Unit 2.1

A record of information about a patient’s past and current health. Includes information about the patient’s habits, lifestyle, and even the health of their family.

The patient’s description of what they feel is their main health problem.

Pieces of evidence that indicate an illness that can be observed externally, such as a rash, coughing, or elevated temperature.

Any subjective evidence of diseases a patient perceives, such as aches, nausea, or fatigue. Symptoms allow the healthcare provider to narrow down the possible conditions that may be affecting the patient and then run tests to make a diagnosis

The process of determining which disease or condition explains a person’s symptoms and signs.

Outward behavior or bearing; a doctor might have a cheerful, peaceful, or friendly demeanor and put the patient at ease; doctors with an arrogant or dismissive demeanor might lose a patient’s trust.

Discretion and sensitivity in dealing with others. A doctor might exhibit tact when they choose their words carefully so as to not upset a patient when they must deliver bad news.

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

An unlicensed caregiver who works primarily in doctor’s offices and clinics. They assist their medical director through a wide variety of duties.

A licensed healthcare professional who is skilled in promoting and maintaining health.

Uses sophisticated equipment and has different responsibilities. Some work directly with patients (a phlebotomist draws blood) while others work in a lab (a histotechnician analyzes tissues).

Works with patients and their families to address needs and concerns; acts as an intermediary between patients, their families, and the hospital administration.

A student enrolled at a medical school who is training to become a physician.

A healthcare provider who practices either in collaboration with or under the supervision of a physician. Some examples include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants.

A specialist physician trained to work in the front line of a healthcare system and provide care for any health problems that a patient might have.

A specialist physician who provides medical care to infants, children, and adolescents.

Measurements (specifically pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure) that indicate the state of a patient’s essential body functions.

The maintenance of stable internal physiological conditions (like body temperature or the pH of blood), which enables the optimal functioning of an organism.

The rhythmic expansion and recoil of arteries resulting from heart contraction.

The number of breaths an organism takes per minute.

The pressure that blood exerts upon the walls of blood vessels, especially arteries, usually measured with a sphygmomanometer; expressed in mm of mercury.

The sorting and prioritization of patients based on the urgency of their need for care

The amount of oxygen in the blood. It is measured as a percentage using pulse oximeters.

A measure of body fat that is the ratio of the weight of the body to its height. It is calculated using the formula: weight(lb)/height (inches) square X 703.