Medical Terms Flashcards
(275 cards)
1
Q
A-
A
not, no, or lack of
2
Q
-algia
A
pain or soreness
3
Q
Audio-
A
hearing
4
Q
Brady-
A
slow
5
Q
Dys-
A
difficult, abnormal or painful
6
Q
-ectomy
A
surgical removal
7
Q
Hem-
A
blood
8
Q
Hepato-
A
liver
9
Q
Hyper-
A
high, above normal or excessive
10
Q
Hypo-
A
low or below normal
11
Q
-itis
A
inflammation
12
Q
Myo-
A
muscle
13
Q
Nephro-
A
kidney
14
Q
Oligo-
A
too few or too little
15
Q
Patho- or pathy-
A
disease or suffering
16
Q
-pnea
A
breathing
17
Q
Tachy-
A
fast
18
Q
abscess
A
local collection of pus anywhere in the body
19
Q
agranulocytosis
A
lack of granulocytes (WBCs) produced by the bone marrow
20
Q
akathisia
A
inability to stay still with constant movement (restlessness)
21
Q
akinesia
A
lack of body movement
22
Q
alogia
A
lack of speech (also called aphasia)
23
Q
alopecia
A
hair loss
24
Q
amenorrhea
A
absence or cessation of menstruation
25
amnesia, anterograde
loss of memory related to events that occur after a traumatic event
26
amnesia, retrograde
loss of memory related to events occurring before a traumatic event
27
anaphylaxis
severe, life-threatening allergic reaction occurring within 30-60 minutes of an exposure. symptoms can include hypotension, swelling of the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing (bronchospasm, wheezing), hives, abdominal pain
28
angioedema
subcutaneous or submucosal swelling, typically in the tissues of the face, lips, mouth & throat. can occur in isolation or as a component of anaphylaxis
29
anion
negatively charged ion
30
anorexia
significant loss of appetite or aversion to food
31
anorgasmia
inability to achieve orgasm
32
anuria
no urine output
33
aortic dissection
tear in the wall of the aorta, which allows blood to flow between the wall layers, separating (dissecting) them
34
aphasia
lack of speech (alogia)
35
apoptosis
cell death
36
arrhythmia
abnormal heart rhythm
37
arthralgia
joint pain
38
arthritis
joint inflammation
39
ascites
fluid accumulation within the peritoneal space of the abdomen
40
asplenia
decreased spleen function or the absence of a spleen
41
asthenia
lack of energy and strength; weakness
42
ataxia
lack of muscle control & uncoordinated body movements
43
atherosclerosis
buildup of fats, cholesterol & other substances within arterial walls, which leads to plaques and a narrowing of the arterial space
44
attenuated
weakened
45
atypical
unusual
46
auscultation
listening to internal organs (i.e. heart & lungs) with a stethoscope
47
axillary
armpit
48
avolition
total lack of motivation
49
azotemia
buildup of urea (a nitrogen waste product normally eliminated by the kidneys) in the blood (also called uremia)
50
Beyond Use Date (BUD)
expiration date applied to a compounded product, beyond which the drug should not be used
51
bilateral
on both sides of the body
52
bioavailability
proportion (expressed as a percentage) of a drug that enters into the systemic circulation and is available to exert its biologic action
53
blepharitis
eyelid inflammation
54
bolus
single IV dose of a medication administered all at once over a short period of time
55
bradycardia
slow heart rate (<60 BPM)
56
bradykinesia
slow body movement
57
bronchitis
inflammation of the bronchi tubes in the film
58
bulimia
eating disorder characterized by binging (over-eating) followed by self-induced vomiting
59
cachexia
extreme weight loss & muscle wasting due to a chronic illness
60
carbuncle
red, inflamed cluster of furuncles (boils) that contain pus & can form an abscess
61
cardiomegaly
enlarged heart
62
cataplexy
sudden, temporary loss of muscle control & and inability to move while the person is awake, often triggered by strong emotions such as laughing, crying or fear
63
cataract
cloudiness covering the lens in the eye, caused by a breakdown of proteins & resulting in blurred vision
64
cation
positively charged ion
65
cellulitis
spreading bacterial infection in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, characterized by redness, swelling, warmth & pain
66
central line
long catheter inserted into a neck, upper chest or groin vein and guided into a large central vein (superior vena cava) to administer IV meds & fluid
67
cerebrovascular accident
when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked (e,g. by a clot or ruptured vessel) & brain cells die. also called a stroke
68
cerumen
ear wax
69
chancre
painless ulcer (usually located on the genitals) associated with primary syphilis
70
chelation
process by which ions and molecules (e.g. drugs) bind to metal ions, forming a non-absorbable complex
71
cholecystectomy
surgical removal of the gallbladder
72
cholelithiasis
formation of stones (calculi) in the gallbladder
73
cholestasis
reduction or blockage of bile flow
74
cirrhosis
advanced, irreversible fibrosis (scarring) of the liver
75
coagulopathy
condition associated with excessive bleeding & impaired clot formation
76
conjunctivitis
inflammation of the thin clear membrane that covers the eyeball & lines the inside of the eyelid
77
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that uses a machine to pump air through the airways, keeping the windpipe open during sleep
78
crystalluria
presence of crystals in the urine caused by metabolic disorders or drugs
79
cystitis
bladder inflammation, usually due to a bacterial infection
80
delirium
acute change in mental status characterized by incoherent thoughts and speech, disorientation, agitation, hallucinations, delusions and/or paranoia
81
delusion
false or irrational belief based on an incorrect interpretation of reality
82
dementia
memory loss & difficulty with thinking, problem-solving and language that interferes with daily life
83
desiccant
substance that preserves something by removing moisture & keeping it dry
84
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
life-threatening hyperglycemic crisis characterized by high blood glucose, anion gap metabolic acidosis & ketones in the blood or urine
85
dialysis
process of removing waste products & excess electrolytes and fluid from the blood
86
diaphoresis
excessive or abnormal sweating not explained by the environmental temperature or a person's activity level
87
diplopia
double vision
88
dissection
tear within the wall of a blood vessel (e.g. the aorta) which allows blood to flow between the wall layers, separating (dissecting) them
89
dyscrasia
any disease or abnormal condition of the body
90
dysentery
infection of the intestines, characterized by severe, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain
91
dysgeusia
altered sense of taste
92
dyskinesia
abnormal, involuntary movements
93
dysmenorrhea
discomfort & pain during the menstrual period
94
dyspepsia
indigestion
95
dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
96
dysphonia
impairment of the voice (e.g. hoarseness) & difficulty speaking
97
dyspnea
difficult or labored breathing; shortness of breath
98
dystonia
involuntary movements & prolonged contractions of muscles that result in twisting body motions & abnormal posture
99
ectopic
in an abnormal place or position
100
embolism
foreign substance or blood clot that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a blood vessel causing an obstruction
101
empyema
collection of pus & fluids in a body cavity, usually the pleural space (space between the lung & inner surface of the chest wall)
102
encephalitis
inflammation of the brain
103
encephalopathy
brain disease, damage or malfunction that results in an altered mental state
104
endocarditis
inflammation of the heart valves or lining of the heart chambers
105
endometriosis
painful condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrium) has grown outside the uterus
106
enteral
involving the intestine
107
enuresis
involuntary urination
108
epistaxis
nosebleed
109
eructation
burping or belching
110
erythema
skin redness
111
etiology
the cause (e.g. of a disease)
112
euphoria
feeling of happiness; elevated mood
113
euthyroid
normal thyroid gland function
114
exacerbation
increase or worsening (e.g. in the severity of a disease)
115
excoriation
scraping or wearing off of skin resulting in a skin abrasion
116
exophthalmos
bulging (protruding) eyeballs
117
extravasation
when fluid (e.g. drug, blood) leaks outside of a vessel into the surrounding tissue
118
fibromyalgia
condition of widespread pain accompanied by stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches & emotional or mental distress (e.g. anxiety)
119
fibrosis
scarring (with stiffness) in connective tissue
120
flatulence
excess gas in the GI tract
121
folliculitis
hair follicle inflammation, usually caused by infection; can look like acne
122
galactorrhea
production of breast milk in men or women who aren't breastfeeding
123
gastritis
inflammation, irritation or erosion of the lining of the stomach
124
gastroparesis
decreased function of the nerves controlling the stomach muscles, resulting in inadequate digestion & delayed gastric emptying
125
genotype
set of unique genes that determine a specific trait in an individual
126
gingival bleeding
bleeding of the gums (gingiva)
127
gingival hyperplasia
gum (gingiva) overgrowth
128
glossitis
tongue inflammation
129
gynecomastia
breast enlargement in men
130
hallucination
distortion of reality whereby a person hears, sees or feels something that is not there
131
heimlich maneuver
procedure for removing or dislodging an obstruction (e.g. food) from a person's airway by applying forceful abdominal thrusts in an inward & upward direction
132
hematemesis
vomiting blood
133
hematologic
having to do with blood or blood disorders
134
hematoma
collection of blood within an organ or localized body tissue
135
hematuria
blood in the urine
136
hemolysis
destruction of RBCs
137
hemoptysis
coughing or spitting up blood from the respiratory tract
138
hemorrhoid
enlarged or swollen blood vessel near the anus or within the rectum
139
hemostasis
stopping of blood flow
140
hepatotoxicity
liver damage
141
hirsutism
male-pattern hair growth in women
142
hot flashes
episodes of flushing with a sensation of warmth or heat in the upper body & face
143
hyperbilirubinemia
increased bilirubin in the blood; can cause jaundice
144
hyperhidrosis
excessive sweating
145
hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
hyperglycemic crisis characterized by very high blood glucose, severe dehydration & confusion
146
hyperplasia
increase in the number of cells in an organ or body tissue
147
hyperthermia
body temperature well above normal
148
hypertrichosis
excessive hair growth; can be all over the body or in patches
149
hypertrophy
enlargement of an organ or tissue resulting from an increase in cell size
150
hypohidrosis
reduced sweat production (oligohydrosis)
151
intraarticular
into the joint
152
intracranial hemorrhage (ICH)
bleeding in the brain
153
intrathecal
introduced into or occurring in the space between the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord
154
ischemia
inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body
155
jaundice
yellowing of the skin & sclerae (whites of the eyes)
156
leukocytosis
increased (higher than normal) WBC count
157
libido
sexual desire
158
lymphadenopathy
swollen lymph node (also called glands)
159
lyophilized
freeze-dried
160
malaise
general feeling of discomfort or illness
161
malignant
severe & progressively worsening
cancer: ability to spread to other parts of teh body & invade and destroy tissue
162
medication guide (MedGuide)
handout that provides drug-specific information to help the patient avoid serious adverse events
163
melasma
skin pigmentation, usually appearing as dark spots on the cheeks of the face
164
menorrhagia
heavy menstrual bleeding
165
metatarsophalangeal joint
big toe joint
166
morbidity
illness or disease
167
mortality
death
168
mucositis
inflammation or ulceration of the mucous membranes in the digestive tract (often in the mouth)
169
myalgia
muscle pain
170
mydriasis
pupil dilation
171
myelosuppression
decreased bone marrow activity resulting in low WBCs, RBCs & platelets
172
myocardial infarction
heart attack
173
myocarditis
inflammation of the myocardium (heart muscle)
174
myoclonus
involuntary and abnormal muscle contractions
175
myopathy
muscle weakness or any muscle disease
176
necrosis
cell or tissue death
177
nephrolithiasis
formation of kidney stones
178
nephrotoxicity
kidney (renal) toxicity or damage
179
neuropathy
nerve damage
180
nosocomial
originating in a hospital
181
nystagmus
repetitive, uncontrolled movements of the eye
182
oligohidrosis
reduced sweat production (hypohidrosis)
183
orthopnea
shortness of breath when lying flat
184
orthostasis
drop in blood pressure that happens soon after standing
185
osteomalacia
softening of the bones
186
osteomyelitis
infection inside the bone
187
osteoporosis
low bone mass (density) resulting in porous & brittle bones
188
otalgia
ear pain
189
otorrhea
drainage of liquid from the ear
190
ototoxicity
ear damage
191
palliative care
medical (for comfort) care to improve the quality of life and provide symptom relief in patients with a serious, life-threatening or terminal illness, but doesn't cure the disease
192
pallor
pale skin color
193
parasomnia
unusual, odd, or dangerous behavior occurring during sleep
194
paresthesia
burning, prickling or "pins and needles" sensation
195
peak level
highest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream
196
pediculosis
lice infestation
197
pegylation
addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to a molecule
198
perinatal
time immediately before & after birth
199
peripheral line
short catheter inserted into a peripheral vein, usually in the hand or the lowest part of the arm or foot, to administer intravenous medications & fluids
200
peripherally inserted central line (PICC)
central line inserted peripherally (in a vein in the arm) & advanced through the vein until the tip reaches a large vessel (often the superior vena cava)
201
peripheral neuropathy
peripheral weakness, numbness & pain from nerve damage
202
peristalsis
wave-like muscle movements of the GI tract that help digest food & push the contents forward
203
pharmacodynamics
effect that a drug has on the body
204
pharmacokinetics
effect that the body has on a drug as it goes through the process of absorption, distribution, metabolism & excretion
205
pharyngitis
inflammation of the pharynx resulting in a sore throat
206
phenotype
observable trait (e.g. hair color) that is the outward expression of a person's genotype
207
phlebitis
inflammation of a vein
208
photosensitivity
oversensitivity of the skin to light
209
pleural effusion
fluid between the layers of the pleura, the thin membranes that line outside of the lungs
210
pneumonia
infection that inflames one or both lungs
211
polydipsia
extreme thirst
212
polyp
abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane
213
polyphagia
excessive hunger or increased appetite
214
polyuria
excessive urination
215
porphyria
group of disorders (commonly affecting the skin & nervous system) resulting from abnormalities in heme (an oxygen transporter) production & a subsequent increase in the formation of intermediate chemicals (porphyrins)
216
postprandial
after a meal
217
preeclampsia
serious, potentially fatal complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine & peripheral edema
218
preprandial
before a meal
219
priapism
prolonged, often painful, erection of the penis
220
prophylaxis
prevention (e,g. of a disease)
221
pruritus
itchy skin
222
pulse oximetry
noninvasive test that measures the level of oxygen in the blood (also called oxygen saturation)
223
purulent
consisting of, containing, or discharging pus
224
pyelonephritis
type of UTI where one or both kidneys become infected
225
pyrexia
fever
226
rales
abnormal rattling or cracking sound heard when examining the lungs with a stethoscope
227
rhonchi
continuous, deep rattling sounds (that resemble snoring) heard when examining the lungs with a stethoscope
228
risk evaluation & mitigation strategy (REMS)
drug safety program required by the FDA for some medications with serious safety concerns to ensure the benefits of the medications outweigh the risks
229
retrograde ejaculation
semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis during orgasm
230
rhabdomyolysis
condition where skeletal muscle breaks down, releasing creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), myoglobin & other muscle components into the blood; can lead to kidney failure
231
rhinitis
inflammation & swelling in the nose
232
rhinorrhea
runny dose, with a thin mucus nasal discharge
233
rigidity
stiffness or an inability to bend
234
rigor
sudden feeling of cold with shivering accompanied by a rise in temperature
235
scabies
infestation of the skin by an itchy, contagious mite (Sarcoptes scabiei)
236
sepsis
life-threatening immune response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ dysfunction & death
237
septicemia/bacteremia/blood poisoning
severe bloodstream infection
238
shock
medical emergency (with high mortality), most often characterized by severe hypotension & hypoperfusion of vital organs
239
sialorrhea
excessive salivation or drooling
240
sinusitis
inflammation of the sinuses (hollow areas of the skull around the nose)
241
somnambulism
sleepwalking
242
somnolence
sleepiness or drowsiness
243
spirometry
pulmonary function test that measures the volume of air someone can inhale, the volume they can exhale and how fast they can exhale
244
steatorrhea
excess fat in the feces due to decreased intestinal fat absorption
245
steatosis
abnormal fat accumulation
246
stenosis
narrowing of a body space
247
Steven-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN)
severe systemic reaction that causes rash, blisters & peeling of the skin and the mucus membranes of the mouth airways, eyes & genitalia
248
stomatitis
inflammation and/or ulceration of the mouth
249
striae
stretch marks on the skin
250
stricture
abnormal narrowing of a body passage
251
subtherapeutic
lower than what is considered to be safe & effective (e.g. drug level, dose, laboratory values)
252
supratherapeutic
above what is considered to be safe & effective (e.g. drug level, dose, laboratory values)
253
syncope
temporary loss of consciousness caused by a drop in blood pressure and blood flow to the brain (fainting)
254
synergy
when the combined effect is greater than the sum of the parts
255
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
autoimmune condition that causes inflammation & tissue damage in many parts of the body including the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidney & heart (lupus)
256
tachycardia
fast heart rate (>100 bpm)
257
tachyphylaxis
diminished response to successive doses of a drug
258
tardive dyskinesia
uncontrollable, involuntary, repetitive movements of the face (most common) & other body parts
259
teratogenic
drug that will cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy
260
thrombocytopenia
low platelet count
261
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
serious blood disorder that causes blood clots (thrombosis from platelet clumping) to form in small blood vessels throughout the body. this leads to a low platelet count and subsequent bleeding under the skin which appears as purple bruises (purpura)
262
thrush
yeast infection characterized by white patches in the mouth and/or throat caused by Candida albicans
263
tinnitus
ringing or buzzing in the ears
264
Torsades de Pointes (TdP)
life-threatening type of ventricular tachycardia characterized by changes in the QRS complexes & a prolonged QT interval
265
transient ischemic attack (TIA)
temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that causes symptoms of a stroke that resolve within a short period of time (mini-stroke)
266
trough level
lowest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream or the concentration measured immediately before the next dose
267
unilateral
on one side of the body
268
uremia
buildup of urea (nitrogen waste product normally eliminated by the kidneys) in the blood (azotemia)
269
urethra
tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. it runs through the penis in males & the vaginal opening in females
270
ureter
tubes that run from each kidney into the bladder, delivering the "renal filtrate" that will be excreted as urine
271
urolithiasis
formation of stone in the kidney, urethra, bladder or ureters
272
urticaria
raised, itchy areas of skin (hives)
273
vesicant
drug that can cause severe tissue damage or blistering
274
xerophthalmia
extreme dryness of the eyes (conjunctiva & cornea)
275
xerostomia
severe dry mouth caused by decreased saliva
