Arterial blood gas (ABG): A blood test use to check how much good gas (oxygen) and how much bad gas (carbon dioxide) is in the blood.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): A blood test used to check for signs of infection, anemia (low blood count) or bleeding risk (low platelets).

Basic metabolic profile (BMP): A blood test used to check for electrolytes problems, kidney function, and blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Blood cultures: A blood test done to determine if bacteria are present in the blood.

Comprehensive metabolic profile (CMP): A blood test used to check for electrolytes problems, kidney function, blood glucose (sugar) levels and liver function.

Creatinine: A blood test done to check the function of the kidneys. It is usually part of the basic metabolic profile (BMP) or comprehensive metabolic profile (CMP) tests.

International normalized ratio (INR): A blood test used to check for bleeding risks by determining how "thin" the blood is. INR and PT are similar tests.

Liver function tests (LFTs): Blood tests that indicate the function of the liver. Also called liver enzyme tests.

Partial thromboplastin time (PTT): A blood test used to test for bleeding risks by determining how "thin" the blood is.

Prostate specific antigen (PSA): A blood test used to check for possible prostate cancer. Prothrombin time (PT): A blood test used to test for bleeding risks by determining how "thin" the blood is.

Allergist: A doctor who specializes in treating allergies like hay fever, bee stings, and food allergies.

Anesthesiologist: A doctor who specializes in giving anesthetics and in related techniques that cause the body to lose the ability to feel pain and/or other sensations.

Emergency medicine: A doctor who specializes in treating patients seen in the emergency room (ER).

Gastroenterologist: A doctor who specializes in digestive diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

Geriatrician: A doctor who specializes in the care of patients who are considered senior citizens. Most geriatricians are doctors trained in internal medicine.

Gynecologist: A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the female genital tract and female reproductive system. Most gynecologists have training in obstetrics.

Hematologist: A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the blood, such as various anemias, sickle cell disease, and hemophilia

Hepatologist: A gastroenterologist doctor who specializes in treating liver diseases.

Hospitalist: A doctor who works in the hospital without a private practice. Most hospitalists are doctors trained in internal medicine.

Infectious Disease Specialist: A doctor who specializes in treating infections.

Intensivist: A doctor who specializes in treating critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) or surgical intensive care unit (SICU). These doctors usually have training in pulmonology and/or surgery.

Abdomen: The area of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas and spleen.

Ablation: To eliminate or to remove.

Activities of daily living (ADLs): Personal care activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting.

Acute: Lasting only a short time - not chronic

Adenopathy: A swelling of lymph nodes.

Advanced cancer: A stage of cancer where the cancer has spread from its original location to other parts of the body.

Adverse event An unwanted negative health effect from a taking medicine or after a medical procedure

Allergy A health condition in which the body has a bad reaction to a substance (e.g. food or drug). Also known as hypersensitivity.

Alternative medicine Health practices not generally recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches to treat disease.

Amenorrhea Absence or the stopping of menstrual periods.

Analgesic A medicine which relieves pain

Anaphylaxis A severe allergic reaction to a substance (e.g. food or drugs)

Androgen The hormone responsible for male sex features.

Anesthesia A compound (drugs or gases) that causes loss of feeling or loss of consciousness. General anesthesia causes loss of consciousness. Local or regional anesthesia causes loss of feeling only to a local area.

Aneurysm: A localized, blood-filled ballooning of a blood vessel caused by a disease or weakening of the blood vessel's wall.

 

 

Anthrax: An acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.

Antibiotic: A drug that fights bacterial infection in the body.

Antibody: A protein found in the blood that is made by the body in response to foreign substances (e.g. viruses or bacteria) invading the body. Antibodies bind and destroy these invading substances.

Antimicrobial resistance: It is the result of bacteria changing in ways that reduce or completely block drugs from curing or preventing infections.

Antiviral:  Means "against-virus" - a category of drugs that destroy or weaken a virus

Aphasia: Inability to understand language or express oneself due to brain damage; usually caused by stroke, brain disease or brain injury.

Apnea: Means "no breath"; the stopping of breathing. Usually happens while snoring.

Arteriosclerosis*: The thickening, hardening and loss of stretchiness of artery walls which results in decreased blood flow. Also called hardening of the arteries.

Anticonvulsant: An medication which prevents or stops seizures

Artery: A blood vessel that carries oxygen rich blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.

Arthralgia: Pain in or around a joint but not caused by inflammation

Arthroplasty: Total joint replacement.

Arrhythmia: Any irregular heartbeat, caused by problems in the heart's electrical system.

Asymptomatic infection: The presence of an infection in the body without any symptoms

Ataxia: The inability to coordinate smooth movement during intentional movement. May involve the limbs (arms, legs), head or trunk.

Atelectasis: Absence of air from a part or the whole of the lungs causing lung collapse

Atherosclerosis*: A type of arteriosclerosis due to a build-up of fatty plaques in the wall of an artery.

Atrium: Generally refers to one of the two upper chambers in the heart.

 

 

Atypical: Not usual or characteristic of a condition or disease.

Autoimmune disease: A disease process where the body's immune system attacks and destroys normal body tissue that it mistakes as not belonging (foreign) to the body.

Autopsy: An examination of the body after death. Performed to determine the cause of death or to verify a diagnosis.

Axilla: The armpit.

Bacteria: Microscopic (require a microscope to be seen) one-celled organisms that may or may not cause disease.

Barium: A metallic, chalky liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they can be seen on an x-ray.

Benign: Denoting the mild character of an illness or cancer.
Benzodiazepines: A class of drugs that tranquilizes and causes sedation (drowsiness or sleepiness).

Bone densitometry: A test which detects low bone density with an x-ray detector scan. The most common bone density test is called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Often used to check for the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Bone density: A measure of the strength of bones as a result of the amount of calcium and minerals within bones.

Bone Morrow: Soft paste-like tissue located within bones that produce all the body's blood cells.

Bowel: Another word for the small and large intestines.

Bowel movement (BM): The process getting rid of body waste through the rectum as stool.

Bilateral: Denoting both sides of something.

Biliary tract: Includes the gallbladder and the bile ducts. Also called the biliary tree.

Bilirubin: A red bile pigment formed from the normal and abnormal destruction of erythrocytes (red blood cells)

Blood-brain barrier: A protective membrane that separates circulating blood from brain cells.

Bradycardia: A pulse with a rate less than 60 beats per minute in an adult.

Brain attack: Another term for stroke.

Brain waves: The brain's spontaneous electrical activity.

Braxton Hicks contractions: The short lasting, painless contractions of the uterus that may begin during the second half of pregnancy.

 

Bronchitis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane linings of the air passages (bronchial tubes) within the lungs

Bruxism: Teeth grinding, usually during sleep.

Bypass: To divert (bypass) flow from one structure to another.

Calculi: Stones or solid lumps as in kidney stones and gallstones.

Cancer: Abnormal cells within the body that divide out of control, which can invade nearby tissues and spread throughout the body. Also call neoplasm.

Carbuncle: A deep pus filled infection usually just below the skin.

Carcinogen: A substance that is known to cause cancer in humans.

Cardiac arrest: The sudden stopping of the heart.

Cardiovascular: Denoting the body's blood vessels, circulation and the heart.

Cardiovascular disease: Diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Cardioversion: A procedure done to electrically shock the heart to change from an abnormal heartbeat to a normal one.

Carotid arteries: The major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain.

Cartilage: Smooth, soft material (tissue) that covers the ends of a joint to cushion the bone and to allow the bone to move easily without causing pain.

Catheter: A tube used to inject or withdraw fluids from the body.

Cerebral hemorrhage: Bleeding within the brain.

Cerebrospinal: Relating to the brain and the spinal cord.

Cerebrovascular: Related to blood vessels in the brain.

Cerebrovascular accident: Brain damage or brain death due to insufficient blood supply to the brain. Also called stroke.

Cerumen: Ear wax.

Cesarean delivery: A surgical procedure done to deliver a baby through an incision in the lower abdomen and uterus. Also called a C-section.

Chemoprophylaxis: The prevention of disease by the use of chemicals or drugs.
Circulatory system: Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels, and the circulation of blood.

Clinical trails: Studies involving patients done to find better ways to prevent, detect, diagnose or treat diseases.

 

 

Coagulopathy: A disease or condition that affects the clotting ability of blood.

Colon: Large intestine.

Colon polyps: Growths of tissue that projects from the colon wall that may be due to cancer or other causes.

Communicable disease: Any disease which can be transmitted form one person or animal to another.

Compliance: Following medical instructions usually given to a patient by a doctor.

Conjunctiva: The linings of the outer surface of the eyeball and the eye lids.

Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva typically due to infections caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies. This condition is commonly called "pink eye."

Contraindication: A health condition which is likely to result in a life-threatening problem if a medical procedure or drug is given.

Constrict: To tighten or narrow.

Contusion: Bleeding below unbroken skin usually due to a blow injury. Commonly called a bruise.

Cornea: The clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye ball.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CAB or CABG): A surgical procedure in which a healthy (good) blood vessel is removed from one part of the body and used in the heart to replace or bypass a diseased (bad) blood vessel.

Coronary heart disease: A disease process in which the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle narrow from a build-up of plaque (atherosclerosis) and cause a decrease in blood flow and heart muscle damage.

Coronary thrombosis:  A clot in one of the coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart muscles.

CPAP: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; a device used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

Cutaneous: Relating to the just below the skin.

Cyanosis: A dark purplish or bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membrane linings due to low amounts of oxygen in the blood.

Cytology: The study of individual cells.

Debridement: The surgical removal of foreign material or damaged tissue from a wound or burn.

Defecation: The release of stool from the rectum. Another term for bowel movement.

Defibrillator: An electronic medical device used to restore normal heartbeat.

Delusions: A mental condition in which the person is out of touch with reality and has hallucinations and misperceptions.

Diagnosis: The process of identifying disease and its cause.

Diaphragm: The primary muscle used for breathing.

Digestion: The process the body uses to break down and absorb food.

Digital rectal exam (DRE): An exam in which the physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for signs of rectal cancer, prostate cancer or other abnormalities.

Dilate: To expand or open.

Dilation and curettage (D&C): A gynecological procedure that widens the cervical canal with a dilator and scraps the uterus cavity with a curette.

Diplopia: To see double. Double vision.

Distal: A location away from the center of the body or from a reference point.

Distention: Swelling (bloating) of the abdomen (stomach area).

Drug tolerance: Refers to the reduced ability of a drug to produce wanted results that the drug once produced at the same drug strength.

Durable power of attorney: A legal document denoting the name of a person (called an "agent" or "proxy" who can make another person's medical decisions if they are unable to do so. This document is also called a "health care proxy."

Dysarthria: A significant change in speech and language pattern.

Dyspepsia: Indigestion or "upset stomach."

Dysphagia: Difficulty and often painful swallowing.

Dysphonia: Altered sound of voice or ability to produce voice.

Dyspnea: Shortness of breath or distress in breathing.

Dysrhythmia: Any irregular heartbeat caused by problems in the heart's electrical system.

Ecchymosis: A purplish patch of skin. Commonly called a bruise.

Edema: Swelling in the body due to the build-up of fluid.

Effusion: The presence of fluid in body areas where fluid is not normally found.

Ejection fraction (EF): A measurement of the blood pumped out of the heart. Usually denoted as a percentage (e.g. EF of 50%).

EKG: Electrocardiogram - a method of measuring the electrical activity of the heart and looking of evidence of old or active heart damage.

Elective surgery: An operation the patient chooses to have but is not urgent or life threatening.

Electroencephalogram: A device which measures the electrical activity of the brain looking to detect any abnormalities like seizures.

Embolus: A blood clot that  is "wandering" through the blood stream.

Emesis: Vomiting.

Enanthem: An eruption (rash) on a mucous membrane.

Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain usually due to a viral infection.

Endarterectomy: The surgical removal of plaque or blood clots from an artery.

Endorphin: A natural agent produced by the body to relieve pain.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogr-aphy (ERCP): A procedure which involves inserting an endoscope (viewing tube) down the esophagus, through the stomach and into the small intestine. A dye is then injected to show the ducts (passages) of the biliary system and pancreas.

Endotracheal Intubation: The passage of a plastic tube through the nose or mouth into the trachea (main lung passage) for maintenance of the breathing during anesthesia or during breathing failure due to disease or trauma.

Enema: The placement of an agent into the rectum to clear out stool or to give medications.

Enteral nutrition: A way to provide food through a tube to a patient unable to eat by mouth. The tube is either place down the nose and into the stomach or through the skin into the stomach. If the tube is place down the nose it is called a nasogastric or nasoenteral tube. If the tube goes through the skin into the stomach it is called a gastrostomy or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube.

Enuresis: The inability to control urine flow (bedwetting).

Epidemiology: The study of the spread of diseases in a population.

Epidural anesthetic: An anesthetic is injected into the "epidural space" of the spine to numb (remove pain) parts of the body.

Epistaxis: Bleeding from the nose.

Eructation: Belching or burping.

Erythema: Redness of the skin

Erythrocyte: A red blood cell

Estrogen: A hormone which affects many aspects of the female body and is responsible for the development of female sex characteristics.

Etiology: The cause of a condition or disease.

Exanthema: A skin eruption (rash) usually occurring as a symptom of a viral infection

Excrete: The process of getting rid of waste from the body.

Expiration: To exhale. To breathe out.

Extraocular: Adjacent (next to) the eyeball

Fallopian tubes: Two thin tubes found in females which are a passageway for eggs and sperm.

Fasciculation: The involuntary contractions or twitching of muscles

Febrile: Denoting fever

Fecal occult blood test: A test done to check for blood in the stool that can not be seen with the eye. It is used as a screening test for cancer of the colon or rectum.

Femur: The thighbone.

Fibrillation: The rapid and usually irregular beats of the heart.

Fibrosis: The growth of scar tissue after injury, inflammation or infection.

Flutter: Ineffective contractions of the heart.

Foley catheter: A tube place in the bladder to drain urine.

Fungi: Microscopic (require a microscope to be seen) one-celled or multicellular organisms that may or may not cause disease.

Gait: The pattern of walking.

Gastric: A term used when referring to the stomach.

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract: The stomach, small intestine and large intestine. Also called the digestive tract.

Gastrosomy tube: A surgically placed tube used for feeding if a patient cannot eat by mouth.

General anesthetic: A medication which causes a patient to become unconscious and not feel pain.

Gene: The basic unit of heredity that occupies a specific place (locus) on a  chromomosome.

Glucose: The scientific term for sugar, which is the body's main source of energy.

Gonads: The sex organs - ovaries (in women) and testes (in men).

Gustation: The sensation of tasting.

Halitosis: A mouth condition characterized by chronic bad breath.

Hallucination: To perceive something as real which does not really exist.

Hay fever: See rhinitis.

Heart block: An interruption (block) of the normal electrical impulses of the heart.

Heart-lung machine: A machine that performs the job of the heart during open heart surgery.

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver due to an infection or toxin

Hematemesis: Vomiting of blood

Hemopoietic: Related to the formation of blood cells

Hemovac: A tube place near an incision during and after surgery to drain excess fluid.

Hematuria: The presence of blood in the urine

Hemolysis: The premature destruction of red blood cells usually due to disease process or undesirable drug reaction

Hemoptysis: Coughing-up of blood from the lungs

Hemorrhage: The medical term for bleeding.

Hepatic: Relating to the liver

High density liporpoten (HDL): The "good" cholesterol that promotes the removal of cholesterol from the body.

Hives: See urticaria

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Female hormones (estrogen and progestin) given to replace those the body no longer produces after menopause.

Hypercapnia: High levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood.

Hyperglycemia: The state of excessive levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Hypersensitivity: See allergy

Hypertension: High blood pressure

Hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure

Hypoventilation: Reduced rate and depth of breathing.

Hypovolemia: A decreased amount of blood or fluid in the body

Hypoxemia: Abnormally low oxygen levels in the blood.

Idiopathic: A disease or condition of unknown cause.

Imaging: Tests or scans that produce pictures of areas inside the body used to detect disease

Immobilization: To prevent movement so to allow for natural healing to take place.

Immune system: A complex system within the body designed to fight disease.

Immunity: Protection against acquiring a disease

Immunosupression: A state when the body's immune system is unable to protect itself from disease. A state commonly seen with HIV and cancer.

Impaction: The trapping of an object in a body passage which should normally move through the passage; like the hardening and trapping of stool in the colon (sever constipation).

 

 

In vitro fertilization (IVF): The treatment of infertility. The woman's egg is fertilized outside of her body with her partner's sperm or sperm from a donor.

Inactive vaccine: A vaccine made from viruses and bacteria that have been killed through a physical or chemical process. Inactive vaccines give immunity without causing disease.

Incidence: The number of new cases of disease reported in a population over a certain period of time

Incontinence: The inability to prevent urine flow or being unable to hold stool.

Infection: An invasion of the body by a pathogen such as a bacteria or viruses which leads to disease.

Inflammation: A reaction of the body that produces redness, swelling, heat and pain resulting form injury or disease to body tissues.

Intestine: The digestive tube passing from the stomach to the anus. Also referred to as the bowel.

In vitro: An unnatural or artificial environment where a process or reaction occurs - like a test tube

In vivo: In the living body where a process or reaction occurs

Induration: A part of the body which has become firm or hard

Informed consent form: A form signed by a patient prior to a medical procedure, surgery, giving blood or any invasive procedure which explains everything involved.

Inguinal: Relating to the groin area

Inoculation: To introduce into the body a causative agent of a disease

Inspiration: To inhale; taking in oxygen.

Insomnia: The inability of to sleep.

Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas. It is essential in helping the body use glucose (sugar).

Insulin dependent diabetes: Also called type 1 diabetes. A condition where patients must give themselves insulin daily.

Intervertebral disc: A cartilage disc between the vertebral bodies (spine bones) which provide shock absorption.

Intolerance: A sensitivity (having a mild reaction) to a food, drug or other substance. This is not he same as a true allergy to these substances.

Intravenous (IV) line: A thin plastic tube inserted into a vein.

Intubation: The insertion of a tube into the trachea (windpipe) in order to get air to the lungs when a patient is unable to breath on his or her own.

Invasive: A medical procedure requiring insertion of an instrument or device into the body through the skin or a body opening.

Ischemia: Decreased flow of blood to an organ causing organ death.

Ischemic heart disease: Heart disease caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries and decreased blood flow to the heart.

Jaundice: Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin. A symptom of a serious liver problem.

Joint: The space where the ends of two or more bones meet.

Ketoacidosis: A dangerously high blood glucose (sugar) state where the blood become acidic. Often caused by illness or taking too little insulin in diabetes.

Ketone: The break down product of fat that accumulates in the blood as a result of inadequate calorie intake or inadequate insulin intake in diabetics.

Labyrinth: The organ of balance located in the inner ear.

Lactase: The enzyme found in the digestive tract needed to digest milk sugar (lactose).

Laparoscope: A thin tube with a tiny camera attached to its tip, used to look inside the body. Also called an endoscope or "Lap" for short.

Laparotomy: A surgical procedure that involves a small incision into the abdominal cavity and use of a laparoscope to assist in surgery.

Larynx: A valve like structure that is the primary organ of voice production. It is located between the trachea (windpipe) and the pharynx (upper throat).

Lens: A transparent structure inside the eye that focuses light.

Lesion: An unusual change in the structure of an organ or tissue, due to disease or injury.

Leukopenia: A condition in the body where the total number of leukocytes (white blood cells) is less than normal.

Lipid: A form of fat found in the blood.

Live vaccine: A vaccine in which the disease causing organisms are "weaken" through a chemical or physical process in order to allow the body to develop immunity to it without causing the severe effects of the disease.

Liver: An organ in the abdomen (near the stomach) that performs important functions such as making bile, changing food into energy and cleaning alcohol and other poisons from the blood.

Living will: A legal document which states someone's medical choices for treatment and resuscitation (CPR) in the event that person can no longer speak for himself or herself.

Local anesthesia: An anesthetic medicine which is injected into the site where the procedure will occur to temporarily numb that area to pain.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL): A form of fat in the blood with high amounts of cholesterol. It is considered the "bad" cholesterol.

Lumbosacral: Relating to the lumbar (lower back) and the sacrum.

Lumen: The open space inside of a tube-like structure, such as a blood vessel or the colon.

Lymph node: Round, oval or bean-shaped bodies involved in the body's immune system.

Lymphadenopathy: A disease process affecting the a lymph node or lymph nodes

Lyphopenia: A condition in the body where there is a reduction in the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the body.

Lysis: The destruction or breaking-up of something.

Macula: A small flat discolored patch or spot on the skin

Malignant: Denoting a severe form of illness or cancer with the capacity to be fatal.

Maxillofacial: Related to the jaws and face.

Mediastinum: The middle part of the thoracic cavity containing all the organs of the thorax except the lungs

Melena: The passage of dark-colored or tarry stools due to the presence of blood.

 

 

Melanocytes: Cells in the skin that produce the skin's pigment called melanin. The pigment responsible for giving the skin color.

Meninges: The membranes covering the brain and spinal cord

Meningitis: Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord usually due to infection.

Meniscus: Part of cartilage in the knees and other joints.

Microbes: Tiny organisms like viruses and bacteria that can only be seen with a microscope. Microbes are also called microorganisms.

Microscopy: The investigation of extremely small objects with the use of a microscope

Miscarriage: The spontaneous and early termination of a pregnancy before the fetus has developed enough to survive outside the uterus.

Mucosal membranes: The wet tissue linings of the body's openings like the nose, mouth, rectum and vagina.

Mucus: A clear gel like liquid that coats and protects tissues in the gastrointestinal tract.

Murmur: A blowing sound heard while listening to the heart. It may or may not indicate problems with the heart.

Myalgia: Muscle pain

Myocardial infarction: Also called a heart attack. A state when one or more parts of the heart muscle begin to die due to blocked blood flow.

Myopia: Nearsightedness.

Necrosis: Irreversible damage (death) of one or more cells or a portion of tissue or organ

Neoplasm: Cancer

Neurotransmitters: Natural chemical agents released from one nervous system cell (neuron) to another nervous system cell when they communicate with each other.

Neuralgia: Pain caused by problems of the nervous system.

Nocturia: Excessive and frequent urination during the night.

Nocturnal: Means "of the night"; denotes events which occur during sleep or the hours of darkness.

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes: Also called type 2 diabetes.

Non-Invasive: Any medical procedure not penetrating the skin or a body opening.

Nosocomial: Referring to a new infection that a patient develops after being in a hospital - not the patient's original condition.

Nutrients: Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals found in foods.

Occult: Means hidden. Diseases or symptoms that are not obvious by physical examination.

Obstruction: Usually refers to blockage in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) which prevents the flow of liquids or solids.

Olfaction: The sense and act of smelling.

Oliguria: Inappropriately low urine production

Organism: Any living thing.

Oropharynx: The portion of the throat that lies behind the mouth

Osteomyelitis: Infection and inflammation of the bone

Otitis externa: An infection of the external ear canal.

Otitis Media: An infection of the middle ear.

Ovaries: A pair of small glands, each on one side the uterus, in which egg cells develop and are stored. They also produce the female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Ovulation: The release of a mature egg from an ovary in a female after puberty.

Oxygen desaturation: Less than normal amounts of oxygen carried in the blood; values below 90% are generally considered abnormal.

Oxgen saturation: A measure of amount of oxygen carried in the blood; normal values are 90% - 100%.

Oximeter (Pluse Ox): A device that non-invasively estimates the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Palliative treatment: Measures taken to relieve pain and suffering, but not to cure disease.

Palpitation: The sensation of rapid heartbeats

Pancreas: A gland that lies behind the stomach that makes insulin and digesitive enzymes.

Pancytopenia: A condition in the body where the total number of all blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) is less than normal.

Papule: A small, circular, solid elevation of the skin

Parasites: Any organism that lives inside or on the surface of another organism without benefiting the host organism.

Pathogen: Any organism (e.g. bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi) that cause disease in humans.

Peak flow meter: A hand-held device used to measure a patient's ability to push air out of the lungs. The measurement can be used to follow a patient's lung condition such as Asthma.

Pelvic exam: A physician examination of the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and rectum.

Peptic: A term that refers to the stomach and the beginning of the small intestines.

Percutaneous: To pass through unbroken skin - e.g. a needle puncture.

Perfusion: Means "flow."

Petechia: Very small pinpoint to pinhead size hemorrhagic spots (bruises) on the skin.

Pharyngeal: Relating to the pharynx (throat)

Pharyngitis: Inflammation usually due to an infection of the mucous membrane and underlying parts of the pharynx (throat)

Pharynx: The throat.

Photophobia: Photosensitivity or eye pain with exposure to light.

Placebo: A substance or treatment often used in medical studies that has no effect on humans.

Placenta: The organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It links the fetus to the mother.

Plasma: A watery, straw-colored fluid which carries red blood cells and other cells through the body's circulation system.

Platelets: Cells found in the blood which are responsible for the blood clotting.

Pleural effusion: The presence of fluid in the space between the lungs and its pleura (membrane lining)

Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura (membrane lining of the lungs)

Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs

Polyp: A growth that projects from the wall of a body lining, such as the intestine. A colon polyp can be pre-cancer.

Polyunsaturated fat: A type of fat that does not appear to raise blood cholesterol levels. It is found in vegetable oils and certain margarines.

Polyuria: Excessive urination

Potency: A measure of strength. Usually referring to the strength of a drug.

Prevalence: A statistical value that equals the number of disease cases (new and old) within a population over a given period of time.

Predisposition: The tendency to develop a certain disease.

Prognosis: A prediction of the course of a disease.

Prophylaxis: The prevention of disease by some means

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): A compound made by the prostate gland. If elevated in the blood, it my indication prostate cancer.

Proteinuria: The presence of protein in the urine

Pruritus: Itching

Ptosis: The drooping of the eyelids

Pulmonary edema: Excessive fluids collecting in the lungs

Pyrogenic: The cause of a fever

Quarantine: To place a person or animal into isolation who has a disease (or is suspected of having a disease) in order to prevent further spreading of the disease.

Radiation: The use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Rectum: The lower end of the large intestine, leading to the anus.

Reflux: A condition where stomach juices (acid) flow back into the esophagus.

Regional anesthetic: An anesthetic medicine used to numb a portion of the body.

REM sleep: Rapid eye movement sleep.

Respirator: A device use to give artificial respirations when a patient cannot breathe on his or her own.

Retching: Dry vomiting - the act of vomiting without any thing coming up.

Retina: The inner most part of the eye ball responsible for capturing light rays.

Retinitis: Inflammation of the retina.

Retrosternal: Behind the sternum bone (breast bone) of the chest

Rhinorrhea: A watery drainage from the nose

Risk: The likelihood that an individual will experience a certain event or develop a certain disease.

Risk factor: An activity, heredity or other factor that may increase the chance of an individual developing a disease.

Rupture: A break or tear in an organ or other structure in the body.

Saline solution: A solution containing sodium chloride (salt) which is usually given through an intravenous catheter (IV).

Saturated fat: A type of fat that raises blood cholesterol levels. It is found in foods from animal meats and skins, dairy products, and some vegetables.

Sedatives: A class of drugs that cause drowsiness or sleep.

Septic shock: Shock associated with sepsis (a severe infection). See shock below.

Sequela: A condition following or as a consequence of a disease

Sexually transmitted disease (STD): An infection that is spread through sexual intercourse and other intimate sexual contact.

Shock: Severe problems with low blood pressure and other failing body systems in which adequate blood flow to vital organs can not occur. Shock is usually due to severe infection, heart failure or toxins effects.

Sleep apnea: Stopping of breathing for 10 or more seconds during sleep.

Sleep hygiene: Conditions and habits that promote good sleep.

 

 

Side effect : An unwanted bad reaction resulting from a drug or medical treatment.

Sigmoid colon: The lower part of the colon that empties into the rectum.

Sinus: Air filled cavities within the facial bones. Also called paranasal sinuses.

Small intestine: A long tube like structure which connects the stomach to the large intestine. It is where most digestion occurs. It is about 20 feet long if stretched out.

Spasm: A condition in which a muscle or group of muscles contract (squeeze) involuntarily.

Spine: A column of vertebrae (spine bones) which support the body and protect the spinal cord. There are 33 vertebrae.

Spleen: An organ which lies close to the stomach that stores red blood cells and filters the blood.

Sputum: Mucous which is cough-up from the lungs. Also called phlegm.

Staging: An evaluation of the extent of a disease. The staging of a disease can be used to develop a treatment plan for the disease.

Stenosis: The narrowing of any opening

Stool: The solid waste which passes through the rectum as a bowel movement.

Stricture: Any abnormal narrowing a body opening. Also called stenosis.

Stridor: A high-pitched, noisy type of breathing

Subcutaneous: Denoting under the skin.

Superinfection: The development of a new infection in addition to one already present

Syncope: Light-headedness or loss of consciousness (fainting) caused by inadequate blood to the brain.

Systemic: Something which involves the whole body.

Systemic treatment: Treatment that reaches and affects cells throughout the body.

Systolic blood pressure: The highest pressure to which the blood pressure rises. It is the top number on the blood pressure reading.

Tachycardia: The rapid beating of the heart - usually greater than 100 beats per minute (bpm).

Tendon: A cord like structure that connects muscle to bone or other tissue.

Teratogenic: The property or capability of some drug, exposure or compound causing birth defects of a fetus

Thrombocytopenia: A reduction in the total number of platelets in the body - usually less than 100,000

Thrombosis: An abnormal condition in which a blood clot forms in a blood vessel or in the heart.

Thrombus: A blood clot.

Trachea: The tube like opening that branches off the throat and leads to the lungs. Commonly called the "windpipe.�

Tracheitis: Inflammation of the lining membrane of the trachea

Tracheotomy: A surgical procedure to create an opening in the trachea (windpipe) so that a patient can breathe.

Traction: The act of drawing or pulling with ropes and weights.

Transplantation: The surgical replacing of a damaged organ with one from a donor.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA): A stroke like condition that lasts for a short period, usually less than 24 hours, caused by a blocked blood vessel. Also called a "mini-stroke."

Trimester: A period of three months.

Tube feeding: See enteral nutrition.

Upper airway: The upper parts of the respiratory track that includes the nose, sinus passages, throat and etc.

Ureters: Two small tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Urethra: A narrow channel through which urine passes from the bladder out of the body.

Urinalysis: A test of urine for infection and other abnormalities.

Urinary retention: The inability to empty the bladder of urine fully.

Urticaria: The eruption of itching, circular, raised skin lesions (a rash) usually due to systemic cause. Also known as hives.

Uterus: A hollow organ located in a woman's lower abdomen in which her egg implants and grows into a fetus.

Uvula: The small soft structure hanging from the roof of the mouth in the midline above the back of the tongue.

Vaccine: A solution of modified live or killed microorganisms (bacteria, viruses) given to cause immunity and prevent infectious disease.

Veins: Blood vessels that carry blood from the body back to the heart.

Ventilation: The movement of air (gases) in and out of the lungs.

Ventilator: See Respirator.

Vesicle: A small elevation of skin containing fluid. Commonly called a blister.

Viremia: The presence of a virus in the bloodstream.

Virion: A single virus

Virulence: The power of a pathogen to overcome the body defenses.

Virus: A tiny organism that multiples within cells and causes disease.

Vocal cords: Muscular folds of tissue that extend from the larynx (voice box) wall. They allow voice sounds to be made.

Void: To urinate.

Vomiting: The release of stomach contents through the mouth. Also see emesis.

Whole blood: Blood containing all its components (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and others).

Parts of the Hospital

Emergency Room (ER): A part of the hospital where people walk in or are brought by the ambulance to be treated. ER doctors determine if the patient can be treated in the ER and then go home or needs to stay in the hospital for more care.

Coronary care unit (CCU): A part of the hospital where patients who have serious heart conditions like heart attack or heart failure are cared for.

Medical intensive care unit (MICU): A part of the hospital where patients with serious health conditions like respiratory (breathing) failure, widespread infections, and low blood pressure are cared for. The MICU is also called ICU for short.

Surgical intensive care unit (SICU): A part of the hospital where patients with serious health conditions are cared for in preparation for surgery and after surgery.

Intermediate medical care (IMC): A part of the hospital for patients with serious health conditions that are not severe enough to need the ICU but do need more support than regular hospital care. Each nurse in the IMC usually has fewer patients than nurses on regular hospital wards.

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): A part of the hospital where babies with serious health conditions are cared for.

Telemetry unit: A part of the hospital where patients are placed when it is important for health care providers track heart beat activity. A small transmitter is attached to the patient and continuous EKG readings are recorded.

 
Hospital Medical Staff

Attending (Physician): The physician with the primary responsibility for the patient's care.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): A nurse with full academic qualifications but less clinical training than a registered nurse.

Medical Students (MS): Students completing their medical school training. They are not physicians but are involved in patient care under the supervision and direction of an attending physician and residents. They do not make independent decisions about diagnosis or treatments.

Nurse Practitioner (NP): A registered nurse with at least a master's degree in nursing and some form of advanced medical specialty training.

Registered Nurse (RN): A nurse that has achieved full academic qualifications, passed nursing exams for licensure, and is licensed and registered to practice by a state authority.

Residents: Physicians who have graduated from medical school and are completing more specialized training. They are involved in the patient's care under the supervision and direction of an attending physician.

AST: Aspartate Aminotransferase - a liver enzyme

BID: Twice a day

BM: Bowel movement

BP: Blood pressure

CA: Cancer

Cath: Catheterization

CABG: Coronary artery bypass grafting

CBC: Complete blood count

cc: Cubic centimeters

CNS: Central nervous system

COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure

CPR: Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation

CT: Computed tomography. Also referred to as CAT (computer axial tomography) scan.

CSF: Cerebrospinal fluid

DNR: Do not resuscitate

ECG or EKG: Electrocardiogram.

EEG: Electroencephalogram

ENT: Ear, nose and throat

ER: Emergency room

 

 

GI: Gastrointestinal

gm: gram

gtt: drops

hct: Hematocrit - refers to red blood cell count

hgb: Hemoglobin - refers to red blood cell count

HTN: Hypertension (high blood pressure)

I & D: Incision and drainage

ICU: Intensive care unit

IM: Intramuscular - into the muscle

IV: Intravenous

kg: Kilogram

LP: Lumbar puncture

mEq: Milli-equivalent

MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging

MRSA: Methicillin resistant staphylococcum aureus - a very difficult to cure bacterial infection.

NKDA: No known drug allergies

NP: Nurse practitioner

NPO: Nothing by mouth - can't eat anything until instructed by a physician

NTG: Nitrogylicerin

OB: Obstetrical

OB/GYN: Obstetrics and gynecology

 

 

OR: Operating room

PA: Physician's assistant

PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction

PET: Positron emission tomography

PFT: Pulmonary function test

PICC Line: Peripherally inserted central catheter

Post-op: Postoperative - after an surgical operation

Pre-op: Preoperative - before a surgical operation

PRN: As needed

QD or qd: Every day

QID or qid: Four times a day

QOD or qod: Every other day

RBC: Red blood cells

RN: Registered nurse

Rx: Prescription, treatment or therapy

Stat: Immediately

STD: Sexually transmitted disease

tbsp: Tablespoon

TIA: Transient ischemic attack

TID or tid: Three times a day

UA: Urinalysis

UTI: Urinary tract infection

WBC: White blood cells

XR: x-ray

Volume: 1 cc = 1 ml  5 cc = 1 teaspoon
              15 cc = 1 tablespoon (or ½ fluid ounce)

 

Weight: 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds

Length: 1 inch = 2.5 centimeters

Temperature: 37 degrees Celsius = 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
How the conversion is done: Multiply the celsius (C) degrees by 1.8 and add 32 to convert to Fahrenheit (F)

For example, 38.2 C is 100.8 F (38.2 C x 1.8 + 32 = 100.8 F)

Noninvasive imaging studies and scans: - they are done without penetrating the skin or entering a body opening.

Computer axial tomography (CAT): Commonly called a CAT scan. It is a scan that takes images of the inside of the body to detect abnormalities that may not show up on x-ray.

Echocardiogram (Echo): Commonly called "echo" for short. It is a noninvasive ultrasound test that views the heart through the chest wall. A probe is passed over the heart which sends sound waves to detect the heart's content, strength, and valve function.

Magnetic resonance  imaging (MRI): A scan that uses a large and powerful magnet to produce two-dimensional images of organs and structures inside the body. The images from the MRI scan show greater detail of internal structures as compared to the CAT scan.

Mammogram: An x-ray of the breast used to identify breast masses before they can be felt by the hand.

Polysomnogram: A recording of brain waves, breathing patterns, body oxygen levels, muscle movements, heart beat, snoring and other variables which occur during sleep. These recordings are used to determine sleep disturbances.

Positron emission tomography (PET): A body scanning procedure that uses tiny amounts of radiation that gives three-dimensional pictures of the structures inside the body. PET scans are largely used to diagnosed cancer.

Stress test: A test conducted by a cardiologist with the used of EKG and other heart imaging scans to determine if a patient has likely true heart disease.

Ultrasound: A probe is passed over a certain part of the body that sends sound waves to detect the content and function of structures under the skin.

X-ray: A test that takes images of inside the body to detect abnormalities.

Invasive imaging studies and scans: - they are done by either penetrating the skin or entering a body opening

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): A TEE is a very good diagnostic ultrasound test that allows a cardiologist to look at the heart from a scope that is passed into the esophagus. This test allows very clear images of many parts of the heart structures and blood flow. This test is considered better than the traditional echocardiogram that views the heart through the chest wall.