Clinical Diagnosis · Cardiovascular System · Medium
Petechiae
Meaning: Tiny pinpoint red or purple spots caused by bleeding from capillaries.
In practice: A non-blanching rash of these in an unwell child must be treated as possible meningococcal sepsis.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Answer: Meningitis
Which word means: An unpleasant, abnormal sensation, either spontaneous or provoked by touch.
Answer: Dysaesthesia
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