Definitions Flashcards
Define homeostasis
Equilibrium balance, consistency stability.
A self regulated give-and-take system that responds to minor changes in the body to compensation mechanisms that attempt to counteract changes and return the body to its normal state.
Define hypovolemia
Decreased volume of circulating fluid in the body
Define osmosis
Movement of water, or solvent across the cellular membrane from LOW solute concentration HIGH solute concentration
Define diffusion
I have solutes from an area of HIGH concentration to an area of LOW concentration.
Define sepsis
Overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
Define Passive Immunity
Immunity gained by receiving antibodies, made OUTSIDE of the body by another person, animal, or recumbent DNA. The person is not actively producing antibodies and protection is SHORT-LIVED.
Example: Mother-Fetus
Define Autoimmune Disease
What is normal defenses become self-destructive.
Define Monocytes
WBC’s that REPLENISH macrophages, and dendritic cells in normal states.
- Respond to inflammation by MIGRATING to infected tissue.
- Their conversion ELICITS an immune response.
Define Neutrophils
INFECTION FIGHTING agents usually FIRST to arrive on the scene.
- ESCAPE from the capillary wall
- MIGRATE to the site of infection
- PHAGOCYTIZE microorganisms.
Define Lymphocytes
IMMUNE CELLS
- B–Cells MATURE in the BONE MARROW and differentiate into memory cells or immunoglobin secreting cells.
- T-cells are PRODUCED in the BONE MARROW in MATURE in the THYMUS. Work to destroy antigens, act as regulator or effector cells.
Define leukocytosis
Increase in WBC’s level
- indicating an active infectious process.
Define Active Acquired Immunity
Immunity gained through direct contact with an antigen through invasion or vaccination. The person makes their OWN antibodies and protection is usually LONG-TERM.
Example: Vaccine
Define Metastatic Cancer
Cancer that spreads from its sight of origin to another part of the body.
Define Benign Tumors
- Cells are DIFFERENTIATED and mitosis is fairly normal. Meaning growth is slow.
- ENCAPSULATED
- Only threatening in locations like the brain. Systemic effects are rare
Define Malignant Tumors
- Cells LACK DIFFERENTIATION, and mitosis is increased and atypical, contributing to RAPID GROWTH.
- NOT ENCAPSULATED
- life threatening through SPREAD and destruction.
Define Anaplasia
LOSS of DIFFERENTIATION of cells that occurs with cancer.
Define tumor grading of cells
Degree of differentiation on a scale of 1 to 4.
Grade 1 cancers are well different differentiated.
Grade 4 cancers are undifferentiated.
Define a first-degree burn
SUPERFICIAL
Burns only affecting the epidermis, causing pain, erythema, and edema.
Define Second-degree burns
PARTIAL THICKNESS
Burns affecting the epidermis and dermis, causing pain, erythmia, edema, and blistering.
Involves hair follicles, and scarring is common.
Define Third-Degree Burns
FULL THICKNESS
Burns extended into deeper tissue and causing white or blackend charged skin that may be numb.
Define Atopic Dermatitis
ECZEMA
A chronic inflammatory condition thought to be related to immune system malfunction.
Define Pediculosis
LICE INFESTATION
Female lice lay their eggs (nits) on the hair shaft close to the scalp, and they appear as small white iridescent shells on the hair.
Define Hypotonic Solutions
Concentration of solute LOW in solution than in the intravascular compartment. Fluid shifts IN.
FROM VASCULAR TO CELL
Define Hypertonic Solutions
Concentration of solute HIGHER in the solution, then in the intravascular compartment. Fluid shifts out.
FROM CELLULAR TO VASCULAR
Define Isotonic Solutions
Concentrations of solutes are equal. No movement.
Define Gout
Inflammatory disease resulting from deposits of uric acid crystals, and tissues and fluids within the body.
Overproduction or under excretion of uric acid, as well as increased purine intake.
Define Osteoporosis
Progressive loss of bone calcium that leaves the bone brittle caused by a decrease or increase of osteoplast activity.
Define Dislocation
The separation of two bones where they meet at the joint, usually resulting from a sudden impact to the joint.
Define Scoliosis
A lateral curvature of the spine.
Define fibromyalgia
Widespread muscular pain and fatigue with no apparent inflammation, or degeneration.
Affects the joints, muscles tendons and surrounding tissues thought to be associated with sensitivity to substance P.
Define Osteoarthritis
Where – N – tear arthritis, degenerative joint disease.
Localized joint disease characterized by deterioration of articulating cartilage and its underlying bone as well as bone overgrowth.
Non-inflammatory in origin, inflammation, arises from tissue irritation.
Define Rheumatoid Arthritis
Systemic, autoimmune condition involving multiple joints. Follows typical autoimmune pattern of remission and exacerbation.
Overtime the inflammation thickens the synovium , which can eventually invade and destroy the cartilage within the joint.
Define Ankylosing Spondylitis
A progressive inflammatory disorder affecting the sclerosis joints, introvertebral spaces and controvertible joints.
Fibrosis and calcification of the joints may occur, causing the vertebral joints to become fixed and low lose motion
Define Paget Disease
Abnormal bone destruction and remodeling resulting in bone deformities.
Define esophageal Varices
Abnormal, enlarged veins in the ESOPHAGUS that is most common in people with serious liver diseases.
They developed when normal blood FLOW in the LIVER is BLOCKED by a clot or a scar tissue.
These vessels can leak blood or rupture, causing life-threatening bleeding.
Define Esophageal Cancer
Usually, squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma that most commonly developed at the distal is esophagus.
Associated with chronic irritation (GERD, hiatal hernia, alcohol abuse, smoke and smokeless tobacco) obesity, Barrett esophagus, and HPV.
Define End Stage Renal Disease
Chronic kidney disease has reached in advanced state leading to loss of kidney function.
Define Azotemia
A buildup of WASTE PRODUCTS in the URINE.
Define Cystitis
Inflammation of the bladder.
Define Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland, caused by decreased testosterone, increase estrogen, and rising dihydrotestosterone levels.
Define Hypospadias
Condition in which the urethral meatus is found on the ventral surface of the penis.
Define hydrocele
Accumulation of fluid between the layers of the tunica vaginalis or along the spermatic cord.
Define Cystocele
Anterior vaginal wall prolapse.
Define Dysmenorrhea
Painful Menstruation
Define Trichomoniasis
An STI caused by T. Vaginalis (a parasite)
A burrows under the mucosal lining and causes no symptoms in males and symptoms and females when vaginal microbial imbalance occurs.
Define Giantism
Tall stature caused by excessive GH levels PRIOR to PUBERTY.
Define Type 1 diabetes
- The bodies immune system destroyed pancreatic BETA cells leading to LOW or absent INSULIN levels.
- Generally abrupt onset, diagnosed after infection.
- Insulin levels are low or absent.
Define Acromegaly
Increased bone sized caused by excessive GH levels in ADULTHOOD.
Define Type 2 Diabetes
- Insulin resistance in the liver leads to an inability to suppress glucose production, contributing to hyperglycemia.
- Insulin levels are frequently normal or high.
Define Diabetic Ketoacidosis
pH imbalance marked by increases ketones in the urine due to insufficient insulin.
Define Diabetes Insipidus
ADH deficiency resulting in excessive fluid excretion from the kidneys leading to the INABILITY TO CONCENTRATE URINE.
Define HYPERthyroidism
Excessive levels of thyroid hormones leading to a HYPER METABOLIC state.
Can be due to excessive iodine intake, Grave’s disease, nonmalignant thyroid tumor, or goiters.
Define Cushing Syndrome
Group of clinical abnormalities due to chronic glucocorticoid levels increase resulting increased pituitary production of ACTH.
Define SIADH
Increased renal water retention due to excessive ADH levels.
Define Addisons Disease
Deficiency of adrenal cortex hormones due to damage from autoimmune conditions or infections or pituitary dysfunction.
Deficiency causes INCREASED SODIUM excretion and DECREASED POTASSIUM excretion.
Define Pheochromocytoma
A rare TUMOR of the CHROMAFFIN cells located in the adrenals, adrenal medulla, or other tissues.
Define Thyrotoxicosis (thyroid storm)
Sudden worsening of HYPERthyroidism symptoms that may occur with infection or stress.
A medical emergency characterized by fever, decreased mental, alertness, and abdominal pain.
Define MS (Multiple sclerosis)
A debilitating neural inflammatory disease that involves an abnormal immune-mediated process, directed against the CNS.
The brains Cortex atrophies and plaques develop in the white matter.
Define Meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges, subarachnoid space, or CSF due to infection.
Can be viral or bacterial
Define Cerebrovascular Attack (stroke)
STROKE
Interruption of CEREBRAL ARTERIAL blood supply, causing
PERMANENT DAMAGE
can be ISCHEMIC or HEMORRHAGIC.
Define Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
TEMPORARY CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA that causes signs and symptoms of neurologic deficits that resolve in 24 hours.
Caused by cerebral artery, occlusion, cerebral artery, narrowing, or cerebral artery injury.
Define Parkinson’s Disease
A progressive condition that involves destruction of pigmented neurons and other brainstem dopaminergic cells.
Inherited or Sporadic
Define Cerebral Aneurysm
Localized Out-pouching of cerebral artery caused by weakened artery due to congenital defects.
Define seizure?
A transient physical/behavioral alteration that results from abnormal brain electrical activity.
Types of Seizures
- Symptomatic Epilepsy
- Status Epilepticus
- Focal Seizures
- Generalized Seizures
Define Symptomatic Epilepsy
Seizures provoked by a KNOWN cause
Example: brain tumor, head trauma
Define Status Epilepticus
Seizures that last MORE THAN 5 minutes or subsequent seizures that occur before the patient fully regains consciousness.
Define Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
LOU GEHRIG’s disease, a progressive disease that causes damage to upper motor neurons of the cerebral cortex, lower motor neurons of the brainstem, and spinal cord.
Nerves lose their ability to trigger muscle movement which causes muscle weakness, disability, paralysis, and death due to respiratory failure within 3 years of onset of symptoms.
Define Arteriovenous Malformation
An abnormal connection between arteries and veins, usually in the brain or spine.
Define Myasthenia Gravis
- autoimmune condition
- acetylcholine receptors are impaired or destroyed by IgG autoantibodies
- Leading to a disruption of normal communication between the nerve and the muscle at the neuromuscular junction.
- results in weakness of the voluntary skeletal muscles because of inadequate nerve stimulation.
Define Decorticate
Flexion of the arms, wrist, and fingers with adduction to the upper extremities, extension, external rotation, and plantar flexion in the lower extremities.
Define Decerebrate
All extremities, rigid position with hyper formation of the forearms and plantar extension of the feet
Define Paraplegia
Loss of lower extremity function
Define Quadriplegia
Loss of all or most function in all four limbs
Define Trigeminal Neuralgia
A condition that causes painful sensation like electric shock on one side of face.
Define Guillain-Barre
Bodies immune system attacks the nerves eventually leading to paralysis.
Define Huntingtons Chorea
Genetically programmed degeneration of neurons in the brain.
- Leads to disruption of normal communication between the nerve and muscles at the neuromuscular junction.
Define Cluster Headaches
Headaches without an aura that lasts 15-180 minutes. Frequency includes 1 on alternate days to 8 per day, often for 7 days to 1 year when episodic.
- They are unilateral and cause knifelike, severe, excruciating pain. Not aggravated by movement.
- DO NOT CAUSE nausea and vomiting or photophobia,
- DO CAUSE red, watery eyes, and a watery or blocked nose.
Define Autoimmune Dysreflexia
An abnormal, overreaction of the autonomic nervous system to stimulation.
Define Ventilation
The transportation of air from the atmosphere to the lungs and out again.
Define Emphysema
An obstructive respiratory disorder that results on the destruction of the alveolar walls, leading to large, permanently inflated alveoli.
Emphysema turns alveoli into large, irregular pockets with gaping holes, limiting the O2 in the bloodstream.
Define Exercise induced asthma
Asthma that begins 10–15 minutes after physical activity ends with symptoms that linger for one hour.
Define Tension Pneumothorax
Pressure in the plural space is greater than atmospheric pressure due to trapped air in the plural space.
Define Traumatic Pneumothorax
Air enters the plural cavity from an opening in the internal airway.
Define Non-Traumatic Pneumothorax
Due to blunt force trauma
Define Pneumothorax
Air in the plural cavity
- Leading to partially or completely collapse of a lung due to resulting pressure change.
Define Tuberculosis
One of the worlds, deadliest diseases, caused by a slow-growing aerobic bacillus.
Define Aspiration pneumonia
Type of pneumonia that frequently occurs when the gag reflex is impaired due to brain injury or in anesthesia.
Can also occur due to impaired lower esophageal sphincter closure secondary to NG placement of disease.
The introduction of gastric secretions or other substances into the lungs, damages tissues and triggers an inflammatory reaction.
Define Pleural Effusion
Accumulation of excess fluid into the plural cavity commonly caused by pneumonia, cancer, pulmonary embolism, viral infection, or TB.
Define Hemothorax
Body fluid accumulation in the plural space due to trauma, coagulopathy, or rupture of major blood vessels.
Define Chylothorax
Milky white effusion high in triglycerides caused by traumatic or neoplastic damage to the thoracic duct.
Define Empyema
Pus in the plural space, likely due to complications from pneumonia, thoracotomy, abscess, or penetrating trauma with secondary infection.
Define Iatrogenic Effusion
EFFUSION due to migration or misplacement of a FEEDING TUBE into the TRACHEA.
- PERFORATION of the SUPERIOR VENA CAVA
- via central venous catheter.
- Leading to INFUSION of the tube feeding/IV solutions into the PLURAL SPACE.
Define Pleurisy
PLEURITIS proceed or follow effusion.
Comprised of inflammation of pleural membranes leading to swollen irregular tissue.
Often associated w/ pneumonia. Creates friction in the plural membranes.
Define Asthma
Chronic pulmonary disease that produces intermittent reversible airway obstruction characterized by acute airway, inflammation, bronchoconstriction, bronchospasm, bronchiole edema, and mucus production.
Define COPD
Chronic respiratory disorders characterized by irreversible, progressive and airway obstruction.
- Mixture of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- Severe hypoxia and hyper respiratory failure.
- Involves an increase in macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in the airways, functional lung tissue, and pulmonary vessels.
Define pneumonia
Inflammation of the lung that can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, fungi, infectious agents/events.
- S. pneumoniae is responsible for 75% of all cases most common viral causes include influenza, parainfluenza, metapneumovirus and RSV.
Define Legionnaires Disease
Type of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophilia that is not contagious and is acquired by inhaling bacteria from AC or spa.
Define Pulmonary Edema
In the pulmonary capillaries, can be caused by heart failure.
Define Bronchitis
Inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree/large bronchi that frequently follows an URI (upper respiratory infection)
- Young children, the elderly, smokers are at greater risk.
Define Polycythemia
Concentration of blood cells in your blood, making the blood thicker and causing blood flow to become sluggish.
Define Polycythemia Vera
Chronic blood disorder that is a type of bone marrow cancer
- Causing the body to make too many white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets.
Define Hemophilia
Inherited bleeding disorder that results in DECREASES COAGULATION.
Define Hemophilia A
CLASSIC HEMOPHILIA
Deficiency/abnormality in clotting factor VIII
Define Hemophilia B
CHRISTMAS HEMOPHILIA
Involves deficiency/abnormality in clotting factor IX.
Define Leukemia
Cancer of the leukocytes.
Abnormal leukocytes crowd out healthy cells, and make it difficult for them to perform their normal functions.
Define NON-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Cancer in the LYMPH NODES
- The body produces ABNORMAL LYMPHOCYTES
- HARDER to treat
- Metastasize in an unorganized, diffuse, non-discriminant pattern.
Define Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Mainly in the upper body, causes the lymph nodes to swell and compress surrounding tissues.
- Presence of Reed-Sternberg Cells
Define Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
BONE MARROW DYSFUNCTION
- Most Common 75% primarily affecting children
- responds well to therapy and has good prognosis
Define Acute Myeloid Leukemia
ANEMIA AND SPONTANEOUS BLEEDING
- primarily affects adults
-responds well to treatment
- carries good prognosis
Define Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia
SWELLING OF LYMPH NODES & ENLARGED SPLEEN
- primarily affects adults
- responds poorly to therapy
- live many years after diagnosed
Define Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
ANEMIA, LOW PLATELET COUNT, ENLARGED SPLEEN
- primarily affects adults
- responds poorly to chemotherapy
- prognosis is improved w allogenic bone marrow transplant.
Define Sickle Cell Disease
Genetic disorder where the RBC is a sickle shape
- Due to ABNORMAL HEMOGLOBIN 5
Define a Sickle Cell Crisis
Painful episodes that last for hours/days caused by obstruction of small blood vessels as the sickled cells, clog the vessels, leading to ischemia and necrosis.
Define Multiple Myeloma
CANCER OF THE PLASMA CELLS
- BENCE JONES PROTEINS are excreted in URINE
- Due to ABNORMAL cells in the BONE MARROW crowding blood-forming cells.
Define Pancytopenia
Lack of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets.
Define Iron Deficiency Anemia
MOST COMMON FORM OF ANEMIA
- decreased consumption or absorption of iron
- primarily affects women of childbearing age, children under 2, and the elderly
Define Pernicious Anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency, megaloblastic anemia.
- Macrocytic immature erythrocytes due to cyanocobalamin deficit.
Define Aplastic Anemia
A rare form of anemia in which the bone marrow is unable to make enough RBCs. These can be temporary or permanent.
Define Hemolytic Anemia
Sickle cell, thalassemia, and erythoblastosis fetalis
- Acute chest syndrome is a medical emergency
Define Mononucleosis
Caused by Epstein Barr virus, among the most common 1 in 4.
Spread person to person
Define Rickets and Osteomalacia
Softening and weakening of bones, usually due to an extreme and prolonged vitamin D, calcium or phosphate deficiency.
Minerals shift out of bones and cause weak and soft bones.
What is the TNM staging system?
Tumor, node, metastasis system that evaluates tumor size, nodal involvement, and metastatic progress.
