Dictionary

Named signs

Signs and patterns named after the people who described them: Kussmaul, Homans, Chvostek and more.

palmar grasp reflexA newborn reflex in which the baby's fingers close tightly around an object placed in the palm.

Parkland formulaA formula for the IV fluid a burned adult needs in the first 24 hours: 4 mL × weight in kg × percent of body surface burned.

Pastia linesLines of tiny red spots in skin creases, such as the inner elbow and armpit, that do not fade when pressed.

Pemberton signRedness of the face and swelling of the neck veins that appear when a person raises both arms above the head for about a minute.

Phalen testA test in which the client holds the backs of both hands pressed together, wrists fully bent, for about 60 seconds to see whether tingling develops.

pill-rolling tremorA rhythmic tremor in which the thumb rubs back and forth against the fingers, as if rolling a small pill.

psoas signLower abdominal pain when the right thigh is stretched backward or lifted against resistance.

pulsus paradoxusA fall of more than 10 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure during breathing in.

pursed-lip breathingA breathing technique of breathing in through the nose and breathing out slowly through lips pressed together as if to whistle.