Medical Terminology: Procedures 1 Flashcards

What is a 'catheterization' in a medical context?

Answer: Insertion of a thin tube into a body cavity or vessel to drain fluid or deliver treatment

Catheterization involves inserting a catheter (thin flexible tube) into a body cavity, duct, or vessel. It is commonly used to drain urine from the bladder or to access the heart and blood vessels during cardiac procedures.

What does the term 'laparoscopy' describe?

Answer: A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen

Laparoscopy uses a laparoscope — a thin tube with a camera — inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. It allows surgeons to view and operate on internal organs with minimal tissue disruption compared to open surgery.

What is an 'angioplasty'?

Answer: A procedure to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels, often using a balloon

Angioplasty is a procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. A small balloon is inflated inside the artery to compress plaque and restore blood flow, often followed by placement of a stent.

What is a 'lumbar puncture' (spinal tap) used for?

Answer: To collect cerebrospinal fluid from the lower spine for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes

A lumbar puncture involves inserting a needle between lumbar vertebrae to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The CSF can be analyzed to diagnose conditions such as meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or bleeding around the brain.

What does 'intubation' refer to in a clinical procedure?

Answer: Inserting a tube into the trachea to maintain an open airway and assist breathing

Endotracheal intubation involves passing a tube through the mouth or nose and into the trachea (windpipe). It is performed to secure the airway during surgery, emergencies, or when a patient cannot breathe adequately on their own.

What is a 'colonoscopy' primarily used to examine?

Answer: The entire length of the large intestine (colon)

A colonoscopy uses a long, flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) to visualize the inner lining of the entire colon and rectum. It is used to screen for colorectal cancer, detect polyps, and investigate symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.