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Term Log & Definitions

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
A
 Ativan (pre-med) – An antianxiety drug commonly prescribed by
psychiatrists and administered prior to surgeries or procedures.
 ACU - Acute Care Unit
 Anesthesia - Partial or complete loss of sensation.
General Anesthesia causes loss of consciousness. Generally administered
through a tube to the lungs or through a needle to the veins.
Local Anesthesia causes loss of feeling in a particular area of the body.
Usually given by injection. Regional Anesthesia causes loss of feeling to an
entire region of the body, e.g., a spinal block deadens the lower portion of the
body.
 Aperts Syndrome - A genetic disorder characterized by the premature fusion
of certain skull bones (craniosynostosis). This early fusion prevents the skull
from growing normally and affects the shape of the head and face. In
addition, a varied number of fingers and toes are fused together (syndactyly).

 Axilla – The space below the shoulder through which vessels and nerves
enter and leave the upper arm (armpit).
 Allograft – Skin graph taken from a cadaver for the purpose of a skin graft.

B
 BCNU - Bacteria Control Nursing Unit
 Attending Surgeon- A physician (M.D. or D.O.) who has completed residency and
practices medicine in a clinic or hospital, in the specialty learned during residency.
Usually overseeing a resident or fellow.

 Bacitracin- A topical medication used to prevent skin infections and promote

healing.
 Borax Burn – A chemical burn from contact with borax
 Biopsy- An examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the
presence, cause, or extent of a disease.

C
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
Chemical Burn - Chemical caused by irritating chemicals such as acid or
alkalis. The chemical continues to burn until it is completely flushed away with
running water. Some chemicals require antidotes other than water.
 Central Line- Central venous catheter (CVC), also known as a central
line, central venous line, or central venous access catheter, is
a catheter placed into a large vein.
 Contact precaution – Guidelines recommended by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention for reducing the risk of transmission of
epidemiologically important microorganisms by direct or indirect contact.
 Contact burn - Injury is caused by prolonged contact with a heated
surface such as a hot exhaust pipe.
 Collagen- A protein within the body which assists in strengthening skin and
bones.
 Collagenase- Enzymes that break the peptide bonds in collagen. They assist in
destroying extracellular structures in the formation of bacteria.
 Contracture - A tightening or pulling of skin in a band-like fashion that
decreases movement and requires corrective surgery.
 Cellulitus – A spreading bacterial infection just below the skin surface.
 Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) Syndrome- Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome is
a disorder that affects many parts of the body, particularly the heart (cardio),
facial features (facio), and the skin and hair (cutaneous). People with this
condition also have delayed development and intellectual disability, usually
ranging from moderate to severe.
 Composite Graft – Requires the removal of skin, fat, muscle, and cartilage.
These grafts are typically used in areas that require three-dimensional
reconstruction, such as the nose.

D
 Donor Site - The area of the body in which skin is taken to cover other parts of
the body which are burned.
 Dermis - The layer of skin just below the epidermis
 Dressing Change - The changing of bandages that protect the burn wound,
cleaning of the wound, and use of medical ointments that promote healing and
protect from infection. Bandages are changed frequently until the skin is
healed. May be painful.
 Debriding burns - The removal of foreign material and dead or damaged
tissue from a wound. This is done in surgery, in a scrub tank, a tub, or at the
bedside with scalpel, tweezers, or brush, etc.
 Dermis- The layer of skin just below the epidermis
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 Delirium- An acute and fluctuating disturbance of consciousness and cognition,

is a common manifestation of acute brain dysfunction in critically ill patients,
occurring in up to 80% of the sickest intensive care unit (ICU) populations.

E
 Epidermis - The outermost layer of the skin.
 Epidermolysis Bullosa - A term that includes three types of rare, inherited
blistering skin diseases. The skin is so fragile in people with epidermolysis
bullosa that even minor rubbing may cause blistering, and everyday activities
can be excruciatingly painful
 Electrical burn- Injury is caused by the electricity passing through the body
and heating up the tissues. It can enter through the hand, pass through the
heart and exit through the foot causing damage along the way.
 EKG (Electrocardiograms) - A record or display of a person's heartbeat
produced by electrocardiography.
 ECHO (Echocardiography) - A diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to
create an image of the heart muscle. Ultrasound waves that rebound or echo
off the heart can show the size, shape, and movement of the heart’s valves and
chambers as well as the flow of blood though the heart.
F
 Face mask- A custom made clear face mask to help with the healing of severe
burns. They are typically worn for 23 hours a day for up to a year and place
pressure on scars which can improve scar appearance.
 Flame burn- Injury due to sustained contact with fire.
 Flash Burn- An injury from an explosive blast caused by gases or electrical
explosions.
 Flammable liquid burn- Injury from a burning liquid.
 Freeze Spray – topical numbing spray
 Flaps- A full thickness section of skin that is raised from a donor site and
transferred to another.
 Friction blister- A small area of open wound caused by bumping or rubbing of
new skin grafts that are in a fragile state. The frequency of blisters decreases
overtime as the skin becomes stronger.
 Full-thickness graft - Removes the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis
(the bottom layer of the skin) in their entirety. Cosmetically, the outcome is
usually better than split-thickness grafts, which is why full-thickness grafts are
usually recommended for the face. The use of full-thickness grafts is somewhat
limited. They can only be placed on areas of the body that have significant
blood vessels to ensure the graft’s survival.
G
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 Grafts – Skin which is surgically placed on a deeply burned area. It grows into
an integral part of the new skin or at least forms a sterile covering until new skin
can grow or be placed in the area. Grafts are also used to help close wounds.
H
 H&P – History and psychical appointment. CCLS support is rarely required
during these visits.
 Hemangioma- A benign tumor of blood vessels, often forming a red birthmark.
 Hematoma- A hematoma (also called a contusion or bruise) refers to an
abnormal collection of blood in the body that is typically the result of a broken or
ruptured blood vessel.
 Hypertrophic skin - Enlargement or overgrowth of skin due to increased size
of the constituent cells
I
 Inhalation Injuries- Burns in the nose, throat, bronchia or lungs caused by
breathing in smoke, chemicals or other gases.
J
 Jobst - Slang referring to the brand of pressure garments commonly used by
Shriners.
 J-Tip - A needle free numbing procedure that provides a quick dispersion of
medication throughout the sub-Q which numbs the area prior to procedures
such an IV incision.

K
 Ketamine- A medication mainly used for starting and maintaining anesthesia. It
induces a trance-like state while providing pain relief, sedation, and memory
loss. Other uses include for chronic pain, sedation in intensive care, and
depression.
L
 Lesion- A region in an organ or tissue which has suffered damage through
injury or disease, such as a wound, ulcer, abscess, or tumor.

M
 Mepilex Bandage - Mepilex is a foam dressing that can be applied to many
different types of wounds. Mepilex minimizes pain because it doesn't stick to
the wound or add lint or debris that can be painful to flush out.
 MDRO (multiple drug resistant organism) - Microorganisms, predominantly
bacteria, that are resistant to one or more classes of antimicrobial agents.
 MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
A bacterium that is highly resistant to methicillin,penicillin, and certain other anti
biotics, and may cause infections of the skin, blood, lungs, etc.
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N
 NG Tube (Nasogastic) – a tube inserted through the nose, past the throat and
down into the stomach, used for feeding or delivery of medicine.
 Nitric acid burns – Type of chemical burn
 Nitric acid is a chemical that is important in industry. It is a very strong acid
and a powerful oxidizing agent with the ability to nitrate organic materials,
thus making it essential in the production of numerous chemicals. Skin
contact with nitric acid leads to severe burns, and its vapours can cause
severe acid burns to the eyes, respiratory tract, and lungs.
O
 Osteblastic- A specialized bone cell that produces and deposits the matrix that
is needed for the development of new bone and consists primarily of collagen
fibers.
 Osteolytic - Pertaining to the dissolution of bone, especially the loss of calcium
from bone

P
 Prei-operative services- pretaining to the period of time surrounding a surgical
procedure including the Preop and Pacu.
 Port (port access) - A small medical appliance that is installed beneath the skin
and is attached to a vein that is used to give medicine or to take blood.
 PCP- Primary Care Physician
 Pulsdi Laser - Used to minimize redness and increase comfort or irritation due
to inflammation. It’s designed to remove blood vessels and treats ¼ - ½ inch
areas at a time. Following treatment, the comfort and appearance of the lasered
area will vary depending on the setting of the laser.
 Pressure garments - A specially measured-to-fit elasticized pressure garment.
These garments put pressure on scars to decrease scar growth and to aid blood
flow. Garments are made to cover any part of the body affected by scarring,
including specialized pressure masks for the face.
Q
R
 Range of Motion (ROM)- The amount of normal body movement in a body part.
Range of motion is often limited in a burned person due to pain or scar tissue.
This may limit how the person can function, e.g., walking, combing hair,
scratching back, etc.
 Release (surgery) - Surgeries can help to release constricted areas of skin to
help regain motion. These surgeries are often done on the axilla or other joints.
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 Radiation burn- Injury from overexposure to radiant energy such as x-rays,

sunlight or a nuclear blast.
 Respiratory burn- Injury to the respiratory tract from inhalation of hot air or from
breathing in poisonous gas.
 Rotationplasty - Rotationplasty is a functional surgical procedure for children
undergoing resection of a malignant bone tumor around the knee joint. Originally
described for the treatment of infections and congenital limb deformities, it is now
used primarily as a reconstructive option for children of growing age diagnosed
with a malignant bone tumor around knee joint.

S
 Scald burn - The most common type of burn, sustained from contact wit hot
liquids, food or steam.
 Sun burn - Injury sustained from the rays of the sun
 STAPH- Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, types of germs
commonly found on the skin
 Splints- A piece of ridged material used to secure a body part in place in order to
aid in recovery.
 Scabies- Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny burrowing mite
called Sarcoptes scabiei. Intense itching occurs in the area where the mite
burrows.
 Stents - Stent is a metal or plastic tube inserted into the lumen of an anatomic
vessel or duct to keep the passageway open, and stenting is the placement of a
stent.
 Skin Graph - Skin grafting is a surgical procedure that involves removing skin
from one area of the body and moving it, or transplanting it, to a different area of
the body. This surgery may be done if a part of your body has lost its protective
covering of skin due to burns, injury, or illness.
 Silicone Face Pads - Specially designed face pads placed under silicone masks
to apply pressure to scars.
 Stevens-Johnson syndrome - Is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and
mucous membranes. It's usually a reaction to a medication or an infection. Often,
it begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful red or purplish rash that
spreads and blisters. Then the top layer of the affected skin dies, sheds and then
heals. (Stevens-Johnson syndrome can lead to TENS)
 Symptoms include:
•Fever
•Unexplained widespread skin pain
•A red or purple skin rash that spreads
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•Blisters on your skin and the mucous membranes of your mouth,

nose, eyes and genitals
•Shedding of your skin within days after blisters form
 Complications include:
 Skin and blood infections, eye, lung and skin damage
Risks – it is more predominant in certain races

 Sepsis - Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body's

response to an infection. The body normally releases chemicals into the
bloodstream to fight an infection. Sepsis occurs when the body's response to
these chemicals is out of balance, triggering changes that can damage multiple
organ systems.
 Split-thickness graft - Most commonly used type of skin graft. It removes only
the epidermis (the top layer of skin) and part of the dermis (the middle layer of
skin). This allows the source site to heal more quickly. However, this type of graft
is more fragile and it may leave the donor site with abnormal (lighter)
pigmentation.
 Subglottic Stenosis - The area of the windpipe just below the vocal folds. This
narrowing is most often made of scar tissue.
T
 TBSA - Total Body Surface Area
 Tissue Expander - Tissue expanders are deflated silicone balloons which are
placed under the skin and are then filled with saline solution over a series of
weeks to gradually expand/ stretch the skin. Once the skin is stretched the
surgeon will use the stretched skin to repaired damaged areas and is most
commonly used to treat alopecia.
 TENS (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) - Is a potentially deadly skin disease that
usually results from a drug reaction. Another form of the disease is called
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and again this usually results from a drug-related
reaction. Both forms of the disease can be deadly as well as very painful and
distressing. In most cases, these disorders are caused by a reaction to drugs,
such as the cox-2 inhibitor Bextra, which has already been linked to SJS and
TENS.
 Tracheotomy - Surgical incision of the trachea through the neck, as to make an
artificial opening for breathing.
U
V
 Versed- Midazolam is used to produce sleepiness or drowsiness and to relieve
anxiety before surgery or certain procedures.
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 VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus) – VRE is an infection with bacteria

that are resistant to the antibiotic called vancomycin and makes one immune to
the only antibiotic that can treat MRSA.
 Vasovagal syncope - Vasovagal syncope occurs when you faint because your
body overreacts to certain triggers. Trigger causes your heart rate and blood
pressure to drop suddenly. That leads to reduced blood flow to your brain,
causing you to briefly lose consciousness.
W
 Welcome Sleeve - A sleeve that prevents patients bending a part of their body
ex) arm
X
 Xeroform (Gauze) - Xeroform gauze is a type of medical dressing and has
ingredients finely woven mesh medical gauze infused with a blend of petrolatum
and 3% Bismuth Tribromophenate. It is used for open wounds such as
lacerations, burns, new circumcisions, commonly used for skin grafts
 Xefograft – Skin taken from an animal for the purposes of a skin graft.
Y
Z
 Z-Plasty - An incision, in the shape of a Z, made during surgical release of scar
bands when skin grafting is not necessary.
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References

Apert syndrome - Genetics Home Reference - NIH. (2019). Retrieved from

https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/apert-syndrome

Definition of Osteolytic. (2019). Retrieved from

https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=25866

Girard, T. D., Pandharipande, P. P., & Ely, E. W. (2008). Delirium in the intensive care
unit. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2391269/

Health Conditions - Genetics Home Reference - NIH. (2019). Retrieved from

https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/

Infection Control. (2015, November 05). Retrieved from

https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/mdro/background.html

Kita, N. (n.d.). How Is a Skin Graft Done? Retrieved from

https://www.verywellhealth.com/skin-grafts-in-reconstructive-surgery-2710284

Main Page. (2019, March 24). Retrieved from https://www.wikipedia.org/

Rotationplasty. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Rotationplasty

The World's Most Trusted Dictionary Provider. (2018). Retrieved from

https://www.oxforddictionaries.com/

VRE: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. (2019). Retrieved from

https://www.healthline.com/health/vre