Appendix

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS USED IN PRESCRIPTIONS AND MEDICATION ORDERS

Abbreviations Meaning Abbreviations Meaning

a Before C&S Culture and
sensitivity
aa. of each d Day
ABW Actual body weight disc. or DC. Discontinue
a.c. Before meals disp. Dispense
a.d. Right ear div. Divide
ad lib. at pleasure, freely DOB Date of birth
admin. Administer DPT Diphtheria, pertussis,
tetanus
am. Morning DS Double strength
amp. Ampule d.t.d. Give of such doses
APAP Acetaminophen DW Distilled water
aq. Water DSW Dextrose 5% in water
aq.dist. Distilled water DX diagnose
a.s. Left ear EC enteric coated
ASA Aspirin ECG or EKG electrocardiogram
ATC Around the clock EDTA Edetate
a.u. Each ear EENT eyes, ears, nose,
throat
b.i.d. Twice a day EFAD essential fatty acid
deficiency
BM Bowel movement elix. elixir
BMI Body mass index e.m.p. as directed
BP Blood pressure EPI Epinephrine
BS Blood sugar ER emergency room
BSA Body surface area et and
BUN Blood urea nitrogen f. or ft. make
BW Body weight F Fahrenheit
C Centigrade FBS fasting blood sugar
c. or C With FFA free fatty acid
cc with food or meals fl. or fld fluid
CA Cancer or cardiac ft. make
arrest
cap Capsule garg gargle
CBC Complete blood g or G gram
count
cc cubic centimeter GI gastro-intestinal
CCT Crude coal tar gr grain
chart or chartulae Powder or powder gtt, gtts a drop, drops
paper
CHD Congestive heart GYN gynecology
disease
CHF Congestive heart H hypodermic
failure
CNS Central nervous h or hr. hour
system
comp. Compound HA headache
COPD Chronic obstructive HBP high blood pressure
pulmonary disease
CPZ Chlorprongazine HCT hematocrit
HCTZ hydrochlorothiazide N&V nausea andv omiting

h.s. at bedtime NG nasogastric

HEPA high efficiency NF national formulary
particular air
HT height NK none known
HPN hypertension no. or No. number
HPI history of present nocL Night
illness
IBW ideal body weight non rep or N.R. do not repeat or no
refills
ICU intensive care unit NPO nothing by mouth
ID Intradermal NS normal saline
IM intramuscular ½ NS half-strength normal
saline
INH Isoniazid NTG nitroglycerin
I&O input and output NVD nausea, vomiting, &
diarrhea
inj . injection O. pint
IPPB intermittent positive OB-GYN obstetrics-gynecology
pressure breathing
IU or iu international unit OC oral contraceptive
IV intravenous OD overdose
IVP intravenous push or o.d. right eye
IV pyelogram
IVPB intravenous piggy oint. intment
back
L liter o.s. left eye
LCD Coal Tar Solution OR operating room
M. mix OT occupational therapy
m or M square meter OTC over-the-counter
mcg or mg microgram o.u. each eye
mEq milliequivalent 02 both eyes
mg milligram oz. ounce (avoirdupois)
MI myocardial infarction p or per by
mL milliliter pt. patient
MMR measles, munps, Pb Phenobarbital
rubella
MO mineral oil p.c. after meals
MOM Milk of Magnesia PCN Penicillin
mOsmol milliosmoles pm. afternoon; evening
MR may repeat po by mouth
MRX may repeat _ times p or post after
n nostril
PPD purified paein syr syrup
derivative
(tuberculin)
PPI Patient package sz seizure
insert
PPM parts per million type and crossmatc
T&C
pr rectally tab tablet
p.r.n. when required or as TAC Tetracaine, Adrenalin
needed and Cocaine
pre-op before surgery tal such
PT physical therapy tal. dos such dose
pulv. powder tbsp tablespoon
pv vaginally TCA tricyclic
antidepressant
q every t.a.t. until all taken
q AM every morning tx treatment
q.d. every day TCN Tetracycline
q.h. every hour t.i.d. three times a day
q.i.d. four times a day t.i.w. three times a week
q.o.d. every other day TMP/SMX Trimethoprim/
Sulfamethoxazole
q.s. a sufficient quantity top topically
q.s. ad a sufficient quantity TPN Total Parenteral
to make Nutrition
r or R rectal tr. tlncture
R.L or R/L Ringer’s Lactate tsp teaspoon
s or s w1thout u or U units/s
sat. saturated UA urinalysis
Sig. write on label u.d. or ut dict as directed
S sublingual ung. ointment
SOB shortness of breath URI upper respiratory
infection
sol. solution USP UnitedS tates
PharmaCOpeia
s.o.s. if there is need UUN urine urea nitrogen
ss. one half UV ultraviolet
SS saturated solution UTI urinary tract infection
SSKI saturated solution of VS vital signs
 Potassium Iodide
stat. immediately w/WBC with white blood cell
count
subc or subq or sc subcutaneous w/o without
supp. suppository X times
susp. suspension y.o. year old
SVR alcohol ZnO Zing Oxide

Medical Terms

Abortion

- Expulsion or removal of the fetus from the womb before it is capable of independent
life.
Abscess

- A collection of pus within a well-defmed space in any part Of the body, resulting from
the disintegration of tissue.
Accelerated Care Unit (A CU)

- Separate unit in the hospital where patients are prepared to better Care for themselves
and their condition after discharged from the hospital
Acidosis

- An excess of acid or a shortage of bicarbonate (alkali) in the blood and other body fluid.
Diabetic acidosis may be associated with advanced diabetes mellitus.
Acne

- A skin disease in which the hair follicles become blocked by sebum and other material,
forming comedones (blackheads) and sometimes becoming inflamed and forming pus-
filled or reddened pimples (pustules or papules).
Acromegaly

- A disease caused by the secretion of excess growth hormone from an adult s pituitary
gland.
Actinomycosis

- Infection with the mngus Actinomyces bovis, commonly found in soil and hay. The
fungus may be introduced into the body by a puncture wound.
Acupuncture
 - A Chinese-originated technique for treating pain where long; thin needles are passed
through the skin into the body at specific points. Acupuncture produces numbness and
anesthesia when the needles are twirled, or, in some cases, when a weak electrical
current is passed through them.
Acute

- A condition that occurs rapidly, produces severe symptoms, and does not last a long
time; the Opposite of chronic. The term may also refer to something that has a sharp or
severe impact, as in acute pain.
Addiction

- The excessive use of any substance. Addition is a term often used in drug abuse, but it
is possible to be addicted to substances other than drugs. Usually addiction implies an
increasing tolerance to a substances; increasing use of it detrimental to the body s
organs and tissues.
Addison’s disease
- A chronic disease characterized by weakness, easy fatigability, darkening of the skin,
low blood pressure, and other symptoms. The underlying cause is atrophy or disease of
the outer layer of the adrenal gland, the adrenal cortex.
Agglutination

- The clumping together of microorganisms on blood cells. Bacteria and other infectious
agents may become clumped together by the action of antibodies against them.
Alkalosis

- Acid/base imbalance causing the blood and body tissues to become excessively alkaline
(basic)
Alcoholic

- An individual who is physiologically dependent on or intolerant to large amounts of

alcohol.
Allergen

- Any substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Allergens include materials that can be
inhaled from the air as well as food, medicine, microorganisms, and chemicals.
Allergic pneumonia

- Pneumonia caused by immunologic reactions in the alveoli, the tiny air sacs of the lungs.
Allergic pneumonia usually is the result of exposure to microscopic airborne dust
particles, often in the work environment, that are drawn deeply into the lungs.
Allergy

- Any harmful immunologic reactions or disease in which a person reacts abnormally to an

everyday stimulus that causes no problems in most people.
Alopecia

- Baldness; loss of hair.

Ambulatory patient

- A patient who is able to walk and is not restricted to bed

Amenorrhea
 - The absence of menstruation.
Amino acid

- One of the basic components of all protein. Amino acids sometimes are called the
building blocks of life.
Anabolism

- The body process during which proteins are synthesized and tissues are formed
Anaphylaxis

- A violent allergic reaction, also called anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis can be a

lifethreatening medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Anemia

- Any condition in which the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) or the concentration
of hemoglobin is below normal. Anemia may result from underproduction of red cells,
increased need for them, or both.
Aneurysm

- Abnormal widening, dilation, or outpouching of the wall of a blood vessel, usually an

artery, or the heart. An aneurysm is a balloon-shaped sac occurring where the wall is
weakened; if it breaks, fatal bleeding may occur. Aneurysms may result from
arteriosclerosis, injury, infection, or a congenetial defect.
Angina

- The sensation that one is suffocating or any condition that produces this sensation.
Angiogram

- Radiologic examination of blood vessels made by injecting contrast media into the area
to be studied. Angiograms can show position, configuration, and condition of blood
vessels.
Angioplastly

- Insertion of a small balloon to force open the narrowed area of an artery.

Ankylosing spondylitis

- Inflammation of the spine.

AntibOdy

- A protective protein (immune globulin) manufactured by the body after exposure to a

oreign substance, or antigen, such as bacteria, virus, pollen, or insect venom.
Ataxia

- Loss of muscle coordination caused by damage to the cerebellum, a part of the brain at
the back of the head, and its connection to the rest of the brain.
Atelectasis

- Collapse of a portion of the lung during anesthesia. Atelectasis sometimes in incorrectly

called postoperative pneumonia. Actually, it occurs during surgery, not aRerward,
although its effects may become most evident after surgery has been completed.
Atherosclerosis
 - Degeneration of arteries or capillaries caused by the deposit of fatty materials along or
within the walls of blood vessels.
Atom'c

- Weak tone or absence of tone

Autoimmune disease

- A condition in which the immune system produces antibodies (autoantibodies) against

parts of one s own body.
Bacteremia

- A form of blood poisoning in which bacteria are present in the bloodstream but are not
multiplying there.
Bactericide

- An agent capable of killing bacteria.

Bacteriophage

- An infectious agent that attacks bacteria, reproduces inside them, and causes the
bacteria to burst; also called a phage. Bacterio-phages are bacterial viruses, or minute
viruses that specialize in attacking bacteria.
Bacteriostat

- An agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Bacteriuria

- The presence of bacteria in the urine. It is urine. It is sign of urinary tract infection only
when large numbers of bacteria are found in fresh urine.
Bed sore (Decubitis ulcer)

- Skin erosion that often appears on patients who have been bedridden for long periods.
Bedwetting

- The inability to control urination at night; nocturnal enuresis.

Benign

- A condition that is not likely to spread or recur.

Beriberi

- A disease caused by a lack of thiamine, Vitamin B1, in the diet.

Biofeedback

- Use a monitoring device that permits an individual to recognize certain physical

responses and to control them with training.
Biopsy

- Excision of a small piece of tissue for diagnostic purposes

Bloodpoisoning

- The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

Blood pressure
 - The force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is
measured by a device called a sphygmomanometer.
Cataract

- A condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, impairing sight. Cataract is the
most common eye problem that strikes persons over 50 years of age. The lens of the
eye yellows with age, limiting the light that can reach the retina.
Cellulitis

- A diffuse inflammation of the connective tissue beneath the skin.

Cerebral palsy

- A name for a group of conditions in which irreversible damage to the brain before or
shortly after birth produces some degree of paralysis.
Cervicitis

- Inflammation of the cervix, the lower end of the uterus.

Cesarean section

- Delivery of a baby through or incision in the abdomen and uterus.

Chancre

- The hard, painless sore that is the first sign of infection with the germ that causes
syphilis. The chancre is formed where the organism entered the body. It usually appears
on the genitals but can develop anywhere on the surface of the body.
Chancroid

- A very contagious venereal disease caused by infection with a red-shaped bacterium (a

bacillus).
Chemosurgery

- The use of powerful chemicals to destroy tissue such as tumors.

Chemotherapy

- Treatment of a condition with drugs. Currently used in reference to the treatment of

cancer.
Chickenpox

- An infectious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus, one of the herpes viruses; also
called varicella.
Cholangitis

- Bacterial infection of the bile duct.

Cholecystectomy

- Surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Cholesterol

- A naturally occum'ng fatty substance produced in the body but also taken into it in the
diet. Cholesterol is necessary for proper brain and nervous system function. It is found
in almost all cell tissues and plays an imponant role in the digestion of fats and the
synthesis of certain hormones. Circumcision. Surgical removal oft he foreskoinf the
 periis, usuallsyh ortly aftebr irth but occasionally in adults, as a religious or prophylactic
procedure.
Cirrhosis

- Scarring and impairment of liver tissue. Cirrhosis of the liver arises from many causes,
including alcoholism. '
Clefi palate

- A congenital fissure in the roof of the mouth forming a communicating passageway

between the mouth and the nasal cavities.
Coagulation

- The process by which fluid blood forms a solid clot to prevent excess blood loss.
Constriction

- Contraction or narrowing of an organ, vessel, or opening in the body, such as a blood

vessel of the pupil of the eye. Constriction is the opposite of dilation.
Contact lens

- A corrective lens that is placed directly on the eyeball, rather than being suspended in
front of it in a pair of spectacles.
Contagious

- Any organism that is easily transmitted from a sick individual to another person.
Convulsion

- A violent, uncontrollable attack in which the muscles suddenly contract, either in a

sustained spasm or a series of contractions. Convulsions may occur as a result of
epilepsy, infections such as meningitis or tetanus, impaired kidney function, poisoning,
high fever (especially in children), or other conditions.
Cryosurgery

- The use of extreme cold to freeze and thereby destroy certain tissues of the body. The
:old is usually applied with a probe or similar instrument cooled by liquid nitrogen.
Culture

- A group of microorganisms or other cells growing under laboratory conditions.

Cyanosis

- A bluish tinge in the skin and mucous membranes caused by insufficient oxygen in the
Mod. Cyanosis may result from a congenital heart defect, congestive heart failure,
emphysema, nountain sickness, respiratory distress, or blood disorders.
Cyst

- Any normal or abnormal sac with a defmite wall and containing liquid or semisolid
material.
Cystitis

- Inflammation of the urinary bladder often a caused by bacterial infection proceeding up

the Jrethra, the tube that drains urine from the bladder.
Dandruff
 - The normal sloughing off of the epidermis of the scalp, producing dry, white scales. If
the scaling becomes increased or red sores develop in the scalp, the cause may be
seborrheic dermatitis. (See dermatitis)
Deafness

- Failure of the ear to conduct sound normally to the brain. Deafness may result because
of failure of the bones in the ear to properly conduct sound waves, so-called conduction
deafness, or because of failure of the auditory nerve, the principal nerve used in sending
sound wave impulses to the brain.
Debridement

- The surgical removal of foreign material and dead and damaged tissue from a pan of
the aody.
Dementia

- A general term for mental deterioration, usually implying seriously impaired intellectual
capacity, irrationality, confusion, stupor, and insane (psychotic) behavior. Dementia
may result from nfection, high fever, physical changes in or damage to the brain,
poisoning, or psychosis.
Dependence

- The continued and sometimes increasing use of any substance for a sense of continued
Nell-being.
Gastritis

- Inflammation of the stomach. Gastritis may be either acute, caused by eating foods that
break down the normal protective barriers of the stomach, or chronic, a condition in
which the normal fun ows and ridges of the stomach wall have disappered and the
membranes lining the stomach have been thinned.
Gastroenteritis

- Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, producing such symptoms 5 diarrhea,

abdominal cramps. nausea, and vomiting.
Gene

- A minute part of the nucleus of each living cell that governs its reproduction.
Genetics

- The branch of science that studies the relationship between genes, health, and the
development of organisms.
Genitourinary

- Pertaining to the genitals, or the reproductive organs, and the urinary system, which
includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The genitourinary system includes
all reproductive and urinary organs and their related structures.
Germ

- A microorganism or a microbe, particularly one that can cause disease. The most
common germs are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Giantism
 - A disease caused by the secretion of excess growth hormone from the pituitary gland in
an individual whose bones have not finished growing. Resulting from a tumor of the
pituitary gland, giantism produces the symptoms of acromegaly (gross enlargement of
hands, feet, certain facial features, and many internal organs) as well as abnormal
height. Individuals with giantism may grow to be eight or nine feet tall.
Gingivitis

- Inflammation of the gum tissue near the tooth. In itself, gingivitis is not serious, but if
left untreated, it may progress to periodontal disease.
Glaucoma

- The most common cause of blindness in adults, produced by fluid pressure inside the
eye that presses on and damages the optic nerve.
Globulin

- One of a group of proteins in blood serum that is important for coagulation and
immunity. The globulin fibrinogen is essential for blood clotting. Gamma globulin
contains most of the antibodies that fight infection.
Glomerulonephritis

- A general term referring to any inflammation of the kidney that is not a direct result of
infection with hemolytic streptococcus bacteria. Glomerulonephritis involves both the
glomeruli, the blood vessels through which blood is filtered in the urine-forming unit of
the kidney, the nephron, and the tubule, which drains the nephron.
Glomerulus (plural: glomeruli)

- A network of minute blood vessels in a nephron through which blood is filtered to make
urine in the kidney.
Glucagon

- A hormone secreted by the islands of Langerhans, specialized cells in the pancreas. Its
effect is the opposite of insulin s: it raises the amount of sugar in the blood by
stimulating the liver to convert stored Glycogen (animal starch) into glucose (sugar).
Glucose

- A simple sugar that is formed during digestion and then transported throughout the
body b the blood. It is a major source of energy for the body. Excessive glucose in the
blood IS one of the Signs of diabetes mellitus. Hypoglycemia results when the blood
sugar level is too low.
Glycogen

- A starchy carbohydrate, sometimes called animal starch, that is stored in the liver as a
reserve source of energy. The liver manufactures glycogen from glucose (sugar) and
then reconvens it to glucose as needed.
Goiter

- Enlargement of the thyroid gland. Goiter may result from hyperthyroidism (overactivity
of the thyroid) or hypothyroidism (deficiency of thyroid hormone).
Gonadotropin
 - A homione that stimulates the gonads, or the ovaries in females and the testes in
males_ Gonadotropins include two honnones secreted by the anterior pituitary, follicle-
stimulating hOTmOne (FSH) and luteinizing (LH
Gonorrhea

- The most common venereal disease, resulting from infection with the bacterium Neisseri
gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea is spread almost exclusively by sexual contact, although an
infant may become infected during birth if the mother has the disease (in this case it
may lead to blindness, so that most states require antibacterial drops be placed in the
eyes of all newborns).
Gout

- An excessive accumulation of uric acid in the body. Gout usually produces symptoms in
the joints, particularly the big toe or the feet.
Growth hormone (abbreviation: GH)

- One of the hormones secreted by the anterior or front portion of the pituitary gland.
Growth hormone, as its name implies, is essential for normal growth. A child who is
deficient or lacking entirely in GH will remain a dwarf for life unless given replacement
hormone. If the body produces too much growth hormone, on the other hand, certain
parts, such as the hands, feet, and face, may become larger than normal, a condition
known as acromegaly. If acromegaly occurs before a child s will become unusually tall, a
condition called giantism.
Gynecology

- The branch of medicine that deals with the diseases of women, particularly their
reproductive organs.
Halitosis

- Breath with an unpleasant odor. Halitosis is caused by reactions from chemical

compounds in the mouth. Decaying teeth, infected gum tissue, and improper
toothbrushing all can contribute.
Hallucination

- A false sensory perception with no relation to reality. Hallucinations may be visual,

auditory, olfactory, etc. The sufferer is often unable to distinguish between the
hallucination and reality and may react emotionally to what is perceived.
Hallucinogen

- A drug taken mainly for its psychedelic effects. Hallucinogenic drugs include LSD
(lysergic acid diethylamide), phencyclidine hydrochloride (angel dust), mescaline, and
jimson weed.
Hearing aid

- A device for amplification of sound, used by persons suffering from conduction

deafnessHearing aids raise the level of sound passing into the ear but do not actually
restore hearing.
Heartburn

- A mild-to-severe burning sensation in the upper abdomen, or beneath the breastbone,

usually because the stomach s contents back up into the esophagus.
Heart failure

- A condition in which the heart becomes so weak it cannot pump enough blood to meet
the needs of the body. When the condition persists and the body begins to retain
sodium and water, it is called congestive heart failure.
Heart murmur

- A soft, swishing sound produced by the heart during certain parts of the heartbeat.
Some murmurs indicate heart disease, but they may also be heard in healthy individuals.
Heat cramps

- Painful muscle spasms in the legs and abdomen caused by loss of salt accompanying
profuse and prolonged sweating.
Heatstroke

- Prostration from undue exposure to sun and heat. Heatstroke is a grave medical
emergency. The patient is weak, has a high fever, breathes rapidly, and may be
unconscious or suffer from mental conihsion.
Hematoma

- A swelling filled with blood clotted into a solid mass. The blood comes from blood
vessels that have broken during injury or disease.
Hematuria

- The presence of blood in the urine. Hematuria may be caused by kidney stones (renal
calculi), benign cysts in the kidney or a tumor of the kidney, bladder, or prostate.
Hemodialysis

- Removal of toxic substances from the blood by means of an artificial kidney.

Hemolysis

- The destruction of red blood cells accompanied by the release of hemoglobin into blood
plasma.
Hemophilia

- A hereditary disease in which coagulation factor VIII (also known 3 antihemophilic

globulin or antihemophilic factor) is deficient.
Hemoptysis

- Spitting up blood or sputum that contains blood. Hemoptysis my result from heart
disease, lung disease, infection, or injury.
Hemorrhage

- Abnormal bleeding, either externally or internally, resulting from injury or disease.

Hemorrhage may involve arterial bleeding (bring red, Spurting with each heartbeat),
venous bleeding (dark red, flowing continuously), or capillary bleeding (oozing from a
raw surface).
Hemorrhoid

- A dilated, over-stretched, varicose vein in and around the rectum.

Hemorrhoidectomy
 - Excision of hemorrhoids, inflamed blood vessels in the anus or the anal canal. A
hemorrhoidectomy is not a serious operation and is usually performed under local
anesthesia.
Hemostasis

- Stoppage of bleeding or the normal flow of blood. Hemostasis may occur because of
Coagulation, constriction of blood vessels by nerve action, or physical means such as
application of a Clamp or pressure.
Hepatitis

- Inflammation of the liver Hepatitis may result from exposure to toxins (poisons), drugs
radiation, or infection The most common cause is viral infection.
Herpes simplex

- An infectious disease cause by the herpes simplex virus that may produce blisterlike
around the lips, 11086. or genitals. Herpes simplex can spread to the eye and may
cause permanent damage there if not treated promptly.
Herpes zoster

- Also called shingles. An infectious diseasec aused by the varicella virus also is
responsible for chickenpox.
Hirsutism

- Excessive growth of hair, or the presence of hair in unusual parts of the body,
particularly in women. Abnormal hair growth may be the result of a glandular disorder,
but dark hairs on the face, abdomen, thighs, and nipples are common in many women.
Hodgkin’s disease

- A malignant disease of the lymph nodes scavenger or phagocytic cells, which spreads to
other parts of the lymphatic system. Patients have characteristic enlarged cells with a
double nucleus, which can be observed under microscopic examination. Hodgkin s
disease is one of the two major categories of lymphomas
Hyperactivity

- A condition characterized by learning difficulties, excessively active behavior; short

attention span, impulsiveness, and lack of coordination. Hyperactivity is also known as
minimal brain dysfunction and hyperkinesis.
Hypercalcemia

- Excess calcium in the blood. Hyperacalcemia is usually the result of excess parathyroid
hormone, which removes calcium from bone and restricts calcium excretion by the
kidney; it may be caused by a tumor or certain medications.
Hyperopia

- Farsightedness, or the ability to see well at a distance, with an inability to see well
closeup.
Hyperalimentation

- Intravenous feeding; total parenteral nutrition (TPN), literally.

Hyperparathyroidism
 - Overactivity of one or more of the parathyroid glands, usually 3 a result of a tumor.
Symptoms are similar to those of hypercalcemia-general lethargy, constipation, and just
not feeling well. Severe hyperacalcemia may lead to a coma.
Hyperplasia

- Enlargement of an organ or tissue because of an abnormal increase in the number 0f

otherwise normal cells; a benign tumor.
Hypersomnia

- A tendency to sleep an excessive amount of time. Hypersomnia may be caused by

depression or drug use as well as certain physical conditions, such as endocrine or
metabolic disorders, brain tumors, and narcolepsy.
Hypertension

- Abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries.

Hyperthyroidism

- Overactivity of the thyroid gland, leading to excess secretion of thyroid hormone.

Hypertrophy

- An increase in size without the presence of a tumor.

Hypocalcemia

- A low level of calcium in the blood.

Hypochondriasis

- A condition in which an individual is preoccupied with a specific set of physical

symptoms, even though no physical reason for the symptoms can be found.
Hypoglycemia

- Deficiency of sugar in the blood. Hypoglycemia produces the symptoms as in insulin

reaction, such as nervousness, sweating, trembling, drowsiness, and occasionally
unconsciousness.
Hypogonadism

- A condition in which the gonads, or sex glands (ovaries in females and testes in males),
produce less than the normal amount of female or male hormones.
Hyposensitization

- The repeated injection of small doses of an allergen to create immunity to it; allergy
shots.
Hypotension

- Lower than normal blood pressure in the arteries.

Hypothermia

- Lowering of the body temperature sufficiently for the organs to function without a blood
supply.
Hypothyroidism

- Deficiency of thyroid hormone, leading to a slowing down of mental and physical

processes.
Hysterectomy

- Surgical removal of the uterus.

Hysterical personality

- An individual who tends to be overreactive and overly dramatic.

Ichthyosis

- An inherited disorder in which the skin is unusually dry and scaly, like the scales of fish
skin. There is no cure, but certain emollients or softening agents help the condition.
Ileus

- Temporary inability of the small intestine to propel food along its length.
Immunity

- Protection against infectious disease resulting from previous exposure to the disease or
from vaccination. Immunity results from the presence of antibodies in the blood,
proteins produced by the body after first exposure to a foreign substance, or antigen,
such as bacterium or virus.
Immunization

- Production of immunity to a disease by use of vaccine or toxoid.

Impetigo

- An often contagious bacterial infection of the skin marked by small, itchy blister that
occur principally on the face.
Impotence

- The inability of a male to get and maintain an erection of the penis for successful sexual
intercourse.
Incontinence

- Inability to control the release of urine or feces from the body.

Induced labor

- The artificial beginning of labor, usually by rupturing the bag of waters, or by

administering the hormone oxytocin.
Infectious disease

- Any disease caused by an organism that invades the body, multiples, and interfereg with
the normal functioning of the body s cells.
Infertility

- The inability or a reduced ability to conceive a child.

Inflammation

- A defensive reaction by body tissue to disease or injury.

Inflammatory bowel disease

- Any inflammation of the colon sufficient to change its lining cells, Inflammatory bowel
disease can result from infection, parasites, drugs, radiation for the treatment of pelvic
tumors, or unknown causes.
Influenza
 - An acute, highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract caused by one of the
numerous types of influenza virus.
Insomnia

- The inability to get a normal amount of sleep, either because of difficulty falling or
staying asleep.
Inspiration

- Inhaling; breathing in. Inspiration takes place when the diaphragm contracts, expanding
the chest and drawing air into the chest and drawing air into the lungs.
Insulin

- A harmone produced by the islands of Langerhans, specialized cells in the pancreas.

Insulin enables the body to maintain a normal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
When the body does not make enough insulin, diabetes mellitus results.
Intrauterine device (abbreviation: I UD)

- One of several devices made of steel and polyprophylene and inserted into the uterus to
prevent pregnancy.
Intraveneous (abbreviation: I V)

- Administration of a substance directly into the bloodstream, usually through a vein.

Drugs, food, and water all may be administered by intravenous injection, dripping, or
infusion.
Jaundice

- Abnormal accumulation of the pigment bilirubin in the blood and tissues.

Keloid

- Excess scar tissue formed in the skin after surgical incision or injury. The keloid is a
thick, raised, red scar.
Lab tests

- Modern medicine depends heavily on laboratory tests in the diagnosis and treatment of
disease. Some of these are general screening tests, used in many types of disease;
other are specific, needed only when a certain illness or problem is suspected. Here is a
brief description of the most common:
Biopsy

o A procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the body for further
examination; the tissue may be taken out by suction, a cutting needle, surgical
excision, etc.; biopsy is often used to diagnose cancer, but is also used for many
other conditions.
Blood culture

o A test to determine whether or not bacteria are present in a patient s blood,

performed when an individual with fever is suspected of having bacteria in the
circulation.
Blood sugar
 o A test to determine the level of glucose in the blood, used for screening, for
diagnosing diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases, and as a guide to
treating these conditions.
Chest X ray

o An X ray examination of the chest, used for screening and for diagnosis of
diseases of the heart, lungs, and ribs.
Cholesterol

o A test to determine the amount of the fatty substance cholesterol in the blood,
used in screening for heart disease and in diagnosing certain metabolic diseases.
Coomb’s test

o An antibody test on blood, used to select suitable blood for transfusion and to
diagnose certain anemias.
Creatinine

o A test to determine whether there is excess creatinine in the blood; the

creatinine level may be elevated in kidney disease.
Crossmatching

o A test establish that blood to be transfused is compatible with the recipient s

blood. A sample of the donor s red cells is mixed with the recipient s serum, and
the recipient s red cells are mixed with the donor s serum. If agglutination, or
clumping of cells occurs, the donor s blood is incompatible with the recipient s
and should not be used for transfusion.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)

o A recording of the electrical activity of the heart, used to diagnose irregularities

in heart rhythm, some types of heart attacks, and certain other heart conditions.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)

o A recording of the electrical activity of the brain, used to diagnose disturbances

of brain function such as those accompanying epilepsy or a stroke.
Fasting blood sugar

o A screening test for diabetest; the blood sugar level is measured after the patient
has gone without food overnight.
Gastric analysis

o Removal of small sample of the contents of the stomach by passage of a

catheter, a tiny, narrow, flexible tube, down the throat into the stomach. No food
should be eaten from midnight the night before the test until it is completed. In
addition, certain medications to stimulate acid production by the stomach may be
injected as a part of the test.
Glucose tolerance

o A series of chemical tests for blood glucose; used to detect early diabetes and
other metabolic conditions. A baseline level is obtained after the patient has
fasted; the patient is given a measured amount of sugar solution, and blood
 sugar levels are obtained hourly to measure the rate at which the body reduces
the level.
Tuberculin test

o A skin test used to detect past or present infection with the tuberculosis bacillus.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis; tuberculin, an extract from killed tuberculosis
bacteria, is injected under the skin; redness and swelling of the injected area
indicated that the patient has been infected with tuberculosis at some time, but
the test does not tell whether the disease is still active.
Urinalysis

o A series of chemical, microscopic, and physical tests on urine; used as a

screening test and to diagnose diabetes and disease of the bladder and kidneys.
Leprosy

- A slowly progressing infection of the skina nd the peripheral nerves caused by a

rodshapedbacterium (a bacillus). The leprosy bacillus damages sensory nerves so that
certam parts of the body may no longer feel pain.
Leukemia

- A malignant disease of the blood forming organs in which the body produces too many
leukocytes (white blood cells). Leukemia may progress very rapidly (acute leukemla) or
more
Lupus erythematosus

- An autoimmune disease that may only produce a skin rash or may beCOmQ generalized,
involvingm any organs ystems of the body. The specific cause of lupus erythematosus is.
not know, although it is possible that a viral infection disrupts normal immune defenses,
leading the body to turn against its own tissues. Lymphangitis. Inflammationo f lymph
vessels caused by the spread of an infection. Lymphangitig produces swelling and
burning pain; irregular, wavy red lines mark the locations of inflamed Vessels. There is
danger that the bacteria in the lymph vessels will spread further into the blood.
Malignant

- A type of tumor that invades healthy tissue and becomes progressively worse.
Mastectomy

- Removal of the breast.

Mastitis

- Infection of the female breast, most commonly during breast feeding. Mastitis causes
pain, redness, and a low grade fever. Usually mastitis can be treated with antibiotics
without ending breastfeeding.
Measles

- A very contagious viral infection marked by a rash that begins on the face and spreads
to the body and limbs; also called rubeola.
Melanoma
 - A mole or tumor colored by the dark pigment melanin. Used alone, the word often
means malignant melanoma, a cancerous growth that tends to metastasize, or spread to
other parts of the body.
Meningitis

- Inflammation of the meninges, or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis may be caused by infection with bacteria or viruses.
Menopause

- The end of menstruation; the end of a woman s reproductive years because of the
gradual decline in the production of female hormone.
Menstruation

- The discharge of bloody liquid from the uterus and vagina at regular intervals during the
reproductive life of a woman, from puberty to menopause. Menstruation takes place on
the average every 27 or 28 days, although longer or shorter cycles are not uncommon.
The average length of flowI four or f1ve days, but may last as few 5 three or as many
as seven days.
Metabolism

- The sum of all the physical and chemical changes that occur in the body. Metabolism
includest he assimilation of nutrients, buildup of complex substances needed by the
body, tearing dOVY" of waste materials, and the change of energy from one form to
another, such as the chemical energy1n food to the mechanical energy of movement.
Metastasis (plural:metastases)

- The ability of cancerous cells to multiply, move, and invade other parts of the body
through the lymphatic system and the bloodstream.
Migraine

- A chronic, recurrent headache centering on the nerves that regulate the constriction and
dilation of blood vessels in the head so that large blood vessels swell and produce pain.
Moniliasis

- Infection of the skin or mucous membranes with any species of the yeaslike fungus
Candida; particularly Candida albicans.
Morning sickness

- The simplest form of nausea in pregnancy. Morning sickness, sometimes with vomiting,
usually occurs aRer breakfast. it then subsides, only to recur the next morning.
Mucus

- Watery material secreted by mucous membranes, tissues lining certain cavities and
passages of the body. Mucus is normally thin and barely notices, but it may become
profuse during certain infections, or thick and very sticky if it does not contain the
proper amount of moisture.
Multiple sclerosis

- A disease in which the myelin sheath that surrounds the axons of most nerve cells
degenerates or disappears, disrupting or completely stopping the conduction of impulses
is affected cells. Multiple sclerosis is the most common of the demyelinating disease. It
 is called multiple sclerosis because it may strike more than one part of the nervous
system; in fact, it may occur in any part of the central nervous system.
Mumps

- An acute, contagious viral disease that causes an infection and inflammation of the
salivary glands.
Myocardial infarction

- Death (infarction) of some portion of the myocardium, or heart muscle. Myocardial

infarction IS the technical name for a heart attack. Death of heart tissue occurs because
of a major reduction 1n the blood supply to the muscle
Myopia

- Nearsightedness. The inability of the eye to focus prOperly on distant obj ects. Myopia is
easily corrected by glasses or contact lenses.
Narcotic

- Any drug that has both a sedative and analgesic (pain killing) effect.
Necrosis

- Death of a localized portion of tissue surrounded by living tissue.

Neonatal

- Concerning the first four weeks of life after the birth of an infant.
Neuritis

- Inflammation of a nerve or any of its parts brought on by infection, toxins, compression.

or other causes. Neuritis produces pain along the course of the nerve (neuralgia) as well
as unusual sensitivity, prickling and tingling sensations, or loss of sensation.
Obesity

- Excess body weight.

Osteoporosis

- Abnormal porousness or thinning of bone.

Metastasis (plural:metastases)

- The ability of cancerous cells to multiply, move, and invade other parts of the body
through the lymphatic system and the bloodstream.
Placebo

- An inert, inactive substance given to satisfy a patient s demand for medicine where none
I: needed; also a substance used in a controlled study; usually of drugs, in which the
active drug is given to one group of people and the placebo to another. The effects of
the two substances are mpared, usually in what is called a double blind study.
Pneumonia

- Inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by infection with bacteria or virus, or by

inhalation of some irritating substance.
Polyneuritis

- Inflammation of two or more nerves, usually involving several nerves.

Prostatitis

- Inflammation of the prostate, the gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the
interior end of the urethra in males.
Pseudogout

- A disease with symptoms like gout, but of a different cause. Pseudogout results from
excessive deposits of calcium pyrophosphate, whereas gout is caused by too much uric
acid.
Psoriasis

- A chronic disease of the skin marked by thickened red patches covered by white scale.
Pyelonephritis

- Either acute or chronic bacterial infection of the kidney.

Rabies

- A lethal disease caused by a virus having a marked affinity for brain and nervous tissue.
Radiotherapy

- The treatment of disease with the application of X rays, radium, ultraviolet, and other
energetic rays. Radiotherapy is most often used in the treatment of cancer.
Respiration

-Breathing; specifically, respiration means the process of inhaling oxygen, delivering it to

the cells of the body, using it in the cells, removing waste carbon dioxide from the cells,
and exhaling it from the body.
Rheumatism

-A broad, general term for all conditions that produce pain, stiffness, and soreness of the
joints and areas near them, except fractures of bones and congenital abnormalities.
Rheumatoid arthritis

- A chronic, crippling, deforming, systemic disease whose cause is unknown. Arthritis

causes inflammation and changes in the joints and related structures, resulting in the
paint stiffness, and aching.
Rhinitis

- Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. Rhinitis usually is the result of a viral
and/or bacterial infection, but may also result from allergic reaction.
Ringworm

- A fungal infection of the skin, called ringwonn because the sores often are in the shape
of a circle.
Scabies

- Infestation with the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Females burrow tiny tunnels in the top layer
of the skin and lay eggs there, causing intense itching. Areas affected most often are
the webs between the fingers, the waist, underarms, nipples, elbows, buttocks, and
penis.
Sclerosis
 - Thickening of tissue, especially that caused by excessive growth of fibrous tissue.
SclerosiS occurs in manyp arts of the body.A rteriosclerosis is hardening and thickening
of the arteries. Multiple sclerosis affects the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord.
Scoliosis

- A side-to-side curvature of the lower spine often combined with front-to back curvature
0f the upper spine, called kyphosis, or hunchback.
Scurvy

- A disease caused by a lack of vitamin C in thed iet. Symptoms include spong) , bleeding
gums loose teeth, and hemorrhages under the skin.
Seborrhea

- Overproduction or a change in the quality of oil secreted by the sebaceous glands of the
skin, producing oily skin, crusts, or scales. Seborrhea is associated with acne, dandruff,
dermatitis, and keratoses.
Seizure
- Any suddena ttack of a disease involving symptoms such as pain or convulsions; in
particular, a convulsion resulting from an attack of epilepsy. An epileptic seizure may
range from a slight change in sensation or consciousness noticeable only by the patient
to the uncontrollable muscle movements 0r spasms associated with a convulsions. The
attack may last only a few seconds or as long as 15-20 minutes.
Septicemia

- A form of blood poisoning in which bacteria are present in the bloodstream and are
multiplying there.
Shock

- Any condition n which circulation of the blood to the tissues and its return to the heart
are disturbed.
Sickle-cell anemia

- A hereditary disease affecting the blood, primarily in American blacks. The disease may
be passed from one generation to the next by a recessive gene that causes defective
production of hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cell needed to transport oxygen and
carbon dioxide.
Sigmoidoscopy

- Examination of the rectum, colon, and sigmoid colon by insertion of a rigid tube into the
colon. Sigmoidoscopy makes it possible for a physician to examine the surface of the
large bowel for possible polyps and tumors.
Sinusitis

- Inflammation of a sinus, or one of the hollow spaces or channels of the body, and
particularly of the paranasal sinuses, located in the head near the nasal cavities.
Sleepwalking

- Sleepwalking is getting up and walking around while truly asleep; also called
somnambulism.
Sphygmomanometer
 - The instrument used to measure blood pressure.
Spirometer

- A device for carrying out several different tests of lung function. The spirometer
measures the amount of air breathed in and out.
Sprain

- The tearing or stretching of ligaments, the tough elastic tissues that hold bones together
at the joints.
Sterilization

- Fertility control through surgery on the reproductive organs of both males and females.
Stethoscope

-An instrument that transmits sounds from the body to the ears of an examiner, such a
physician or a nurse. A stethoscope is particularly useful in evaluating the condition of
the heart and lungs, but it may be used to examine other parts of the body as well.
Stomatitis

- Inflammation of soft tissues of the mouth.

Stool

- The waste matter released from the bowels; feces. Strabismus. A condition in which the
two eyes fail to focus together on a single point.
Strep throat

- A throat infection caused by a streptococcal or bacteria infection; also called

streptococcal sore throat.
Stroke

- The plugging or breakage of a blood vessel in or to the brain, causing damage to a

portion of the brain.
Sty

-A red spot or swelling on the lid of the eye, much like a boil on the skin elsewhere on
the body.
Surgery

- The science of medicine that uses operations as a part of treatment.

Suture

- A surgical stitch.
Syphilis

-
One of the most common venereal diseases, caused by infection with the flexible spiral
bacterium (spirochete) Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is usually spread by sexual contact.
Tachycardia

-Abnormally rapid heartbeat, usually having a heart rate of more than 100 beats a
minute.
Tearing
 - The constant production of tears, caused by a defective opening in one or more tear
ducts.
Tendinitis

- Inflammation of one or more tendons. Tendinitis often is brought on by injury.

Tension headache

- The most common type of headache; also known as muscle contraction headache. Pain
is caused by tightening of scalp muscles as a result of tension, fatigue, or emotional
stress.
Tetanus

- A grave, often fatal infection caused by toxins of tetanus bacteria, which get into the
body through perforating, penetrating, or deep wounds and thrive in the absence of
oxygen.
Thrombophlebitis

- Inflammation of a vein (phlebitis) accompanied by a blood dot there (thrombus).

Thrombophlebitis can occur in any vein, but almost always involves a vein in the leg.
Thrombosis (plural: thromboses)

- Formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel.

Thrush

- An infection of the mouth of throat caused by the yeasthke fungus Candida a\bicans.
Thyroiditis

- Inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Vaccine

- Any bacterial or viral material that can be administered to produce resistance to an

infectious disease. The vaccine stimulates the body to produce antibodies that will
protect against future infection by the same organism.
Vaginitis

- Inflammation of the vagina.

Vasoconstrictor

- Any agent that constricts blood vessels so that less blood flows through them.
Vasodilator

- Any agent that dilates blood vessels so that more blood flows through them.
Vertigo

- Dizziness; a whirling, head-swimming sensation that your surroundings are moving

around you, spinning like a top or pitching and heaving. Vertigo is usually caused by
some defect affecting the mechanisms that enable us to maintain balance, including the
semicircular labyrinth in the middle ear, the nerves serving it, and the brainstem.
Virus

- An infectious agent that is smaller than a bacterium and cannot multiply outside a living
cell. Viruses cause most infections of the upper respiratory tract, including the common
 cold; life threatening diseases such as smallpox, poliomyelitis (polio), and yellow fever;
and other illnesses.
Vitamin

- Any one of 13 substances known to be essential in the normal human diet for human
survival. Vitamins act as catalysts, causing other nutritional chemicals to combine or
break apart and nourish the body. The 13 known vitamins are vitamins A, B, (thiamine),
B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin or nicotinic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), Bl2(cobalamin), C (ascorbic
acid), D, E, and K, and biotin, folic acid, and pantothenic acid.
Vomiting.

- Forcible ejection of the contents of the stomach triggered by the vomiting center in the
brain.
Wart

- A benign growth on the skin caused by one of a group of slow-growing viruses.

Withdrawal
- Stopping use of a drug, usually an addictive one. Withdrawal from use or abuse of an
addictive drug usually is followed by the withdrawal syndrome: tremor, hallucinations,
seizures, and similar symptoms.
Xray

- An electromagnetic wave of very short length used to diagnose and treat disease and
injury.