Cardiac ER
Chest Pain • ECG • Shock • Heart Meds. Learn cardiac emergency terms including chest pain, ACS, ECG rhythm basics, heart failure, shock, and nursing safety checks.
SendyGames.com Original Medical Library
MEDKIT 48?! Medical Library
A medical library learning hub for MEDKIT 48 HOURS?! Use it like a study library: search by topic, open an article, study the terms, then return to the game for recall practice.
Learning note: This is original educational content for learning and review only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In a real emergency, call local emergency services.
Article index
This is an original SendyGames medical reference library for study, review, and game-based learning.
Trauma Bay
Primary Survey • Bleeding • Shock • Safety. Learn trauma bay vocabulary including ABCDE, hemorrhage, fracture, shock, spinal precautions, and emergency priorities.
Neuro Care Room
Stroke • Seizures • GCS • Brain Safety. Learn neurological care vocabulary including stroke, seizure, Glasgow Coma Scale, pupils, weakness, aphasia, and brain injury warning signs.
CPR and Choking
Airway • Compressions • AED • Rescue Priorities. Learn CPR and choking vocabulary including airway obstruction, chest compressions, AED, rescue breaths, and emergency response priorities.
Burns and Wound Care
Burn Depth • Infection • Dressings • Healing. Learn burn and wound care vocabulary including superficial, partial-thickness, full-thickness burns, infection signs, dressings, and pressure injury staging.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar
Glucose • Insulin • Hypoglycemia • DKA. Learn diabetes and blood sugar vocabulary including glucose, insulin, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, DKA, A1C, and nursing safety.
Radiology Room
X-ray • CT • MRI • Ultrasound • Contrast. Learn radiology vocabulary including X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, contrast, radiopaque, radiolucent, and patient safety terms.
Lab Values
CBC • CMP • Electrolytes • Kidney • Liver. Learn common lab value vocabulary including CBC, CMP, electrolytes, kidney function, liver enzymes, inflammation markers, and safety clues.
Thyroid Room
TSH • T4 • T3 • Hypothyroid • Hyperthyroid. Learn thyroid vocabulary including TSH, T4, T3, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, levothyroxine, antibodies, and safety review.
CD Markers
Immune Cell Labels • CD4 • CD8 • CD19 • CD20. Learn CD marker vocabulary including CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD20, NK cells, B cells, T cells, and immune lab language.
Medical Abbreviations
CBC • CMP • EKG • DVT • PE • CHF • COPD. Learn common medical abbreviations used in hospitals, emergency care, nursing notes, labs, and study guides.
Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal
Joints • Muscles • Autoimmune • Pain Terms. Learn rheumatology and musculoskeletal vocabulary including arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, costochondritis, and inflammation terms.
Sleep Apnea
OSA • AHI • CPAP • Oxygen • Daytime Sleepiness. Learn sleep apnea vocabulary including OSA, AHI, CPAP, BiPAP, oxygen saturation, snoring, apneas, and sleep study terms.
Pharmacology Safety
Rights • Routes • Side Effects • High-Alert Meds. Learn medication safety vocabulary including the rights of medication administration, routes, contraindication, side effect, allergy, and high-alert medications.
Infection Control
PPE • Isolation • Hand Hygiene • Transmission. Learn infection control vocabulary including PPE, standard precautions, contact, droplet, airborne, hand hygiene, and sterile technique.
Respiratory Care
Oxygen • COPD • Asthma • ABG • Breathing Terms. Learn respiratory care vocabulary including oxygen saturation, asthma, COPD, wheezing, ABG, hypoxia, ventilation, and respiratory distress.
Pediatric and Special Needs Care
Autism • Communication • Safety • Development. Learn pediatric and special needs care vocabulary including autism, developmental delay, sensory sensitivity, communication support, and family-centered care.
Emergency Priorities
Triage • ABCs • Red Flags • Rapid Response. Learn emergency priority vocabulary including triage, ABCs, red flags, unstable patient, rapid response, and first nursing actions.
Medical Ethics and Unproven Treatments
Evidence • Consent • Safety • Scope. Learn ethical vocabulary around evidence, informed consent, unproven treatments, scope of practice, risk, and patient safety.
Browse by category
Emergency Care
Medical Review
Labs & Body Systems
Diagnostics & Respiratory
Patient Safety & Nursing
Quick glossary
These terms are pulled from the lesson articles so students can scan definitions before playing.
A1CA lab test that reflects average blood glucose over approximately two to three months. [Diabetes and Blood Sugar]
ABCsAirway, breathing, circulation; a common emergency priority framework. [Emergency Priorities]
ABGArterial blood gas, a test of oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, and acid-base status. [Medical Abbreviations]
AccommodationA support or adjustment that helps a person access care or participate more safely. [Pediatric and Special Needs Care]
Acute coronary syndromeAn emergency category caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It includes unstable angina and myocardial infarction. [Cardiac ER]
Adverse reactionA harmful or unintended response to a medication. [Pharmacology Safety]
AEDAutomated external defibrillator. A device that analyzes heart rhythm and can deliver a shock if needed. [CPR and Choking]
Agonal breathingAbnormal gasping that can occur in cardiac arrest. It is not normal breathing. [CPR and Choking]
AHIApnea-hypopnea index, the number of apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep. [Sleep Apnea]
Airborne precautionsPrecautions for infections spread by tiny particles that can stay in the air. [Infection Control]
AirwayThe path air takes into the lungs. Trauma patients may lose an airway from blood, swelling, vomit, facial injury, or decreased consciousness. [Trauma Bay]
Airway obstructionA blockage that prevents normal airflow into the lungs. [CPR and Choking]
AllergyAn immune reaction to a substance or medication. [Pharmacology Safety]
ALT and ASTLiver-associated enzymes that may rise with liver cell injury or stress. [Lab Values]
AnaphylaxisA severe, life-threatening allergic reaction affecting breathing, circulation, or multiple body systems. [Pharmacology Safety]
AnginaChest discomfort caused by the heart muscle not getting enough oxygen. Stable angina follows a predictable pattern; unstable angina is more concerning. [Cardiac ER]
AphasiaDifficulty understanding or producing language. [Neuro Care Room]
ApneaA temporary pause in breathing. [Sleep Apnea]
ArrhythmiaAn abnormal heart rhythm. Some are mild; others can reduce circulation or become life-threatening. [Cardiac ER]
ArthralgiaJoint pain without necessarily proving inflammation. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
ArthritisJoint inflammation causing pain, stiffness, swelling, or decreased movement. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
ArtifactA distortion or misleading mark on an image caused by motion, metal, equipment, or technique. [Radiology Room]
AsepsisPractices used to prevent contamination by microorganisms. [Infection Control]
AssessmentCollecting information about patient status through observation, questions, vitals, and exam. [Emergency Priorities]
Assistive communicationTools or strategies that help a person communicate, such as devices, pictures, writing, or gestures. [Pediatric and Special Needs Care]
AsthmaA condition involving airway inflammation, narrowing, and bronchospasm. [Respiratory Care]
Atrial fibrillationAn irregular rhythm from the atria. It can increase stroke risk and may require rate control or anticoagulation depending on the patient. [Cardiac ER]
Autism spectrum disorderA neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication, behavior patterns, sensory processing, and support needs. [Pediatric and Special Needs Care]
AutonomyThe patient’s right to make informed choices about their care. [Medical Ethics and Unproven Treatments]
B cellAn immune cell that can become plasma cells and produce antibodies. [CD Markers]
BeneficenceThe ethical duty to help or benefit the patient. [Medical Ethics and Unproven Treatments]
BiPAPBilevel positive airway pressure, using higher pressure for inhaling and lower pressure for exhaling. [Sleep Apnea]
BMPBasic metabolic panel, a smaller chemistry panel than CMP. [Medical Abbreviations]
BUNBlood urea nitrogen. A kidney and hydration-related marker. [Lab Values]
BursitisInflammation of a bursa, a small cushioning sac near joints. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
Cardiogenic shockA life-threatening state where the heart cannot pump enough blood to maintain organ perfusion. [Cardiac ER]
CBCComplete blood count. A lab panel measuring major blood cell components. [Lab Values]
CD markerA cell surface label used to identify and classify immune cells. [CD Markers]
CD19A marker commonly found on B cells. [CD Markers]
CD20A B-cell marker important in some blood cancers and targeted therapies. [CD Markers]
CD3A marker commonly found on T cells. [CD Markers]
CD4A marker commonly associated with helper T cells. [CD Markers]
CD8A marker commonly associated with cytotoxic T cells. [CD Markers]
Chest compressionsPressing on the chest to circulate blood during cardiac arrest. [CPR and Choking]
CHFCongestive heart failure, a term often used for heart failure with fluid congestion. [Medical Abbreviations]
ChokingA type of airway obstruction caused by food or another object blocking airflow. [CPR and Choking]
CMPComprehensive metabolic panel. A blood chemistry panel that includes electrolytes, kidney, liver, glucose, and protein markers. [Lab Values]
Conflict of interestA situation where personal, financial, or other interests may influence judgment. [Medical Ethics and Unproven Treatments]
Contact precautionsPrecautions for germs spread by touch or contaminated surfaces. [Infection Control]
ContraindicationA reason a medication or treatment should not be used because risk may outweigh benefit. [Pharmacology Safety]
ContrastA substance used to make certain tissues, vessels, or organs easier to see. [Radiology Room]
ContusionA bruise caused by damaged small blood vessels under the skin or tissue. [Trauma Bay]
COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a chronic lung disease category. [Medical Abbreviations]
CostochondritisInflammation of rib cartilage near the sternum, causing chest wall pain. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
CPAPContinuous positive airway pressure, a device therapy that helps keep the airway open. [Sleep Apnea]
CPREmergency actions used to support circulation and breathing when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. [CPR and Choking]
CreatinineA kidney function marker related to muscle metabolism and filtration. [Lab Values]
CRPC-reactive protein, an inflammation marker. [Lab Values]
CT scanComputed tomography. Cross-sectional imaging made from multiple X-ray images. [Radiology Room]
Daytime somnolenceExcessive daytime sleepiness. [Sleep Apnea]
DebridementRemoval of dead or contaminated tissue to support healing. [Burns and Wound Care]
Developmental delayA delay in reaching expected developmental milestones. [Pediatric and Special Needs Care]
Diabetic ketoacidosisA serious emergency involving high glucose, ketones, dehydration, and acidosis. [Diabetes and Blood Sugar]
DisinfectionKilling many or most disease-causing microorganisms on surfaces or objects. [Infection Control]
Droplet precautionsPrecautions for infections spread by larger respiratory droplets. [Infection Control]
DVTDeep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in a deep vein. [Medical Abbreviations]
DyspneaShortness of breath or difficult breathing. [Respiratory Care]
eGFREstimated glomerular filtration rate, a calculated estimate of kidney filtering function. [Lab Values]
EKG/ECGElectrocardiogram, a recording of the heart’s electrical activity. [Medical Abbreviations]
Elopement riskRisk that a person may wander or leave a safe area unexpectedly. [Pediatric and Special Needs Care]
EscalationCalling for more help or higher-level care when needed. [Emergency Priorities]
EscharThick dead tissue that can form over a burn or wound. [Burns and Wound Care]
Evidence-based practiceCare guided by best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values. [Medical Ethics and Unproven Treatments]
Experimental treatmentA treatment still being studied and not yet established as standard care. [Medical Ethics and Unproven Treatments]
ExudateFluid drainage from a wound. It may be clear, bloody, or pus-like depending on the situation. [Burns and Wound Care]
Facial droopUneven facial movement that can be a stroke sign. [Neuro Care Room]
Family-centered careCare that includes family or caregivers as partners while respecting the patient. [Pediatric and Special Needs Care]
First actionThe most urgent next step, often focused on safety or life threats. [Emergency Priorities]
Flow cytometryA lab method used to analyze cells and their markers. [CD Markers]
FractureA break in a bone. Fractures can be closed, open, displaced, or nondisplaced. [Trauma Bay]
Full-thickness burnA severe burn destroying the full thickness of skin and possibly deeper tissues. [Burns and Wound Care]
Glasgow Coma ScaleA tool for describing level of consciousness using eye, verbal, and motor responses. [Neuro Care Room]
GlucagonA hormone or emergency medication that raises blood glucose. [Diabetes and Blood Sugar]
GlucoseSugar in the blood used by the body for energy. [Diabetes and Blood Sugar]
GoiterAn enlarged thyroid gland. [Thyroid Room]
Granulation tissueNew healing tissue, often pink or red and moist. [Burns and Wound Care]
Hand hygieneCleaning hands using soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub when appropriate. [Infection Control]
Heart failureA condition where the heart cannot pump effectively enough to meet body needs, often causing shortness of breath, swelling, or fatigue. [Cardiac ER]
HematocritThe percentage of blood volume made up of red blood cells. [Lab Values]
HemiparesisWeakness on one side of the body. [Neuro Care Room]
HemoglobinThe oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. [Lab Values]
HemorrhageSignificant bleeding. It can be external and visible or internal and hidden. [Trauma Bay]
Hemorrhagic strokeA stroke caused by bleeding in or around the brain. [Neuro Care Room]
High-alert medicationA medication that can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. [Pharmacology Safety]
HyperglycemiaHigh blood glucose. It can cause thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurry vision. [Diabetes and Blood Sugar]
HyperthyroidismToo much thyroid hormone effect, often causing heat intolerance, fast heart rate, tremor, anxiety, and weight loss. [Thyroid Room]
HypoglycemiaLow blood glucose. It can cause shakiness, sweating, confusion, hunger, and weakness. [Diabetes and Blood Sugar]
HypopneaA partial reduction in breathing during sleep. [Sleep Apnea]
HypothyroidismToo little thyroid hormone effect, often causing fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, and weight gain. [Thyroid Room]
Hypovolemic shockShock caused by low circulating volume, often from blood loss or fluid loss. [Trauma Bay]
HypoxiaLow oxygen at the tissue level. [Respiratory Care]
IEPIndividualized Education Program, a school plan for students needing special education services. [Pediatric and Special Needs Care]
Informed consentA process where patients receive understandable information about risks, benefits, alternatives, and choices. [Medical Ethics and Unproven Treatments]
InsulinA hormone that helps move glucose from blood into cells. [Diabetes and Blood Sugar]
InterventionAn action taken to improve or protect patient status. [Emergency Priorities]
Ischemic strokeA stroke caused by a blockage that reduces blood flow to brain tissue. [Neuro Care Room]
IsolationSeparating or using precautions for patients with certain infection risks. [Infection Control]
KetonesAcidic substances produced when the body breaks down fat for fuel, important in diabetic ketoacidosis. [Diabetes and Blood Sugar]
LacerationA cut or tear in skin or tissue. [Trauma Bay]
LesionA general term for an abnormal area seen in tissue; it does not automatically mean cancer. [Radiology Room]
LevothyroxineA synthetic T4 medication used for thyroid hormone replacement. [Thyroid Room]
LigamentTissue connecting bone to bone. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
LupusAn autoimmune disease that can affect joints, skin, kidneys, blood, and other organs. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
Mask leakAir escaping from a PAP mask, which can reduce comfort or treatment effectiveness. [Sleep Apnea]
Medication reconciliationComparing medication lists to prevent omissions, duplications, interactions, or errors. [Pharmacology Safety]
Medication rightsSafety checks used before giving medication, such as right patient, drug, dose, route, time, reason, documentation, and response. [Pharmacology Safety]
MRIMagnetic resonance imaging. Detailed imaging using magnets and radio waves. [Radiology Room]
MyalgiaMuscle pain. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
Myocardial infarctionA heart attack. Part of the heart muscle is injured because oxygen-rich blood is blocked or severely reduced. [Cardiac ER]
Natural killer cellAn innate immune cell that can attack infected or abnormal cells without needing the same type of prior training. [CD Markers]
NitroglycerinA medication that can relieve cardiac chest pain by dilating blood vessels, but blood pressure must be checked because it can cause hypotension. [Cardiac ER]
Non-blanchable rednessRedness that does not turn white when pressed; a warning sign for early pressure injury. [Burns and Wound Care]
NonmaleficenceThe ethical duty to avoid causing harm. [Medical Ethics and Unproven Treatments]
NonverbalNot using spoken words to communicate; it does not mean the person has nothing to say. [Pediatric and Special Needs Care]
Obstructive sleep apneaRepeated upper-airway blockage during sleep causing breathing pauses or reduced airflow. [Sleep Apnea]
OpacityAn area that appears more dense or white on imaging. [Radiology Room]
Open fractureA fracture with a wound connecting the broken bone area to the outside environment, increasing infection risk. [Trauma Bay]
OSAObstructive sleep apnea, repeated airway obstruction during sleep. [Medical Abbreviations]
OsteoarthritisA common arthritis type involving cartilage wear and joint changes. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
Oxygen desaturationA drop in blood oxygen saturation. [Sleep Apnea]
OxygenationThe process of oxygen entering the blood. [Respiratory Care]
Partial-thickness burnA burn involving deeper skin layers; blisters and moist tissue may appear. [Burns and Wound Care]
PEPulmonary embolism in many emergency contexts; can also mean physical exam depending on context. [Medical Abbreviations]
Peripheral neuropathyNerve damage that can cause numbness, pain, or tingling, often in the feet. [Diabetes and Blood Sugar]
Placebo effectImprovement related to expectation or context rather than a specific active treatment effect. [Medical Ethics and Unproven Treatments]
PlateletsCell fragments involved in clotting and bleeding control. [Lab Values]
PneumothoraxAir in the pleural space that can partially or fully collapse a lung. [Trauma Bay]
PostictalThe recovery period after a seizure, often with confusion, sleepiness, or headache. [Neuro Care Room]
PotassiumAn electrolyte important for heart rhythm, muscle function, and nerve signaling. [Lab Values]
PPEPersonal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, masks, respirators, and eye protection. [Infection Control]
Pressure injuryTissue injury caused by prolonged pressure, often over bony areas. [Burns and Wound Care]
Primary surveyThe first rapid trauma assessment focused on life threats: airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. [Trauma Bay]
Pulse checkA brief assessment for circulation, performed according to training level and local protocols. [CPR and Choking]
Pupil responseHow the pupils react to light. Unequal or nonreactive pupils can be a serious neurological clue. [Neuro Care Room]
Purulent drainageThick pus-like drainage that can suggest infection. [Burns and Wound Care]
RadiolucentAppears darker on X-ray because radiation passes through more easily. [Radiology Room]
RadiopaqueAppears white or lighter on X-ray because it blocks radiation. [Radiology Room]
Rapid responseA team escalation for a patient showing concerning deterioration. [Emergency Priorities]
ReassessmentChecking again after an intervention or change in condition. [Emergency Priorities]
Recovery positionA side-lying position used for some unconscious breathing patients to help maintain airway drainage. [CPR and Choking]
Red flagA warning sign that suggests serious or urgent disease. [Emergency Priorities]
Rescue breathsBreaths given to provide oxygen when a person is not breathing adequately, used according to training and guidelines. [CPR and Choking]
Respiratory distressIncreased work of breathing, often with signs such as retractions, fast breathing, accessory muscle use, or low oxygen. [Respiratory Care]
ResponsivenessWhether a person reacts to voice, touch, or pain. [CPR and Choking]
Rheumatoid arthritisAn autoimmune inflammatory arthritis that often affects joints symmetrically. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
RouteThe path by which a medication is given, such as oral, IV, IM, or subcutaneous. [Pharmacology Safety]
Scope of practiceThe actions a healthcare worker is trained, licensed, and permitted to perform. [Medical Ethics and Unproven Treatments]
SeizureAbnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in movement, awareness, or behavior. [Neuro Care Room]
Sensory sensitivityIncreased or distressing response to sound, light, touch, smell, textures, or crowded environments. [Pediatric and Special Needs Care]
Side effectAn unwanted but known effect of a medication. [Pharmacology Safety]
Sleep studyA test that measures sleep, breathing, oxygen, movement, and related signals. [Sleep Apnea]
Sliding scale insulinInsulin dosing based on current blood glucose according to an ordered scale. [Diabetes and Blood Sugar]
Spinal precautionsActions used to reduce movement of the spine when spinal injury is possible. [Trauma Bay]
SpO2Peripheral oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry. [Medical Abbreviations]
ST elevationAn ECG finding that can suggest serious heart muscle injury and urgent blockage. [Cardiac ER]
Standard precautionsBasic infection-control actions used for all patients. [Infection Control]
Sterile fieldAn area kept free from microorganisms for a procedure. [Infection Control]
StrokeA brain emergency caused by blocked blood flow or bleeding in the brain. [Neuro Care Room]
Superficial burnA burn affecting the outer layer of skin, often red, painful, and dry. [Burns and Wound Care]
SynovitisInflammation of the synovial lining of a joint. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
T cellAn immune cell involved in coordinating or directly attacking infected or abnormal cells. [CD Markers]
T3Triiodothyronine, a more active thyroid hormone form. [Thyroid Room]
T4Thyroxine, the main thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland. [Thyroid Room]
TendonTissue connecting muscle to bone. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
TendonitisInflammation or irritation of a tendon. [Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal]
Therapeutic effectThe intended beneficial effect of a medication. [Pharmacology Safety]
Therapeutic misconceptionMistaking research participation for guaranteed personalized treatment benefit. [Medical Ethics and Unproven Treatments]
Thyroglobulin antibodyAnother antibody sometimes used in thyroid evaluation. [Thyroid Room]
Thyroid stormA rare, life-threatening severe hyperthyroid state requiring emergency care. [Thyroid Room]
TPO antibodyAn antibody often checked when autoimmune thyroid disease is suspected. [Thyroid Room]
Trauma-informed careCare that recognizes past trauma may affect behavior, trust, and responses. [Pediatric and Special Needs Care]
TriageSorting patients by urgency and care priority. [Emergency Priorities]
TSHThyroid-stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland. It signals the thyroid to make hormone. [Thyroid Room]
UltrasoundImaging using sound waves, often used for pregnancy, organs, vessels, and fluid. [Radiology Room]
Unstable patientA patient with signs that vital functions may be failing or rapidly worsening. [Emergency Priorities]
VentilationMovement of air in and out of the lungs, especially related to carbon dioxide removal. [Respiratory Care]
Ventricular tachycardiaA fast rhythm from the ventricles. It can be dangerous because the heart may not fill and pump effectively. [Cardiac ER]
WBCWhite blood cell count, often related to infection, inflammation, immune response, or bone marrow issues. [Lab Values]
WheezingA high-pitched sound often linked to narrowed airways. [Respiratory Care]
X-rayA quick imaging test often used for bones, chest, and some foreign bodies. [Radiology Room]