Medical Terminology for Health Professions Part 13 Flashcards
polymenorrhea
the occurrence of menstrual cycles more frequently than is normal
postpartum
after childbirth
postpartum depression
a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness and the loss of pleasure in normal activities that can occur shortly after giving birth
preeclampsia
a complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, edema, and proteinuria
pregnancy
the condition of having a developing child in the uterus
pregnancy test
performed to detect an unusually high level of the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone in either a blood or urine specimen, which is usually an indication of pregnancy
premature ejaculation
a condition in which the male reaches climax too soon, usually before, or shortly after, penetration of the female
premature infant
a fetus born before the 37th week of gestation
premature menopause
a condition in which the ovaries cease functioning before age 40 years due to disease, a hormonal disorder, or surgical removal
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
a condition associated with severe emotional and physical problems that are closely linked to the menstrual cycle
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
a group of symptoms experienced by some women within the 2-week period before menstruation
priapism
a painful erection that lasts 4 hours or more but is not accompanied by sexual excitement
primigravida
a woman during her first pregnancy
primipara
a women who has borne one viable child
prostate gland
lies under the bladder and surrounds the end of the urethra in the region where the vas deferens enters the urethra
pruritus vulvae
a condition of severe itching of the external female genitalia
puerperium
the time from the delivery of the placenta through approximately the first 6 weeks after the delivery
pyosalpinx
an accumulation of pus in the fallopian tube
quickening
the first movement of the fetus in the uterus that can be felt by the mother
radical hysterectomy
a procedure that includes the surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, the uterus and cervix, plus nearby lymph nodes; most commonly performed to treat uterine cancer
salpingectomy
the surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes
salpingitis
an inflammation of a fallopian tube
salpingo-oophorectomy
the surgical removal of a fallopian tube and ovary
scrotum
the saclike structure that surrounds, protects, and supports the testicles
semen
the whitish fluid containing sperm that is ejaculated through the urethra at the peak of male sexual excitement
seminal vesicles
glands that secrete a thick, yellow substance to nourish the sperm cells
seminiferous tubules
location of sperm formation
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
infections that affect both males and females
sperm
the male gametes (reproductive cells)
sperm count
the testing of freshly ejaculated semen to determine the volume plus the number, shape, size, and motility of the sperm
spermatocele
a cyst that develops in the epididymis and is filled with a milky fluid containing sperm
spermatogenesis
the process of sperm formation
sterilization
any procedure rendering an individual (male or female) incapable of reproduction
stillbirth
the birth of a fetus that died before, or during, the delivery
syphilis
an STD caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum; has many symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from other STDs
testicles
the two small, egg-shaped glands that produce the sperm
testicular cancer
the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 34 years
testicular pain
pain in one or both testicles
testicular self-examination
a self-help step in early detection of testicular cancer by detecting limps, swelling, or changes in the skin of the scrotum
testicular torsion
a sharp pain in the scrotum caused by twisting of the vas deferens and blood vessels leading into the testicle
testitis
inflammation of one or both testicles
total hysterectomy
the surgical removal of the uterus and the cervix
trichomoniasis
an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis; also known as trich
tubal ligation
a surgical sterilization procedure in which the fallopian tubes are sealed or cut to prevent sperm from reaching a mature ovum
umbilical cord
the tube that carries blood, oxygen, and nutrients from the placenta to the developing child
urethra
in the male, the urethra passes through the penis to the outside of the body
urologist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the urinary system of females and the genitourinary system of males
uterine cancer
involves cancerous growth on the linint of the uterus
uterine fibroid
a benign tumor composed of muscle and fibrous tissue that occurs in the wall of the uterus
uterine involution
the return of the uterus to its normal size and former condition after delivery
uterine prolapse
the condition in which the uterus slides from its normal position in the pelvic cavity and sags into the vagina
uterus
a pear-shaped organ with muscular walls and a mucous membrane lining filled with a rich supply of blood vessels
vagina
the muscular tube lined with mucosa that extends from the cervix to the outside of the body
vaginal candidiasis
a vaginal infection caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans; also known as a yeast infection
vaginal orifice
the exterior opening of the vagina
vaginitis
an inflammation of the lining of the vagina
varicocelectomy
the removal of a portion of an enlarged vein to relieve a varicocele
variocele
a knot of varicose veins in one side of the scrotum
vas deferens
the long, narrow continuations of each epididymis
vasectomy
the male sterilization procedure in which a small portion of the vas deferens is surgically removed
vasovasostomy
vasectomy reversal
VBAC
Vaginal Birth After a Caesarean
vernix
a greasy substance that protects the fetus in utero and can still be present at birth
viable
the fetus when it is capable of living outside the uterus
vulva
consists of the labia, clitoris, Bartholin’s glands, and vaginal orifice
vulvitis
an inflammation of the vulva
vulvodynia
a syndrome of unknown cause that is characterized by chronic burning, pain during sexual intercourse, itching, or stinging irritation of the vulva
zygote
the single cell formed that results from the union of sperm and egg; a new life
Bone Scan
nuclear scanning test that identifies new areas of bone growth or breakdown; radionuclide tracer is injected into bloodstream
Perfusion
blood flow through a tissue or organ
Positron Emission Tomography
also known as PET imaging, combines tomography with radionuclide tracers to produce enhanced images of selected body organs
OTC Drug
a medication that can be purchased without a prescription
Paradoxical reaction
the result of medical treatment that yields the exact opposite of normally expected results
Placebo
an inactive substance, such as, a sugar pill, that is administered only for its suggestive effects
Potentiation
a drug interaction that occurs when the effect of one drug is increased by another drug, herbal remedy, or other treatment
Analgesic
refers to the class of drugs that relieves pain without affecting consciousness; aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen
Topical Application
a liquid or ointment that is rubbed into the skin on the area to be treated; cortisone, antibiotic
Subcutaneous
fatty layer just below the skin; (below dermis, above muscle)
Assessment
the evaluation or appraisal of a condition
Hypothermia
an abnormally low body temperature
Pulse
the rhythmic pressure against the walls of an artery caused by contraction of the heart
Sphygmomanometer
measures blood pressure
Auscultation
listening for sounds within the body usually performed through a stethoscope
Rale
an abnormal rattle or crackle-like respiratory sound heard during inspiration
Otoscope
an instrument used to visually examine the external ear canal and tympanic membrane
Prone Position
lying on the belly with the face down
Horizontal recumbent
(Supine) patient is lying on the back with the face up.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
a test based on the speed at which the red blood cells separate from the plasma and settle to the bottom of the container
Red blood cell count
a determination of the number of erythrocytes in the blood
Crossmatch test
performed to determine the compatibility of donor and recipient blood before a transfusion
C-reactive protein test
performed to identify high levels of inflammation within the body
Specific gravity
reflects the amount of wastes, minerals, and solids that are present in the urine
Albuminuria
presence of the protein albumin in the urine and is the sign of impaired kidney function
Calciuria
the presence of calcium in the urine
Glycosuria
the presence of glucose in the urine, most commonly caused by diabetes
Proteinuria
the presence of an abnormal amount of protein in the urine; sign of kidney disease
Pyuria
The presence of pus in the urine. When pus is presence, the urine has a turbid (cloudy or smokey) appearance
Pericardiocentesis
the puncture of the pericardial sac for the purpose of removing fluid
Radiograph
X-Ray; An image of hard tissue internal structures is created by exposure of sensitized film to x-radiation
Postanterior projection
had the patient positioned facing the film and parallel to it; * the x-ray beam travels thru the body from posterior to anterior
Magnetic resonance imaging
MRI; uses a combination of radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create signals that are sent to a computer and converted into images of any plane through the body
Magnetic resonance angio
MRA; combines MRI with the use of a contrast medium to locate problems within blood vessels throughout the body
Nuclear medicine
branch of medicine that deals with the use of radioactive substances in research, diagnosis, and treatment
Radiopharmaceuticals
radioactive pharmaceuticals; administered for either diagnostic or treatment purposes
Nuclear Imaging
production of diagnostic images of the structure and function of the organ or organs being examined in nuclear medicine
ac
before meals
ad lib
as desired
amt
amount
bid
twice a day
c with a line over it
with
NPO
nothing by mouth
p.c.
after meals
p.o.
by mouth
p.r.n.
as needed
q.d.
everyday
q.h.
every hour
q.i.d.
four times a day
Rx
prescription
sig
to be labeled accordingly
t.i.d.
three times a day
Vital signs
four key indications that the body systems are functioning: temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. VSS - vital signs stable
Temperature
An average normal body temperature is 98.6ºF or 37.0ºC
Fever
A temperature higher than 100ºF is a fever
Hyperthermia
extremely high fever
Respiration
RR - respiratory rate; The number of complete breaths per minute, normal is 12-20 respirations per minute
Blood pressure
force of the blood against the walls of the arteries, measured using a sphygmomanometer. Systolic is the first beat heard, diastolic is the last beat heard.
Pain
considered in certain settings, such as a hospital, as the fifth vital sign. It is a subjective symptom so it is determined as reported by the patient
Rhonchi
coarse rattling sounds somewhat like snoring, usually caused by secretions int he bronchial airways - singular rhonchus
Stridor
abnormal, high-pitched musical breathing sound caused by a blockage in the throat or in the larynx (voice box)
Bruit
abnormal sound or murmur heard during ausculatation of an artery, usually due to partially blocked, narrowed, or diseased artery
Hart murmur
an abnormal heart sound that is most commonly a sign of defective heart valves, described by volume and the stage of the heartbeat when the murmur is heard
Abdominal sounds
normal noises made by the intestines; increased bowel sounds can indicate an obstroction, and absence of them can indicate ileus (stopping of intestinal peristalsis)
Palpation
the examiner’s hands are used to feel the texture, size, consistency, and location of certain body parts
Percussion
diagnostic procedure designed to determine the density of a body part by the sound produced by tapping the surface with the fingers
Ophthalmoscope
instrument used to examine the interior of the eye
Speculum
instrument used to enlarge the opening of any canal or cavity to facilitate inspection of its interior
Stethoscope
Instrument used to listen to sounds withing the body
Recumbent
describes any position in which the patient is lying down. In radiography the term decubitus describes the patient in a recumbent position
Dorsal recumbent
patient is lying on the back, face up, with the knees bent
Lithotomy position
patient is lying on the back, face up, with the feet and legs raised and supported in stirrups
Sims’ position
lying on the left side with the right knee and thigh drawn up with the left arm placed along the back
Knee-chest position
lying face down with the hips bent so that the knees and chest rest on the table
Profile
tests that are frequently performed as a group on automated multi-channel laboratory testing equipment
stat
from latin statim, meaning immediately
Phlebotomist
medical professional trained to draw blood from patients or various tests and procedures
Phlebotomy
puncture of a vein for the purpose of drawing blood - venipuncture
Arterial stick
puncture of an artery, usually on the inside of the wrist, to obtain arterial blood which differes from venous blood in the concentration of dissolved gases it contains
Capillary puncture
technique used when only a small amount of blood is needed as a specimen for a blood test
Complete blood cell counts
CBC - series of tests performed as a group to evaluate several blood conditions. Include: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hematocrit, platelet count, red blood cell count, total hemoglobin test, white blood cell count, white blood cel differenctial count
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESR - test based on the speed with which the red blood cells separate from the plasma and fall to the bottom of the specialized test tube. Elevated sed rate indicates inflammation in the body (normal <20-40 mm/hr for adults over 50)
Hematocrit
percentage, by volume, of a blood sample occupied by red cells
Platelet count
measures number of platelets in a specified amount of blood and is a screening test to evaluate platelet function and to monitor changes associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Red blood cell count
RBC - number of erythrocytes in the bood. A depressed count can indicate anemia or a hemorrhage lasting more than 24 hours
Total hemoglobin test
Hb - elevated Hb levels indicate possible polycythemia or dehidration. Low Hb indicates anemia, recent hemorrhage, or fluid retention
White blood cell count
WBC - determination of leukocytes, an elevated count can indicate infection or inflammation
White blood cell differential count
tests what percentage of the total white blood cell count is composed of each of the five types of leukocytes to glean information about the patient’s immune system, detect leukemia or severity of infection
Basic metabolic panel
MBP or profile 8 - tests provide information about patient’s kidneys, electrolyte balance, blood sugar, and calcium levels.
Blood urea nitrogen test
BUN test - measures amount of nitrogen in the blood due to the waste product urea, the major end product of protein metabolism found in urine and blood
C-reactive protein test
CRP - to detect C-reactive protein, which is produced by the liver only during episodes of acute inflammation
Lipid panel
Measures the amounts of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides in blood
Prothrombin time
Measures clotting time, a longer prothrombin time can be caused by serious liver disease, bleeding disorders, blood thinning medicines, or a lack of vitamin K
Serum bilirubin test
measures the ability of the liver to take up, process, and secrete bilirubin into the bile
Thyroid-stimulating hormone assay
measures circulating blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) that can indicate abnormal thyroid activity
Arterial blood gas analysis
ABG - measures the pH, oxygen, and CO2 levels of arterial blood
Urinalysis
examination of the physical and chemical properties of urine to determine the presence of abnormal elements
Casts
fibrous or protein materials such as pus and fats thrown off in the urine in kidney disease
pH
Average normal urine pH levels range from 4.5 to 8.0; below 7 indicate acidosis, above 7 indicate conditions such as UTI
Bacteriuria
presence of bacteria in urine
Creatinuria
increased concentration of creatinine, a waste product of muscle metabolism normally removed by the kidneys
Hematuria
presence of blood in the urine, caused by kidney stones, infection, kidney damage, or bladder cancer
Ketonuria
presence of ketones in urine, which are formed when the body breaks down fat; can indicate starvation or uncontrolled diabetes
Pyuria
presence of pus in the urine
Urine culture and sensitivity test
used to identify the cause of a urinary tract infection and to determine the most effective antibiotic
Laparoscopy
visual examination of the interior of the abdomen with a laparoscope through a small incision in the abdominal wall; lapar/o - flank or abdomen
Centesis
surgical puncture to remove excess fluid or to remove fluid for diagnostic purposes
