------|
| 1 | **CVA / Stroke** | see-vee-AY / strohk | Cerebrovascular Accident — interrupted blood supply to brain | Sudden facial droop, arm weakness, slurred speech — activate stroke protocol. Last known well: 45 minutes ago. |
| 2 | **TIA** | tee-eye-AY | Transient Ischemic Attack — 'mini-stroke' resolving within 24 hours | Symptoms resolved after 20 minutes — likely TIA, but still a stroke workup at ED. |
| 3 | **Tonic-Clonic Seizure** | TON-ik KLON-ik | Generalized seizure with stiffening (tonic) and jerking (clonic) phases | Patient seizing for 3 minutes — protect airway, time the seizure, prepare to administer midazolam if >5 min. |
| 4 | **Status Epilepticus** | STAT-us ep-ih-LEP-tih-kus | Seizure lasting >5 minutes or multiple seizures without regaining consciousness | Seizing for 8 minutes — status epilepticus. Administer benzodiazepine per protocol. |
| 5 | **Syncope** | SIN-koh-pee | Temporary loss of consciousness from inadequate cerebral blood flow (fainting) | Patient syncopized while standing in line — now awake, pale but hemodynamically stable. |
| 6 | **Concussion** | kon-KUSH-un | Mild traumatic brain injury from impact | Football player with helmet-to-helmet hit — headache, dizziness, amnesia to the hit. Suspect concussion. |
| 7 | **TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)** | tee-bee-EYE | Structural brain injury from external force | Unresponsive after MVC with head impact — unequal pupils, possible TBI with increased ICP. |
| 8 | **ICP (Intracranial Pressure)** | in-truh-KRAY-nee-ul | Pressure within the skull — elevated ICP is a life-threatening emergency | Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations) — late sign of increased ICP. |
| 9 | **Spinal Cord Injury** | SPY-nul kord | Damage to the spinal cord causing temporary or permanent loss of function | Loss of motor and sensory below T4 after diving accident — spinal cord injury, immobilize completely. |
| 10 | **Paraplegia** | par-uh-PLEE-jee-uh | Paralysis of lower extremities | Patient cannot move legs after MVC — paraplegia. Spinal precautions maintained. |
| 11 | **Quadriplegia** | kwod-rih-PLEE-jee-uh | Paralysis of all four extremities | High cervical injury causing quadriplegia — may need ventilatory support. |
| 12 | **Meningitis** | men-in-JY-tis | Inflammation of membranes covering brain and spinal cord | Fever, headache, stiff neck, photophobia — suspect meningitis. Use appropriate PPE. |
| 13 | **BEFAST** | BEE-fast | Balance/Eyes/Face/Arms/Speech/Time — stroke recognition tool | BEFAST: Balance off, Eyes (vision change), Facial droop, Arm weakness, Speech slurred — Time to call. |
| 14 | **Decorticate Posturing** | dee-KOR-tih-kayt | Abnormal flexion posturing — arms flexed toward core, legs extended | Patient posturing with arms flexed and legs extended — decorticate. Indicates severe brain injury. |
| 15 | **Decerebrate Posturing** | dee-SER-eh-brit | Abnormal extension posturing — arms and legs extended, worse prognosis | Decerebrate posturing — arms extended and rotated internally. More ominous than decorticate. |
| 16 | **Cushing's Triad** | KOOSH-ingz TRY-ad | Hypertension + bradycardia + irregular breathing — late sign of increased ICP | BP rising (190/100), pulse dropping (52), respirations irregular — Cushing's triad. Impending herniation. |
| 17 | **Pupillary Response** | PYOO-pih-lair-ee | Pupil constriction when exposed to light — tests CN III and brainstem function | Right pupil fixed and dilated after head trauma — possible uncal herniation. Neurosurgical emergency. |
| 18 | **Hemiparesis** | hem-ee-puh-REE-sis | Weakness on one side of the body | Left-sided hemiparesis — patient can move left arm but grip is significantly weaker than right. |
| 19 | **Aphasia** | uh-FAY-zhuh | Loss of ability to understand or express speech | Patient understands questions but cannot form words — expressive aphasia. Likely left hemisphere stroke. |
| 20 | **Vertigo** | VER-tih-go | Sensation of spinning or dizziness | Patient reports the room is spinning — vertigo. Consider inner ear vs central (stroke) cause. |

### ✏️ Exercise A: Fill in the Blank

1. Cerebrovascular Accident — interrupted __________ supply to brain
   *CVA / Stroke*
2. Transient Ischemic Attack — __________ resolving within 24 hours
   *TIA*
3. Generalized seizure with stiffening __________ and jerking (clonic) phases
   *Tonic-Clonic Seizure*
4. Seizure lasting >5 minutes or __________ seizures without regaining consciousness
   *Status Epilepticus*
5. Temporary loss of consciousness from __________ cerebral blood flow (fainting)
   *Syncope*
6. Mild traumatic brain __________ from impact
   *Concussion*
7. Structural brain injury __________ external force
   *TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)*
8. Pressure within the skull — __________ ICP is a life-threatening emergency
   *ICP (Intracranial Pressure)*
9. Damage to the spinal cord causing __________ or permanent loss of function
   *Spinal Cord Injury*
10. Paralysis of __________ extremities
   *Paraplegia*
11. Paralysis of __________ four extremities
   *Quadriplegia*
12. Inflammation of membranes covering __________ and spinal cord
   *Meningitis*
13. Balance/Eyes/Face/Arms/Speech/Time — __________ recognition tool
   *BEFAST*
14. Abnormal flexion posturing — arms __________ toward core, legs extended
   *Decorticate Posturing*
15. Abnormal extension posturing — arms __________ legs extended, worse prognosis
   *Decerebrate Posturing*
16. Hypertension + bradycardia + irregular breathing __________ late sign of increased ICP
   *Cushing's Triad*
17. Pupil constriction when exposed to light __________ tests CN III and brainstem function
   *Pupillary Response*
18. Weakness on one __________ of the body
   *Hemiparesis*
19. Loss of ability to __________ or express speech
   *Aphasia*
20. Sensation of __________ or dizziness
   *Vertigo*

### 🔗 Exercise B: Matching

Match the term (left) to its definition (right).

| Term | Letter | Definition |
|------|--------|------------|
| **CVA / Stroke** | ___ | |
| **TIA** | ___ | |
| **Tonic-Clonic Seizure** | ___ | |
| **Status Epilepticus** | ___ | |
| **Syncope** | ___ | |
| **Concussion** | ___ | |
| **TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)** | ___ | |
| **ICP (Intracranial Pressure)** | ___ | |
| **Spinal Cord Injury** | ___ | |
| **Paraplegia** | ___ | |

| Letter | Definition |
|--------|------------|
| A | Pressure within the skull — elevated ICP is a life-threatening emergency |
| B | Seizure lasting >5 minutes or multiple seizures without regaining consciousness |
| C | Generalized seizure with stiffening (tonic) and jerking (clonic) phases |
| D | Damage to the spinal cord causing temporary or permanent loss of function |
| E | Mild traumatic brain injury from impact |
| F | Structural brain injury from external force |
| G | Paralysis of lower extremities |
| H | Temporary loss of consciousness from inadequate cerebral blood flow (fainting) |
| I | Cerebrovascular Accident — interrupted blood supply to brain |
| J | Transient Ischemic Attack — 'mini-stroke' resolving within 24 hours |

### 🚑 Exercise C: EMS Scenario

Family calls 911 for their 75-year-old father who suddenly cannot speak and has weakness on the
right side. Last known well was 30 minutes ago. On exam: facial droop on right, right arm drifts
down, speech is garbled, patient appears to understand questions but cannot respond verbally.
**Which 7 terms from this section apply to this patient?**

### 📝 Exercise D: Section Quiz (NREMT-Style)

**1.** A patient presents with signs consistent with CVA / Stroke. What does the term **CVA / Stroke** mean?
   A) Sensation of spinning or dizziness
   B) Cerebrovascular Accident — interrupted blood supply to brain
   C) Abnormal extension posturing — arms and legs extended, worse prognosis
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**2.** A patient presents with signs consistent with TIA. What does the term **TIA** mean?
   A) Generalized seizure with stiffening (tonic) and jerking (clonic) phases
   B) Transient Ischemic Attack — 'mini-stroke' resolving within 24 hours
   C) Cerebrovascular Accident — interrupted blood supply to brain
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**3.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Tonic-Clonic Seizure. What does the term **Tonic-Clonic Seizure** mean?
   A) Seizure lasting >5 minutes or multiple seizures without regaining consciousness
   B) Generalized seizure with stiffening (tonic) and jerking (clonic) phases
   C) Pressure within the skull — elevated ICP is a life-threatening emergency
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**4.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Status Epilepticus. What does the term **Status Epilepticus** mean?
   A) Damage to the spinal cord causing temporary or permanent loss of function
   B) Seizure lasting >5 minutes or multiple seizures without regaining consciousness
   C) Weakness on one side of the body
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**5.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Syncope. What does the term **Syncope** mean?
   A) Cerebrovascular Accident — interrupted blood supply to brain
   B) Temporary loss of consciousness from inadequate cerebral blood flow (fainting)
   C) Loss of ability to understand or express speech
   D) Unrelated to this condition

---

## 🩺 Section 5: Pharmacology (20 Terms)

| # | Term | Pronunciation | Definition | EMS Clinical Example |
|---|------|--------------|------------|----------------------|
| 1 | **Indication** | in-dih-KAY-shun | The condition for which a drug is used | Indication for epinephrine: anaphylaxis with respiratory distress or hypotension. |
| 2 | **Contraindication** | KON-truh-in-dih-KAY-shun | A condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable | Contraindication for nitroglycerin: systolic BP <90 or recent phosphodiesterase inhibitor use. |
| 3 | **Sublingual (SL)** | sub-LING-gwul | Under the tongue — rapid absorption route | Nitroglycerin 0.4mg SL — place under tongue, do not swallow. Repeat every 5 minutes for ongoing chest pain. |
| 4 | **Intramuscular (IM)** | in-truh-MUS-kyoo-lar | Injection into muscle tissue | Epinephrine 0.3mg IM into the lateral thigh — 1:1000 concentration for anaphylaxis. |
| 5 | **Intravenous (IV)** | in-truh-VEE-nus | Into a vein — fastest onset | Establish IV access 18g antecubital — administer normal saline at KVO rate. |
| 6 | **Intraosseous (IO)** | in-truh-OS-ee-us | Into the bone marrow — alternative to IV when veins inaccessible | Cannot obtain IV access in cardiac arrest — drill IO into proximal tibia. |
| 7 | **Nebulized** | NEB-yoo-lized | Medication converted to fine mist for inhalation | Albuterol 2.5mg nebulized — administer via nebulizer mask over 5-10 minutes. |
| 8 | **Agonist** | AG-uh-nist | Drug that activates a receptor | Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist — it relaxes bronchial smooth muscle. |
| 9 | **Antagonist** | an-TAG-uh-nist | Drug that blocks a receptor | Naloxone is an opioid antagonist — it reverses the effects of heroin at receptor sites. |
| 10 | **Side Effect** | SYD eh-FEKT | Predictable but unintended effect of a drug | Nitroglycerin commonly causes headache — a known side effect from vasodilation. |
| 11 | **Adverse Reaction** | AD-vers ree-AK-shun | Harmful, unintended response to a drug | Patient develops angioedema after taking lisinopril — serious adverse reaction. Discontinue. |
| 12 | **Epinephrine** | ep-ih-NEF-rin | Hormone/neurotransmitter — vasoconstrictor, bronchodilator, increases heart rate | Epinephrine 1:1000 0.3mg IM for anaphylaxis. Or 1:10,000 1mg IV for cardiac arrest. |
| 13 | **Naloxone (Narcan)** | nuh-LOKS-ohn / NAR-kan | Opioid antagonist — reverses opioid overdose | Patient unresponsive, pinpoint pupils, respirations 4/min — administer naloxone 2mg IN. |
| 14 | **Nitroglycerin** | ny-troh-GLIS-er-in | Vasodilator — relieves cardiac chest pain by reducing cardiac workload | Nitroglycerin 0.4mg SL for chest pain — check BP before and after each dose. Contraindicated if BP <90 systolic. |
| 15 | **Aspirin** | AS-pir-in | Anti-platelet — reduces clot formation in ACS | Aspirin 324mg chewable — administer for suspected MI. Not for patients with true aspirin allergy. |
| 16 | **Albuterol** | al-BYOO-ter-ol | Bronchodilator — relieves bronchospasm | Albuterol 2.5mg nebulized for wheezing and shortness of breath. Repeat as needed per protocol. |
| 17 | **Oral Glucose** | OR-ul GLOO-kohs | Concentrated sugar gel for hypoglycemia | Oral glucose for patient with BGL of 52 who can protect their airway and follow commands. |
| 18 | **Activated Charcoal** | AK-tih-vay-ted CHAR-kohl | Adsorbent that binds certain ingested toxins | Activated charcoal for witnessed Tylenol overdose within 1 hour — do NOT use if altered mental status. |
| 19 | **Generic Name** | jeh-NAIR-ik | Official drug name, not a brand | Lorazepam is the generic name for Ativan. |
| 20 | **Trade Name** | trayd naym | Brand name given by manufacturer | Ativan is the trade name for lorazepam. |

### ✏️ Exercise A: Fill in the Blank

1. The condition for which __________ drug is used
   *Indication*
2. A condition that makes __________ particular treatment inadvisable
   *Contraindication*
3. Under the tongue __________ rapid absorption route
   *Sublingual (SL)*
4. Injection into __________ tissue
   *Intramuscular (IM)*
5. Into a vein __________ fastest onset
   *Intravenous (IV)*
6. Into the bone marrow — __________ to IV when veins inaccessible
   *Intraosseous (IO)*
7. Medication converted to __________ mist for inhalation
   *Nebulized*
8. Drug that __________ a receptor
   *Agonist*
9. Drug that __________ a receptor
   *Antagonist*
10. Predictable but unintended __________ of a drug
   *Side Effect*
11. Harmful, unintended response __________ a drug
   *Adverse Reaction*
12. Hormone/neurotransmitter — vasoconstrictor, __________ increases heart rate
   *Epinephrine*
13. Opioid antagonist — __________ opioid overdose
   *Naloxone (Narcan)*
14. Vasodilator — relieves cardiac chest __________ by reducing cardiac workload
   *Nitroglycerin*
15. Anti-platelet — reduces __________ formation in ACS
   *Aspirin*
16. Bronchodilator — __________ bronchospasm
   *Albuterol*
17. Concentrated sugar __________ for hypoglycemia
   *Oral Glucose*
18. Adsorbent that binds __________ ingested toxins
   *Activated Charcoal*
19. Official drug name, __________ a brand
   *Generic Name*
20. Brand name __________ by manufacturer
   *Trade Name*

### 🔗 Exercise B: Matching

Match the term (left) to its definition (right).

| Term | Letter | Definition |
|------|--------|------------|
| **Indication** | ___ | |
| **Contraindication** | ___ | |
| **Sublingual (SL)** | ___ | |
| **Intramuscular (IM)** | ___ | |
| **Intravenous (IV)** | ___ | |
| **Intraosseous (IO)** | ___ | |
| **Nebulized** | ___ | |
| **Agonist** | ___ | |
| **Antagonist** | ___ | |
| **Side Effect** | ___ | |

| Letter | Definition |
|--------|------------|
| A | Drug that activates a receptor |
| B | Injection into muscle tissue |
| C | Under the tongue — rapid absorption route |
| D | Drug that blocks a receptor |
| E | Into the bone marrow — alternative to IV when veins inaccessible |
| F | Medication converted to fine mist for inhalation |
| G | Predictable but unintended effect of a drug |
| H | Into a vein — fastest onset |
| I | The condition for which a drug is used |
| J | A condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable |

### 🚑 Exercise C: EMS Scenario

You respond to a severe allergic reaction: 35-year-old female stung by a bee. She has hives, facial
swelling, audible stridor, and wheezing. BP 84/50, HR 126.  **Which 6 pharmacological terms and
medications apply to this scenario?**

### 📝 Exercise D: Section Quiz (NREMT-Style)

**1.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Indication. What does the term **Indication** mean?
   A) Brand name given by manufacturer
   B) The condition for which a drug is used
   C) Anti-platelet — reduces clot formation in ACS
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**2.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Contraindication. What does the term **Contraindication** mean?
   A) Under the tongue — rapid absorption route
   B) A condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable
   C) The condition for which a drug is used
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**3.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Sublingual (SL). What does the term **Sublingual (SL)** mean?
   A) Injection into muscle tissue
   B) Under the tongue — rapid absorption route
   C) Drug that activates a receptor
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**4.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Intramuscular (IM). What does the term **Intramuscular (IM)** mean?
   A) Drug that blocks a receptor
   B) Injection into muscle tissue
   C) Adsorbent that binds certain ingested toxins
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**5.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Intravenous (IV). What does the term **Intravenous (IV)** mean?
   A) The condition for which a drug is used
   B) Into a vein — fastest onset
   C) Official drug name, not a brand
   D) Unrelated to this condition

---

## 🩺 Section 6: Medical Emergencies (20 Terms)

| # | Term | Pronunciation | Definition | EMS Clinical Example |
|---|------|--------------|------------|----------------------|
| 1 | **Hypoglycemia** | hy-poh-gly-SEE-mee-uh | Low blood glucose (<70 mg/dL) | BGL 48 — patient is confused and diaphoretic. Administer oral glucose if airway protected. |
| 2 | **Hyperglycemia** | HY-per-gly-SEE-mee-uh | High blood glucose (>200 mg/dL) | BGL 480 — patient has fruity breath odor, Kussmaul respirations. Diabetic ketoacidosis. |
| 3 | **DKA** | dee-kay-AY | Diabetic Ketoacidosis — life-threatening complication of diabetes | Hyperglycemia, ketosis, metabolic acidosis — the triad of DKA. IV fluids and transport. |
| 4 | **Sepsis** | SEP-sis | Life-threatening organ dysfunction from dysregulated response to infection | Fever 103°, heart rate 115, RR 28, BP 88/54 — sepsis with septic shock. |
| 5 | **Anaphylactic Shock** | an-uh-fih-LAK-tik | Severe allergic reaction causing distributive shock | Hives, stridor, wheezing, hypotension after eating shrimp — anaphylactic shock. Epinephrine now. |
| 6 | **Hypothermia** | hy-poh-THER-mee-uh | Core body temperature <95°F (35°C) | Cold exposure — patient confused, shivering stopped, temp 90°F. Moderate hypothermia. Handle gently. |
| 7 | **Hyperthermia** | HY-per-THER-mee-uh | Core body temperature >104°F (40°C) | Heat stroke — hot dry skin, altered mental status, temp 106°F. Active cooling and rapid transport. |
| 8 | **Near-Drowning** | neer DROW-ning | Survival (at least temporarily) after submersion in water | Near-drowning — patient aspirated water, now with respiratory distress and hypoxia. |
| 9 | **Precipitous Delivery** | preh-SIP-ih-tus | Rapid, unexpected childbirth outside a hospital setting | Patient is crowning — prepare for precipitous delivery. Support the perineum, guide the head, suction mouth then nose. |
| 10 | **Eclampsia** | eh-KLAMP-see-uh | Life-threatening complication of pregnancy with seizures | Pregnant patient seizing, BP 180/110 — eclampsia. Left lateral position, rapid transport. |
| 11 | **Acute Abdomen** | uh-KYOOT AB-doh-men | Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, often surgical | Rigid, tender abdomen with rebound pain — acute abdomen. Possible perforation or obstruction. |
| 12 | **GI Bleed** | jee-EYE bleed | Gastrointestinal bleeding — upper (hematemesis) or lower (melena/hematochezia) | Patient vomiting bright red blood — upper GI bleed. Two large-bore IVs, rapid transport. |
| 13 | **Renal Failure** | REE-nul FAYL-yer | Kidneys unable to filter waste from blood | Dialysis patient missed 2 sessions — now with generalized edema, hypertension, altered mental status. |
| 14 | **Overdose** | OH-ver-dohs | Ingestion or exposure to a toxic amount of a substance | Unknown pills, pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression — suspected opioid overdose. Naloxone 2mg IN. |
| 15 | **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning** | KAR-bon moh-NOK-syd | CO binds to hemoglobin 200x more than O2, causing cellular hypoxia | Whole family with headache, nausea, drowsiness in winter — CO poisoning. Remove from source, high-flow O2. |
| 16 | **Allergic Reaction** | uh-LER-jik | Immune response to an allergen — may be mild to life-threatening | Mild allergic reaction — hives, itching, no respiratory involvement. Monitor. Anaphylaxis = epinephrine. |
| 17 | **Heat Exhaustion** | heet eg-ZAWS-chun | Heat-related illness from dehydration and electrolyte loss | Heat exhaustion — sweating, cramps, nausea, temp 101°F. Cool, hydrate, rest. |
| 18 | **Heat Stroke** | heet strohk | Life-threatening — body's thermoregulation fails, temp >104°F | Heat stroke — no sweating, altered mental status, temp 106°F. This is a true emergency — rapid cooling. |
| 19 | **Obstetric Emergency** | ob-STEH-trik | Any life-threatening condition related to pregnancy or childbirth | Third trimester bleeding with abdominal pain — possible placental abruption. Emergent transport. |
| 20 | **Behavioral Emergency** | bee-HAYV-yor-ul | Acute change in behavior posing risk to self or others | Patient is agitated, threatening self-harm — behavioral emergency. Ensure scene safety, law enforcement support if needed. |

### ✏️ Exercise A: Fill in the Blank

1. Low blood __________ (<70 mg/dL)
   *Hypoglycemia*
2. High blood __________ (>200 mg/dL)
   *Hyperglycemia*
3. Diabetic Ketoacidosis — __________ complication of diabetes
   *DKA*
4. Life-threatening organ dysfunction from __________ response to infection
   *Sepsis*
5. Severe allergic reaction __________ distributive shock
   *Anaphylactic Shock*
6. Core body __________ <95°F (35°C)
   *Hypothermia*
7. Core body __________ >104°F (40°C)
   *Hyperthermia*
8. Survival (at least temporarily) __________ submersion in water
   *Near-Drowning*
9. Rapid, unexpected childbirth __________ a hospital setting
   *Precipitous Delivery*
10. Life-threatening complication of __________ with seizures
   *Eclampsia*
11. Sudden onset of severe __________ pain, often surgical
   *Acute Abdomen*
12. Gastrointestinal bleeding — upper __________ or lower (melena/hematochezia)
   *GI Bleed*
13. Kidneys unable to __________ waste from blood
   *Renal Failure*
14. Ingestion or exposure to a __________ amount of a substance
   *Overdose*
15. CO binds to hemoglobin 200x __________ than O2, causing cellular hypoxia
   *Carbon Monoxide Poisoning*
16. Immune response to an allergen __________ may be mild to life-threatening
   *Allergic Reaction*
17. Heat-related illness from __________ and electrolyte loss
   *Heat Exhaustion*
18. Life-threatening — body's __________ fails, temp >104°F
   *Heat Stroke*
19. Any life-threatening condition related __________ pregnancy or childbirth
   *Obstetric Emergency*
20. Acute change in behavior posing __________ to self or others
   *Behavioral Emergency*

### 🔗 Exercise B: Matching

Match the term (left) to its definition (right).

| Term | Letter | Definition |
|------|--------|------------|
| **Hypoglycemia** | ___ | |
| **Hyperglycemia** | ___ | |
| **DKA** | ___ | |
| **Sepsis** | ___ | |
| **Anaphylactic Shock** | ___ | |
| **Hypothermia** | ___ | |
| **Hyperthermia** | ___ | |
| **Near-Drowning** | ___ | |
| **Precipitous Delivery** | ___ | |
| **Eclampsia** | ___ | |

| Letter | Definition |
|--------|------------|
| A | Survival (at least temporarily) after submersion in water |
| B | Life-threatening organ dysfunction from dysregulated response to infection |
| C | Diabetic Ketoacidosis — life-threatening complication of diabetes |
| D | Rapid, unexpected childbirth outside a hospital setting |
| E | Core body temperature <95°F (35°C) |
| F | Core body temperature >104°F (40°C) |
| G | Life-threatening complication of pregnancy with seizures |
| H | Severe allergic reaction causing distributive shock |
| I | Low blood glucose (<70 mg/dL) |
| J | High blood glucose (>200 mg/dL) |

### 🚑 Exercise C: EMS Scenario

You arrive at a summer construction site for a 45-year-old male who collapsed. He is confused, skin
is hot and dry, HR 128, temp 106.2°F. Co-workers report he had been working in direct sun for 6
hours and 'seemed off' for the past hour.  **Which 5 terms from this section apply? What is your
immediate treatment priority?**

### 📝 Exercise D: Section Quiz (NREMT-Style)

**1.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Hypoglycemia. What does the term **Hypoglycemia** mean?
   A) Acute change in behavior posing risk to self or others
   B) Low blood glucose (<70 mg/dL)
   C) CO binds to hemoglobin 200x more than O2, causing cellular hypoxia
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**2.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Hyperglycemia. What does the term **Hyperglycemia** mean?
   A) Diabetic Ketoacidosis — life-threatening complication of diabetes
   B) High blood glucose (>200 mg/dL)
   C) Low blood glucose (<70 mg/dL)
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**3.** A patient presents with signs consistent with DKA. What does the term **DKA** mean?
   A) Life-threatening organ dysfunction from dysregulated response to infection
   B) Diabetic Ketoacidosis — life-threatening complication of diabetes
   C) Survival (at least temporarily) after submersion in water
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**4.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Sepsis. What does the term **Sepsis** mean?
   A) Rapid, unexpected childbirth outside a hospital setting
   B) Life-threatening organ dysfunction from dysregulated response to infection
   C) Life-threatening — body's thermoregulation fails, temp >104°F
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**5.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Anaphylactic Shock. What does the term **Anaphylactic Shock** mean?
   A) Low blood glucose (<70 mg/dL)
   B) Severe allergic reaction causing distributive shock
   C) Any life-threatening condition related to pregnancy or childbirth
   D) Unrelated to this condition

---

## 🩺 Section 7: Operations & Legal (15 Terms)

| # | Term | Pronunciation | Definition | EMS Clinical Example |
|---|------|--------------|------------|----------------------|
| 1 | **Scene Safety** | seen SAYF-tee | Ensuring the environment is safe before entering | Scene safety: downed power lines across the vehicle — request utility company before approaching. |
| 2 | **BSI / PPE** | bee-ess-EYE / pee-pee-EE | Body Substance Isolation / Personal Protective Equipment | BSI — scene is safe. Don gloves, eye protection. Patient is bleeding — consider gown. |
| 3 | **Mechanism of Injury (MOI)** | MEK-uh-nizm of IN-juh-ree | The forces that caused the trauma — helps predict injury patterns | MOI: high-speed rollover with intrusion into passenger compartment — high index of suspicion. |
| 4 | **Index of Suspicion** | IN-deks of sus-PISH-un | Anticipating certain injuries based on MOI | High index of suspicion for internal injuries despite normal vitals — mechanism is significant. |
| 5 | **Standard of Care** | STAN-dard of kayr | The level of care a reasonable provider would provide in similar circumstances | Standard of care for chest pain includes aspirin, IV, monitor, 12-lead, and transport. |
| 6 | **Scope of Practice** | skohp of PRAK-tis | The procedures and care an EMS provider is legally permitted to perform | Needle decompression is within paramedic scope of practice but not EMT-B. |
| 7 | **Implied Consent** | im-PLYD kun-SENT | Assumption that an unconscious patient would consent to emergency care | Patient is unresponsive — we treat under implied consent. Document findings. |
| 8 | **Expressed Consent** | ek-SPREST | Patient verbally or physically agrees to treatment | "Yes, you can take my blood pressure." This is expressed consent. Document. |
| 9 | **Involuntary Hold** | in-VOL-un-tair-ee hohld | Legal hold for patients who are a danger to self/others | Patient is suicidal — placed on involuntary hold per state law. Law enforcement on scene. |
| 10 | **DNR / Advanced Directive** | dee-en-AR | Do Not Resuscitate order — legal document refusing CPR | Valid DNR presented — confirm it matches patient, is signed, and is unexpired. Honor the directive. |
| 11 | **HIPAA** | HIP-uh | Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — protects patient privacy | HIPAA: Do not discuss patient details in the elevator or post on social media. |
| 12 | **Negligence** | NEG-lih-jens | Failure to provide standard of care resulting in harm | Dropping a patient during transfer — this is negligence. Incident report required. |
| 13 | **Abandonment** | uh-BAN-dun-ment | Terminating patient care without ensuring equal or higher level of care | Leaving a patient at the ER without transferring care to a nurse — that's abandonment. Never do it. |
| 14 | **Duty to Act** | DOO-tee to akt | Legal obligation to provide care when on duty | On shift in uniform — you have a duty to act. Off-duty in most states, you do not (check local laws). |
| 15 | **START Triage** | start tree-AHZH | Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment — MCI triage system | START triage: check RPM (Respirations, Perfusion, Mental status). Assign color in 30 seconds or less. |

### ✏️ Exercise A: Fill in the Blank

1. Ensuring the environment __________ safe before entering
   *Scene Safety*
2. Body Substance Isolation __________ Personal Protective Equipment
   *BSI / PPE*
3. The forces that caused the __________ — helps predict injury patterns
   *Mechanism of Injury (MOI)*
4. Anticipating certain injuries __________ on MOI
   *Index of Suspicion*
5. The level of care a reasonable __________ would provide in similar circumstances
   *Standard of Care*
6. The procedures and care an EMS __________ is legally permitted to perform
   *Scope of Practice*
7. Assumption that an unconscious patient __________ consent to emergency care
   *Implied Consent*
8. Patient verbally or __________ agrees to treatment
   *Expressed Consent*
9. Legal hold for patients who __________ a danger to self/others
   *Involuntary Hold*
10. Do Not Resuscitate order __________ legal document refusing CPR
   *DNR / Advanced Directive*
11. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability __________ — protects patient privacy
   *HIPAA*
12. Failure to provide standard __________ care resulting in harm
   *Negligence*
13. Terminating patient care without ensuring __________ or higher level of care
   *Abandonment*
14. Legal obligation to provide __________ when on duty
   *Duty to Act*
15. Simple Triage And Rapid __________ — MCI triage system
   *START Triage*

### 🔗 Exercise B: Matching

Match the term (left) to its definition (right).

| Term | Letter | Definition |
|------|--------|------------|
| **Scene Safety** | ___ | |
| **BSI / PPE** | ___ | |
| **Mechanism of Injury (MOI)** | ___ | |
| **Index of Suspicion** | ___ | |
| **Standard of Care** | ___ | |
| **Scope of Practice** | ___ | |
| **Implied Consent** | ___ | |
| **Expressed Consent** | ___ | |
| **Involuntary Hold** | ___ | |
| **DNR / Advanced Directive** | ___ | |

| Letter | Definition |
|--------|------------|
| A | Patient verbally or physically agrees to treatment |
| B | Anticipating certain injuries based on MOI |
| C | The forces that caused the trauma — helps predict injury patterns |
| D | Legal hold for patients who are a danger to self/others |
| E | The procedures and care an EMS provider is legally permitted to perform |
| F | Assumption that an unconscious patient would consent to emergency care |
| G | Do Not Resuscitate order — legal document refusing CPR |
| H | The level of care a reasonable provider would provide in similar circumstances |
| I | Ensuring the environment is safe before entering |
| J | Body Substance Isolation / Personal Protective Equipment |

### 🚑 Exercise C: EMS Scenario

You arrive on scene of a two-car MVC. One vehicle has a patient who is unresponsive, has a DNR
bracelet visible, and the family on scene is demanding you 'do everything.' The other vehicle has a
patient who is alert, refuses care, and wants to drive home.  **Which 6 terms from this section
apply to this complex scene?**

### 📝 Exercise D: Section Quiz (NREMT-Style)

**1.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Scene Safety. What does the term **Scene Safety** mean?
   A) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — protects patient privacy
   B) Ensuring the environment is safe before entering
   C) Patient verbally or physically agrees to treatment
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**2.** A patient presents with signs consistent with BSI / PPE. What does the term **BSI / PPE** mean?
   A) Ensuring the environment is safe before entering
   B) Body Substance Isolation / Personal Protective Equipment
   C) Ensuring the environment is safe before entering
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**3.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Mechanism of Injury (MOI). What does the term **Mechanism of Injury (MOI)** mean?
   A) Body Substance Isolation / Personal Protective Equipment
   B) The forces that caused the trauma — helps predict injury patterns
   C) The level of care a reasonable provider would provide in similar circumstances
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**4.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Index of Suspicion. What does the term **Index of Suspicion** mean?
   A) The level of care a reasonable provider would provide in similar circumstances
   B) Anticipating certain injuries based on MOI
   C) Do Not Resuscitate order — legal document refusing CPR
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**5.** A patient presents with signs consistent with Standard of Care. What does the term **Standard of Care** mean?
   A) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — protects patient privacy
   B) The level of care a reasonable provider would provide in similar circumstances
   C) Ensuring the environment is safe before entering
   D) Unrelated to this condition

---

## 🩺 Section 8: Abbreviations & Acronyms (20 Terms)

| # | Term | Pronunciation | Definition | EMS Clinical Example |
|---|------|--------------|------------|----------------------|
| 1 | **SAMPLE** | SAM-pul | Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past medical history/Last oral intake/Events prior | Use SAMPLE to gather patient history — it's the standard EMS assessment mnemonic. |
| 2 | **OPQRST** | oh-pee-cue-are-ess-TEE | Onset/Provocation(Q)/Quality/Radiation/Severity/Time | Use OPQRST to characterize pain. Time of onset is critical for stroke and MI. |
| 3 | **AEIOU-TIPS** | ay-ee-eye-oh-YOU-tips | Alcohol/Epilepsy/Insulin/Overdose/Uremia — Trauma/Infection/Psychiatric/Stroke — causes of altered mental status | Patient is altered — run through AEIOU-TIPS to identify possible causes. |
| 4 | **DCAP-BTLS** | DEE-cap BEE-tee-ell-ESS | Deformities/Contusions/Abrasions/Punctures-Burns/Tenderness/Lacerations/Swelling | Rapid trauma assessment: check DCAP-BTLS head to toe. |
| 5 | **SLUDGE** | sluj | Salivation/Lacrimation/Urination/Defecation/GI distress/Emesis — organophosphate poisoning signs | SLUDGE symptoms after pesticide exposure — possible organophosphate poisoning. Decontaminate. |
| 6 | **BEFAST** | BEE-fast | Balance/Eyes/Face/Arms/Speech/Time — stroke recognition | BEFAST positive — facial droop + arm drift. Document last known well time. |
| 7 | **RICE** | ryss | Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevation — injury management | RICE for ankle sprain: rest, ice 20 min on/off, compression wrap, elevate. |
| 8 | **AVPU** | ay-vee-pee-YOU | Alert/Verbal/Pain/Unresponsive | AVPU = P — patient responds only to painful stimuli. |
| 9 | **GCS** | jee-see-ESS | Glasgow Coma Scale — 3 to 15 | GCS 13 (E3 V4 M6) — mild impairment. |
| 10 | **CPR** | see-pee-AR | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation | Immediate high-quality CPR for cardiac arrest. |
| 11 | **AED** | ay-ee-DEE | Automated External Defibrillator | AED applied — analyzing rhythm, stand clear. |
| 12 | **BVM** | bee-vee-EM | Bag-Valve-Mask | Ventilating with BVM at 10-12/min with 100% O2. |
| 13 | **ET Tube** | ee-TEE toob | Endotracheal Tube | ET tube confirmed with end-tidal CO2 — waveform present. |
| 14 | **IV** | eye-VEE | Intravenous | 18g IV established in left AC. |
| 15 | **IO** | eye-OH | Intraosseous | IO access in proximal tibia — fluids flowing. |
| 16 | **IM** | eye-EM | Intramuscular | Administer epinephrine 0.3mg IM lateral thigh. |
| 17 | **PO** | pee-OH | By mouth (per os) | Patient can take aspirin PO — have them chew 324mg. |
| 18 | **STAT** | stat | Immediately (from Latin 'statim') | Need a 12-lead STAT — possible STEMI. |
| 19 | **NPO** | en-pee-OH | Nothing by mouth (nil per os) | Patient is NPO before possible surgery. |
| 20 | **PRN** | pee-are-EN | As needed (pro re nata) | Nitroglycerin 0.4mg SL PRN for chest pain, q5 minutes. |

### ✏️ Exercise A: Fill in the Blank

1. Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past medical history/Last __________ intake/Events prior
   *SAMPLE*
2. __________
   *OPQRST*
3. Alcohol/Epilepsy/Insulin/Overdose/Uremia — Trauma/Infection/Psychiatric/Stroke — __________ of altered mental status
   *AEIOU-TIPS*
4. __________
   *DCAP-BTLS*
5. Salivation/Lacrimation/Urination/Defecation/GI distress/Emesis — __________ poisoning signs
   *SLUDGE*
6. Balance/Eyes/Face/Arms/Speech/Time — __________ recognition
   *BEFAST*
7. Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevation — __________ management
   *RICE*
8. __________
   *AVPU*
9. Glasgow Coma Scale __________ 3 to 15
   *GCS*
10. Cardiopulmonary __________
   *CPR*
11. Automated External __________
   *AED*
12. __________
   *BVM*
13. Endotracheal __________
   *ET Tube*
14. __________
   *IV*
15. __________
   *IO*
16. __________
   *IM*
17. By mouth __________ os)
   *PO*
18. Immediately (from __________ 'statim')
   *STAT*
19. Nothing by mouth __________ per os)
   *NPO*
20. As needed __________ re nata)
   *PRN*

### 🔗 Exercise B: Matching

Match the term (left) to its definition (right).

| Term | Letter | Definition |
|------|--------|------------|
| **SAMPLE** | ___ | |
| **OPQRST** | ___ | |
| **AEIOU-TIPS** | ___ | |
| **DCAP-BTLS** | ___ | |
| **SLUDGE** | ___ | |
| **BEFAST** | ___ | |
| **RICE** | ___ | |
| **AVPU** | ___ | |
| **GCS** | ___ | |
| **CPR** | ___ | |

| Letter | Definition |
|--------|------------|
| A | Alert/Verbal/Pain/Unresponsive |
| B | Deformities/Contusions/Abrasions/Punctures-Burns/Tenderness/Lacerations/Swelling |
| C | Alcohol/Epilepsy/Insulin/Overdose/Uremia — Trauma/Infection/Psychiatric/Stroke — causes of altered mental status |
| D | Glasgow Coma Scale — 3 to 15 |
| E | Balance/Eyes/Face/Arms/Speech/Time — stroke recognition |
| F | Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevation — injury management |
| G | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation |
| H | Salivation/Lacrimation/Urination/Defecation/GI distress/Emesis — organophosphate poisoning signs |
| I | Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past medical history/Last oral intake/Events prior |
| J | Onset/Provocation(Q)/Quality/Radiation/Severity/Time |

### 🚑 Exercise C: EMS Scenario

Complete a dispatch report using the correct abbreviations: 'Responding to a [cardiac arrest]. Upon
arrival, patient is unresponsive per [consciousness scale]. Began [resuscitation]. Applied
[defibrillator]. Established [IV/IO]. Administering medications as needed.'

### 📝 Exercise D: Section Quiz (NREMT-Style)

**1.** A patient presents with signs consistent with SAMPLE. What does the term **SAMPLE** mean?
   A) As needed (pro re nata)
   B) Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past medical history/Last oral intake/Events prior
   C) Intraosseous
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**2.** A patient presents with signs consistent with OPQRST. What does the term **OPQRST** mean?
   A) Alcohol/Epilepsy/Insulin/Overdose/Uremia — Trauma/Infection/Psychiatric/Stroke — causes of altered mental status
   B) Onset/Provocation(Q)/Quality/Radiation/Severity/Time
   C) Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past medical history/Last oral intake/Events prior
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**3.** A patient presents with signs consistent with AEIOU-TIPS. What does the term **AEIOU-TIPS** mean?
   A) Deformities/Contusions/Abrasions/Punctures-Burns/Tenderness/Lacerations/Swelling
   B) Alcohol/Epilepsy/Insulin/Overdose/Uremia — Trauma/Infection/Psychiatric/Stroke — causes of altered mental status
   C) Alert/Verbal/Pain/Unresponsive
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**4.** A patient presents with signs consistent with DCAP-BTLS. What does the term **DCAP-BTLS** mean?
   A) Glasgow Coma Scale — 3 to 15
   B) Deformities/Contusions/Abrasions/Punctures-Burns/Tenderness/Lacerations/Swelling
   C) Immediately (from Latin 'statim')
   D) Unrelated to this condition

**5.** A patient presents with signs consistent with SLUDGE. What does the term **SLUDGE** mean?
   A) Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past medical history/Last oral intake/Events prior
   B) Salivation/Lacrimation/Urination/Defecation/GI distress/Emesis — organophosphate poisoning signs
   C) Nothing by mouth (nil per os)
   D) Unrelated to this condition

---

## 📋 Answer Keys

> ⚠️ **DO NOT PEEK until you've attempted all exercises!** Use these to check your work, not to complete it.

### Section 1: Vital Signs & Assessment Terms — Answers

**Exercise A — Fill in the Blank:**
1. **Tachycardia**: Heart rate >100 bpm in adults
2. **Bradycardia**: Heart rate <60 bpm in adults
3. **Hypertension**: Blood pressure consistently >130/80 mmHg
4. **Hypotension**: Blood pressure <90/60 mmHg or symptomatic low BP
5. **Tachypnea**: Respiratory rate >20 breaths/min in adults
6. **Bradypnea**: Respiratory rate <12 breaths/min in adults
7. **Afebrile**: Without fever; normal body temperature
8. **Diaphoretic**: Profusely sweating
9. **Pallor**: Pale or ashen skin color
10. **Cyanosis**: Bluish discoloration of skin/mucous membranes from hypoxia
11. **Jaundice**: Yellowing of skin and sclera from elevated bilirubin
12. **Capillary Refill**: Time for color to return to blanched nail bed; normal <2 seconds
13. **Pulse Oximetry**: Non-invasive measurement of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2)
14. **Auscultation**: Listening to body sounds with a stethoscope
15. **Palpation**: Examining by touch
16. **Systolic BP**: Pressure in arteries during heart contraction (top number)
17. **Diastolic BP**: Pressure in arteries during heart relaxation (bottom number)
18. **GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale)**: 3-15 scale assessing eye, verbal, and motor response
19. **AVPU**: Alert / Verbal / Pain / Unresponsive — rapid consciousness assessment
20. **SAMPLE History**: Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past history/Last oral intake/Events prior
21. **OPQRST**: Onset/Provocation/Quality/Radiation/Severity/Time — pain assessment mnemonic
22. **DCAP-BTLS**: Deformities/Contusions/Abrasions/Punctures-Burns/Tenderness/Lacerations/Swelling — trauma assessment
23. **Distal Pulses**: Pulses checked farthest from the heart (radial, pedal, posterior tibial)
24. **Skin Turgor**: Skin elasticity; assesses hydration status
25. **Orientation (AxO)**: Awareness of Person, Place, Time, and Event (AxO4 = fully oriented)

**Exercise B — Matching:**
- **Tachycardia** → I (Heart rate >100 bpm in adults)
- **Bradycardia** → J (Heart rate <60 bpm in adults)
- **Hypertension** → C (Blood pressure consistently >130/80 mmHg)
- **Hypotension** → B (Blood pressure <90/60 mmHg or symptomatic low BP)
- **Tachypnea** → H (Respiratory rate >20 breaths/min in adults)
- **Bradypnea** → E (Respiratory rate <12 breaths/min in adults)
- **Afebrile** → F (Without fever; normal body temperature)
- **Diaphoretic** → A (Profusely sweating)
- **Pallor** → D (Pale or ashen skin color)
- **Cyanosis** → G (Bluish discoloration of skin/mucous membranes from hypoxia)

**Exercise D — Quiz Answers:**
1. **B** — Tachycardia: Heart rate >100 bpm in adults
2. **B** — Bradycardia: Heart rate <60 bpm in adults
3. **B** — Hypertension: Blood pressure consistently >130/80 mmHg
4. **B** — Hypotension: Blood pressure <90/60 mmHg or symptomatic low BP
5. **B** — Tachypnea: Respiratory rate >20 breaths/min in adults

---

### Section 2: Cardiovascular & Respiratory — Answers

**Exercise A — Fill in the Blank:**
1. **Myocardial Infarction (MI)**: Heart attack; death of heart muscle from blocked coronary artery
2. **Angina**: Chest pain from reduced blood flow to heart muscle
3. **Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)**: Heart's pumping ability is impaired, causing fluid backup
4. **Pulmonary Edema**: Fluid accumulation in lung tissue/alveoli
5. **STEMI**: ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction — full-thickness heart attack
6. **Cardiac Arrest**: Cessation of effective heart function; no pulse, unresponsive
7. **AED**: Automated External Defibrillator — analyzes rhythm, delivers shock if indicated
8. **Defibrillation**: Delivery of electrical shock to restore organized cardiac rhythm
9. **Synchronized Cardioversion**: Timed electrical shock for unstable tachyarrhythmias with a pulse
10. **CPR**: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation — chest compressions and ventilations
11. **BVM**: Bag-Valve-Mask — manual ventilation device
12. **Endotracheal Intubation**: Placement of a tube through the vocal cords into the trachea
13. **Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)**: Curved device inserted into mouth to maintain airway in unconscious patients
14. **Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)**: Soft tube inserted through nostril to maintain airway
15. **Aspiration**: Inhalation of foreign material (vomit, blood, food) into airway
16. **Pneumothorax**: Air in the pleural space causing lung collapse
17. **Hemothorax**: Blood in the pleural space
18. **Pulmonary Embolism (PE)**: Blood clot that travels to the lungs
19. **COPD**: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease — includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis
20. **Asthma**: Reactive airway disease with bronchoconstriction and inflammation
21. **Anaphylaxis**: Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction
22. **Stridor**: High-pitched upper airway sound indicating partial obstruction
23. **Wheezing**: High-pitched whistling sound from narrowed lower airways
24. **Rales/Crackles**: Fine crackling sounds from fluid in alveoli
25. **Pleural Rub**: Grating sound from inflamed pleural surfaces

**Exercise B — Matching:**
- **Myocardial Infarction (MI)** → I (Heart attack; death of heart muscle from blocked coronary artery)
- **Angina** → J (Chest pain from reduced blood flow to heart muscle)
- **Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)** → C (Heart's pumping ability is impaired, causing fluid backup)
- **Pulmonary Edema** → B (Fluid accumulation in lung tissue/alveoli)
- **STEMI** → H (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction — full-thickness heart attack)
- **Cardiac Arrest** → E (Cessation of effective heart function; no pulse, unresponsive)
- **AED** → F (Automated External Defibrillator — analyzes rhythm, delivers shock if indicated)
- **Defibrillation** → A (Delivery of electrical shock to restore organized cardiac rhythm)
- **Synchronized Cardioversion** → D (Timed electrical shock for unstable tachyarrhythmias with a pulse)
- **CPR** → G (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation — chest compressions and ventilations)

**Exercise D — Quiz Answers:**
1. **B** — Myocardial Infarction (MI): Heart attack; death of heart muscle from blocked coronary artery
2. **B** — Angina: Chest pain from reduced blood flow to heart muscle
3. **B** — Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Heart's pumping ability is impaired, causing fluid backup
4. **B** — Pulmonary Edema: Fluid accumulation in lung tissue/alveoli
5. **B** — STEMI: ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction — full-thickness heart attack

---

### Section 3: Trauma & Musculoskeletal — Answers

**Exercise A — Fill in the Blank:**
1. **Open Fracture**: Broken bone that penetrates the skin
2. **Closed Fracture**: Broken bone that does not penetrate skin
3. **Comminuted Fracture**: Bone broken into multiple fragments
4. **Greenstick Fracture**: Incomplete fracture with bone bending (common in children)
5. **Dislocation**: Displacement of a bone from its joint
6. **Sprain**: Ligament injury from stretching or tearing
7. **Strain**: Muscle or tendon injury from overstretching
8. **Laceration**: Irregular tear in the skin
9. **Avulsion**: Tissue torn away from its attachment
10. **Amputation**: Complete severing of a body part
11. **Hemorrhage**: Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding
12. **Hypovolemic Shock**: Shock from inadequate circulating blood volume
13. **Distributive Shock**: Shock from widespread vasodilation (septic, anaphylactic, neurogenic)
14. **Cardiogenic Shock**: Shock from heart's inability to pump adequately
15. **Obstructive Shock**: Shock from physical obstruction to blood flow
16. **Triage**: Prioritizing patients by severity in mass casualty
17. **MCI (Mass Casualty Incident)**: Event where resources are overwhelmed by number/severity of patients
18. **C-Collar**: Cervical collar — immobilizes the neck
19. **Backboard**: Rigid board for full spinal immobilization
20. **Splint**: Device to immobilize an injured extremity
21. **Tourniquet**: Constricting device to control life-threatening extremity hemorrhage
22. **Compartment Syndrome**: Increased pressure within a muscle compartment causing ischemia
23. **Crush Injury**: Tissue damage from prolonged compression
24. **Flail Chest**: Multiple rib fractures creating an unstable chest wall segment
25. **Log Roll**: Technique to turn patient while maintaining spinal alignment

**Exercise B — Matching:**
- **Open Fracture** → I (Broken bone that penetrates the skin)
- **Closed Fracture** → J (Broken bone that does not penetrate skin)
- **Comminuted Fracture** → C (Bone broken into multiple fragments)
- **Greenstick Fracture** → B (Incomplete fracture with bone bending (common in children))
- **Dislocation** → H (Displacement of a bone from its joint)
- **Sprain** → E (Ligament injury from stretching or tearing)
- **Strain** → F (Muscle or tendon injury from overstretching)
- **Laceration** → A (Irregular tear in the skin)
- **Avulsion** → D (Tissue torn away from its attachment)
- **Amputation** → G (Complete severing of a body part)

**Exercise D — Quiz Answers:**
1. **B** — Open Fracture: Broken bone that penetrates the skin
2. **B** — Closed Fracture: Broken bone that does not penetrate skin
3. **B** — Comminuted Fracture: Bone broken into multiple fragments
4. **B** — Greenstick Fracture: Incomplete fracture with bone bending (common in children)
5. **B** — Dislocation: Displacement of a bone from its joint

---

### Section 4: Neurological — Answers

**Exercise A — Fill in the Blank:**
1. **CVA / Stroke**: Cerebrovascular Accident — interrupted blood supply to brain
2. **TIA**: Transient Ischemic Attack — 'mini-stroke' resolving within 24 hours
3. **Tonic-Clonic Seizure**: Generalized seizure with stiffening (tonic) and jerking (clonic) phases
4. **Status Epilepticus**: Seizure lasting >5 minutes or multiple seizures without regaining consciousness
5. **Syncope**: Temporary loss of consciousness from inadequate cerebral blood flow (fainting)
6. **Concussion**: Mild traumatic brain injury from impact
7. **TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)**: Structural brain injury from external force
8. **ICP (Intracranial Pressure)**: Pressure within the skull — elevated ICP is a life-threatening emergency
9. **Spinal Cord Injury**: Damage to the spinal cord causing temporary or permanent loss of function
10. **Paraplegia**: Paralysis of lower extremities
11. **Quadriplegia**: Paralysis of all four extremities
12. **Meningitis**: Inflammation of membranes covering brain and spinal cord
13. **BEFAST**: Balance/Eyes/Face/Arms/Speech/Time — stroke recognition tool
14. **Decorticate Posturing**: Abnormal flexion posturing — arms flexed toward core, legs extended
15. **Decerebrate Posturing**: Abnormal extension posturing — arms and legs extended, worse prognosis
16. **Cushing's Triad**: Hypertension + bradycardia + irregular breathing — late sign of increased ICP
17. **Pupillary Response**: Pupil constriction when exposed to light — tests CN III and brainstem function
18. **Hemiparesis**: Weakness on one side of the body
19. **Aphasia**: Loss of ability to understand or express speech
20. **Vertigo**: Sensation of spinning or dizziness

**Exercise B — Matching:**
- **CVA / Stroke** → I (Cerebrovascular Accident — interrupted blood supply to brain)
- **TIA** → J (Transient Ischemic Attack — 'mini-stroke' resolving within 24 hours)
- **Tonic-Clonic Seizure** → C (Generalized seizure with stiffening (tonic) and jerking (clonic) phases)
- **Status Epilepticus** → B (Seizure lasting >5 minutes or multiple seizures without regaining consciousness)
- **Syncope** → H (Temporary loss of consciousness from inadequate cerebral blood flow (fainting))
- **Concussion** → E (Mild traumatic brain injury from impact)
- **TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)** → F (Structural brain injury from external force)
- **ICP (Intracranial Pressure)** → A (Pressure within the skull — elevated ICP is a life-threatening emergency)
- **Spinal Cord Injury** → D (Damage to the spinal cord causing temporary or permanent loss of function)
- **Paraplegia** → G (Paralysis of lower extremities)

**Exercise D — Quiz Answers:**
1. **B** — CVA / Stroke: Cerebrovascular Accident — interrupted blood supply to brain
2. **B** — TIA: Transient Ischemic Attack — 'mini-stroke' resolving within 24 hours
3. **B** — Tonic-Clonic Seizure: Generalized seizure with stiffening (tonic) and jerking (clonic) phases
4. **B** — Status Epilepticus: Seizure lasting >5 minutes or multiple seizures without regaining consciousness
5. **B** — Syncope: Temporary loss of consciousness from inadequate cerebral blood flow (fainting)

---

### Section 5: Pharmacology — Answers

**Exercise A — Fill in the Blank:**
1. **Indication**: The condition for which a drug is used
2. **Contraindication**: A condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable
3. **Sublingual (SL)**: Under the tongue — rapid absorption route
4. **Intramuscular (IM)**: Injection into muscle tissue
5. **Intravenous (IV)**: Into a vein — fastest onset
6. **Intraosseous (IO)**: Into the bone marrow — alternative to IV when veins inaccessible
7. **Nebulized**: Medication converted to fine mist for inhalation
8. **Agonist**: Drug that activates a receptor
9. **Antagonist**: Drug that blocks a receptor
10. **Side Effect**: Predictable but unintended effect of a drug
11. **Adverse Reaction**: Harmful, unintended response to a drug
12. **Epinephrine**: Hormone/neurotransmitter — vasoconstrictor, bronchodilator, increases heart rate
13. **Naloxone (Narcan)**: Opioid antagonist — reverses opioid overdose
14. **Nitroglycerin**: Vasodilator — relieves cardiac chest pain by reducing cardiac workload
15. **Aspirin**: Anti-platelet — reduces clot formation in ACS
16. **Albuterol**: Bronchodilator — relieves bronchospasm
17. **Oral Glucose**: Concentrated sugar gel for hypoglycemia
18. **Activated Charcoal**: Adsorbent that binds certain ingested toxins
19. **Generic Name**: Official drug name, not a brand
20. **Trade Name**: Brand name given by manufacturer

**Exercise B — Matching:**
- **Indication** → I (The condition for which a drug is used)
- **Contraindication** → J (A condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable)
- **Sublingual (SL)** → C (Under the tongue — rapid absorption route)
- **Intramuscular (IM)** → B (Injection into muscle tissue)
- **Intravenous (IV)** → H (Into a vein — fastest onset)
- **Intraosseous (IO)** → E (Into the bone marrow — alternative to IV when veins inaccessible)
- **Nebulized** → F (Medication converted to fine mist for inhalation)
- **Agonist** → A (Drug that activates a receptor)
- **Antagonist** → D (Drug that blocks a receptor)
- **Side Effect** → G (Predictable but unintended effect of a drug)

**Exercise D — Quiz Answers:**
1. **B** — Indication: The condition for which a drug is used
2. **B** — Contraindication: A condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable
3. **B** — Sublingual (SL): Under the tongue — rapid absorption route
4. **B** — Intramuscular (IM): Injection into muscle tissue
5. **B** — Intravenous (IV): Into a vein — fastest onset

---

### Section 6: Medical Emergencies — Answers

**Exercise A — Fill in the Blank:**
1. **Hypoglycemia**: Low blood glucose (<70 mg/dL)
2. **Hyperglycemia**: High blood glucose (>200 mg/dL)
3. **DKA**: Diabetic Ketoacidosis — life-threatening complication of diabetes
4. **Sepsis**: Life-threatening organ dysfunction from dysregulated response to infection
5. **Anaphylactic Shock**: Severe allergic reaction causing distributive shock
6. **Hypothermia**: Core body temperature <95°F (35°C)
7. **Hyperthermia**: Core body temperature >104°F (40°C)
8. **Near-Drowning**: Survival (at least temporarily) after submersion in water
9. **Precipitous Delivery**: Rapid, unexpected childbirth outside a hospital setting
10. **Eclampsia**: Life-threatening complication of pregnancy with seizures
11. **Acute Abdomen**: Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, often surgical
12. **GI Bleed**: Gastrointestinal bleeding — upper (hematemesis) or lower (melena/hematochezia)
13. **Renal Failure**: Kidneys unable to filter waste from blood
14. **Overdose**: Ingestion or exposure to a toxic amount of a substance
15. **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: CO binds to hemoglobin 200x more than O2, causing cellular hypoxia
16. **Allergic Reaction**: Immune response to an allergen — may be mild to life-threatening
17. **Heat Exhaustion**: Heat-related illness from dehydration and electrolyte loss
18. **Heat Stroke**: Life-threatening — body's thermoregulation fails, temp >104°F
19. **Obstetric Emergency**: Any life-threatening condition related to pregnancy or childbirth
20. **Behavioral Emergency**: Acute change in behavior posing risk to self or others

**Exercise B — Matching:**
- **Hypoglycemia** → I (Low blood glucose (<70 mg/dL))
- **Hyperglycemia** → J (High blood glucose (>200 mg/dL))
- **DKA** → C (Diabetic Ketoacidosis — life-threatening complication of diabetes)
- **Sepsis** → B (Life-threatening organ dysfunction from dysregulated response to infection)
- **Anaphylactic Shock** → H (Severe allergic reaction causing distributive shock)
- **Hypothermia** → E (Core body temperature <95°F (35°C))
- **Hyperthermia** → F (Core body temperature >104°F (40°C))
- **Near-Drowning** → A (Survival (at least temporarily) after submersion in water)
- **Precipitous Delivery** → D (Rapid, unexpected childbirth outside a hospital setting)
- **Eclampsia** → G (Life-threatening complication of pregnancy with seizures)

**Exercise D — Quiz Answers:**
1. **B** — Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose (<70 mg/dL)
2. **B** — Hyperglycemia: High blood glucose (>200 mg/dL)
3. **B** — DKA: Diabetic Ketoacidosis — life-threatening complication of diabetes
4. **B** — Sepsis: Life-threatening organ dysfunction from dysregulated response to infection
5. **B** — Anaphylactic Shock: Severe allergic reaction causing distributive shock

---

### Section 7: Operations & Legal — Answers

**Exercise A — Fill in the Blank:**
1. **Scene Safety**: Ensuring the environment is safe before entering
2. **BSI / PPE**: Body Substance Isolation / Personal Protective Equipment
3. **Mechanism of Injury (MOI)**: The forces that caused the trauma — helps predict injury patterns
4. **Index of Suspicion**: Anticipating certain injuries based on MOI
5. **Standard of Care**: The level of care a reasonable provider would provide in similar circumstances
6. **Scope of Practice**: The procedures and care an EMS provider is legally permitted to perform
7. **Implied Consent**: Assumption that an unconscious patient would consent to emergency care
8. **Expressed Consent**: Patient verbally or physically agrees to treatment
9. **Involuntary Hold**: Legal hold for patients who are a danger to self/others
10. **DNR / Advanced Directive**: Do Not Resuscitate order — legal document refusing CPR
11. **HIPAA**: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — protects patient privacy
12. **Negligence**: Failure to provide standard of care resulting in harm
13. **Abandonment**: Terminating patient care without ensuring equal or higher level of care
14. **Duty to Act**: Legal obligation to provide care when on duty
15. **START Triage**: Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment — MCI triage system

**Exercise B — Matching:**
- **Scene Safety** → I (Ensuring the environment is safe before entering)
- **BSI / PPE** → J (Body Substance Isolation / Personal Protective Equipment)
- **Mechanism of Injury (MOI)** → C (The forces that caused the trauma — helps predict injury patterns)
- **Index of Suspicion** → B (Anticipating certain injuries based on MOI)
- **Standard of Care** → H (The level of care a reasonable provider would provide in similar circumstances)
- **Scope of Practice** → E (The procedures and care an EMS provider is legally permitted to perform)
- **Implied Consent** → F (Assumption that an unconscious patient would consent to emergency care)
- **Expressed Consent** → A (Patient verbally or physically agrees to treatment)
- **Involuntary Hold** → D (Legal hold for patients who are a danger to self/others)
- **DNR / Advanced Directive** → G (Do Not Resuscitate order — legal document refusing CPR)

**Exercise D — Quiz Answers:**
1. **B** — Scene Safety: Ensuring the environment is safe before entering
2. **B** — BSI / PPE: Body Substance Isolation / Personal Protective Equipment
3. **B** — Mechanism of Injury (MOI): The forces that caused the trauma — helps predict injury patterns
4. **B** — Index of Suspicion: Anticipating certain injuries based on MOI
5. **B** — Standard of Care: The level of care a reasonable provider would provide in similar circumstances

---

### Section 8: Abbreviations & Acronyms — Answers

**Exercise A — Fill in the Blank:**
1. **SAMPLE**: Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past medical history/Last oral intake/Events prior
2. **OPQRST**: Onset/Provocation(Q)/Quality/Radiation/Severity/Time
3. **AEIOU-TIPS**: Alcohol/Epilepsy/Insulin/Overdose/Uremia — Trauma/Infection/Psychiatric/Stroke — causes of altered mental status
4. **DCAP-BTLS**: Deformities/Contusions/Abrasions/Punctures-Burns/Tenderness/Lacerations/Swelling
5. **SLUDGE**: Salivation/Lacrimation/Urination/Defecation/GI distress/Emesis — organophosphate poisoning signs
6. **BEFAST**: Balance/Eyes/Face/Arms/Speech/Time — stroke recognition
7. **RICE**: Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevation — injury management
8. **AVPU**: Alert/Verbal/Pain/Unresponsive
9. **GCS**: Glasgow Coma Scale — 3 to 15
10. **CPR**: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
11. **AED**: Automated External Defibrillator
12. **BVM**: Bag-Valve-Mask
13. **ET Tube**: Endotracheal Tube
14. **IV**: Intravenous
15. **IO**: Intraosseous
16. **IM**: Intramuscular
17. **PO**: By mouth (per os)
18. **STAT**: Immediately (from Latin 'statim')
19. **NPO**: Nothing by mouth (nil per os)
20. **PRN**: As needed (pro re nata)

**Exercise B — Matching:**
- **SAMPLE** → I (Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past medical history/Last oral intake/Events prior)
- **OPQRST** → J (Onset/Provocation(Q)/Quality/Radiation/Severity/Time)
- **AEIOU-TIPS** → C (Alcohol/Epilepsy/Insulin/Overdose/Uremia — Trauma/Infection/Psychiatric/Stroke — causes of altered mental status)
- **DCAP-BTLS** → B (Deformities/Contusions/Abrasions/Punctures-Burns/Tenderness/Lacerations/Swelling)
- **SLUDGE** → H (Salivation/Lacrimation/Urination/Defecation/GI distress/Emesis — organophosphate poisoning signs)
- **BEFAST** → E (Balance/Eyes/Face/Arms/Speech/Time — stroke recognition)
- **RICE** → F (Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevation — injury management)
- **AVPU** → A (Alert/Verbal/Pain/Unresponsive)
- **GCS** → D (Glasgow Coma Scale — 3 to 15)
- **CPR** → G (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

**Exercise D — Quiz Answers:**
1. **B** — SAMPLE: Signs/Allergies/Medications/Past medical history/Last oral intake/Events prior
2. **B** — OPQRST: Onset/Provocation(Q)/Quality/Radiation/Severity/Time
3. **B** — AEIOU-TIPS: Alcohol/Epilepsy/Insulin/Overdose/Uremia — Trauma/Infection/Psychiatric/Stroke — causes of altered mental status
4. **B** — DCAP-BTLS: Deformities/Contusions/Abrasions/Punctures-Burns/Tenderness/Lacerations/Swelling
5. **B** — SLUDGE: Salivation/Lacrimation/Urination/Defecation/GI distress/Emesis — organophosphate poisoning signs

---

## 🎯 BONUS: NREMT Terminology Cram Sheet

**50 Most-Tested Terms — One Page for Last-Minute Review**

| **Tachycardia** | >100 bpm |
| **Bradycardia** | <60 bpm |
| **Tachypnea** | >20 RR |
| **Bradypnea** | <12 RR |
| **Hypertension** | >130/80 |
| **Hypotension** | <90/60 |
| **Hypoxia** | Low O2 in tissues |
| **Cyanosis** | Blue skin — late hypoxia sign |
| **Shock** | Inadequate tissue perfusion |
| **Anaphylaxis** | Severe allergic reaction — epi IM |
| **Sepsis** | Infection + organ dysfunction |
| **MI/Heart Attack** | Blocked coronary artery |
| **CHF** | Heart pump failure → fluid backup |
| **Stroke/CVA** | Brain blood flow interrupted |
| **TIA** | Mini-stroke, resolves <24h |
| **Pneumothorax** | Air in pleural space → collapsed lung |
| **Hemothorax** | Blood in pleural space |
| **Pulmonary Edema** | Fluid in lungs — common w/ CHF |
| **PE** | Clot in lung — sudden SOB, clear lungs |
| **COPD** | Chronic lung disease |
| **Asthma** | Reactive airway — wheezing |
| **Stridor** | Upper airway obstruction sound |
| **Wheezing** | Lower airway constriction sound |
| **GCS** | 3-15 consciousness scale |
| **AVPU** | Alert/Verbal/Pain/Unresponsive |
| **SAMPLE** | Patient history mnemonic |
| **OPQRST** | Pain assessment mnemonic |
| **DCAP-BTLS** | Trauma assessment mnemonic |
| **CPR** | Chest compressions + ventilations |
| **AED** | Automated defibrillator |
| **BVM** | Bag-Valve-Mask ventilation |
| **ET Tube** | Endotracheal tube — definitive airway |
| **Hypoglycemia** | Low blood sugar <70 |
| **Hyperglycemia** | High blood sugar >200 |
| **DKA** | Diabetic Ketoacidosis |
| **Seizure** | Abnormal brain electrical activity |
| **Status Epilepticus** | Seizure >5 min — emergency |
| **Syncope** | Fainting |
| **Concussion** | Mild TBI |
| **ICP** | Intracranial Pressure |
| **Cushing's Triad** | HTN + brady + irregular RR — late ICP sign |
| **Tension Pneumothorax** | Tracheal deviation, JVD, absent BS — needle decompression |
| **Flail Chest** | Paradoxical chest movement |
| **Cardiac Tamponade** | Beck's triad — muffled tones, JVD, hypotension |
| **Hypovolemic Shock** | Volume loss — hemorrhage, dehydration |
| **BSI** | Body Substance Isolation |
| **PPE** | Gloves, mask, eye protection, gown |
| **DNR** | Do Not Resuscitate — must see valid document |
| **HIPAA** | Patient privacy protection |
| **Negligence** | Failure to meet standard of care |

## 🧩 BONUS: Medical Prefix & Suffix Cheat Sheet

| Prefix/Suffix | Meaning | Example |
|---------------|---------|---------|
| **tachy-** | fast | tachycardia (fast heart rate) |
| **brady-** | slow | bradycardia (slow heart rate) |
| **hyper-** | high/excessive | hypertension (high blood pressure) |
| **hypo-** | low/deficient | hypotension (low blood pressure) |
| **a-/an-** | without/absence | apnea (without breathing) |
| **dys-** | difficult/painful | dyspnea (difficult breathing) |
| **poly-** | many/much | polyuria (excessive urination) |
| **oligo-** | few/little | oliguria (reduced urine output) |
| **hemo-/hema-** | blood | hemorrhage (excessive bleeding) |
| **pneumo-** | air/lung | pneumothorax (air in pleural space) |
| **cardio-** | heart | cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) |
| **neuro-** | nerve/nervous system | neurological (relating to nervous system) |
| **pulmo-** | lung | pulmonary (relating to lungs) |
| **gastro-** | stomach | gastroenteritis (stomach inflammation) |
| **nephro-/reno-** | kidney | nephrology (study of kidneys) |
| **hepato-** | liver | hepatitis (liver inflammation) |
| **osteo-** | bone | osteoporosis (porous bone) |
| **myo-** | muscle | myocardial (heart muscle) |
| **-itis** | inflammation | bronchitis (bronchial inflammation) |
| **-ectomy** | surgical removal | appendectomy (appendix removal) |
| **-otomy** | cutting into | tracheotomy (cutting into trachea) |
| **-ostomy** | creating an opening | colostomy (colon opening) |
| **-ology** | study of | cardiology (study of heart) |
| **-pathy** | disease | cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) |
| **-emia** | blood condition | anemia (low red blood cells) |
| **-uria** | urine condition | hematuria (blood in urine) |
| **-plegia** | paralysis | quadriplegia (paralysis of four limbs) |
| **-pnea** | breathing | tachypnea (fast breathing) |
| **-oxia** | oxygen level | hypoxia (low oxygen) |
| **intra-** | within | intravenous (within a vein) |
| **sub-** | under | sublingual (under the tongue) |
| **inter-** | between | intercostal (between ribs) |
| **peri-** | around | pericardium (around the heart) |
| **endo-** | inside | endotracheal (inside the trachea) |
| **epi-** | above/upon | epinephrine (upon the kidney) |

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