Definition
Abdomen
The part of the body that contains the stomach, intestines and other organs.
Acute
Refers to a condition that has a rapid onset and short duration
Benign
refers to a tumor or growth that is not cancerous and does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body
Chronic
Refers to a condition that lasts a long time or is persistent
Diagnosis
The identification of a disease or condition based on its symptoms and medical tests
Inflammation
The body’s response to injury or infection characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
Prognosis
The likely outcome of a disease or condition based on medical treatment and other factors
Symptom
A physical or mental indication of a disease or condition such as pain or fatigue
Virus
A microscopic infectious agent that can replicate only inside a host cell and causes various diseases
X-ray
A medical test that uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of internal body structures
Anesthesia
loss of sensation or feeling, usually achieved through medication
Artery
a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the other parts of the body
Dialostic
the lower number in a blood pressure reading that indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart
Embolism
a blockage in a blood vessel, usually causes by a blood clot, or other debris.
Ischemia
a lack of blood flow to an area of the body, usually caused by blockage in a blood vessel
Myocardial Infarction (MI)
commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flows to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle
Palliative care
specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses that focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life
Prophylaxis
a preventative treatment used to protect against a particular disease
Systolic
the higher number in blood pressure reading when the heart muscle is contracting.
Thrombosis
the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel
Tracheostomy
a surgical procedure in which an opening is made in the neck and a tube is inserted into the windpipe to help with breathing
Urinary incontinence
a loss of bladder control, resulting in the accidental release of urine
Ventilation
Ventilation: the process of breathing, or the mechanical assistance of breathing, in patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
Wound debridement
the removal of dead or damaged tissue from a wound to promote health