Critical
Critical (medical term)
Critical (pronounced: /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/) is a term used in medicine to describe a patient's condition that is severe and life-threatening, requiring immediate attention and intervention. The term is derived from the Greek word "kritikos," which means "able to discern or judge."
Etymology
The term "critical" comes from the Greek word "kritikos," which means "able to discern or judge." It was first used in the medical context in the 17th century to describe a patient's condition that is at a point of crisis.
Related Terms
- Critical Care: A branch of medicine focused on providing specialized care to patients with life-threatening conditions.
- Critical Condition: A state in which a patient's vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits, potentially indicating imminent death.
- Critical Illness: A serious health condition that results in significant, usually life-threatening, impairment of bodily functions.
- Critical Signs: Vital signs that are outside normal limits and indicate a potentially life-threatening situation.
Usage
In a medical context, the term "critical" is used to describe a patient's condition that is severe and life-threatening. It is often used in conjunction with other terms, such as "critical condition," "critical illness," or "critical care," to provide more specific information about a patient's state of health.
For example, a patient in "critical condition" is one whose vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits, potentially indicating imminent death. A patient with a "critical illness" has a serious health condition that results in significant, usually life-threatening, impairment of bodily functions. And "critical care" refers to the specialized care provided to patients with life-threatening conditions.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Critical
- Wikipedia's article - Critical
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