Vocabulary Flashcards
Abetalipoproteinemia
A hereditary syndrome characterized by a lack of beta-lipoproteins in the blood, acanthocytosis, hypocholesterolemia progressive ataxic neuropathy, atypical retinitis pigmentosa and malabsorption
Achalasia
A combined defect of absent peristalsis of the esophageal body and elevated lower esophageal sphincter pressure
Achlorhydria
Absence of free hydrochloric acid in the stomach. May be caused by gastric cancer, ulcer, pernicious anemia, adrenal insufficiency or chronic gastritis
Acinus (hepatic)
A small saclike dilatation, especially a functional unit of the liver, which is supplied by terminal branches of the portal vein and the hepatic artery, and drained by a terminal branch of the bile duct
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
A measure of the rapidity of blood clotting, which examines factors I, II, V, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII
Actual health problem
A health condition that is identified as presently causing some difficulty with the patient
Adenomatous polyp
Benign Neoplastic tissue originating in the glandular epithelium
Advocacy
The act of speaking or writing in support of another or in protection of another’s rights
Alagille’s Syndrome
A rare congenital syndrome in which arteriohepatic dysplasia is associated with developmental anomalies of the face, heart, kidneys, muscle and nervous system
Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency
Lack of plasma protein that is produced in the liver
Ambulatory pH monitoring
A 24-hour test that records fluctuations in esophageal pH and correlates them with symptoms of esophageal reflux
Amebiasis
The state of being infected with Entamoeba histolytica
American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABGN)
A volunteer non profit organization whose purpose it to maintain and improve the knowledge, understanding an skill of nurses in the fields of gastroenterology and endoscopy by developing and administering a certification program
American dilator
One of the series of radiopaque, tapered, polyvinyl dilators that are passed over a guidewire for the purpose of widening a gastrointestinal lumen
American Nurse Association (ANA)
A professional society for nursing in the United States
Amino Acid
A class of organic compounds containing an amino group and carboxyl group. Amino acids form the chief structural components of proteins, and several are essential in human nutrition
Ampulla of Vater
The dilatation formed by the junction of the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct proximal to their opening into the duodenum
Anabolism
Any constructive process by which simple substances are converted by living cells into more complex compounds, especially into living matter
Anaphylaxis
An unusual or exaggerated allergic reaction to a foreign protein or other substance
Anemia
A reduction below normal in the number of erythrocytes
Anesthetic
A drug or agent used to abolish the sensation of pain, particularly before surgery or other painful procedures
Angiography
The roentgenographic visualization of blood vessels following introduction of contrast material
Annular Pancreas
A developmental anomaly in which the pancreas forms a ring entirely surrounding the duodenum
Anorexia
Lack or loss of appetite for food
Anoscopy
Examination of the anus and lower rectum using a specialty designed speculum
Antacid
A substance that counteracts or neutralizes acidity, usually gastric acidity
Antibiotic
An agent that inhibits the growth of or kills microorganisms, used in the treatment of infectious diseases
Anticholinergic
An agent that blocks the parasympathetic nerves
Antidiarrheal
An agent that combats abnormally frequent and liquid fecal discharges
Antiemetic
An agent that prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting
Antiflatulent
An agent that disperses or prevents the formation of air or gas pockets in the gastrointestinal tract
Antifungal
An agent that is destructive to fungi, suppresses their growth or reproduction, or is effective against fungal infections
Antrum
The constricted, elongated, lower portion of the stomach
Anus
The terminal orifice of the gastrointestinal tract
Argon
An inert gas that is used in lasers
Arteriography
Roentgenography of an artery after the injection of a contrast medium
Ascending colon
The portion of the large intestine between the cecum and the hepatic flexure
Ascites
The effusion and accumulation of serous fluid in the abdominal cavity
Aspiration
- The act of inhaling, including the accidental inhalation of solids or liquids
- The removal of fluids or gases from a cavity by the application of suction
Aspiration biopsy
A biopsy in which the tissue is obtained by the application of suction through a needle attached to a syringe
Assessment
Continuous, systematic collection, validation and communication of patient data for the purpose of planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care directed toward the attainment of specific patient outcomes
Atresia
Congenital absence or closure of a normal body orifice or tubular organ
Audit
A review of documentation for the purpose of determining whether or not specific objectives were met (e.g., patient goals were achieved, nursing standards of care were met, or structural or environmental criteria were attained) during the period of time outlined in a goal or standard
Auerbach’s plexus
The part of the enteric plexus that is within the muscularis. Also called the myenteric plexus
Authority
The legal or rightful power to command or act
Balloon tamponade
Esophageal-gastric tamponade, involving exertion of pressure against bleeding esophageal varices by inflation of esophageal and usually gastric balloons
Barbed stent
A stent with projections or “barbs” at each end that result from a diagonal cut in the stent wall and serve to hold the stent in place
Barium enema
A suspension of barium that is injected into the rectum and retained in the intestines during roentgenological examination
Also called a contrast enema
Barium sulfate
A bulky, fine, white powder without odor or taste, and free from grittiness, that is used as a contrast medium in roentgenography of the digestive tract
Barium swallow
Ingestion of a thick barium solution for the purpose of radiographic examination of the esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus
Replacement of the normal squamous epithelium of the esophagus by columnar epithelium
Bird’s beak
Tapering of the esophagus at the gastric cardia seen on a barium Esophagram, characteristic of achalasia
Bernstein test
Attempted simulation of noncardiac chest pain by instillation of hydrochloric acid through one of the ports of a manometry catheter or a nasogastric tube that is positioned in the esophagus
Bezoar
A concretion of foreign material that builds up in the stomach
Bile
An alkaline golden brown to greenish-yellow fluid that is secreted by the liver and poured into the small intestine via the bile ducts. Important constituents include conjugated bile salts, cholesterol, phospholipid, bilirubin, diglucuronide and electrolytes
Biliary colic
Paroxysms of pain and other severe symptoms resulting from the passage of gallstones along the bile duct
Biliary stent
A stent inserted into the common bile duct or pancreatic duct
Billroth I procedure
Surgical procedure sacrificing the distal portion of the stomach, pylorus and duodenal bulb. The duodenum is then reattached by anastomosis with the gastric remnant
Bilroth II procedure
Surgical procedure sacrificing the distal portion of the stomach and a portion of the proximal duodenum. The proximal duodenum is closed and a segment of proximal jejunum is attached to the gastric remnant with end-to-end or side-to-end anastomosis
Biopsy
The removal and examination, usually microscopic, of tissue from the living body, performed to establish a precise diagnosis
Biopsy forceps
An instrument that can be passed through the biopsy channel of an endoscope for the purpose of excising pieces if living tissue from a suspected pathological site
Bipolar electrocoagulation
An electrocoagulation method in which the electrical current flows between two small electrodes on the tip of the probe, both of which are in contact with the target tissue
Bipolar probe
A specialized bipolar hemostatic probe that is inserted through the instrument channel of an endoscope
Body
The largest and most important part of the stomach, lying between the fundus and the antrum
Boerhaave’s syndrome
Catastrophic event in which the lower thoracic esophagus is completely torn away from the gastric cardia
Borborygmi
Rumbling noises caused by the propulsion of gas through the intestines
Bougie
A slender, flexible, cylindrical instrument for introduction into a tubular organ, usually for the purpose of dilating a constricted area
Bougienage
The passage of a slender, flexible cylindrical instrument into a tubular organ to dilate a stricture
Brunner’s gland
A tubule-alveolar gland in the submucosa of the duodenum, which opens into the crypt of Lieberkuhn
Candidiasis
Infection with a fungus of the genus Candida
Cannula
A tube for insertion into a duct or cavity, sometimes passed over a guidewire
Capital budget
Planning document used to anticipate costs for durable equipment with purchase price (usually) greater than $500 and expected life of greater than 5 years
Carbohydrate
An aldehyde or ketone derivative of a polyhydric alcohol; the hydrogen and oxygen are usually in the proportion to form water. The most important carbohydrates are the startches, sugars, celluloses and gums
Cardia
The portion of the stomach surrounding the esophagogastric junction, which contains cardiac glands but lacks parietal and chief cells
Cardiac arrest
Sudden cessation of cardiac function, with disappearance of arterial blood pressure, connoting either ventricular fibrillation or ventricular standstill
Cardiac gland
A gland located distal to the esophagogastric junction that secretes mucous and pepsinogens
Cardiac sphincter
Lower esophageal sphincter
Care conference
A collaborative meeting of nurses and possibly other health and allied health professionals for the purposes of planning and evaluating nursing management of a patient’s health problem or set of problems. It represents a brainstorming effect to generate creative, comprehensive, or more aggressive approaches to care, usually for long-term patients with complicated problems whose previous management has failed to bring about desired outcomes
Catabolism
Any destructive process by which complex substances are converted by living cells into more simple compounds
Cathartic
An agent that causes evacuation of the bowels by increasing bulk (bulk cathartic),
stimulating peristaltic action (stimulant cathartic),
softening the feces and reducing friction between them and the intestinal wall (lubricant cathartic),
or increasing fluidity of the intestinal contents by retention of water by osmotic forces and indirectly increasing motor activity (saline cathartic)
Catheter
A tubular, flexible surgical instrument for withdrawing fluids from, or introducing fluids into, a cavity of the body
Cecum
The first part of the large intestine, forming a dilated pouch into which open the ileum, the colon and the vermiform appendix
Celiac sprue
A malabsorption syndrome affecting both children and adults, precipitated by the ingestion of gluten-containing foods
Pathologically, the proximal intestinal mucosa loses it villous structure, surface epithelial cells exhibit degenerative changes, and their absorptive function is severely impaired
Cell
Any one of the minute protoplasmic masses that make up organized tissue, consisting of a nucleus surround by cytoplasm that contains the various organelles and is enclosed in the cell or plasma membrane. A cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of living organisms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The federal public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that investigates specific disease outbreaks and formulates general guidelines for disease control
Central tendency
The grouping or score that occurs with the greatest frequency, used in describing a mass of data
Certification
The process by which a nongovernmental agency or association grants recognition to an individual who has met certain qualifications that have been predetermined by that agency or association
Chief cell
A cell located in the parietal glands of the stomach; chief cells secrete pepsinogens
Cholangiogram
A roentgenogram of the gallbladder and bile ducts, following intravenous injection of contrast medium
Cholangitis
An inflammation of a bile duct
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder
Cholecystokinin
A polypeptide hormone secreted by the mucosa of the upper small bowel, which stimulates contraction of the gallbladder (with release of bile) and secretion of pancreatic enzymes
Choledocholithiasis
The presence of gallstones in the common bile duct
Cholelithiasis
The presence or formation of gallstones
Cholestasis
Stoppage or suppression of the flow of bile, having either intrahepatic or extrahepatic causes
Cholinergic
Stimulated, activated or transmitted by choline (acetylcholine); a term applied to nerve fibers that liberate acetylcholine at a synapse when a nerve impulse passes; an agent that produces such effects
Chyme
A relatively homogeneous semiliquid combination of food and digestive juices found in the stomach and small bowel
Cirrhosis
A liver disease characterized pathologically by loss of the normal microscopic lobular architecture, which fibrosis and modular regeneration
Coagulating current
An electric current that is applied for the purpose of coagulating tissue
Coagulation
The process of clot formation; in surgery, the disruption of tissue by physical means to form an amorphous residuum, as in electrocoagulation and photocoagulation
Colitis
Inflammation of the colon
Collaborative diagnosis
Statements of actual or potential health problems that occur from complications of disease, diagnostic studies, or therapeutic procedures, for which the nurse identifies a need to work with other members of the health care team toward resolution
Colloid
A state of matter made up of very small, insoluble, nondiffusible particles that remain in suspension in a dispersion medium
The particles in a colloid are larger than ordinary crystalloid molecules, but they are not large enough to settle out under the influence of gravity
Colon
The part of the large intestine that extends from the cecum to the rectum
Colonoscopy
Endoscopic examination of the colon
Common Bile Duct
The duct formed by the union of the cystic duct and the hepatic duct
Comparison group
A group of subjects whose scores on a dependent variable are used as the basis for evaluating the scores on an experimental group or the group of primary interest. “Comparison group” is used rather than “control group” when the investigation does not use a true experimental design
Computed tomography
Also base on the variable absorption of x-rays by different tissues, computed tomography (CT) imaging, also known as a “CAT” scanning (Computerized Axial Tomography), provides a different form of imaging known as a cross-sectional imaging. A CT imaging system produces cross-sectional images or “slices” of anatomy. Also called CT scan
Concurrent audit
An evaluation of nursing care and patient outcomes preformed while the patient is receiving care. It is performed by using direct observation of nursing care, patient interview and/or chart review
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces; passage of unduly hard or dry fecal material
Consultation
A meeting of two or more professionals to exchange ideas concerning patient care or to seek advice, instruction or information
Contrast roentgenography
Roentgenography performed after the administration of a contrast medium, often barium sulfate, which facilitates interpretation of the film by accentuating differences in the densities of different regions and structures
Control group
The subjects not receiving an experimental treatment or intervention, whose performance provides a baseline agains which the effects of the treatment can be measured
Corticosteroid
Any of the steroids elaborated by the adrenal cortex (excluding sex hormones of adrenal origin) in response to the release of corticotropin by the pituitary gland, or any of the synthetic equivalents of these steroids
Counseling
The act of rendering short-term, long-term, or motivational guidance to a patient/significant other, an act that may involve the patient in problem solving
Criterion
A measurable quality, attribute, behavior or characteristic that specifies a skill, knowledge or health state that is met at the point a health goal is achieved. Plural: criteria
Critical item
An instrument or object that is introduced directly into the bloodstream or into other normally sterile areas of the body
Crohn’s colitis
Crohn’s disease, confined to the colon
Crohn’s disease
A chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease involving any part of the GI tract, but commonly involving the terminal ileum, with scarring and thickening of the bowel wall. It frequently leads to intestinal obstruction and fistula and abscess formation and has a high rate of recurrence after treatment. Also known as regional enteritis
Cryoprecipitate
Any one of a group of serum proteins, including factor VII, XIII, and fibrinogen, that settle out of solution at temperature below 20 degrees Celsius
Crypt of Lieberkuhn
A simple tubular gland in the mucous membrane of the intestine, opening between the bases of the villi and containing argentaffin cells
Crystalloid
A substance that, in solution, passes readily through animal membranes, lowers the freezing point of the solvent containing it and is generally capable of being crystallized
Culture
The propagation of microorganism or of living tissue cells in special media conductive to their growth
Curling’s ulcer
A stress ulcer that appears in patients with serious burn injuries
Cushing’s ulcer
A stress ulcer that appears in patients with intracranial trauma
Cutting current
An electrical current applied for the purpose of dissection or fulguration
Cystic duct
The passage connecting the neck of the gallbladder and the common bile duct
Cystic fibrosis
A hereditary disorder of infants, children and young adults, in which there is widespread dysfunction of the exocrine glands. It is characterized by signs of chronic pulmonary disease caused by excess mucus production in the respiratory tract, pancreatic deficiency, abnormally high levels of electrolytes in the sweat and occasionally by biliary cirrhosis
Cytology
The study of cells, their origins, structure, function and pathology
Cytology brush
A sheathed, disposable brush that can be passed through the biopsy channel of an endoscope for the purpose of obtaining specimens for microscopic examination
Data
The material or collection of facts upon which a discussion or an inference is based
Database
A foundation of subjective and objective information that enables the design and implementation of a comprehensive and effective plan of care
Decompression
The removal of pressure, as in the removal of excess gas from the intestinal tract
Decontamination
The removal of gross soils and the reduction of the number of microorganisms to the point where an item may be considered safe for handling
Dependent intervention
Nursing action performed under the supervision or direction of a physician
Dependent variable
A concept capable of taking on different values whose value is affected by, or determined by, other variables
Descending colon
The portion of the colon between the splenic flexure and the sigmoid colon at the pelvic brim
Desiccation
The act of drying up, especially the treatment of a tumor or other disease by drying up the part by the application of laser or electrical energy
Dextrose
D-glucose monohydrate. A monosaccharide that occurs as colorless crystals or as a white, crystalline or granular powder, used chiefly as a fluid and nutrient replenisher, usually administered by IV infusion. Also used as a diuretic and alone or in combination with other agents for other clinical purposes
Diaphragmatic hiatus
An opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus enters the abdominal cavity
Diarrhea
Abnormally frequent and liquid fecal discharges
Diffuse esophageal spasm
Repetitive, prolonged simultaneous contractions along the length of the esophagus, with intermittent normal peristalsis
Dilator
An instrument that is used to enlarge an orifice or canal by stretching
Disaccharide
Any of a class of sugars that yield two monosaccharides on hydrolysis and have the general formula Cn(H2O)n_1
Disinfection
A physical or chemical process that kills or destroys mouth pathogenic microorganisms, but rarely kills all spores
Dispersive electrode
Grounding pad
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of a diverticulum, especially inflammation related to colonic diverticula, which may undergo perforation with abscess formation
Diverticulosis
The presence of diverticula, particularly colonic diverticula, in the absence of inflammation
Diverticulum
An outpouching of one or more layers of the wall of a tubular organ
Documentation
The act of collecting, abstracting and coding of patient data and therapeutic processes for the purposes of communicating patient care, supplying a supporting reference concerning the status or progress of a patient and archiving evidence of care rendered
Double-blind
An experiment in which neither subjects nor investigators are aware of which subjects are in the experimental group and which subjects are in the control group
Double-contrast roentgenography
Mucosal relief roentgenography; involves injection and evacuation of a barium enema, followed by inflation of the intestine with air under light pressure. The light coating of barium on the walls of the inflated intestine in the roentgenogram clearly reveals even small abnormalities
Dry swallow
Performing the action of swallowing during esophageal manometry without ingesting liquid
Duct
A passage with well-defined walls, especially a tube for the passage of excretions or secretions
Duct of Santorini
The minor pancreatic duct, draining a part of the head of the pancreas into the minor duodenal papilla
Duct of Wirsung
Pancreatic duct, the main excretory duct of the pancreas, which usually unites with the common bile duct before entering the duodenum at the major duodenal papilla (papilla of Vater)
Dumping syndrome
A group of disabling symptoms associated with rapid gastric emptying that mimic the symptoms of hypoglycemia
Duodenum
The first, or proximal, portion of the small bowel, extending from the pylorus to the jejunum
Dyspepsia
Impairment of the power or function of digestion, usually applied to epigastric discomfort following meals
Dysphagia
A sensation of difficulty in swallowing
Edrophonium chloride
A cholinesterase inhibitor that is administered by IV bolus in a provocative test designed to reproduce noncardiac chest pain caused by esophageal dysmotility
Electrocautery
An instrument used to destroy tissue, using an electrical current
Electrocoagulation
Coagulation of tissue, using either a monopolar or bipolar electrical current
Electrolyte
A substance that dissociates into ions when fused or in solution and thus becomes capable of conducting electricity
Electrosurgical unit (ESU)
An apparatus for cutting or coagulating tissue, using a high-frequency electrical current
Endogenous
Produced or arising from within a cell or organism
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
An endoscopic technique for radiological visualization of the biliary and/or pancreatic ducts
Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL)
The endoscopic introduction of rubber bands or O-rings for the treatment of bleeding varices
Endoscopy
Visual inspection of any cavity of the body by means of an endoscope
Enema
A liquid injected into the rectum
Enteral nutrition
Administration of a prescribed diet by means of a flexible tube inserted into the stomach or small bowel transnasally, surgically, or endoscopically
Enteric plexus
A plexus of autonomic nerve fibers within the wall of the digestive tube, and made up of the submucosal, myenteric and subserosal plexuses
Enteritis
Inflammation of the intestine, especially of the small bowel
Enterochromaffin cell
A basal granular cell whose granules stain readily with silver and chromium salts and which is a site of synthesis and storage of serotonin; includes argentaffin cells and agyrophilic cells
Enteroclysis
The injection of a nutrient or a medicinal liquid into the bowel
Enterocolitis
Inflammation involving both the small bowel and colon
Erythrocyte
A red blood cell; one of the elements found in peripheral blood; normally in human, the mature form is a nonnucleated, yellowish, biconcave disk, adapted, by virtue of its configuration and its hemoglobin content, to transport oxygen
Esophageal atresia
Birth defect characterized by a markedly dilated blind upper esophageal pouch, a variable esophageal defect, and a lower pouch terminating as a fistula communicating with the posterior trachea
Esophageal reflux
Reflux of gastric or duodenal contents back into the esophagus
Esophageal rings and webs
Thin circumferential mucosal shelves, appearing in the esophagus
Esophagitis
An inflammation of the esophageal mucosa
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
Esophagus
The musculomembranous tubular portion of the GI tract that extends from the pharynx to the stomach
Ethylene oxide
A colorless, flammable gas used to sterilize instruments
Evaluative statement
A statement defining an actual outcome; for example, skills developed, knowledge obtained or change in health status
Exfoliative cytology
Microscopic examination of cells desquamated from the body surface or a lesion as a means of detecting malignancy and microbiological changes, to measure hormonal levels, etc. Cells may be obtained by such procedures as aspiration, washing, smears, and scraping, and the technique may be applied to vaginal secretions, sputum, urine, abdominal fluid, prostatic secretions, etc.
Exogenous
Originating outside an organ or part
Experimental group
The subjects receiving an experimental treatment or intervention
Familial polyposis
Multiple Adenomatous polyps with high malignant potential lining the mucous membrane of the intestine, particularly the colon, beginning about puberty
Fatty acid
Any monobasic aliphatic acid containing only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and made up of an alkyl radical attached to the carboxyl group. Saturated fatty acids have the general formula of CnH2nO2. There are also several series of unsaturated fatty acids having one or more double bonds, and a few cyclic acids
Fiber optics
The transmission of an image along the flexible bundles of coated parallel fibers that propagate light by internal reflections
Fine-needle aspiration
Sampling of pancreatic tissue for the purpose of cytological examination. Used in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Fistula
An abnormal passage between two internal organs
Fluoroscopy
Examination of deep structures by means of roentgen rays; uses a screen covered with crystals of calcium tungstate, on which are projected the shadows of x-ray beams passing through the body from the source of irradiation
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The federal regulatory agency responsible for controlling the safety and effectiveness of drugs, devices, and instrumentation and approving products for disinfectant registration by review of labeling and supporting data submitted by the registrants
French unit
A unit for denoting the size of catheters or other tubular instruments, each unit being roughly equivalent to 0.3mm in diameter (18 French = a diameter of 6mm)
Frozen section
A tissue biopsy obtained during endoscopy that is sent for immediate microscopic examination by a pathologist to determine the type of abnormal tissue present
Fulguration
Destruction of living tissue by electric sparks generated by a high-frequency current
Fulminant hepatic failure
Massive liver cell death that occurs within 2 months of the development of acute hepatitis
Functional organization
A form of organizational structure that is designed to allow specialist in given areas to give and enforce recommendations within a clearly defined scope
Fundus
The proximal portion of the stomach, which lies above and to the left of the lower esophageal sphincter
G cell
A cell type located in the pyloric glands of the stomach: G cells secrete gastrin
Gallbladder
The pear-shaped reservoir for bile on the posteroinferior surface of the liver, between the right and the quadrate lobe; from its neck, the cystic duct projects to join the common bile duct
Gardner syndrome
Familial polyposis of the colon (with malignant potential), supernumerary teeth, fibrous dysplasia of the skull, osteomas, fibromas and epithelial cysts
Gastric baseline
Manometric tracing showing a relatively flat, smooth tracing with a small pressure increase on inspiration or abdominal pressure. Indicates all catheter recording ports are in the patients stomach
Gastric ulcer
Ulcer of the gastric mucosa
Gastritis
An inflammation of the gastric mucosa
Gastroenterology associate
A non-RN health care professional with varied educational background who is engaged in the field of gastroenterology
Gastroenterology nurse
A registered nurse who specializes in the field of gastroenterology
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Backward flow of gastric contents into the esophagus when the pressure in the stomach is greater than in the esophagus. Associated with pregnancy, obesity, or incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter
Gastroesophageal sphincter
Also known as the lower esophageal sphincter
Giardiasis
Infection with the flagellate protozoan Giardia lamblia, characterized by protracted, intermittent diarrhea with symptoms suggesting malabsorption, and by abdominal pain, distention, and flatulence; light infections are usually asymptomatic
Gland
An aggregation of cells, specialized to secrete or excrete materials not related to their ordinary metabolic needs
Glucose
A monosaccharide, C6H12O6 found in certain foodstuffs, especially fruits and in the normal blood of all animals. It is the chief energy source for living organisms , its utilization being controlled by insulin
Glutaraldehyde
A high-level disinfectant that is effective against vegetative gram-positive, gram-negative, and acid-fast bacteria, some bacterial spores, some fungi and viruses
Glycerol
A trihydric sugar alcohol that is the alcoholic component of the fats; it is soluble in water and alcohol and is an intermediate in the metabolism of fatty acids
Glycogen
A polysaccharide that is the chief carbohydrate storage material in animals. It is a long-chain polymer of glucose, formed in and largely stored in the liver and to a lesser extent in muscles, being depolymerized to glucose and liberated as needed
Goal
- A desired outcome that should reflect the mission statement of an organization
- A desired patient outcome, which must be realistic, usable, observable and specific
Goblet cell
A unicellular mucous gland found in the epithelium of various mucous membranes, especially in the respiratory passages and the intestines. Droplets of mucigen collect in the upper part of the cell and distend it, while the basal end remains slender and the cell assumes the shape of a goblet
Greater curvature
The lower lateral border of the stomach
Greater omentum
A layer of visceral peritoneum that hangs from the greater curvature of the stomach over the anterior side of the abdominal viscera
Grounding pad
A dispersive electrode that is securely attached to the patient’s skin and serves to complete the current flow from a monopolar electrosurgery probe, through the patient’s body, and back to the generator
Also known as grounding plate
Halon
Bromotrafluoromethane. A commercial product used in fire extinguishers that are safe for use in areas containing sensitive electrical equipment
Haustrum
Sacculaton in the wall of the colon produced by adaptation of its length to that of the tenia colim or by the arrangement of the circular muscle fibers
Plural: haustra
Health problem
A condition related to health that requires intervention if disease or illness is to be prevented or resolved and if coping and wellness are to be promoted
Heartburn
A Retrosternal sensation of warmth or burning that occurs in waves and tends to rise toward the neck
AKA: pyrosis
Heater probe
A hollow aluminum cylinder with an inner heat coil and an outer coating of Teflon that is applied directly to a bleeding vessel to produce hemostasis using bipolar electrocoagulation
Helicobacter Pylori
A gram-negative curved or special rod that is microaerophilic
Formerly Campylobacter pylori
Heller’s myotomy
Surgical procedure performed to treat achalasia
Hematochezia
The passage of bloody stool
Hematocrit
The volume percentage of red blood cells in whole blood
Hemoccult
The trademark for a modification of the guaiac test for occult blood, in which guaiac-impregnated filter paper is used; the test is positive if the specimen turns blue
Hemochromatosis
A disorder of iron metabolism characterized by excess deposition of iron in the tissues, especially in the liver and pancreas, and by bronze pigmentation of the skin, cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and associated bone and joint changes
Hemoglobin
The oxygen-carrying pigment of the red blood cells
Hemolysis
The liberation of hemoglobin from the red blood cells and its appearance in the plasma
Hemorrhage
Bleeding; the escape of blood from the blood vessels
Hepatic duct
The duct that is formed by the union of the right and left hepatic ducts and in turn joins the cystic duct to form the common bile duct
Hepatic encephalopathy
A condition usually occurring secondary to advanced liver disease by also seen in the course of any severe disease or in patients with portacaval shunts. Marked by disturbances of consciousness that may progress to deep coma (hepatic coma), psychiatric changes, flapping tremor and fetor hepaticus
Also called Porto-systemic encephalopathy
Hepatic flexure
The right flexure of the colon; the bend in the large intestine at which the ascending colon becomes the transverse colon
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver
Hepatocyte
A parenchymal liver cell
Hepatorenal syndrome
A syndrome characterized by functional renal failure, oliguria, and low urinary sodium concentration, without pathological renal changes, associated with cirrhosis and ascites or with obstructive jaundice
Hiatal hernia
Occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragmatic hiatus into the thoracic cavity
High-level disinfection
Process of cleaning instruments that destroys all microorganisms with the exception of low levels of bacterial spores
Highly selective vagotomy
Surgical procedure interrupting the nerve fibers to the antrum but preserving the innervation of the pyloric region
Hirschsprung’s disease
Megacolon caused by congenital absence of myenteric ganglion cells in a distal segment of the colon. The resultant loss of motor function causes massive hypertrophic dilatation of the normal proximal colon; the aganglionic segment usually remains narrowed but may dilate passively
Also known as congenital megacolon or aganglionic megacolon
Histamine
A decarboxylation product of histimine found in all body tissues. Cellular receptors of histamine include H1 receptors, which mediate the effects of histamine on smooth muscle and capillaries; and H2 receptors, which mediate the acceleration of heart rate and the promotion of gastric acid secretion
Histamine2 (H2) blocker
An agent that blocks the cellular receptor site for histamine that is responsible for stimulating the heart rate and gastric secretion
Histology
The study of the minute structure, composition and function of the tissues; also called microscopical anatomy
Hot biopsy forceps
A type of biopsy forceps that is insulated by a nonconducting sheath and attached to an electrocoagulation snare handle
