Medical Terminology Chapter 22

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Questions and Answers

What is ambulation?

Sitting in a wheelchair
Lying down
Walking or moving from one place to another (correct)
Crawling on the ground

What does ambulatory mean?

Able to walk as opposed to being confined to bed or a wheelchair

What is a compress?

A soft, moist, absorbent cloth that is folded in several layers & applied to a part of the body in the local application of heat or cold

What is edema?

The retention of fluid in the tissues, resulting in swelling Signup and view all the answers

What causes erythema?

Redding of the skin caused by dilation of superficial blood vessels in the skin Signup and view all the answers

What is exudate?

A discharge produced by the body's tissues Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to soak?

The direct immersion of a body part in water or a medicated solution Signup and view all the answers

What is a sprain?

Trauma to a joint that causes injury to the ligaments Signup and view all the answers

What is a strain?

An overstretching of a muscle caused by trauma Signup and view all the answers

What does suppuration refer to?

The process of pus formation Signup and view all the answers

Common applications of dry & moist heat include dry heat: heating pad, chemical hot pack; moist heat: hot soak, hot compress; dry cold: ice bag, chemical cold pack; moist cold: ______

cold compress Signup and view all the answers

How long are heat & cold typically applied?

Generally 15 to 30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Factors affecting the application of heat & cold include age of the patient, location of the application, impaired circulation, impaired sensation, and individual ______

tolerance to change in temperature Signup and view all the answers

What are the local effects of heat?

Produces dilation of blood vessels, increases blood supply, and speeds up tissue metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What are the local effects of cold?

Produces constriction of blood vessels, decreases blood supply, and reduces tissue metabolism Signup and view all the answers

When should cold be applied?

Immediately after suffering direct trauma, such as a bruise, minor burn, sprain, strain, joint injury, or fracture Signup and view all the answers

How should chemical cold packs be stored?

At room temperature Signup and view all the answers

How do crutches function?

By removing weight from the legs and transferring it to the arms Signup and view all the answers

What is a forearm crutch?

A Lofstrand crutch with a metal cuff that fits securely around the patient's forearm Signup and view all the answers

Match the following guidelines for crutch use:

Wear well-fitting flat shoes = Guideline 1 Use correct posture = Guideline 2 Support your weight with your hands = Guideline 3 Inspect the crutch tips regularly = Guideline 4 Keep the crutch tips dry to prevent slipping = Guideline 5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the tripod position?

Approximately 4-6 inches on the sides and 2 inches in front of feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the four point gait?

Is the slowest and safest Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Ambulation and Mobility

Ambulation: Refers to walking or moving from one location to another.
Ambulatory: Describes individuals who can walk, as opposed to being bedridden or wheelchair-bound.
Crutch Functionality: Crutches alleviate weight from the legs, redistributing it to the arms for support.

Body Conditions and Treatments

Edema: Caused by fluid retention in tissues, leading to swelling.
Erythema: Involves reddening of the skin due to the dilation of superficial blood vessels.
Exudate: Refers to fluid discharge resulting from body tissue injury or inflammation.

Injury Definitions

Sprain: Injury to a joint resulting in damage to ligaments.
Strain: Overstretching of a muscle due to trauma.

Heat and Cold Applications

Compress: A layered cloth used for local heat or cold applications.
Common Applications:
- Dry heat: heating pads, chemical hot packs
- Moist heat: hot soaks, hot compresses
- Dry cold: ice bags, chemical cold packs
- Moist cold: cold compresses
Application Duration: Effective for about 15 to 30 minutes.

Factors Influencing Heat and Cold Application

Important considerations include patient age, application location, circulation status, sensation capabilities, and individual temperature tolerance.

Physiological Effects

Local Effects of Heat: Enhances blood vessel dilation, increasing blood supply, nutrient delivery, and waste elimination in the affected area.
Local Effects of Cold: Causes blood vessel constriction, reducing blood supply, metabolism, and waste accumulation; results in cool, pale skin.

Cold Treatment Application

Best used immediately after acute injuries like sprains, bruises, or fractures to minimize swelling and pain.

Crutch Usage Guidelines

Proper footwear: Wear well-fitting flat shoes.
Maintain good posture and support weight through the arms.
Always look ahead when walking; be conscious of the terrain.
Keep crutches positioned 4 to 6 inches from the sides of the feet.
Possible symptoms like tingling or numbness should be reported immediately.
Regularly inspect crutch tips to ensure safety and prevent slipping.

Crutch Types

Forearm Crutch (Lofstrand): Features a metal cuff for secure forearm support, allowing hand use, beneficial for conditions like cerebral palsy.

Gait Patterns

Tripod Position: Crutches should be 4 to 6 inches to the side and 2 inches in front of the feet while preparing to walk.
Four Point Gait: Recognized as the slowest yet safest walking pattern while using crutches.