Definitions I Flashcards
iatrogenic illness
An unfavorable response due to prescribed medical treatment. For example, severe burns resulting from radiation therapy are iatrogenic.
ichthyosis
A group of hereditary disorders characterized by dry, thickened, and scaly skin. These conditions are caused by the slowing of the skin?s natural shedding process or by a rapid increase in the production of the skin?s cells.
idiopathic disorder
An illness without known cause. Idiopathic means without cause.
idiosyncratic reaction
An unexpected reaction to a drug that is peculiar to the individual.
ileal conduit
The use of a small piece of intestine to convey urine to the ureters and to a stoma in the abdomen. Also known as ileostomy.
ileectomy
The surgical removal of the ileum.
Ileostomy
The surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the ileum, at the ileum, at the end of the small intestine, and the outside of the abdominal wall.
ileus
The partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine. It is caused by the stopping of the normal peristalsis of this area of the intestine. Symptoms of ileus can include severe pain, cramping, abdominal distention, vomiting, and the failure to pass gas or stools. Also known as paralytic ileus.
iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)
An overuse injury. The iliotibial band runs from the hip bone, diagonally across the leg to the tibia. ITBS is caused by this band rubbing against bone, often in the area of the knee.
immobilization
The act of holding, suturing, or fastening the bone in a fixed position with strapping or a cast.
immunity
The state of being resistant to a specific disease. This resistance can be present naturally or it can be acquired.
immunodeficiency disorder
An immunodeficiency disorder occurs when the immune response is compromised. Compromised means weakened or not functioning properly.
immunoglobulins
Immunoglobulins bind with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response. The five primary types of immunoglobulins, which are secreted by plasma cells, are also known as antibodies.
immunosuppressant
A suppressant that prevents or reduces the body?s normal immune response. This medication is administered to prevent the rejection of donor tissue and to depress autoimmune disorders.
immunosuppression
Treatment to repress or interfere with the ability of the immune system to respond to stimulation by antigens.
immunotherapy
A disease treatment that involves either stimulating or repressing the immune response. In the treatment of cancers, immunotherapy is used to stimulate the immune response to fight the malignancy. Stimulate means to cause greater activity. In the treatment of allergies, immunotherapy is used to repress the body?s sensitivity to a particular allergen. Repress means to decrease or stop a normal response. This treatment is also known as allergy desensitization. Immunotherapy is also called biological therapy.
impacted cerumen
An accumulation of earwax that forms a solid mass by adhering to the walls of the external auditory canal. Impacted means lodged or wedged firmly in place.
impetigo
A highly contagious bacterial skin infection that commonly occurs in children. This condition is characterized by isolated pustules that become crusted and rupture.
impingement syndrome
Impingement syndrome occurs when inflamed and swollen tendons are caught in the narrow space between the bones within the shoulder joint. A common sign of impingement syndrome is discomfort when raising your arm above your head.
impulse control disorders
A group of psychiatric disorders characterized by a failure to resist an impulse despite potential negative consequences. This disorder includes compulsive shopping and gambling.
incision
A cut made with a surgical instrument.
incontinence
The inability to control the excretion of urine, feces, or both.
incubator
An apparatus for maintaining an environment of controlled temperature, humidity and oxygen concentration for a premature or ill newborn.
indirect contact transmission
The spread of a disease through contact with blood or other body fluids that are contaminated with blood. Examples include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, and most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
indwelling catheter
An indwelling catheter remains inside the body for a prolonged time based on need. Indwelling means residing within. This can be either a urethral or a suprapubic catheter.
infection
An infection is the invasion of the body by a pathogenic (disease-producing) organism. The infection can remain localized (near the point of entry) or can be systemic (affecting the entire body). Signs and symptoms of infection include malaise, chills and fever, redness, heat and swelling, or exudate from a wound.
infectious disease
An illness caused by living pathogenic organisms such as bacteria and viruses.
infectious mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein Barr virus (EBV). This condition is characterized by fever, a sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. Swelling of the spleen or liver involvement can also develop. Also known as mono.
infectious myringitis
A contagious inflammation that causes painful blisters on the eardrum. This condition is associated with a middle ear infection. It is not to be confused with infectious meningitis, which is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
infestation
The dwelling of microscopic parasites on external surface tissue. Some parasites live temporarily on the skin. Others lay eggs and reproduce there.
infiltrating ductal carcinoma
Infiltrating ductal carcinoma starts in the milk duct, breaks through the wall of that duct, and invades the fatty breast tissue. This form of cancer accounts for the majority of all breast cancers. Infiltrating and invasive are terms used to describe cancer that has spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it developed and is now growing into surrounding, healthy tissues. Also known as invasive ductal carcinoma.
infiltrating lobular carcinoma
Infiltrating lobular carcinoma is cancer that starts in the milk glands (lobules), breaks through the wall of the gland, and invades the fatty tissue of the breast. Once this cancer reaches the lymph nodes, it can rapidly spread to distant parts of the body. Also known as invasive lobular carcinoma.
inflammation
A localized response to an injury or to the destruction of tissues. The key indicators of inflammation are (1) erythema (redness), (2) hyperthermia (heat), (3) edema (swelling), and (4) pain. These are caused by extra blood flowing into the area as part of the healing process
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
The general name for diseases that cause inflammation and swelling in the intestines. The two most common inflammatory bowel diseases are ulcerative colitis and Crohn?s disease. These conditions are grouped together because both are chronic and incurable, and can affect the large and small intestines. They also have similar symptoms, which include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, fever, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea. These conditions tend to occur at intervals of active disease known as flares alternating with periods of remission. Flares of these disorders are treated with medication and surgery to remove diseased portions of the intestine.
inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)
A rare but aggressive form of breast cancer. IBC grows rapidly, and the symptoms include pain, rapid increase in the breast size, redness or a rash on the breast, and swelling of nearby lymph nodes. Most breast cancers are detected by mammography, ultrasound, or self-examination. In contrast, IBC can be detected only by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
influenza
An acute, highly contagious viral infection characterized by respiratory inflammation, fever, chills, and muscle pain. Influenza is spread by respiratory droplets and occurs most commonly in epidemics during the colder months. There are many strains of the influenza virus. Some strains can be prevented by annual immunization. Also known as the flu.
inguinal hernia
The protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin. This condition can be caused by obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, or straining to pass a stool.
inhalation administration
Inhalation administration describes vapors and gases taken in through the nose or mouth and absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. One example is the use of a metered-dose inhaler to treat asthma or the gases used for general anesthesia.
insomnia
The prolonged or abnormal inability to sleep. This condition is usually a symptom of another problem such as depression, pain, or excessive caffeine.
insulinoma
A benign tumor of the pancreas that causes hypoglycemia by secreting additional insulin.
insulin shock
Insulin shock is caused by very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).Oral glucose, which is a sugary substance that can quickly be absorbed into the bloodstream, is consumed to rapidly raise the blood sugar level.
integrative medicine
A model of health care based on both allopathic and alternative medicine.
intermittent catheter
An intermittent catheter is inserted as needed several times a day to drain urine from the bladder. Also known as a short-term catheter.
intermittent claudication
Intermittent claudication is pain in the leg muscles that occurs during exercise and is relieved by rest. Intermittent means coming and going at intervals, and claudication means limping. This condition, which is due to poor circulation, is associated with peripheral vascular disease.
internal fixation
Internal fixation is a fracture treatment in which a plate or pins are placed directly into the bone to hold the broken pieces in place. This form of fixation is not usually removed after the fracture has healed. Also known as open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).
interstitial cystitis
A chronic inflammation within the walls of the bladder. The symptoms of this condition are similar to those of cystitis; however, they do not respond to traditional treatment. Interstitial means relating to spaces within a tissue or organ.
interstitial lung diseases
Interstitial lung disease refers to a group of almost 200 disorders that cause inflammation and scarring of the alveoli and their supporting structures. Interstitial means relating to spaces within or around a tissue or an organ. In these lung conditions the tissue around the alveoli becomes scarred or stiff, leading to a reduction of oxygen being transferred to the blood.
interventional radiology
The use of radiographic imaging to guide a procedure such as a biopsy. It is also used to confirm the placement of an inserted object such as a stent or feeding tube.
intestinal obstruction
The partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine caused by a physical obstruction. This blockage can result from many causes such as scar tissue or a tumor.
intracranial pressure
The amount of pressure inside the skull. Elevated intracranial pressure can be due to a tumor, an injury, or improper drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.
intradermal injection
An intradermal injection is made into the middle layers of the skin.
intramuscular injection (IM)
An intramuscular injection is made directly into muscle tissue.
intraocular lens (IOL)
a surgically implanted replacement for a natural lens that has been removed.
intraoral radiography
The film is placed within the mouth and exposed by a camera positioned next to the exterior of the cheek.
intrauterine device (IUD)
A molded plastic contraceptive inserted through the cervix into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
intravenous fluids (IV)
Intravenous fluids are administered to combat the effects of dehydration.
intravenous injection
An intravenous injection is made directly into a vein.
intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
A radiographic study of the kidneys and ureters. A contrast medium is administered intravenously to clearly define these structures in the resulting image. This examination is used to diagnose changes in the urinary tract resulting from nephroliths, infections, enlarged prostate, tumors, and internal injuries after an abdominal trauma. Also known as excretory urography.
intussusception
The telescoping of one part of the small intestine into the opening of an immediately adjacent part. This rare but serious condition is sometimes found in children between three months and six years of age.
in vitro fertilization
A procedure in which mature ova are removed from the mother to be fertilized. The resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus with the hope that they will implant and continue to develop as in a normal pregnancy. In vitro means in an artificial environment such as a test tube.
iridectomy
The surgical removal of a portion of the tissue of the iris. This procedure is most frequently performed to treat closed-angle glaucoma.
iritis
The most common form of uveitis. This inflammation of the uvea affects primarily structures in the front of the eye. This condition has a sudden onset and may last 6 to 8 weeks.
iron-deficiency anemia
The most common form of anemia. Iron, an essential component of hemoglobin, is normally obtained through food intake and by recycling iron from old red blood cells. Without sufficient iron to help create hemoglobin, blood cannot carry oxygen effectively.
irrigation and debridement
In an irrigation and debridement procedure, pressurized fluid is used to clean out wound debris.
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A common condition of unknown cause with symptoms that can include intermittent cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. This condition, which is usually aggravated by stress and by eating certain foods, is not caused by pathogens (bacteria or viruses) or by structural changes. Also known as spastic colon.
ischemia
A condition in which there is an insufficient supply of oxygen in the tissues due to a restricted blood flow to a part of the body. For example, cardiac ischemia is the lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle.
ischemic colitis
Ischemic colitis occurs when part of the large intestine is partially or completely deprived of blood. If this lack of blood lasts for more than a day, this shortage of blood leads to inflammation or permanent damage of the affected area.
ischemic heart disease
A group of cardiac disabilities resulting from an insufficient supply of oxygenated blood to the heart. These diseases are usually associated with coronary artery disease. Ischemic means pertaining to the disruption of the blood supply.
ischemic stroke
An ischemic stroke, which is the most common type of stroke in older people, occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked by the narrowing or blockage of a carotid artery. Ischemic means pertaining to the disruption of the blood supply. One type of ischemic stroke is a thrombotic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot forms in a carotid artery and blocks it. The other is an embolic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot or other debris forms in a blood vessel somewhere other than the brain and travels through the bloodstream to lodge in the narrower brain arteries.
