Saint Mary’s Emergency and Trauma Services
Health Care Terms You May Hear in the Emergency Department
ABGs/gases – Blood sample taken from the artery to
test oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH levels
CAT scan – Specialized x-ray that shows tissue as well
as bones
CBC – Complete Blood Count - a blood test
CVA – Stroke or Brain Attack
EKG/ECG – Electrocardiogram; paper tracings of the heart’s
electrical activity
Fracture – Broken bone
Hypo/injection – Medication given by needle (shot)
Intubate – To place a tube in the mouth or nose that
goes down to the lungs to help breathing. A patient is unable
to talk while this is in place.
IV – Intravenous fluid or medications given through
a tube inserted in a vein
MI – Myocardial infarction, or heart attack
O2 – Oxygen
O2 sat – Percentage of blood saturated by oxygen. Level
is obtained by placing a measuring clamp on a finger or toe
Stat – Immediate
Sutures – Stitches to close a wound
T3s – Tylenol with codeine
TIA – Mini stroke
Vent – A respirator; a machine to assist with breathing
X-ray – Picture of the body’s internal structure
Advance Directive – Sometimes referred to as a Living
Will or Durable Power of Attorney for health care. This is
paperwork that describes the patient’s wishes regarding
decisions near the end of life. A Living Will tells what a
patient wants done, or not done. A Durable Power of Attorney
for health care says who can make decisions when the patient
no longer can.
We realize that a visit to the Emergency Department is a
difficult situation. It can be frightening and confusing.
If you have additional questions, please ask. Our most important
job is to provide the best care for our patients.
If you have comments, concerns, or questions about your care,
please speak with a member of the Emergency Department staff
or call Customer Relations at 616-752-5444.
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