Medical Terms Flashcards
(246 cards)
1
Q
Abscess
A
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
2
Q
Agranulocytosis
A
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
3
Q
Akathisia
A
Inability to stay still with constant movement, can be due to antipsychotics
4
Q
Akinesia
A
The lack of voluntary movement; can be a symptom of PD
5
Q
Bradykinesia
A
slow movement
6
Q
Dyskinesia
A
abnormal, involuntary movements; can be due to levodopa and dopamine agonists
7
Q
Tardive Dyskinesia
A
Involuntary movements in the tongue, face, trunk, and extremities; can be due to antipsychotics; TD can be irreversible; the drug should be d/c
8
Q
Alogia
A
Lack of speech
9
Q
Alopecia
A
Hair loss
10
Q
Amenorrhea
A
Absence of menstruation
11
Q
Amnesia, anterograde
A
Loss of memory when the drug is taken; past memory is not affected
12
Q
Amnesia, retrograde
A
Loss of memory to past events
13
Q
Anaphylaxis
A
Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, occurs soon after a drug is taken
14
Q
Angioedema
A
The swelling of tissue layers under the skin; swelling of dermis and lower layers causes breathing difficulty
15
Q
Anion
A
A negatively charged ion
16
Q
Anorexia
A
Loss of appetite; can be psychological, due to AIDS, or due to drugs
17
Q
Anorgasmia
A
Inability to have an orgasm
18
Q
Anuria
A
Lack of urine output
19
Q
Aortic Dissection
A
A tear within the wall of the aorta, which allows blood to flow between the wall layers; can lead to fatal aortic rupture
20
Q
Aphasia
A
Difficulty speaking or understanding language; can be due to a stroke, head injury, brain tumor.
21
Q
Apoptosis
A
Cell death
22
Q
Arrhythmia
A
Irregular heart rhythm, with low HR or fast HR
23
Q
Arthralgia
A
Joint pain
24
Q
Arthritis
A
Joint disease/inflammation
25
Ascites
Fluid accumulation within the peritoneal space that can lead to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome
26
Asplenia
Decreased or absent spleen function
27
Asthenia
Abnormal lack of energy and strength
28
Ataxia
Loss of full control and uncoordinated body movement
29
Atherosclerosis
the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls, which restrict blood flow
30
Attenuated
weakened
31
Atypical
Not the usual symptoms or presentation
32
Ausculation
Listening to internal organs with a stethoscope
33
Axillary temperature
Temperature taken under the arm
34
Avolition
lack of motivation
35
Azotemia
A build up of nitrogen in the blood with a high serum creatinine; can be due to renal failure
36
Bilateral
On both sides of the body
37
Bioavailability
The extent to which an oral drug is absorbed into the systemic circulation
38
Blepharitis
Eyelid inflammation
39
Bolus
A relatively large dose of an IV drug given at once to quickly achieve an effect or serum level
40
Bradycardia
Slow HR (<60bpm)
41
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
42
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.
43
Bulimia
An eating disorder characterized by binging and compensatory self-induced vomiting
44
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
45
Carbuncle
red, inflamed cluster of furuncles that contains pus, and can form an abscess
46
Furuncle
hair follicle infection, most are S. aureus infections
47
Cardiomegaly
An abnormally enlarged heart
48
Cataplexy
A sudden loss of muscle control that causes temporary paralysis on both sides, often triggered by laughing, crying, or fear
49
Cataract
Cloudiness covering the lens in the eye.
50
Cation
A positively charged ion
51
Cellulitis
A bacterial infection in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, most commonly in the lower legs
52
Central line
A central line empties into a large vein
53
CVA- stroke
blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked by a thrombus or a blood vessel rupture
54
Cerumen
Ear wax, buildup impairs hearing
55
Chancre
A painless ulcer
56
Chelation
A chemical complex in which ions and molecules bind to metal ions
57
Cholecystectomy
Gallbladder removal
58
Cholelithiasis
The formation of gallstones
59
Cholestasis
Reduction or blockage of bile flow
60
Cinchonism
Quinine or quinidine overdose, with symptoms of tinnitus, hearing loss, blurred vision, headache or delirium
61
Cirrhosis
Advanced, frequently irreversible scarring of the liver
62
Conjuctivitis
"pink eye"; inflammation of the thin clear tissues that lies over the white part of the eye
63
Crystalluria
The excretion of crystals in the urine
64
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
A treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that uses a machine to pump air through the airways, keeping the windpipe
65
Cystitis
Bladder inflammation, usually due to a bacterial infection
66
Delirium
An acutely disturbed mind with incoherent thought and speech and agitation
67
Delusion/hallucinations
Delusions are incorrect perceptions
| Hallucination are hearing/seeing/feeling something that is not there, and not based in any reality
68
Dementia
Memory loss, difficulty with judgement, attention, planning and personal care
69
Desiccant
An agent that keeps something dry
70
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
71
Dialysis
Replaces the function of kidneys to remove waste products, electrolytes and excess fluid from the blood
72
Diaphoresis
Sweating
73
Diplopia
Double vision
74
Dyscrasia
A blood disorder in one or more of the cell lines
75
Dissection
A tear within the wall of a blood vessel, which allows blood to flow between the wall layers
76
Dysentery
Severe diarrhea, with abdominal pain and bloody stool
77
Dysgeusia
Bad, bitter or metallic taste in the mouth
78
Dysmenorrhea
Discomfort and pain during the menstrual period
79
Dyspepsia
Ingestion
80
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
81
Dysphonia
Physical difficulty speaking
82
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing
83
Dystonia/Dystonic Reaction
Prolonged contraction of muscles, including painful muscle spasms
84
Ectopic
In an abnormal place or position
85
Emboli/Embolism
An embolism is obstruction of a blood vessel by an emboli that has traveled through the blood
86
Empyema
The collection of pus in a body cavity, usually the pleural space
87
Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain
88
Encephalopathy
A disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure
89
Endocarditis
An infection of the lining of the heart chambers or heart valves
90
Endometriosis
A painful condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus has grown outside the uterus.
91
Enteral
the gut
92
Enuresis
Bed wetting
93
Epistaxis
Nosebleed
94
Eructation
Burping
95
Erythema
Skin redness, caused by increase blood in an area
96
Etiology
the cause
97
Euphoria
a feeling of happiness, elation
98
Exacerbation
An acute increase in the severity of a disease
99
Euthyroid
A normal functioning thyroid gland
100
Excoriation
Skin abrasion where skin can be scraped or worn off
101
Exophthalamos
Bulging eyeballs
102
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
103
Fibromyalgia
A painful condition with both physical pain and psychological pain, with fatigue
104
Fibrosis
Scarring in connective tissue
105
Flatulence
Excess gas in the GI tract, which is expelled though belching or through the anus
106
Folliculitis
Hair follicle infection that looks like a red pimple
107
Galactorrhea
The production of breast in men or women who are not breastfeeding
108
Gastritis
Inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach
109
Gastroparesis
Peristalsis is the movement of food/liquids through the GI tract by muscle contractions; Gastroparesis causes decrease peristalsis
110
Genotype, Phenotype
Specific sequence of nucleotides that code for a protein
111
Gingival Bleeding
gum bleeding
112
Gingival Hyperplasia
Gum overgrowth
113
Glossitis
Tongue inflammation
114
Gynecomastia
Breast enlargement in men
115
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
116
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood
117
Hematoma
A collection of blood
118
Hematologic
Having to do with blood or blood disorders
119
Hematuria
Blood in the urine
120
Hemolysis
Destruction of RBCs
121
Hemoptysis
Coughing or spitting up blood from the respiratory tract
122
Hemorrhoid
An enlarged or swollen blood vessel, usually located near the anus or the rectum
123
Hemostasis
Causing bleeding to stop
124
Hepatotoxicity
Liver toxicity
125
Hirsutism
Male-pattern hair growth in women
126
Hot Flashes
Temporary but recurring episodes of flushing with a sensation of warmth or heat on the upper body and face
127
Hyperbilirubinemia
Increase bilirubin in the blood
128
Hyperhisrosis
Excessive sweating
129
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Hyperglycemic crisis that most often occurs in type 2 diabetes due to some type of severe stress
130
Hyperthermia
Body temperature well above normal
131
Hypertrichosis
Excessive hair growth, can be all over the body or in patches
132
Hypertrophy
The enlargement of an organ or tissue from the increase in size of cells
133
Intracranial Hemorrhage
A hemorrhage in the brain
134
Intrathecal
Introduced into or occurring in the space under the arachnoid membrane of the brain or spinal cord
135
Intraarticular
Into the joint
136
Ischemia
An inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body
137
Libido
Sexual desire
138
Lyophilized
Freeze-dried
139
Malaise
A general feeling of discomfort or illness
140
Malignant
Virulent, uncontrolled, potentially fatal, used to refer to cancer
141
Medication guide (MedGuide)
A handout that alerts patient to toxicities associated with a drug
142
Menorrhagia
Heavy menstrual bleeding
143
Melasma
Skin hyperpigmentation, appearing as dark spots, usually on the forehead, cheeks and chin
144
Metatarsophalangeal Joint
The big toe joint
145
Morbidity, Mortality
Morbidity refers to disease
| Mortality refers to death
146
Mucositis
Inflammation/ulceration of the mucous membrane in the mouth and throat
147
Myalgias
Muscle pain
148
Mydriasis
Pupil dilation
149
Myelosuppresion
Low WBC, RBC, and platelet count
150
Myocardial Infarction
A heart attack
151
Myocarditis
Inflammation of the myocardium
152
Myoclonus
Muscle twitching
153
Myopathy
Muscle damage
154
Necrosis
The death of all or most of the cells in a part of the body, or in an organ
155
Nephrolithiasis
Kidney stones
156
Nephrotoxicity
Renal toxicity/damage
157
Neuropathy
Peripheral nerve damage
158
Nosocomial
Hospital-acquired
159
NPO
nothing by mouth
160
Nystagmus
Repetitive, uncontrolled movements of the eyes
161
Oligohidrosis
Deficient sweat
162
Orthopnea
Shortness of breath when lying flat
163
Orthostasis
A decrease in blood pressure that happens soon after standing
164
Osteomalacia
Bones are too soft
165
Osteoporosis
Bones are porous and brittle
166
Osteomyelitis
Infection inside the bone
167
Otalgia
Ear pain
168
Otorrhea
Middle ear effusion/fluid, indicates infection
169
Ototoxicity
Ear damage
170
Palliative Care
Medical care directed towards providing relief from the symptoms of a serious illness, including adequate relief from pain
171
Pallor
Pale skin color
172
Parasomnias
Unusual actions while sleeping
173
Paresthesia
A burning, prickling, or "pins and needles" sensation
174
Peak level
The highest concentration of a drug in the patient's bloodstream
175
Pediculosis
Lice infestation
176
Pegylation
Addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to a compound to decrease toxicity and increase half-life
177
Perinatal
The time immediately before and after birth
178
Peristalsis
Wave-like muscle movement that pushes food through the gastrointestinal tract
179
Pharmacodynamics
What a drug does to the body
180
Pharmacokinetics
What the body does to a drug
181
Pharyngitis
Sore throat
182
Phlebitis
Vein inflammation, with swelling, pain, redness
183
Photosensitivity
Sun allergy
184
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
185
Pleural Effusion
Fluid between the layers of the pleura, the thin membranes that line the outside of the lungs
186
Pneumonia
Lung infection
187
Polydipsia
Extreme thirst
188
Polyp
An abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane
189
Polyphagia
Excessive hunger or increased appetite
190
Polyuria
Increase in urination
191
Porphyria
A group of disorders that result from a buildup of natural chemicals that produce porphyrin in your body
192
Postprandial
After a meal
193
Preeclampsia
A serious, potentially fatal complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage
194
Preprandial
Before a meal
195
Priapism
Prolonged erection >4 hours, will become painful, and requires emergency medical care
196
Prophylaxis
Preventing a condition or drug side effect
197
Pruritus
Itching
198
Purulent
Consisting of, containing, or discharging pus
199
Pulse oximetry
A noninvasive test that measures the level of oxygen in the blood
200
Pyelonephritis
A type of urinary tract infection where one or both kidneys become infected
201
Pyrexia
Fever
202
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
203
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)
A strategy to manage the risks from an especially toxic drug
204
Retrograde ejaculation
Semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis during orgasm
205
Rhabdomyolysis
Skeletal muscle breaks down rapidly, releasing myoglobin and other muscle components into the blood
206
Rhinitis
Inflammation and swelling in the nose, usually caused by a cold or allergic rhinitis
207
Rhinorrhea
Runny nose, due to excessive mucus
208
Rigidity
Stiffness
209
Rigors
Shivering, in which the patient feels cold but the body temperature is hot
210
Scabies
Itchy, contagious mite infestation
211
Sepsis
Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infection
212
Septicemia
A severe bloodstream infection
213
Shock
A medical emergency characterized by hypoperfusion usually in the setting of hypotension
214
Sialorrhea
Hypersalivation
215
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuses cause be due to allergies or infection
216
Somnambulism
Sleepwalking
217
Somnolence
Sedation
218
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
219
Steatorrhea
Fat globules in the feces due to decreased intestinal fat absorption
220
Steatosis
Abnormal collection of fat somewhere in the body
221
Stenosis
Narrowing of space in the body
222
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
223
Stomatitis
Mouth inflammation
224
Striae
Stretch marks on the skin
225
Stricture
An abnormal narrowing of a body passage
226
Syncope
Temporary loss of consciousness caused by a quick drop in blood pressure
227
Synergy
An effect greater than the sum of the parts
228
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)
229
Tachycardia
Increased HR (>100 bpm)
230
Tachyphylaxis
Decreased response to the effect of a drug
231
Teratogenic
A drug that will cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy
232
Thrombocytopenia
Decreased platelets
233
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
234
Thrush
A yeast infection inside of the mouth caused by Candida albicans
235
Tinnitus
Ringing in the ears
236
Torsades de Pointes
A deadly type of ventricular tachycardia due to drugs
237
Transient lschemic Attack (TIA)
A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain; also called a "mini-stroke"
238
Trough level
The lowest concentration of a drug in the blood
239
Uremia
A buildup of urea in the blood
240
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)
241
Ureter
The tubes than run from each kidney into the bladder, delivering the "renal filtrate" that will be excreted as urine
242
Urolithiasis
Kidney/bladder stones
243
Urticaria
Hives
244
Vesicant
A drug that can cause severe tissue damage
245
Xerophthalmia
Dry eyes
246
Xerostomia
Dry mouth
