Involuntary muscle contractions (spasm) of the abdominal wall; an effort to protect the inflamed abdomen
The reason a patient called for help; also, the patient's response to questions such as "What's wrong?" or "What happened?"
A grating or grinding sensation caused by fractured bone ends or joints rubbing together.
Damage to tissues as the result of exposure to cold; frozen or partially frozen body parts are frostbitten.
A test that evaluates distal circulatory system function by squeezing (blanching) blood from an area such as a nail bed and watching the speed of its return after releasing the pressure.
A mnemonic for assessment in which each area of the body is evaluated for Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures/penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling.
Any injury that prevents the patient from noticing other injuries he or she may have, even severe injuries; for example, a painful femur or tibia fracture that prevents the patient from noticing back pain associated with a spinal fracture.
A change in the way a person thinks and behaves that may signal disease in the central nervous system or elsewhere in the body.
The pressure that the blood exert against the walls of the arteries as it passes through them.
A slow heart rate, less than 60 beats/min
The delicate membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the eye.
A crackling, rattling breath sound that signals fluid in the air spaces of the lungs
The overall initial impression that determines the priority for patient care; based on the patient's surroundings, the mechanism of injury, signs and symptoms, and the chief complaint.