Medical Professionals and Healthcare Glossary

Posted on Apr 5, 2025 in Nursing

Medical Professionals

Midwife

Delivers babies at birth.

Cardiologist

Treats illnesses of the heart.

Pediatrician

Specializes in children’s health.

Radiologist

Takes X-rays and other medical images.

Scrub Nurse

Supports surgeons in the operating theater.

Porter

Moves patients between hospital areas.

Lab Technician

Takes samples and analyzes tissues under a microscope.

Paramedic

Responds to emergencies and gives first aid.

Surgeon

Performs operations.

Pharmacist

Gives medicines to medical staff and patients.

Medical Fields

Pharmacy

Dispenses medicine.

Renal Unit

Treats kidney diseases.

Obstetrics

Specializes in pregnancy and birth.

Pathology

Studies illnesses and analyzes samples.

Dermatology

Treats diseases of the skin.

Surgery

Performs operations on patients.

Physiotherapy

Designs special exercises for patients.

Hematology

Studies blood disorders.

Orthopedics

Treats bones.

Cardiology

Specializes in the heart.

Pediatrics

Deals with sick children.

Neurology

Treats disorders of the nervous system.

Patient Information Example

Patient Details

Surname: Stewart
Date of Birth: May 14, 1982
Occupation: Painter
Marital Status: Divorced
Next of Kin: Brother, Henry
Smoking Intake: 20 cigarettes/day
Alcohol Intake: N/A
Reasons for Admission: Possible broken leg
Medical History: Heart disease (father’s side)
Allergies: N/A
G.P.: Dr. John Smith

Medical Terms Glossary

  1. Occupation: Job
  2. Allergies: Bad reaction to certain medications
  3. G.P.: Family doctor
  4. Next of Kin: Closest relative
  5. Intake: The amount of something you eat and drink regularly
  6. DOB: Abbreviation of Date of Birth
  7. Gender: Male/Female
  8. Medical History: Past illnesses or injuries
  9. Marital Status: Married, single, divorced, widowed
  10. N/A: Not applicable

First Aid Procedures

Treating a Blister

  1. Sterilize a clean, sharp needle with alcohol.
  2. Make sure there is no glass or other foreign body in the wound.
  3. Use the needle to puncture the blister.

Treating Burns

  1. Don’t remove burnt clothing.
  2. Squeeze a main artery if necessary.
  3. Keep the injured person lying down.
  4. Immobilize the injured body part once the bleeding has stopped.
  5. Treat the person for shock.
  6. Don’t immerse severe large burns in cold water.
  7. Check for signs of circulation.

Treating a Wound

  1. Swab with iodine or rubbing alcohol.
  2. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.

CPR and Defibrillation Steps

  1. The nurse gives two to three breaths into the patient’s mouth.
  2. The paramedic counts up to three or four after each push down on the chest.
  3. The nurse pushes down on the chest fifteen to sixteen times.
  4. They set the charge on the defibrillator at 100/200.
  5. The nurse applies the pads on each side of the heart.
  6. The patient starts to respond after the first or second charge from the defibrillator.
  7. The patient is given Lidocaine/Atropine.
  8. The dosage is 200 ml over one minute/two minutes.

Effects of Aging

An abnormal increase in breathing rate can lead to respiratory distress or failure.
Blood pressure can be high in the early stages, but then hypotension is common as it falls abnormally.
Cardiovascular problems may develop. The patient’s heart often beats abnormally fast.
The CNS is affected. This can cause changes in personality. In advanced stages, confusion and coma can result.
Hair loses pigmentation and turns discolored. It becomes thinner, and its growth rate slows down.
The lenses of the eyes become stiffer and thicker. It becomes harder to focus on near objects.
Deterioration of the inner ear causes hearing sensitivity.
Teeth become gray and fragile, and fall out.
Skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner, causing increased wrinkling and sensitivity to the cold.
Digestion slows down, causing constipation.
Fatty deposits restrict blood flow and cause high blood pressure.
The bladder can’t hold as much urine, and there is some leakage.
Bones become fragile.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin C is needed to help the skin repair itself when it is cut or damaged. It is found in fruit, especially citrus fruit like oranges and grapefruit.
B Vitamins keep the nervous system healthy and help reduce stress. They are found in foods like whole-grain bread and cereals.
Vitamin A keeps the eyes healthy and is important for good vision. It is found in fatty foods like butter, cheese, whole milk, and yogurt.
Vitamin D is needed for healthy bones and teeth because it helps absorb calcium. Our body makes vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight.
Calcium is needed for children’s bones and teeth to grow. It is found in foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Iron helps your blood carry oxygen. If you do not get enough iron, you will be pale and tired, and you may get anemia. Iron is found in red meats, especially liver.