Medical Terms Flashcards
Abscess
A painful collection of pus on the skin, often caused by a bacterial infection. Can be due to a pressure ulcer (bed sore) from lying in the same position for long periods
Agranulocytosis
A condition where the bone marrow does not produce enough white blood cells, most often neutrophils; this increased the risk of serious, even life-threatening, infections
Akathisia
Inability to stay still with constant movement, can be due to antipsychotics
Akinesia
The lack of voluntary movement; can be a symptom of PD
Bradykinesia
slow movement
Dyskinesia
abnormal, involuntary movements; can be due to levodopa and dopamine agonists
Tardive Dyskinesia
Involuntary movements in the tongue, face, trunk, and extremities; can be due to antipsychotics; TD can be irreversible; the drug should be d/c
Alogia
Lack of speech
Alopecia
Hair loss
Amenorrhea
Absence of menstruation
Amnesia, anterograde
Loss of memory when the drug is taken; past memory is not affected
Amnesia, retrograde
Loss of memory to past events
Anaphylaxis
Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, occurs soon after a drug is taken
Angioedema
The swelling of tissue layers under the skin; swelling of dermis and lower layers causes breathing difficulty
Anion
A negatively charged ion
Anorexia
Loss of appetite; can be psychological, due to AIDS, or due to drugs
Anorgasmia
Inability to have an orgasm
Anuria
Lack of urine output
Aortic Dissection
A tear within the wall of the aorta, which allows blood to flow between the wall layers; can lead to fatal aortic rupture
Aphasia
Difficulty speaking or understanding language; can be due to a stroke, head injury, brain tumor.
Apoptosis
Cell death
Arrhythmia
Irregular heart rhythm, with low HR or fast HR
Arthralgia
Joint pain
Arthritis
Joint disease/inflammation
Ascites
Fluid accumulation within the peritoneal space that can lead to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome
Asplenia
Decreased or absent spleen function
Asthenia
Abnormal lack of energy and strength
Ataxia
Loss of full control and uncoordinated body movement
Atherosclerosis
the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls, which restrict blood flow
Attenuated
weakened
Atypical
Not the usual symptoms or presentation
Ausculation
Listening to internal organs with a stethoscope
Axillary temperature
Temperature taken under the arm
Avolition
lack of motivation
Azotemia
A build up of nitrogen in the blood with a high serum creatinine; can be due to renal failure
Bilateral
On both sides of the body
Bioavailability
The extent to which an oral drug is absorbed into the systemic circulation
Blepharitis
Eyelid inflammation
Bolus
A relatively large dose of an IV drug given at once to quickly achieve an effect or serum level
Bradycardia
Slow HR (<60bpm)
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes with difficult breathing and clearing mucus, often due to an infection, from long-term smoking, second-hand smoke, or airborne irritants
BUD (Beyond Use Date)/ Expiration Date
Expiration dates are used for manufactured drugs and relate to the drug’s chemical/physical stability after opening or dilution.
BUD is the last date the drug may be used in relation to the preparation’s microbial sterility.
Bulimia
An eating disorder characterized by binging and compensatory self-induced vomiting
Cachexia
Extreme weight loss and muscle wasting due to a chronic illness, commonly seen in frail, thin elderly patients who have been sick for some time
Carbuncle
red, inflamed cluster of furuncles that contains pus, and can form an abscess
Furuncle
hair follicle infection, most are S. aureus infections
Cardiomegaly
An abnormally enlarged heart
Cataplexy
A sudden loss of muscle control that causes temporary paralysis on both sides, often triggered by laughing, crying, or fear
Cataract
Cloudiness covering the lens in the eye.
Cation
A positively charged ion
Cellulitis
A bacterial infection in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, most commonly in the lower legs
Central line
A central line empties into a large vein
CVA- stroke
blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked by a thrombus or a blood vessel rupture
Cerumen
Ear wax, buildup impairs hearing
Chancre
A painless ulcer
Chelation
A chemical complex in which ions and molecules bind to metal ions
Cholecystectomy
Gallbladder removal
Cholelithiasis
The formation of gallstones
Cholestasis
Reduction or blockage of bile flow
Cinchonism
Quinine or quinidine overdose, with symptoms of tinnitus, hearing loss, blurred vision, headache or delirium
Cirrhosis
Advanced, frequently irreversible scarring of the liver
Conjuctivitis
“pink eye”; inflammation of the thin clear tissues that lies over the white part of the eye
Crystalluria
The excretion of crystals in the urine
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
A treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that uses a machine to pump air through the airways, keeping the windpipe
Cystitis
Bladder inflammation, usually due to a bacterial infection
Delirium
An acutely disturbed mind with incoherent thought and speech and agitation
Delusion/hallucinations
Delusions are incorrect perceptions
Hallucination are hearing/seeing/feeling something that is not there, and not based in any reality
Dementia
Memory loss, difficulty with judgement, attention, planning and personal care
Desiccant
An agent that keeps something dry
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
A life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes and occasionally type 2 diabetes, with signs/symptoms of fatigue, weakness, hyperglycemia, anion gap metabolism acidosis and ketonuria
Dialysis
Replaces the function of kidneys to remove waste products, electrolytes and excess fluid from the blood
Diaphoresis
Sweating
Diplopia
Double vision
Dyscrasia
A blood disorder in one or more of the cell lines
Dissection
A tear within the wall of a blood vessel, which allows blood to flow between the wall layers
Dysentery
Severe diarrhea, with abdominal pain and bloody stool
Dysgeusia
Bad, bitter or metallic taste in the mouth
Dysmenorrhea
Discomfort and pain during the menstrual period
Dyspepsia
Ingestion
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
Dysphonia
Physical difficulty speaking
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing
Dystonia/Dystonic Reaction
Prolonged contraction of muscles, including painful muscle spasms
Ectopic
In an abnormal place or position
Emboli/Embolism
An embolism is obstruction of a blood vessel by an emboli that has traveled through the blood
Empyema
The collection of pus in a body cavity, usually the pleural space
Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain
Encephalopathy
A disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure
Endocarditis
An infection of the lining of the heart chambers or heart valves
Endometriosis
A painful condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus has grown outside the uterus.
Enteral
the gut
Enuresis
Bed wetting
Epistaxis
Nosebleed
Eructation
Burping
Erythema
Skin redness, caused by increase blood in an area
Etiology
the cause
Euphoria
a feeling of happiness, elation
Exacerbation
An acute increase in the severity of a disease
Euthyroid
A normal functioning thyroid gland
Excoriation
Skin abrasion where skin can be scraped or worn off
Exophthalamos
Bulging eyeballs
Extravasation
Occurs when a vesicant is given IV though a catheter, and the catheter tips fall out of the vein, which allows drug to seep into the surrounding tissues
Fibromyalgia
A painful condition with both physical pain and psychological pain, with fatigue
Fibrosis
Scarring in connective tissue
Flatulence
Excess gas in the GI tract, which is expelled though belching or through the anus
Folliculitis
Hair follicle infection that looks like a red pimple
Galactorrhea
The production of breast in men or women who are not breastfeeding
Gastritis
Inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach
Gastroparesis
Peristalsis is the movement of food/liquids through the GI tract by muscle contractions; Gastroparesis causes decrease peristalsis
Genotype, Phenotype
Specific sequence of nucleotides that code for a protein
Gingival Bleeding
gum bleeding
Gingival Hyperplasia
Gum overgrowth
Glossitis
Tongue inflammation
Gynecomastia
Breast enlargement in men
Heimlich Maneuver
Procedure for removing or dislodging an obstruction from a person’s airway by applying forceful abdominal thrusts in an inward and upward direction
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood
Hematoma
A collection of blood
Hematologic
Having to do with blood or blood disorders
Hematuria
Blood in the urine
Hemolysis
Destruction of RBCs
Hemoptysis
Coughing or spitting up blood from the respiratory tract
Hemorrhoid
An enlarged or swollen blood vessel, usually located near the anus or the rectum
Hemostasis
Causing bleeding to stop
Hepatotoxicity
Liver toxicity
Hirsutism
Male-pattern hair growth in women
Hot Flashes
Temporary but recurring episodes of flushing with a sensation of warmth or heat on the upper body and face
Hyperbilirubinemia
Increase bilirubin in the blood
Hyperhisrosis
Excessive sweating
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Hyperglycemic crisis that most often occurs in type 2 diabetes due to some type of severe stress
Hyperthermia
Body temperature well above normal
Hypertrichosis
Excessive hair growth, can be all over the body or in patches
Hypertrophy
The enlargement of an organ or tissue from the increase in size of cells
Intracranial Hemorrhage
A hemorrhage in the brain
Intrathecal
Introduced into or occurring in the space under the arachnoid membrane of the brain or spinal cord
Intraarticular
Into the joint
Ischemia
An inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body
Libido
Sexual desire
Lyophilized
Freeze-dried
Malaise
A general feeling of discomfort or illness
Malignant
Virulent, uncontrolled, potentially fatal, used to refer to cancer
Medication guide (MedGuide)
A handout that alerts patient to toxicities associated with a drug
Menorrhagia
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Melasma
Skin hyperpigmentation, appearing as dark spots, usually on the forehead, cheeks and chin
Metatarsophalangeal Joint
The big toe joint
Morbidity, Mortality
Morbidity refers to disease
Mortality refers to death
Mucositis
Inflammation/ulceration of the mucous membrane in the mouth and throat
Myalgias
Muscle pain
Mydriasis
Pupil dilation
Myelosuppresion
Low WBC, RBC, and platelet count
Myocardial Infarction
A heart attack
Myocarditis
Inflammation of the myocardium
Myoclonus
Muscle twitching
Myopathy
Muscle damage
Necrosis
The death of all or most of the cells in a part of the body, or in an organ
Nephrolithiasis
Kidney stones
Nephrotoxicity
Renal toxicity/damage
Neuropathy
Peripheral nerve damage
Nosocomial
Hospital-acquired
NPO
nothing by mouth
Nystagmus
Repetitive, uncontrolled movements of the eyes
Oligohidrosis
Deficient sweat
Orthopnea
Shortness of breath when lying flat
Orthostasis
A decrease in blood pressure that happens soon after standing
Osteomalacia
Bones are too soft
Osteoporosis
Bones are porous and brittle
Osteomyelitis
Infection inside the bone
Otalgia
Ear pain
Otorrhea
Middle ear effusion/fluid, indicates infection
Ototoxicity
Ear damage
Palliative Care
Medical care directed towards providing relief from the symptoms of a serious illness, including adequate relief from pain
Pallor
Pale skin color
Parasomnias
Unusual actions while sleeping
Paresthesia
A burning, prickling, or “pins and needles” sensation
Peak level
The highest concentration of a drug in the patient’s bloodstream
Pediculosis
Lice infestation
Pegylation
Addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to a compound to decrease toxicity and increase half-life
Perinatal
The time immediately before and after birth
Peristalsis
Wave-like muscle movement that pushes food through the gastrointestinal tract
Pharmacodynamics
What a drug does to the body
Pharmacokinetics
What the body does to a drug
Pharyngitis
Sore throat
Phlebitis
Vein inflammation, with swelling, pain, redness
Photosensitivity
Sun allergy
PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Line)
A central line inserted peripherally (in the vein in the arm), and advanced through the vein until the tip reaches a large vessel
Pleural Effusion
Fluid between the layers of the pleura, the thin membranes that line the outside of the lungs
Pneumonia
Lung infection
Polydipsia
Extreme thirst
Polyp
An abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane
Polyphagia
Excessive hunger or increased appetite
Polyuria
Increase in urination
Porphyria
A group of disorders that result from a buildup of natural chemicals that produce porphyrin in your body
Postprandial
After a meal
Preeclampsia
A serious, potentially fatal complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage
Preprandial
Before a meal
Priapism
Prolonged erection >4 hours, will become painful, and requires emergency medical care
Prophylaxis
Preventing a condition or drug side effect
Pruritus
Itching
Purulent
Consisting of, containing, or discharging pus
Pulse oximetry
A noninvasive test that measures the level of oxygen in the blood
Pyelonephritis
A type of urinary tract infection where one or both kidneys become infected
Pyrexia
Fever
Rales, Rhonchi, Stridor
Abnormal lung sounds heard with auscultation during inspiration
Rales: rattling, crackling sounds
Rhonchi: deeper rattling sounds that resemble snoring sounds
Stridor: high-pitched whistling sounds
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)
A strategy to manage the risks from an especially toxic drug
Retrograde ejaculation
Semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis during orgasm
Rhabdomyolysis
Skeletal muscle breaks down rapidly, releasing myoglobin and other muscle components into the blood
Rhinitis
Inflammation and swelling in the nose, usually caused by a cold or allergic rhinitis
Rhinorrhea
Runny nose, due to excessive mucus
Rigidity
Stiffness
Rigors
Shivering, in which the patient feels cold but the body temperature is hot
Scabies
Itchy, contagious mite infestation
Sepsis
Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infection
Septicemia
A severe bloodstream infection
Shock
A medical emergency characterized by hypoperfusion usually in the setting of hypotension
Sialorrhea
Hypersalivation
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuses cause be due to allergies or infection
Somnambulism
Sleepwalking
Somnolence
Sedation
Spirometry
The pulmonary test that is used to diagnose and assess asthma and COPD; measures how much air someone can inhale, exhale, and how fast they can exhale
Steatorrhea
Fat globules in the feces due to decreased intestinal fat absorption
Steatosis
Abnormal collection of fat somewhere in the body
Stenosis
Narrowing of space in the body
Stevens Johnsons Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN)
A severe skin reaction can be due to drugs that begins with fever and flu-like symptoms, followed by skin blisters that are bright red, and spread rapidly
Stomatitis
Mouth inflammation
Striae
Stretch marks on the skin
Stricture
An abnormal narrowing of a body passage
Syncope
Temporary loss of consciousness caused by a quick drop in blood pressure
Synergy
An effect greater than the sum of the parts
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
An autoimmune condition, also called lupus, that affects many parts of the body consisting of painful and swollen joints, fever, rashes (butterfly-shaped rash over the face)
Tachycardia
Increased HR (>100 bpm)
Tachyphylaxis
Decreased response to the effect of a drug
Teratogenic
A drug that will cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy
Thrombocytopenia
Decreased platelets
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)
Blood clots form throughout the body. The clots consume platelets, which leads to bleeding under the skin and the formation of purpura (bruises) and petechiae (dots), that are seen on the skin surface
Thrush
A yeast infection inside of the mouth caused by Candida albicans
Tinnitus
Ringing in the ears
Torsades de Pointes
A deadly type of ventricular tachycardia due to drugs
Transient lschemic Attack (TIA)
A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain; also called a “mini-stroke”
Trough level
The lowest concentration of a drug in the blood
Uremia
A buildup of urea in the blood
Urethra
A tube that carries urine from the bladder, and out of the body, runs though the penis (in males) and though the vaginal opening (in females)
Ureter
The tubes than run from each kidney into the bladder, delivering the “renal filtrate” that will be excreted as urine
Urolithiasis
Kidney/bladder stones
Urticaria
Hives
Vesicant
A drug that can cause severe tissue damage
Xerophthalmia
Dry eyes
Xerostomia
Dry mouth
