Ch 1 - Intro to Med Term Flashcards
abnormal
pertaining to away from the norm or rule; a condition that is considered to be not normal
abscess
localized collection of pus, which may occur in any part of the body
acute
sudden, sharp, severe; used to describe that has a sudden onset, severe symptoms, and a short course
adhesion
may form after abdominal surgery in which the outside of the intestines could adhere to other parts of the intestines
ambulatory
condition of being able to walk, not confined to bed
antidote
substance given to counteract poisons and their effects
antipyretic
a drug that would reduce fever; physicians may order Tylenol, ibuprofen, and aspirin
antiseptic
an agent that works against sepsis; a technique or product used to prevent or limit infections
antitussive
an agent that works against coughing
asepsis
sterile; without decay; free from all living microorganisms
biopsy (Bx)
surgical removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination; used to determine a diagnosis of cancer or other disease processes in the body
obtained by a physician who could be a general surgeon, urologist, dermatologist, gynecologist, etc.; the specimen (part removed) that was obtained is sent to a Pathology for interpretation/diagnosis by the pathologist
cachexia
condition of ill health, malnutrition, and wasting; seen with patients dying of AIDS or cancer or even debilitating diseases such as COPD
Chemotherapy
the use of chemical agents in the treatment of disease; usually refers to treatment of cancer with chemicals and drugs
chronic
pertaining to time; denotes a disease with little change or of slow progression; the opposite of acute
diagnosis (Dx)
the process of identifying a disease or disorder, which is generally determined through the use of scientific and skillful methods of knowledge
several types of information are used, including signs and symptoms