Nursing Medical Terminology
Acute
a sudden and severe onset of symptoms or illness.
Systolic
the higher number in a blood pressure reading that indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting.
Palliative care
specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses that focus on providing relief from symptoms for better quality of life.
Zika Virus
a mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and other symptoms.
Malaria
a parasitic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
Anesthesia
Loss of sensation or feeling, usually achieved through medication
Catheter
a flexible tube inserted into the body to remove or deliver fluids
Ischemia
a lack of blood flow to an area of the body, usually caused by a blockage in a blood vessel.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the joints.
Diabetes
a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
a test that measures electrical activity of the heart.
Diastolic
the lower number in a blood pressure reading that indicates pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting.
Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Commonly known as a heart attack, occurs, when blood flow to a part of the body is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
Inflammation
a localized response to injury or infection that is characterized by redness, swelling, and warmth.
Hemoglobin
a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Urinary incontinence
a loss of bladder control, resulting in the accidental release of urine.
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA or stroke)
a disruption in blood flow to the brain that can cause damage to brain tissue.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
a group of lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe.
Prophylaxis
a preventive treatment used to protect against a particular disease or infection
Intravenous (IV)
a method of delivering fluids or medications directly into a vein.
Tracheostomy
a surgical procedure in which an opening is made in the neck and a tube is inserted into the windpipe to heal with breathing.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
a severe lung condition that can occur in response to injury or infection.