Procedures and skills

Emptying the uterus with a hollow cannula attached to a vacuum machine.

Breathing out forcefully against a closed airway, as when bearing down or straining.

An abrupt drop in the fetal heart rate of at least 15 beats per minute that lasts at least 15 seconds and less than 2 minutes.

The largest of the four quadriceps muscles, on the outer front of the thigh, which straightens the knee.

Putting a needle into a vein to draw blood or start an IV.

A heart rhythm in which the lower chambers quiver in a fast, chaotic way instead of pumping.

A small glass or plastic bottle with a rubber stopper that holds a liquid or powdered drug for injection.

How clearly and sharply a person can see.

The basic body measurements: temperature, pulse, breathing rate and blood pressure, often with oxygen saturation and pain.

Surgical removal of all or part of the vitreous humor, the clear jelly that fills the back of the eye.