AIIMS Paramedical key terms

The core measurements of body function: temperature, pulse rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. They are checked first because abnormal values signal that a patient needs urgent attention.

An instrument with an inflatable cuff and pressure gauge used to measure blood pressure. The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated until the pulse is occluded, then released slowly.

Persistently raised arterial blood pressure, commonly recorded as 140/90 mmHg or above on repeated readings. It usually causes no symptoms but raises the long-term risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage.

The process of sorting patients by the urgency of their condition so that limited staff and resources reach the most critical first. It is used in emergency departments and at mass-casualty incidents.

Immediate, temporary care given to an injured or suddenly ill person before professional help arrives. Its aims are to preserve life, prevent worsening, and promote recovery.

A lifesaving technique combining chest compressions, and usually rescue breaths, to keep blood and oxygen circulating when a person's heart has stopped. Compressions are delivered at roughly 100 to 120 per minute.

A device that delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in certain cardiac arrests. Automated external defibrillators give voice prompts so trained bystanders can use them.

The complete destruction or removal of all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, from equipment or fluids. It differs from disinfection, which kills most pathogens but not necessarily spores.

A pressure vessel that sterilises equipment using saturated steam under pressure, typically at 121 degrees Celsius for about 15 to 20 minutes. It is standard for surgical instruments and laboratory media.

The use of chemical agents or heat to reduce harmful microorganisms on surfaces and equipment. It lowers the risk of transmission but does not guarantee the destruction of all spores.

Standard infection-control practices applied to every patient, assuming all blood and body fluids may carry infection. They include hand hygiene and the use of gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection.

Waste generated during diagnosis, treatment, or immunisation of humans and animals, such as used needles, soiled dressings, and body parts. It must be segregated by colour-coded containers and disposed of safely.

A puncture-resistant, leak-proof box with a narrow opening used to discard needles, blades, and other sharp items. Filling it beyond the marked limit increases the risk of needlestick injury.

The delivery of fluids, drugs, or nutrients directly into a vein through a cannula or needle. It allows rapid effect and is used when a patient cannot take medication by mouth.

The absence of disease-causing microorganisms in a procedure or environment. Aseptic technique includes hand washing, sterile gloves, and keeping sterile items away from non-sterile surfaces.

The interval of laboratory values expected in most healthy people, often covering about 95 percent of a reference population. Results outside it suggest possible disease but are not proof of it.

The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues. Low levels indicate anaemia and are commonly measured in a complete blood count.

A substance that prevents blood from clotting, used in blood collection tubes and as medication in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. Examples include EDTA and heparin.

A word with a meaning the same as, or very close to, that of another word, such as 'begin' and 'commence'. Questions often ask you to pick the closest match from four options.

A word whose meaning is opposite to that of another word, such as 'expand' and 'contract'. Antonym questions test whether you can recognise contrast in meaning.

A word that shares spelling or pronunciation with another but differs in meaning, such as 'bank' of a river and 'bank' for money. Context decides which meaning is intended.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as 'to break the ice'. Idiom questions ask for the correct meaning or usage in a sentence.

A verb combined with an adverb or preposition that creates a new meaning, such as 'give up' meaning to quit. The particle changes the sense, so the whole phrase must be learned together.

A single word that replaces a longer descriptive phrase, such as 'philanthropist' for a person who gives generously to good causes. These items test precise vocabulary rather than grammar.

A word such as in, on, at, or between that links a noun or pronoun to another part of a sentence and shows place, time, or direction. Choosing the right one is a frequent grammar item.

Voice shows whether the subject performs or receives the action. In active voice the subject acts ('The nurse dressed the wound'); in passive voice the subject is acted upon ('The wound was dressed').

Direct speech reports a speaker's exact words in quotation marks; indirect speech reports them without quotes, shifting tense and pronouns. Converting between the two is a standard grammar question.

The skill of reading a passage and answering questions about its main idea, details, tone, or implied meaning. Answers must be supported by the text rather than by personal opinion.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage rather than stated outright. Inference questions ask what the writer implies, so the answer must follow logically from the given text.

A form of reasoning in which two premises lead to a conclusion, as in 'All nurses are graduates; some graduates are singers'. Valid conclusions follow necessarily from the statements given.

A question that asks you to identify the relationship between one pair of items and apply the same relationship to another pair. The relationship may involve function, part to whole, or degree.

A reasoning task in which you find the rule governing a sequence of numbers, letters, or figures and supply the next item. Common rules involve constant differences, multiplication, or alternating patterns.

A puzzle in which words or numbers are converted into a code by a fixed rule, and you must decode a new item. Letter-shift and reversal rules are the most common forms.

Reasoning questions that describe family links in words or symbols and ask how two people are related. Drawing a simple family tree helps avoid errors with gender and generation.

A puzzle that tracks movement in terms of north, south, east, and west, often including turns, and asks for final direction or distance. Sketching each step prevents confusion.

The supreme law of India, adopted in 1949 and effective from 26 January 1950. It sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the structure of government, and is the longest written national constitution.

Basic rights guaranteed to individuals by Part III of the Indian Constitution, including equality, freedom of speech, and protection of life and personal liberty. They can be enforced through writs in the courts.

Guidelines in Part IV of the Indian Constitution that direct governments to promote social and economic welfare. They are not enforceable in court but are fundamental in governance.

A specialised agency of the United Nations, established in 1948 and headquartered in Geneva, responsible for international public health. It coordinates disease surveillance, standards, and health emergencies.