Alberta Health Services Practice Test

Syncope describes a brief loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, usually with a quick return to normal once blood flow is restored. This is the standard medical term used for fainting, often triggered by standing up too quickly, dehydration, or heart rhythm issues. Sepsis refers to a severe infection that spreads through the body, edema is swelling from fluid buildup, and febrile means having a fever. Because fainting is specifically the loss of consciousness from reduced brain blood flow, the correct term is syncope.