Key Terms
Use the alphabet list below to navigate the list of key terms.
A -- B -- C -- D -- E -- F -- G -- H -- I -- J -- K -- L -- M -- N -- O -- P -- R -- S -- T -- U -- V -- W
Abdomen (ab´ dəmən) – The belly. The abdomen is the part of the body between a person’s pelvis and the lower ribs.
Abrasion (əbrā zhən) – A scraping or rubbing away of the outer surface layers of the skin. Wearing or rubbing away as in a skinned knee.
Absorb (absœrb) – to hold liquid, as in using a cotton ball or gauze to absorb blood from a wound.
Acute pain – severe sensation that begins suddenly and has a predictable end, lasting less than 6 months, as in stubbing your toe, the pain after surgery, or pain from a ruptured appendix.
Adaptive device (adap´tiv device) – a piece of equipment, instrument or structure that enables a person with a disability function more on their own. Examples are plate guards for eating, grab bars in bath rooms.
Addiction ( ədik´ shən) – compulsive, uncontrollable dependence on a chemical substance, such as alcohol or other drugs, or an uncontrollable habit or practice, such as gambling or eating.
Adverse Reaction – an unexpected or unintended reaction to a medicine, a diagnostic test or a treatment. A side effect is an example of an adverse reaction to a medicine.
Aerosol (er´ əsol´) – particles of medicine suspended in a gas or in air.
Agitation – a state of restlessness and increased activity such as pacing, talking, crying and laughing, sometimes inappropriately. It is observed as an expression of emotional tension.
AIDS – abbreviation for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
Airway – a tubular passage for flow of air into and out of the lungs. The natural airway is made up of the back of the throat, larynx, and bronchi. An artificial airway is a plastic tube inserted through a person’s natural airway to deliver oxygen to the lungs.
Allergic reaction – an unfavorable physical response to a medicine, insect bite, airborne pollens, or food that can cause severe itching, swelling around the lips, trouble breathing, or rash. Serious allergic reactions can lead to death.
Allergy (al´ ərjē) – a hypersensitive reaction to common, usually harmless substances in the air or in our food and medicine.
Alopecia (al´ əpē´ shə) – partial or complete lack of hair as a result of normal aging, a drug reaction, an anti-cancer medicine, or a skin disease.
ALS – abbreviation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, called Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It is a degenerative disease with loss of the neurons in the central nervous system. The person becomes progressively weak with atrophy or wasting of the muscles of the hands, arms, and legs, spreading to most of the body. Causes death usually in 2 to 5 years. Treatment is supportive.
Alveoli (al vē´ ō lī) – tiny air sacs in your lungs where oxygen moves into the lungs and carbon dioxide exits.
Alzheimer’s disease – a condition characterized by progressive mental deterioration, often with confusion, memory failure, disorientation, restlessness, speech disturbances. It is a form of dementia.
Amoeba (əmē´ bə) – a microscopic single celled parasite.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (ā´ mī ōtrof´ ik)– also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – a degenerative disease caused by loss of the motor neurons (nerve cells) with progressive weakness and wasting of the muscles of the hands, forearms and legs. Eventually spreads to involve most of the body, including muscles of breathing.
Analgesic (an´əljē´ zik) – a drug that relieves pain.
Anatomy (ənat´əmē) – The study and description of structures and organs of the body. The structure of a living organism.
Anemia (ənē´ mē ə) – not having enough red blood cells in your body, due to a decrease in production of cells, an increase in cell destruction or a loss of blood.
Anesthesia (an´esthē´zhə) – The absence of all sensation, including sensitivity to pain. It is induced by an anesthetic substance that can be applied to the skin (local), injected locally (local), injected into the spinal fluid around the spinal cord (regional), or given by inhaling gases (general).
Angina (anjī´nə) – feeling of crushing pressure or pain, choking or suffocation – caused by having a “heart attack”.
Antibiotic (antī bī ot´ ik) – a medicine that destroys bacteria in your system. Some common antibiotics are penicillin, amoxicillin, bactrim, ciprofloxacin.
Anticholinergic (anti kō´lənur´jik) – pertaining to a medicine often given during surgery that blocks the transmission of parasympathetic nerve impulses. As a result, the drug reduces saliva and airway secretions and dilates the pupils. The drugs are also used to treat spastic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Anticoagulant (anti kō ag´yələnt) A medicine or natural substance that prevents or delays the clotting of blood.
Anticonvulsant (antī kən vul´ sənt) – medicine used to control seizures.
Anti-depressant – drugs used to prevent or relieve symptoms of depression.
Anti-emetic (anti imet´ ik) – drugs used to prevent or relieve nausea and to help a person not vomit.
Antihistamines (anti his´təmin) – drugs used to relieve allergy symptoms (such as hay fever).
Antiseptic – a substance applied to the skin that prohibits growth and reproduction of bacteria cells.
Appetite (ap´ ətīt) – the desire to eat.
Artery – the tubular elastic-walled vessels that carry blood from the heart through the body.
Arthritis – the inflammation of joints.
Aspiration (as´pirā shən) (of vomitus) – the breathing in of fluid, food or regurgitated stomach contents into the lungs.
Aspiration Pneumonia (as´pirā´shən nōōmō´nē ə) – an inflammatory condition of the lungs and air passages caused by accidentally breathing in foreign material like food, vomit, chewed up medicine. It happens often in older adults with difficulty swallowing.
Assistive Device – any device that helps a person perform a task, i.e, a walker, a cane, a wheelchair, a hearing aid.
Asthma (az´mə) – a respiratory disorder characterized by recurring episodes of wheezing, a feeling of not being able to breathe, coughing and thick mucous secretions.
Atrial fibrillation (ā´ trē əl) – very rapid contractions of the atria (chamber) of the heart, causing a rapid, irregular heart rate.
Atrial Flutter (ā´trē ǝl flutter) – a type of rhythm disorder of the heart. The atria of the heart contract as much as 230 to 380 times per minute. The condition is diagnosed through a electro-cardiogram (EKG). Ventricle contractions follow atria contractions in a ratio of 1:2, 1:3 or 1:4, causing an irregular heart rate.
Audiologist – a health professional with graduate education in normal hearing processes and hearing loss. Tests and evaluates hearing loss and recommends listening devices such as hearing aids.
Auricle (ôr´ ikǝl) – The external ear, giving the ear its shape.
Bacteria – (baktir´ē ə) a small one cell microorganism capable of causing an infection.
Balance – a state of equilibrium, i.e. the ability to stand without falling over.
Beta agonist – a drug used to maintain the normal sinus rhythm (normal beat) of the heart.
Bladder – a membranous sac that holds body waste, i.e, the urinary bladder or the gall bladder.
Blanching (blänch ing) – A test to check for pressure on the skin. When you normally press a finger over a reddened area of the skin, it should pale or blanch, then return to redness. If the area remains pale, it is a sign of pressure.
Blister – a fluid filled sac that forms on the skin, usually the result of friction, i.e., a blister on your toe from a shoe that fits improperly.
Blood pressure – the pressure exerted by the circulating blood on the walls of the arteries and veins of the body. The normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.
Body fluids – fluids from the body that include blood, urine, saliva, semen and fecal material.
Booster – a supplemental dose of an immunizing agent, i.e, flu shot.
Bowel – refers to the small and large intestine
Bronchiolitis (brong´ kē-ōlī´ tis) – inflammation of the bronchioles (small airways) of the lungs.
Bronchiectasis (brong´ kē ek´təsis) – a chronic inflammatory or degenerative condition of the bronchioles (small airways) marked by enlarging and loss of elasticity of the walls.
Bronchitis (brongkī´ tis) – acute (sudden) or chronic (long term) inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the airways to the lungs.
Bronchospasm (-spaz´əm) – an acute narrowing of the air passages of the lungs as in asthma, characterized by spasmodic contractions of the muscles that surround the airways.
Bruising – an injury to the skin caused by a blow to the body. It appears as swelling, pain, and discoloration of the skin.
Buccal (buk´əl) – the inside of your cheek, or the gum beside the cheek).
Bunion (bun´ yǝn) – inflammation of the first joint of the big toe.
Callus – a thickening or a hard thickened area on the skin – usually on the bottom of the feet or the joints of your fingers, i.e, where you hold a pen.
Cancer (kan´sər) – a tumor characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells that invade tissues and spread to distant body sites. Each cancer is distinguished by the nature, site or clinical course of the tumor. For example, cancer of the mouth will present a different set of symptoms than cancer of the colon.
Cavity – A hollow space within a larger structure, such as a tooth in the mouth
C Difficile – bacterial infection of the colon.
Carbon dioxide – a colorless, odorless gas. It is produced by cells of the body through the breathing process, then carried by the blood to the lungs to be exhaled.
Carotid artery – either of the two main arteries that supply blood to the head. The carotid arteries are located with one on each side of the neck.
Catheter (kath´ǝtǝr) – a hollow flexible tube that can be inserted into a vessel or cavity of the body to withdraw or instill fluids, i.e. a urinary catheter (Foley) removes urine from the body when a person has just had a surgical procedure and cannot use the bathroom).
Cellulitis (sel´ yəlī´ tis) – acute bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Appears as an area of heat, redness, pain and swelling, and sometimes fever and chills. An abscess and tissue destruction can develop if antibiotics are not ordered by a doctor.
Centigrade – a metric temperature measurement.
Cerebral palsy (CP) – a motor function disorder resulting from a brain defect present at birth or shortly thereafter. Symptoms include muscle incoordination, varying degrees of mental retardation, impaired speech, vision and hearing.
Chemotherapy – the use of chemical agents in the treatment of or control of cancer.
Cerumen (sirōō´mǝn) – earwax, the yellowish or brownish waxy secretion produced by sweat glands in the outer ear canal.
Choreiform movement (kərē´ əfôrm) – involuntary rapid , jerky muscle contractions that look like dancing motions.
Chronic obstructive lung disease – COLD – Also called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A progressive and irreversible lung condition that reduces the ability to breath. The condition is aggravated by cigarette smoking and air pollution. Examples of COPD are asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Chronic pain – pain that continues or recurs over a prolonged period of time, over 6 months.
Circulation (sur´ kyəlā shən) – movement of blood through the system of arteries and veins.
Circumference (surkum´fərens) – the perimeter of a circle.
Clot – a semi-solid mass that is the result of the clotting process of blood.
Clotting factors – any of several components in the liquid part of the blood that are involved in the clotting of the blood, i.e, Factor V, Factor VII, Factor IX.
Co-analgesic – a drug originally developed to treat conditions other than pain but have been shown to have analgesic properties. Examples are certain anti-depressants and anticonvulsants.
Complication – A disease or injury that develops during the treatment of a pre-existing condition.
Concentrated (kon´səntrāt ed) – a substance, like a liquid, that is strengthened by having more solid dissolved in a reduced volume. Example, a concentrated urine will be darker than normal urine.
Condom catheter – an external urine collection device that fits over the penis like a condom.
Conductive hearing loss (kǝnduk´tiv) – a form of hearing loss in which sound is inadequately conducted through the external or middle ear to the nerves in the middle ear. Sensitivity to sound is decreased, but clarity is not changed as long as the sound is loud enough.
Confusion (kənfyōō´shən) – a mental state of disorientation about time, place, person or situation. It causes a person to be bewildered, perplexed, lack orderly thought, and be unable to choose or act decisively. Usually it is a symptom of an organic mental disorder or effect.
Conjunctiva (kon´ jungktī´və) – the mucous membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelids and anterior part of the sclera (the white of the eye).
Consciousness (kon´shəsnes) – a clear state of awareness of self and the environment. A person’s attention focuses on immediate matters.
Conjunctivitis (kənjungk´tivī´tis) – inflammation of the conjuctiva, the clear membrane that lines the inner surfaces of the eyelids and front part of the sclera (white of the eye). Conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, allergy, or factors in the air. Red eyes, thick discharge, and sticky eyelids especially when awakening are common.
Contagious – An infection transmitted from person to person by direct or indirect contact.
Contaminate (kəmtam´ in nāte´) – to soil, stain, or infect by contact or association, i.e, bacteria that contaminates a wound through contact with a bare hand, a bacteria that contaminates a syringe needle through contact with a table surface.
Constipation (kon´stipā´shən) – difficulty in passing a bowel movement (stool) or infrequent passage of hard stools.
Coordination – the ability of muscles to work together voluntarily for purposeful movement.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) – a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood adequately through the circulation to meet the needs of the body.
Cornea (kôr´nē ə) – the convex, transparent front part of the eye. It allows light to pass through the eye and to the lens.
Cor pulmonale (kôr pool´mənal´) – a disease of the heart characterized by hypertrophy (enlargement) and dilatation (widening) of the right ventricle of the heart and secondary to disease of the lungs or their blood vessels.
Corticosteroid (kôr´tikōstir´oid) – hormones from the adrenal cortex that influence or control key processes in the body, such as metabolism, electrolyte and water balance, and functions of the heart, skeletal, and kidneys. Synthetic forms of corticosteroids are anti inflammatory.
Cough Reflex – the natural reflex that causes a person to cough. The reflex is initiated by chemical or mechanical irritation of the throat or breathing passages
CPR – abbreviation for cardio pulmonary resuscitation – a basic emergency procedure for life support. It includes artificial respiration and manual external cardiac massage. It is used in cases of heart attack. It involves delivering external compressions to the chest and mouth-to-mouth breathing.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) – an inherited disease, mostly in the Caucasian population, that affects the glands that produce mucus, sweat, digestive enzymes, and saliva. It usually appears in early childhood and is characterized by digestive problems due to a deficiency in pancreatic enzymes and difficulty breathing due to repeated upper respiratory infections.
Debilitated (dibil´ itē əd) – weakness or loss of strength
Dehydration (di´hīdrā´shən) – excessive loss of water from body tissues. Frequently follows prolonged fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Dementia (dimen´ shə) – a progressive mental disorder characterized by chronic personality changes, confusion, disorientation, and a marked decline in a person’s former intellectual level. There is impairment of memory, judgment and impulses. Alzheimer’s disease is one form of dementia.
Dental Implant – a plastic or metal anchor inserted into a jawbone to give permanent support for a crown, fixed bridge, or denture when the bone alone cannot offer enough support.
Depression – a state of feeling sad and hopeless, marked by inactivity, difficulty with thinking and concentration, and a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping.
Dermatitis (dur´mətī´tis) – an inflammation of the skin produced by an allergy, disease or infection.
Dermis (dur´mis) – the layer of skin just below the epidermis containing blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves and nerve endings, glands and hair follicles
Diabetes mellitus (məlī təs) – a disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism that is mainly a result of a deficiency or complete lack of insulin. The disease is often genetic, cut can be acquired. It is characterized by increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, hunger and high levels of blood sugar (glucose) in the blood.
Diabetic neuropathy – A long term complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by sensory and/or motor disturbances in the peripheral nerves. Symptoms may include pain, numbness or loss of reflexes in the legs.
Diagnostic (dī´agnos´tik) – pertaining to the making of a diagnosis (identification of a disease by a scientific evaluation)
Diarrhea (dī´ərē´ə) – the frequent passage of loose, watery, unformed stools (bowel movement).
Diastolic blood pressure – the minimum level of blood pressure measured between contractions of the heart. For example, if a person’s blood pressure is 120 over 80 (120/80), the diastolic blood pressure is 80.
Diet (dī´it) – food and drink in regard to nutritional qualities and effects on health. A therapeutic diet is one that includes nutrients prescribed for a specific condition.
Dietary (dī´ter´ē) – pertains to the eating of a diet.
Dietitian (dī´itishən) – a registered dietitian is trained in foods and the management of diets. Credentials are through the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association.
Digestion (dijest´ cchən) – the break down of food into absorbable substances in the gastrointestinal tract. Glands inside the GI tract break food down into small molecules for absorption.
Disorientation (disôr´ē əntā´shən) – a state of mental confusion characterized by incorrect perception of the time of day, place, or a person’s own identity. May occur in organic mental disorders, in drug and alcohol intoxication, and in severe stress.
Diuretic (dī yooret´ ik) – a drug that promotes the formation of urine, i.e. hydrochlorathiazide. These drugs are used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, hypertension and edema (swelling of your ankles or legs).
Dose – the amount of a drug or other substance to be taken at one time.
Drainage (drā' nij) – fluids or discharge from a body cavity, such as from a wound or surgical incision.
Drug dependence – a psychological craving for, habitual use of or physiologic reliance on a chemical substance.
Drug fever – a fever caused after taking a medicine. Most commonly due to an immunologic (allergic) reaction. Fever occurs between 7 and 10 days after the medicine is begun.
Dry powdered inhaler – a handheld device used to deliver a fine powdered medicine into the airways during inhalation.
Duodenum (dōō´ədē´nəm) – the shortest, widest and most fixed part of the small intestine. It is about 25 cm long (10 inches) and is divided into superoir, descending, horizontal and ascending portions.
Dysphagia (disfā´ jē ə) – difficulty in swallowing. Commonly due to obstruction or motor problems of the esophagus.
Dysrhythmia (disrith´mē ə) – any disturbance or abnormality in a normal rhythmic pattern, i.e, heart beat or brain waves.
-- E --
E Coli – abbreviation for Escherichia coli, a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestine. It is usually common in water, milk, and soil. It is a frequent cause of a urinary tract infection, when women do not properly wipe after using the bathroom.
Eczema (ek´ simə) – a superficial dermatitis of unknown cause.
Emergency medical services (EMS) – a network of services coordinated to provide aid and medical assistance by personnel trained in the rescue, stabilization, transportation, and advanced treatment of traumatic and medical emergencies. Usually connected to 911 calls.
Emollient (imol´ yənt) – a substance that softens tissue, particularly the skin and mucous membranes.
Emphysema (em´ fəsē´ mə) – a local or generalized condition of the lungs marked by overinflation and destructive changes in the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs). It results in a loss of lung elasticity and decreased ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. A person will have difficulty breathing on exertion or at rest, cough, difficulty breathing lying flat, and a rapid heart rate.
Endoscopy (endos´ kǝpē) – the visualization of the inside of organs and cavities of the body with an illuminated optic instrument – i.e, bronchoscope (throat), otoscope (ear).
Enteral nutrition (en´ tǝrǝl) – the provision of nutrients through tube feeding, either oral or inserted into the stomach or intestines, for people who cannot swallow, ingest or chew food, but can digest and absorb nutrients.
Enteric coated (enter´ ik) – a layer added to oral medicine that allows the medicine to pass through the stomach and be absorbed in the GI tract. The coating protects against the effects of stomach juices that can interact with, destroy or degrade the drugs.
Enzymes (en´ zīm) – any of the numerous complex proteins that are produced by living cells and catalyze specific biochemical reactions.
Epidermis (ep´ idur´ mis) – the outer non-sensitive and nonvascular layer of the skin. It lies over the deeper dermis.
Epiglottis (ep´iglot´is) – the thin, leaf-shaped cartilage that overhangs the larynx like a lid and that prevents food from entering the larynx and trachea during swallowing.
Esophagus (esof´əgəs)– the canal that extends from the pharynx (back of the throat) to the stomach. It is composed of a fibrous coat, a muscular coat and a submucous coat and is lined with mucous membrane.
Essential hypertension – an elevated arterial blood pressure for which no cause can be found. It is often the only clinical finding a person presents to their doctor. Patients are at risk for heart and vascular disease.
Estrogen – (es´trojən) – one of a group of hormones that promote the development of female sex characteristics.
Eustachian Tube(yōōstā´ shǝn) tube – A tube lined with mucous membrane that joins the middle ear with the back of the throat. It is normally closed. It opens during yawning, chewing, and swallowing to equalize air pressure in the middle ear.
Exhale – to breath out.
Exocrine gland (ek´ səkrin) – a gland that secretes out through a duct to the surface of an organ or tissue or into a blood vessel, i.e, sweat gland.
Expiration Date (ik´ spirā´ shən) – The date when a medicine or product can no longer be used. In the case of a medicine, it is the date when the medicine, if taken, will no longer have the same strength or desired effect. Any medicine with a label that is past an expiration date should be thrown away.
Fahrenheit (fer´ənhīt) – a scale of temperature measurement at which the boiling point of water is 242 degrees and the freezing point of water is 32 degrees.
Fatigue (fətēg) – A state of exhaustion or a loss of endurance. Decreased ability to do physical work.
Fertile – capable of reproducing or bearing off spring.
Fever – an elevation of body temperature above the normal 98.6º Fahrenheit.
Fibromyalgia (fi´brō mī al´jə) – a form of rheumatism, with muscle pain, spasms, stiffness, fatigue and severe sleep disturbances. Commons sites of pain or stiffness include the lower back, neck, shoulder region, arms, hands, knees, hips, thighs, legs and feet. Physical therapy and medicines provide temporary relief.
Fleet’s Enema (Fleet’s en´əmə) – trademark for a manufactured enema formula. The enema solution comes in a plastic container. The solution is introduced into the rectum for cleansing and removal of stool.
Floss – a waxed thin tape used to clean in between your teeth.
Flossing – the act of using dental tape to clean in between teeth.
Fluoride toothpaste – fluoride compounds mixed with toothpaste to help reduce the incidence of dental caries.
Foot ulcer – open, inflammed crater-like lesion on the foot
Fowler’s position (fou´ lərz) – head of the bed raised to an angle of 45 to 60 degrees; a semi-sitting position.
Fracture (frak´ chər) – Breakage of bone caused by a traumatic injury.
Friction (frik´ shən) – the effect of rubbing one object against the other, i.e, skin on buttocks rubbing against bed sheet.
Full weight bearing – being able to stand on both feet without pain.
Fungus (fun´ gəs) – a parasite that causes infection, i.e, fungal infection of the nails, lungs, skin.
Fungal – pertaining to a fungus.
Gag reflex – a normal reflex; retraction of the tongue and contraction of the muscles of the throat caused by stimulation (touching the back of throat).
Gait – the way a person walks.
Gastric residual – the amount of liquid left in the stomach (or intestine), between feedings, in a person who is receiving a tube feeding.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease – GERD - a chronic backflow of contents of the stomach back into the esophagus. The gastric juices usually cause heartburn. May cause ulcers or stricture (narrowing) of the esophagus.
Gastrointestinal (gas´trō intes´ tinel) – pertaining to the organs of digestion from the mouth to the anus.
Gastrostomy (gastros´təmē) – surgical creation of an opening in the stomach.
Genetic disease (jənet´ ik) – any disease passed on from one generation to the other, such as hemophilia.
Genetic tendency – to have a genetic predisposition to a disease.
Genital (jen´itəl) – the sex or reproductive organs visible on the outside of the body.
Glaucoma (glôkō´mə) – an abnormal condition of elevated pressure within an eye that occurs when production of fluid (aqueous) inside the eye exceeds its outflow. Pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to blindness.
Glucocorticoid (gloo´ kōkôr´təkoid) – a natural adrenocortical steroid hormone that has an anti-inflammatory effect on many parts of the body. Cortisol, corticosterone and cortisone are the three types. Synthetic steroids are used for a variety of medical conditions.
Guillain Barre’ Syndrome (gēyan´ bärā´) – A neurologic disorder that may occur after a mild viral infection or after immunization, but can also occur with no preceding illness. Causes pain and weakness as well as paralysis. Recovery can take weeks to months.
Heart attack – an acute episode of damage to the heart muscle, due to partial or complete blockage in a coronary artery (small artery that supplies the heart) Also known as an MI (myocardial infarction).
Heart rate – the number of times the heart beats per minute.
Heat exhaustion – a condition marked by weakness, nausea, muscle cramps, dizziness and loss of consciousness that results from exposure to intense heat or physical exertion in a hot environment.
Heat stroke – a condition marked by reduction or cessation of sweating, extremely high body temperature (105º F or higher) rapid heart rate, hot and dry skin and seizures, resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Heimlich maneuver (hīm´ lik) – the manual application of sudden upward pressure in the upper abdomen area of a choking victim to dislodge food or another object from blocking the windpipe. An emergency procedure designed to prevent asphyxiation.
Hemodialysis shunt (hē´ mōdī al´ isis) – two cannulas inserted through the skin into a large vein and a large artery to carry blood from the body to a dialysis machine, where the blood is filtered of impurities. A treatment for renal (kidney) failure.
Hemophilia (hē´mōfē´lyə) – a sex-linked hereditary blood defect almost exclusively affecting males characterized by delayed clotting of the blood. This makes it difficult to control bleeding even after a minor cut.
Heparin (hep´ərin) – a medicine that prevents clots from forming in the body, often called a blood thinner in laymen’s terms.
Hepatitis (hep´ətī´ tis) – inflammation of the liver, characterized by jaundice, enlarged liver, loss of appetite, and clay colored stools. It can be caused by bacterial or viral infection, parasites, alcohol, drug use, or incompatible blood transfusion. Can be mild or life threatening.
Hives – an itchy eruption of the skin caused by an allergic reaction, often due to exposure to a medicine, food, insect bite, inhalant or plant, i.e, poison ivy.
HIV virus – Human immunodeficiency virus – the virus that causes AIDS.
Hodgkins lymphoma (Hoj´kinz) – a malignant disorder characterized by painless, progressive enlargement of the lymphoid tissue, usually first noticed in the lymph nodes of the neck.. Symptoms include weight loss, low-grade fever, night sweats, anemia and a high white blood cell count.
Humidification (of an airway) – to make the airway more moist by use of a humidifier in a room, the use of aerosol or steam inhalers.
Hygiene (hī´jēn) – the principles and science of maintaining health and prevent disease, ie. Maintaining cleanliness.
Hyperemesis (hī´pər em´ əsis) – excessive vomiting.
Hyper-reactive – over reactive, usually associated with the muscles surrounding the airways – for example, a person may have medically uncontrolled asthma and when the person experiences an asthma attack, the symptoms can become exaggerated.
Hypertension (hī´pər ten´shən) – a common disorder that is a known cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease risk factor – characterized by elevated blood pressure.
Hyperthermia (hī´ pərthur´ mē ə) – a much higher than normal body temperature.
Hyperthyroidism (hī´pər thī´roidiz´əm) – Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland. The gland (located in the front of the neck) is usually enlarged, secreting greater than normal amounts of thyroid hormone. Symptoms include nervousness, tremor, constant hunger, weight loss, fatigue, heat intolerance, palpitations and diarrhea.
Hypoglycemia (hī´ pōglīsē´ mē ə) – a low level of glucose in the blood. It may be caused by taking too much insulin, excessive secretion of insulin by the pancreas, or not eating enough food. The condition causes weakness, headache, hunger, blurred vision, and anxiety. If severe, it can lead to death.
Hypothermia (hī´pōthur´ mē ə) – a much lower than normal body temperature (below 95º F)
Hypoxia (hīpok´sē ə) – deficiency of oxygen in the cells of the body. Symptoms include tachycardia, hypertension, dizziness and mental confusion.
Ileum (il´ē əm) – the lower third portion of the small intestine.
Ileostomy (il´ē os´təmē) – the surgical formation of an opening of the ileum (small intestine) onto the surface of the abdomen, through which feces empties.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) – a surgically implanted electric device that automatically stops dangerous heart rhythms by sending low-energy electric shocks to the heart, restoring normal rhythm.
Implanted port – a device surgically placed under the skin into a large vein, that allows easy access for the administration of fluids or medicines into the vein.
Immune function (imyoo´n function) – the activity of cells within the body that protects it against diseases or infection.
Immune system – a system of tissues, organs and cells that protect the body from infection and foreign bodies. The principle components of the immune system are the lymph glands, lymph nodes and the spleen.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator – a surgically implanted electric device that automatically stops lethal heart arrythmias (irregular beats) by delivering low energy shocks to the heart. It restores proper rhythm when the heart begins to beat rapidly or erratically.
Incentive spirometeryrm (insen´ tiv spīrom´ətrē) – a method of encouraging voluntary deep breathing by giving a person visual feedback about the amount of air inhaled. The person breathes in deeply until a preset volume of air is reached, holds the breath for 3 to 5 seconds, and then exhales.
Incision (insizh´ən) – a cut made by a sharp instrument, like a scalpel, that creates an opening in the skin or an organ of the body.
Incompatible (in´kəmpat´ ibil) – unable to co-exist.
Incontinence (inkon´tinəns) – the inability to control passage of either urine, stool (bowel movement), or both.
Infection (infek´shən) – the invasion of the body by disease causing germs that multiply until treated, Examples include pneumonia caused by bacteria, or the West Nile virus, caused by a virus.
Infectious – capable of causing an infection.
Infiltration (in´filtrā´shən) – the process whereby a fluid passes through a tissue, i.e, medicine, given through an IV, leaks through the blood vessel into the tissue.
Inflammation (infla mā´ shən) – the protective or destructive response of body tissues to irritation or injury. Inflammation may be acute or chronic. The main signs of inflammation are redness, swelling, heat and pain, often accompanied by loss of function, such as in appendicitis, tennis elbow, and a sprained ankle.
Infuse (infyū´zh) – to introduce a substance, such as a fluid, drug, electrolyte or nutrient directly into a vein by means of gravity flow. An IV infuses medicine into a vein.
Ingrown toenail – a toenail that is not clipped properly and grows into the skin.
Inhale (inhā´le) – to breath in through your nose.
Injection (injek´shən) – the act of forcing a liquid into the body by means of a needle and syringe.
Injection cap – a rubber diaphragm under a plastic cap, that allows for needle insertion into a catheter.
Insulin (in´ səlin) – a natural hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to increased levels of glucose in the blood. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels in the blood.
Intake and output – the amount of fluids taken in by the body (e.g. liquids by mouth, intravenous fluids) and the amount excreted by the body (e.g. urine, liquid stool, vomit).
A total intake and output is often measured over 24 hours.
Intestinal diversion (intes´ ti nul) – a surgically created artificial opening on the abdominal wall for passage of stool. Stool is collected in a pouch. The surgery may be temporary (as in an obstruction of intestine) or permanent (as in cancer of the intestine).
Intestines (intes´ tin) – a major part of the digestive system, located in the abdomen (belly). The small intestine absorbs nutrients from food and the large intestine rids the body of waste products.
Intravenous (intra vē´nəs) – the inside of a vein, as a catheter or a clot.
Intravenous catheter (intra vē´nəs kath´ ətər) – a hollow flexible tube placed within a vein for the delivery of fluids, drugs, and liquid nutrition.
Invasive (invā´siv) – referring to a diagnostic or therapeutic technique that requires entry into a body cavity or interruption of normal body functions.
Irrigation (ir´igā´shǝn) – The process of washing out a body cavity or a wound with a stream of water or other fluid. It is also used to cleanse a tube or drain, such as a urinary catheter or a feeding tube.
IV Infusion pump – an electronic device used to deliver measured amounts of medicine or fluid through an intravenous (IV) device.
Jaundice (jôn´ dis) – a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and whites of a person’s eyes caused by greater than normal amounts of bilirubin in the blood.
Jejunum (jijōō´ nəm) – the middle of the three parts of the small intestine.
Jejunostomy tube (jā´ jōōnos´ təmē) – a feeding tube inserted into the jejunum (part of intestine) through the abdominal wall. Used for giving a person liquefied food.
Kyphosis (kīfō´ sis) – increased convexity in the curve of the thoracic spine. The upper back is rounded and the chest looks like it is “caved” in.
Laceration (las´ ərā´ shən) – a cut in the skin.
Lacrimal Gland (lak´riməl gland) – one of a pair of glands situated above and to the outer side of the eye bulb in the frontal bone. It is an oval structure about the size of an almond. It releases a watery secretion in the form of tears, which moisten membranes of the eye.
Lancet (lan´ sit) – a sharp pointed blade used to prick a finger to obtain blood.
Larynx (ler´ ingks) – the organ of the voice. It is part of the upper air passage that connects to the throat (pharynx). It forms a large bump in the neck called the Adam’s apple.
Latex allergy (lā´teks) – hypersensitivity to the soluble proteins in latex, from which rubber is made. A person can be allergic to rubber gloves, catheters, tubing used in health care. Mild reaction includes hives or a rash. Severe allergy can be life threatening.
Lens – 1. A curved, transparent piece of plastic or glass that is shaped or grounded to refract light in a specific way as in eyeglasses. 2. The normal crystalline lens of the eye.
Leukemia (lōō kē´ mē ə) – cancer of the blood. Characterized by replacement of bone marrow with abnormal white blood cells. Males are affected twice as often as females.
Lesion (lē´ zhen) – a visible, abnormality of the tissue of the skin such as a wound, sore, rash or boil. A lesion may be described as benign, cancerous, gross, or primary.
Level of consciousness – a degree of cognitive function or mental processing involving arousal of the brain. The level is graded based on what type of response the person gives, such as alert, confused, or difficult to arouse.
Local anesthetic (an´ esthet´ ik) – A medicine applied to the skin by a cream, spray, or injection that affects the nerves to limit sensation to a part of the body. A person loses feeling in the area that lasts a short time.
Lumen (lōō´ mən) – The inner lining or bore of a needle or catheter.
Lungs – the basic respiratory organs for breathing. Composed of a pair of light spongy organs located in the chest.
Lymphoma (limfō´mə) – a malignant tumor of the lymphoid tissue.
Macular Degeneration (mak´yələr degeneration) – a progressive deterioration of the part of the retina of the eye that is responsible for central vision. The condition can lead to blindness.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – an x-ray that uses a dye to enhance the problems of a specific body part so they can be seen in more detail. Uses a magnetic field to detect problems.
Mechanical Ventilator (ven´tilā´tǝr) – a device used to assist a person to breathe. It delivers pressure and respiratory gases through a tube that leads to the person’s airways and lungs. A ventilator can be triggered by a person’s own breath or it can be set to deliver oxygen at a set rate.
Medical waste – Medical waste is any object or piece of equipment that carries infectious material, such as blood, urine, stool, drainage from a wound, and vomited food or liquid.
Menstruation (men´ strōō ā´ shən) – The periodic discharge of blood, secretions and tissue from the vagina from the nonpregnant uterus. Lasts about 4 to 5 days and occurs about every 28 days in a woman.
Menopause (men´ ǝpôz) – cessation of a woman’s menses (period) associated with the natural decline of cyclic hormone production and function. Hot flashes are a common symptoms of menopause. It occurs normally between 45 and 55 years of age.
Mental retardation – an abnormal slowing of thought or action with less than normal intellectual compentency (an IQ less than 70).
Metabolism (mə tab´ əliz´ əm) – the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is produced and used.
Metered dose inhaler – a device that delivers a measured dose of a drug by inhalation.
Microsurgery (micro-sur´gərē) – surgery that involves dissection and manipulation of minute tissues under a microscope.
Milliliter (milli lē´ tər) – a metric unit of volume that is one thousandth of a liter.
Mitral valve prolapse – a protrusion of one or both cusps of the mitral valve of the heart back into the left atrium during contraction of the ventricles of the heart.
Mobility (mōbil´itē) – the ability to move purposefully in one’s own environment independently with or without the use of an assist device such as a cane or walker.
Mucous (myōō' kəs) – the viscous, slippery secretions of mucous membranes and glands. Examples, the mucous membrane lining the mouth.
Multiple Sclerosis (skle rōsis) – a progressive disease involving loss of myelin of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Begins slowly and continues throughout life. Starts with loss of sensation in the arms and legs, muscle weakness, and vision changes. As the disease progresses a person also loses motor function.
Muscular dystrophy (MD) – A progressive disease that results in muscle wasting and weakness. It is a genetic disorder. The person suffers increasing disability and deformity.
Myasthenia Gravis (Mī´ əsthē´nē ə) – a disease characterized by progressive weakness of the voluntary muscles without atrophy or sensory disturbances and is caused by a defect in the conduction of nerves at the neuromuscular junction. Chronic fatigue and muscle weakness, especially in the face and throat, are common.
Nausea (nô´zē ə) – a sensation along with the urge to vomit.
Neurologic (Nŏŏ´ ro loj´ ik) – having to do with the structure and function of the brain and the nerves.
Neuropathy (Nŏŏrop´ əthē) – inflammation or degeneration of the peripheral nerves.
Non steroidal anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) – a drug that does not contain steroids but has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, i.e, aspirin and ibuprofen.
Numbness (num´nəs) – a partial or total lack of sensation in a body part. It results from the interruption of the transmission of impulses from sensory nerves. Numbness usually comes with tingling.
Nutrients (Nōō´ trē ənt) – chemical substances in foods that provide nourishment for cells to grow, i.e, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Nutrition (nōōtrish´ən) – 1. nourishment. 2. The sum of the processes involved in the taking in of nutrients and their use for proper body functioning and maintenance of health.
Occupational therapist – a licensed healthcare professional who uses purposeful activities to help individuals regain their independence and ease in performing activities of daily living, i.e, buttoning a shirt, tying a shoe, holding a cup.
Ointment – a semisolid, externally applied preparation, usually containing a drug.
Ophthalmologist (of´thalmol´əjist) – a doctor who specializes in the study of the eye and diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
Opioid (ō´ pē oid) – a synthetic drug with opiate like effects used for pain control. Example is morphine.
Oral cancer – cancer of the mouth that includes gums, throat, lips, tongue, cheeks.
Oriented (ôr´ ē ənted) – when assessing a person’s neurologic function, the person is asked date, time, place and if the person answers correctly, they are said to be oriented.
Osteoarthritis (os´ tē ō´ärthrī´ tis) – a form of arthritis in which one or more joints undergo degenerative changes in the bone and cartilage of one or more of the joints. A progressive wearing down of joint surfaces. Most common form of arthritis.
Osteoporosis (os´ tē-ōpərō´sis) – a condition that is characterized by decrease in the bone mass with decreased density and enlargement of bone spaces producing fragile bones that are easily broken.
Ostomy (os´ təmē) – a surgical procedure to create an artificial opening or stoma on the wall of the abdomen to allow for the passage of urine or intestinal contents (stool). A colostomy is an opening on the abdomen that passes stool. A ureterostomy is an opening on the abdomen that passes urine. .
Orthostatic Hypotension – abnormally low blood pressure that occurs when a person suddenly stands, or sits up from a lying position. It can cause dizziness and fainting.
Otitis Externa (ōtī´tis exter´nǝ) – inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal or the auricle (outer ear flap) of the ear.
Otitis Media (ōtī´tis media) – an inflammation or infection of the middle ear. Common in young children. It is very painful, especially when you touch the person’s ear, behind the outer ear. Fever, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and reduced hearing are common. Caused by bacteria and allergies).
Outpatient – refers to a patient who is not hospitalized but who is being treated in an office, clinic or ambulatory care facility.
Over-the-counter medicines – medicines that do not need a prescription from your doctor and are readily available in drug stores or grocery stores.
Ovulation cycle (ov´ yəlā´ shən) – the discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary. Usually occurs on or about the eleventh to the fourteenth day before the next menstrual period.
Oxygen (ok´ səjən) – a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas in the atmosphere which is essential for human breathing.
Oxygen toxicity – over dosage of oxygen that can cause changes in the tissues of the body.
Pacemaker – an electrical implanted device that helps increase and regulate the heart beat. May be permanent or temporary.
Palpitations (pal´ pitā´ shən) – pounding or racing of the heart. Associated with normal emotional responses and with heart disease.
Pancreas (pan´ krē əs) – a long, grayish pink, lobular gland that stretches behind the stomach and is responsible for secreting various substances – digestive enzymes, insulin and glucagon.
Pancreatitis (pan´ krē ə ti´tis) – acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Result of alcohol ingestion, trauma, infection, or certain drugs.
Paralysis (pəral´ isis) – loss of the ability to move or have sensation or both.
Parkinson’s disease (pär´ kənsəns) – a slowly progressive degenerative disease of the nervous system marked by tremors at rest, pill rolling of the fingers, a mask-like facial expression, weakness, and shuffling gait. More common after the age of 60.
Paresthesia (per´ esthē zhə) – numbness or a sensation of pricking or tingling of the skin. Usually associated with an injury or irritation of a nerve.
Partial weight bearing – the ability to put a little bit of weight on your legs/feet without pain.
Patient controlled analgesia (PCA) – a drug-delivery system that dispenses a preset dose of a drug (usually an opioid) through an intravenous (IV) catheter when a patient pushes a switch on an electric cord. The patient administers a dose of medicine to relieve pain. A lock out device automatically locks out the system if a patient tries to give himself more than the ordered dose.
Pelvic (pel´vic) – referring to the pelvis, the lower part of the trunk of the body.
Perineal (per´inē´ǝl) – referring to the perineum, the part of the body composed of muscle and fascia between the vagina and rectum in females and between the scrotum and the rectum in males.
Perineum (per´inē´ əm) – The part of the body situated around the genital and anal area of the body.
Peripheral Neuropathy (perif´ erel) – any functional or organic disorder of the peripheral nervous system, i.e, tingling in the arms, legs, feet.
Peripheral vascular disease (perif´ərəl) PVD – An abnormal condition of blood vessels (except those of the heart) that results in numbness, pain, pale skin, and reduced blood flow to the legs and hands. Common causes are obesity, cigarette smoking, stress, being inactive, and diseases like diabetes.
Peripheral Vision (pərif´ərəl vision) – a capacity to see objects in the outer aspects of the field of view.
Perspiration (pur´ spirā´ shən) – the act of sweating. Fluid excreted by the sweat glands consists of water, sodium chloride (salt), phosphate, urea, and ammonia. Perspiration helps control the body temperature by trying to keep it cool.
Pitch – the highness or lowness of a sound or tone.
pH – abbreviation for potential hydrogen. A scale representing the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A value of 7.0 is neutral, below 7.0 is acid, above 7.0 is alkaline.
Pharynx (fer´ inks) – the throat, a tubular structure about 5 to 6 inches long that extends from the base of the skull to the esophagus.
Phlebitis (flebī´ tis) – inflammation of a vein, along with the formation of a clot. Occurs most often from trauma to the blood vessel wall, infection, postoperative pooling of blood in the legs, and changes in coagulation (clotting) of the blood.
Physical therapy – the treatment of disease by physical and technical means, i.e, massage, regulated exercise, water, light, heat and electricity.
Physical therapist – a person who is licensed in the examination, treatment and evaluation of physical impairments through the use of special exercises, application of heat and cold, and other therapies.
Pick’s disease – a form of dementia that may occur in middle age. The disorder mainly affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, producing a slow disintegration of personality, intellect, thinking, and emotions.
Plaque (plak) – 1. a patch of a hardened area within an artery. 2. a thin film on the teeth.
Platelets (plāt´ lits) – the smallest cells in the blood. They are formed in the red bone marrow and stored in the spleen. Platelets help blood clot.
Pneumonia ( nōōmō´nē ə) – an acute inflammation of the lungs, caused by inhaled bacteria or viruses. Air sacs and small airways become plugged with a thick exudate.
Podiatrist (pədī´ ətrist) – a licensed professional who diagnoses and treats disorders of the feet.
Postural hypotension – drop in blood pressure when a person suddenly stands. It can produce dizziness or fainting.
Posture (pos´ chər) – the position of the body with respect to surrounding space.
Pre Eclampsia (prē´ iklamp´ sē ə) – an abnormal condition of pregnancy characterized by the onset of high blood pressure after the 24th week of gestation.
Prehypertension ( pre hī´pər ten´shən) – a common disorder that is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg in an adult 18 years of age or older. Prehypertension includes blood pressure readings in the 130-140/90 mmHg range.
Presbycusis (prez´by kōō´ sis) – hearing loss common with aging. It usually involves both a loss of hearing sensitivity and a reduction in clarity of speech.
Prescription (priskrip´shǝn) – an order for a medicine or therapy given by a properly authorized person, such as a doctor, certified nurse practitioner, or psychiatrist. A prescription is usually in written form.
Pressure ulcer – an inflammation or sore in the skin over a bony prominence. Most frequently seen on the tailbone, elbows, heels inner knees, hips and shoulder blades. Also called bedsore or decubitus ulcer. Results from poor circulation to tissues caused by prolonged pressure.
Progesterone (prəjes´ tərōn) – natural female hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and used to treat uterine bleeding caused by hormone imbalance..
Prostate Gland (pros´tāt gland) – a gland in men that surrounds the neck of the bladder and part of the urethra and produces a fluid that becomes part of semen.
Protein (prō´ tēn) – Any of a group of naturally occurring nitrogen compounds. Contains essential amino acids that the body synthesizes for body tissues in growth, maintenance and repair.
Psychosis (sīkō´ sis) – serious mental disorder, i.e, schizophrenia, characterized by loss of reality often with hallucinations or delusions.
Ptosis (tō´sis) – an abnormal condition of one or both upper eyelids in which the eyelid droops.
Pulse – the regular and recurrent expansion and contraction of an artery, easily felt over superficial arteries.
Pulmonary embolus (pull´məner´ē em´bələs) – the blockage of an artery in the lung by fat, air, tumor tissue or clot that usually arises from a deep vein in the legs.
Pupil (pyōō´pəl) – a circular opening in the iris of the eye, located slightly to the nasal side of the center of the iris. The size of the pupil changes as the iris contracts or relaxes in response to light. In the dark, the iris relaxes and the pupil is large. In sunlight, the iris constricts and the pupil is small.
Radial artery (rā´dē əl) – an artery in the forearm that passes to the forearm, wrist and hand. The pulse for the artery is most often felt in the wrist.
Radiation therapy (rā´dē ā´ shən) – the treatment of cancerous tumors by means of x-rays or radioactive substances, (i.e. radium).
Range of motion (ROM) – the extent of movement of a joint (e.g. shoulder, hip, knee), measured in degrees of a circle..
Recovery Room – an area adjoining an operating room to which surgical patients are taken for nursing care while recovering from anesthesia.
Reflux (rē´fluks) – an abnormal backward or return flow of a fluid. Example, the back up of food from the stomach into the esophagus.
Regurgitation (rēgur´ jitā´ shən) – the backward flow from the normal direction, i.e., return of swallowed food into the mouth.
Referred pain (rifurd´ pain) – pain that is felt in a part of the body different from the source of pain, i.e, heart attack may cause referred pain in the jaw.
Rehabilitation (rehab) – the restoration of an individual or a body part to normal or near normal function after a disabling disease, injury, or addiction.
Reservoir (rez´ ərvwär) – a chamber or receptacle in an inhaler or nebulizer that holds medicine.
Residual volume (rizij´ ōō əl) – the amount of tube feeding left in the stomach between feedings.
Respiratory distress (res pī´ra tory) – the inability to breath normally because of a psychological or physical stress, i.e, anxiety or an asthma attack.
Reye’s Syndrome (rāz´ syndrome) – an acute inflammation of the brain and fatty infiltration of internal organs that follos an acute viral infection like influenza B, chickenpox and Epstein-Barr virus. Usually affects people under 18 years of age. The syndrome seems to be also associated with the use of aspirin.
Ringworm – any of the several contagious diseases of the skin, nails, or hair caused by a fungus; characterized by ring shaped discolored patches.
Saliva (səlī´ və) – the clear fluid (spit) secreted by the salivary and mucous glands in the mouth. It moistens the mouth, begins the digestion of starches and aids in the chewing and swallowing of food.
Saliva substitute – artificial saliva
Salmonella (sal´mənel´ə) – a gram-negative bacteria that includes species that cause typhoid and paratyphoid fever and forms of gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines).
Sedation (sidā´shən) – an induced state of quiet, calmness, or sleep as by a means of a sedative medicine.
Scaling (skāl´ing) – flaking of the skin.
Scleroderma (sklir´ ōdur mə) – chronic hardening and thickening of the skin caused by collagen formation. The most common complaints are changes in the face and fingers. As the disease progresses, deformity of the joints and pain on movement occur. The progressive form of the disease affects the blood vessels and tissues of the lungs and internal organs and can be fatal.
Sclera (sklir´ə) – the tough, inelastic white membrane covering the back of the eye bulb. It maintains the size and form of the eye bulb and attaches to the muscles that move the eye.
Second hand smoke – tobacco smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar or pipe that is inhaled by non-smokers.
Scrotum (skrō´təm) – the pouch of skin containing the testes and parts of the spermatic cords. In young, healthy men the scrotum is short and corrugated and closely wraps the testes. In older people the scrotum becomes elongated and flaccid.
Seizure (sē´ zhər) – abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes a sudden, violent involuntary series of contractions of a group of muscles. Also called convulsion.
Semen (sē´mən) – the thick whitish secretion of the male reproductive organs. It contains sperm and other secretions.
Semi-Fowler’s position (fou´ lərz) – positioning of a person in an inclined position with the upper half of the body raised by elevating the head of the bed approximately 30 to 45 degrees.
Sensation (sensā´ shən) – The ability to sense as through sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch and pressure.
Shear (shir) – the applied force or pressure exerted against the skin as tissue slides in the opposite but parallel direction. For example, when a person is pulled up in a bed, the skin slides up in one direction as bed sheets slide down in the opposit4e direction. .
Shingles – also called herpes ((hur´ pēz) zoster. An acute infection caused by reactivation of the herpes virus. Cause is unknown but linked to stress, aging and immune impairment. The condition causes development of painful blisters that follow the route of the nerves inflamed by the virus.
Shiver (shiv´ ər) – involuntary contractions of muscles, mainly of the skin in response to cold or chill.
Side effect – A predictable, unwanted effect of a medicine. Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision.
Side rail – a barrier attached to a bed that is designed to prevent a person from getting out of bed.
Small Intestine - The longest part of the digestive tract. It functions in digestion and is the major organ of absorption of prepared food.
Spasm – (Spaz´əm) – a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction such as a hiccup or stutter. Also, a sudden temporary constriction of a blood vessel, breathing passage, esophagus, or other hollow organ.
Speech pathologist – a health professional, with graduate education in human communication, who specializes in the measurement and evaluation of language abilities, hearing processes, speech production and swallowing problems. Many times, if a person has had a stroke, they will see a speech pathologist to help with swallowing and speaking difficulties.
Sphygmomanometer (sfig´ mō mənom´ ətər) – a device for measurement of blood pressure. It consists of an inflatable cuff that fits around your arm or leg, a bulb for controlling the air pressure within the cuff and an aneroid manometer to measure pressure.
Spinal analgesia – a lack of sensation in the lower part of the body produced by injection of a local anesthetic drug into the spinal fluid around the spinal cord.
Staphylococcus (staphyle kokkos) – a non-motile spherical shaped gram-positive bacteria. Some forms are normally found on the skin and in the throat. Certain forms cause severe, pus-forming infection or produce a toxin that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Life threatening staph infections may arise within hospitals.
Steroid (stir´oid) – a large number of hormones with a similar basic chemical structure produced mainly by the adrenal cortex and gonads.
Stethoscope (steth´ əskōp) – an instrument consisting of two ear pieces connected by flexible tubing to a diaphragm or bell. When placed against a person’s chest wall or back, the doctor can hear heart and lung sounds. It can also be used to hear bowel sounds.
Stroke – a sudden loss of sensation and voluntary motion caused by a rupture or obstruction (as a clot) of an artery of the brain.
Stoma (stō´ mə) – an artificial opening of an internal organ (such as the colon) on the surface of the body, created surgically. An example is a colostomy.
Stomach (stum´ǝk) – the food reservoir and first major site of digestion. It is located just under the diaphragm. The stomach receives partially processed food and drink that passes from the mouth through the esophagus. It gradually feeds liquefied food into the small intestine.
Stomatitis (stō´mətī´tis) – any inflammation of the mouth. It may result from infection, exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, systemic inflammation, or from vitamin deficiency.
Stool – the solid waste or feces produced by the body.
Subcutaneous (sub´ kyōōtā´ nē əs) – under the skin. An example is giving a medicine with a needle under the skin.
Sublingual (səbling´ gwəl) – area under the tongue
Superior Vena Cava – the second largest vein of the body that returns deoxygenated blood from the upper part of the body to the right atrium of the heart.
Supplement feedings – extra nutrition delivered to the body via a liquid, for example Ensure.
Suppository (səpoz´ ətôr ē´) – Medicine givin into the rectum, vagina or urethra. The drug easily melts and absorbs into tissues.
Surgeon (sur´jən) – a doctor who treats injuries, deformities and disease by operative methods.
Surgically – relating to the treatment of a disease by operative methods.
Sustained release – Type of medicine designed to deliver a dose over an extended time. Most common type is a soft, soluble capsule containing tiny pellets of a drug for release at different rates in the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptom (simp´təm) – a subjective indication of a disease or a change in condition as noticed by the patient. A symptom is what a person says it is. Example: seeing halos or colored rings around lights as a result of glaucoma, the feeling of nausea from a stomach disorder, pain from an injured back.
Syringe (sərinj´) – A device that withdraws and injects fluids. It is used to give medicine into body tissues, such as muscles and the subcutaneous tissue. Medicine (in the correct dose) is pulled up into the barrel of a syringe by suction as the plunger is withdrawn and injected by pushing the plunger back into the barrel, forcing the medicine out through a needle.
Systemic (sistem´ik) – refers to the whole body, rather than to a localized area or regional part of the body.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – a chronic inflammatory disease that effects many systems of the body. It is a collagen (naturally occurring protein that keeps tendons flexible) disease. Signs and symptoms include lesions of the skin and nervous system, a “butterfly” rash over the nose and jaw, weakness, fatigue and weight loss.
Systolic blood pressure (sis´ tolic) – measured as the actual contraction of your heart while it pushes blood through the aorta. Normal systolic blood pressure is under 120 mmHg. When a doctor says your blood pressure is 120/70, the top number is the systolic blood pressure.
Tai Chi (Tī Chē) – one form of the martial arts. It is a mind-body practice sometimes called "moving meditation"—persons move their bodies slowly, gently, and with awareness, while breathing deeply
Temperature (tem´pə(ri)chər) – a measure of sensible heat or cold. It is a measure of sensible heat associated with the metabolism of the human body.
Tendon (ten´ dən) – a white glistening band of fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone. Tendons are extremely strong, flexible and inelastic.
Testosterone (testos´ tərōn) – a naturally occurring androgen hormone, with levels higher in males. Creates male sex characteristics. Testosterone is also made in a woman’s body, but to a much lesser extent.
Thrombus (throm´ bəs) – a blood clot that attaches to the interior wall of a vein or artery.
Thyroid gland (thī´ roid) – a highly vascular organ at the front of the neck. The thyroid gland secretes thyroxin and calcitonin. The thyroid gland is essential to normal body growth in infancy and childhood.
Tinnitus (tinī´tǝs) – a noisy sensation that a person describes as ringing heard in one or both ears. Common sign of ear injury, over use of aspirin, and multiple sclerosis.
Tone – The pitch or changing pitch of a voice or other sounds.
Tonsillectomy (ton´silǝk´tǝmē) – the surgical removal of the tonsils, located in the back of the throat (pharynx). Performed to prevent repeated episodes of tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils).
Topical (top´ ikəl) – pertaining to the surface of a part of the body. Also refers to a drug or treatment applied to the skin.
Trachea (trā´ kēə) – a cyclinder like tube in the neck composed of cartilage and membranes that extends into the chest. The purpose of the trachea is to allow air to flow into the lungs.
Tracheostomy (trā´ kē os´ təmē) – an opening in the trachea of the neck through which a tube can be inserted allowing a person to breathe. Performed in emergencies.
Transdermal – via the skin (i.e, application of a medicine, such as a scopolamine patch, to the skin for sea sickness)
Transparent dressing (tranz per´ ənt) – a clear bandage.
Tremors (trem´ ərs) – rhythmic, purposeless, quivering movements resulting from the involuntary alternating contraction and relaxation of opposing groups of muscles.
Traumatic brain injuries – injuries to the brain resulting from blow to the head (as in a car accident or falling down stairs).
Tube feeding – the administration of nutritionally balanced liquids through a tube inserted into the stomach or intestine. Some feeding tubes are inserted through the nose, while others are surgically inserted directly into the stomach, for example.
Ulcer (ul´ sər) – a craterlike lesion of the skin or mucous membrane (i.e, stomach ulcer) associated with inflammatory, infectious or malignant conditions or disease.
Unconscious (unkon´ shəs) – being unaware of one’s surroundings, insensible, not being able to respond to any sensory stimulus. Various degrees of unconsciousness occur. A person with complete unconsciousness is also said to be in a coma.
Unit (yōō´ nit) – A standard quantity used to measure doses of medicines, such as insulin.
Urethra (yoorē´thrǝ) – a small tubular structure that drains urine from the bladder to the outside when a person passes urine.
Urinary catheter – a hollow, flexible tube inserted into the bladder for temporary drainage of urine.
Urinary diversion (yŏŏr´iner´ē) – a surgically created artificial opening on the abdominal wall for passage of urine.
Urinary incontinence (yŏŏr´iner´ē inkon´ tinəs) – the inability to control passing urine that can be caused by an acute or chronic condition.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – an infection of one or more structures of the urinary system: kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Most UTIs are caused by gram-negative bacteria. The condition is more common in women. Symptoms include frequent urination, burning pain when passing urine, and blood in the urine.
Vaccinated (vak´ sinā´ ted) – an injection of a vaccine, a dead virus, into your body to cause immunity or to reduce the effects of certain infectious diseases. Examples include the smallpox and hepatitis vaccine.
Vaginal (vaj´ənəl) – pertains to the vagina, the part of the female genitalia that forms a canal from the opening through the vagina to the uterine cervix. It is behind the bladder and urethra and in front of the rectum.
Vagotomy (vāgot´ əmē) – the cutting of certain branches of the vagus nerve performed with gastric (stomach) surgery to reduce the amount of gastric (stomach) acid secreted to lessen the chance of an ulcer.
Vascular (vas´ kyələr) – referring to the blood vessels.
Vein (vān) – any one of the many blood vessels that carry blood from the whole body to the right atrium of the heart. Veins have thin coatings and are less elastic than arteries and collapse when cut.
Virus (vī´ rəs) – a very tiny parasitic microorganism that replicates only within a cell of a living plant or animal. More than 200 viruses have been identified as capable of causing disease in humans.
Vomiting (vom´ it ing) – the forcible voluntary or involuntary emptying of stomach contents through the mouth.
Walker (wô´ kər) – a light, movable apparatus about waist high, made of metal tubing, used to help a person in walking.
Wandering – To move about aimlessly. Repetitive walking that places a person in harm. It usually occurs outside of a person’s boundaries or limits.
Wheezing – most commonly associated with asthma or chronic bronchitis. A low or high pitched sound caused by air moving through a narrowed airway.
White coat hypertension – an increase in a person’s blood pressure when it is initially taken by professional in a “a white coat” – usually a person’s doctor. But this can happen whenever a person is seen by any professional in a white coat.
Weight Bearing – The ability to bear full weight on both feet.
Wound (wōōnd) – any physical injury that causes a break in the skin. Usually caused by an act or accident such as from surgery or a puncture wound.