A red coloration of the skin. Commonly seen in allergic reactions, sunburns and as a reaction to some medications.

In a conscious patient, this exam may center on the complaint of the patient. For example, if the patient has ankle pain, the exam should target the injured ankle.

A break of a bone.

Sugar, an essential nutrient for the body’s cells.

Young children and infants in respiratory distress may grunt at the end of each respiration in an attempt to keep their alveoli open. Grunting may be a quiet sound, very easy to miss unless you are specifically listening for it. It is a sign of increased work of breathing.

A maneuver to open the airway by simultaneously lifting the chin and tilting the head back.

This law codifies healthcare providers’ responsibility to actively safeguard patient confidentiality. HIPAA spells out conditions for releasing patient information for patient care, payment, training, quality improvement, research, law enforcement, and other operational needs. You may see this mis-abbreviated as HIPPA.

Blockage in an artery that feeds a portion of heart muscle, resulting in injury and death of the affected area; also described as a myocardial infarction.

Low blood pressure from any cause. Usually defined as less than 90/60 in the adult patient.

Low body temperature due to prolonged exposure to the elements or inability to generate body heat.