Elsevier's Medical Terminology for the Practicing Nurse In English (with definitions)

ELSEVIER'S
MEDICAL
TERMINOLOGY

FOR THE
PRACTICING

NURSE

This page intentionally left blank

ELSEVIER'S

MEDICAL
TERMINOLOGY

FOR THE
PRACTICNG

NURSE

BY
SALLY F. VANDERWERF, R.N., B.N., B.S.

Temple, Texas, U.S.A.

ELSEVIER
Amsterdam - Lausanne - NewYork - Oxford - Shannon - Singapore - Tokyo

ELSEVIER SCIENCE B.V.
Sara Burgerhartstraat 25
P.O. Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, The Netherlands

ISBN: 0-444-82470-7
© 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
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Printed in The Netherlands.

V

Author's Preface of Appreciation

This effort is the culmination of my lifelong attraction to medical terminology - that
which continues to be a source of fulfillment for me. Throughout, I have been impacted by
the enhanced efficiency and clarity which is inherent in medical nomenclature.

How do nurses view charting? Too often, it is the last load of the shift, in which haste and
other demands cloud a precise recall of details. When kept up to date with vividly accurate
terminology, we can take pride in our documentation of that which only we might know -
that which bears real significance on the many critical cases we manage.

As each of us knows, the chart is a legal document. Ours is the responsibility to make con-
cise, pertinent, and accurate entries in this record. This actually becomes easier when we
have a comfortable, working knowledge of terminology, which is ever growing. This end-
less opportunity allows nurses (and others) to learn and recall vocabulary and concepts in
whatever field - even by oneself.

The most difficult feature of this work was bringing my treasured accumulation to "com-
pletion". My entire career, I have been blessed with opportunities in which medical exper-
tise was graciously shared and demonstrated by teaching-model MDs. It is difficult to
declare finished such an accumulation of guidance and study, because medical terminology
never stands still. The present work includes the most recent terminology I came across. I
will continue collecting updated material for possible future editions.

My devoted husband of 37 years, the Rev. Calvin W. Vanderwerf, has uplifted me at every
obstacle, and cheered me at each milestone of progress. With loving gratitude, it is to him
that I dedicate this work.

Joyce E. Lee, M.D., my mentor, challenged my love of medicine in nursing, by her
exquisite empathy for each patient and each caregiver. It was she who introduced me to my
favorite indoor sport - medical lectures.

The elegance with which physicians present, challenge, and debate their concerns is as
impressive as the scholarly content of their lectures/seminars. (Many are expensive, but
some are also free - including registration, meals, syllabus, et al.) RNs are welcomed, and
will be awarded CMEs (Continuing Medical Education credits), even though some United
States' boards of nursing will not accept these toward their CEU (Continuing Education
Unit) requirements. As is well known, the latter can also be expensive, unless offered by
one's own hospital.

Since MDs' presentations are on a high, well-defined level, their medical oratory and style
(with appropriate humorous moments) are as fascinating as they are enjoyable. Many of my
900+ hours of CMEs/CEUs represent "vacations with a purpose", and a great many have
been free.

From coast to coast, physicians have built into my medical concepts, principles, and
ethics. They know who they are, and of my gratitude and commitment to what they taught
and lived. It is a distinct privilege to be published, and an honor to have a readership beyond
the United States. I welcome any comments, and will answer these. Thank you for caring
enough to be in touch.

I continue to hold in highest esteem the dedicated Sisters of Mercy at St. Mary's Medical
Center, San Francisco, who devoted their careers to sharing their superior education and

vi

nursing goals with their students. We went through graduation in mourning. A month earli-
er, we had buried 5 of our senior classmates of 3 years. St. Mary's motto, "The patient comes
first!", remains a vital priority in this era of compromised values.

Sally F. Vanderwerf, RN, BS

4418 Longhorn Trail
Temple, Texas 76502
USA

e-mail: [email protected]

A

Aaron's sign Seen in appendicitis — pressure health.
applied between the umbilicus and right anterior abdominal pain The strength of contractions
iliac spine will produce epigastric distress.
points to possible obstruction. The laying on of
Abadie's sign Spasm of the upper eyelid, as hands becomes a therapeutic and diagnostic
noted in exophthalmic goiter. Also, the absent modality in this assessment. The entire
response to pressure over the Achilles tendon, abdomen should be gently palpated for areas of
seen in tabes dorsalis. rigidity, masses, and tenderness. Upon auscul-
tation, the pitch, duration, and intensity are
abalienation Mental illness, psychopathy. essential qualities to note. Bowel sounds
abandonment Desertion of one's patient in the assume two poles: a rush of peristalsis on one
hand, or total silence on the other. The critical
midst of care/delivery/procedure/surgery, with- state of the latter is illustrated by the saying,
out notice to the RN in charge. This places the "Silent as the tomb!" It may be necessary to
patient at risk, and the nurse/physician in jeop- silence all people, television, and staff to achieve
ardy of termination and disciplinary proceedings this crucial auscultation. Friction (rubbing)
by the board of nursing/medicine. sounds are significant.
abarognosis Inability to perceive weight — as abdominal quadrants Right upper quadrant, left
may be noted in patients with parietal lobe upper quadrant, right lower quadrant, left lower
lesions. quadrant. By describing these findings, the
abarthrosis Abarticulation, diarthrosis, joint dis- physician will be able to discern which organs
articulation. That pathological or physiological are a part of the pathological picture, in this
freedom from articulation. geographical division of the abdomen. A careful
abasia Impaired ambulation due to lack of coor- patient history is essential. If a pediatric patient,
dination. ask him/her to jump up and down. Document
choreic abasia Difficulty walking, due to invol- the responsewhen the bed is bumped (once).
untary muscular movement. abdominocentesis Abdominal paracentesis —
paralytic trepidant abasia Prevention of walk- aspiration of serous fluid by trocar, from the
ing due to spasticity and tremors of the legs abdomen distended by ascites.
when erect. abdominohysterotomy Abdominouterotomy —
abasia atactica Precarious ambulation due to that surgical incision into the uterus via an
erratic movement. abdominal approach.
abasia trepidans Those attacks during which the abducent Distant to the midline.
trembling patient is unable to ambulate. abduction Bending to the side; Rotating the eyes
abate To diminish, cause to cease, force to stop. outwardly; Fanning the fingers and toes; Raising
abatement Improvement in the level of pain and an extremity away from the body.
symptomatology. abenteric Pertaining to those organs located
abaxial Distant to the axis. Away from the center away from the intestines.
of the body or extremity. aberrant Abnormal, an anomaly. That which
Abbott's method Casting of the scoliotic back in deviates from the norm.
multiple plaster body casts, as an infrequent aberrant conduction Electric stimulation of the
treatment for idiopathic adolescentscoliosis. heart, transmitted along abnormal paths.
abdominal aortic aneurysm A dilated area of a aberration That which differs from normal in
major artery, usually between the iliac and renal chromosomes, light rays, mentation, refraction,
arteries. Life-threatening because of the risk of spheres, visual accommodation.
rupture, microsurgical (and other) techniques abetalipoproteinemia A rare, recessively-inherit-
are raising the success rate. ed defect which may arise when the parents are
abdominal crisis That exquisite pain seen in consanguineous (related). Neurological anom-
syphilis or sickle cell anemia crises. alies may appear, as well as ataxia, erythrocyto-
abdominal examination Auscultation, inspec- sis, malabsorption, neuropathy, and/or retinitis
tion, palpation, and percussiontechniques
employed to assess abdominal pathology or

2

pigmentosa. absolute zero The lowest reading on the
ablation Therapeutic destruction of a body part, absolute scale.

involving amputation, irradiation, or radical abstinence Compliance with diets, sobriety,
surgery. avoidance of coitus, and other self-imposed dis-
ablution Cleansing, washing, rinsing. ciplines.
ablutomania Compulsive washing to excess — a
psychiatric disorder. abstinence syndrome Withdrawal syndrome.
abnormality Deviation from normal standards, abuse Inhumanity toward another person.
an anomaly.
abnormity That which is excessively abnormal, Maltreatment and/or neglect directed toward
an extreme deformity, a monstrosity. (This med- another of any age. (All nurses are mandatory
ical term is used to describe a grotesquely, con- reporters of abuse.) A high percentage of pedi-
genitally deformed neonate — which may not atric sexual abuse occurs within the victim's
survive.) family. While securing the safety, medical, and
abort To interrupt a process prior to its comple- emotional needs, cultural diversity must be
tion. To expell the products of conception before allowed. Non-accidental trauma.
viability. abuse continuity parents Sexually abused par-
abortifacient Abortient — that agent which is ents of sexually abused children.
used to facilitate the interruption of a pregnancy. abuse discontinuityparents Sexually abused
abortion The expulsion of a nonviable pregnancy. parents of non-sexually abused children.
These may be classified as criminal, elective, child abuse (non-accidental trauma)
incomplete, spontaneous, therapeutic, threat- Abdominal trauma of spleen*, liver*,
ened. intestines*; thermal injuries*; child neglect;
abrasion Excoriation of the epidermis. child pornography; child prostitution; cranio-
abreaction Catharsis in which repressed or for- cerebral trauma*; emotional abuse, marasmus;
gotton (intolerable) events are brought to recog- failure to thrive; incest; molestation;
nition under the guidance of a psychologist/psy- Munchausen's syndrome by proxy; neurological
chiatrist. In confronting and reliving these abuse; occult injury; ophthalmic injury (bilateral
unnamed fears, insight and healing are imple- involvement is highly suspicious)*; patterned
mented. injuries*; pedophilia; poisoning. (Recently,
abruptio placenta Ablatio placentae — an Hispanics' force-feedingof hot peppers* has
obstetrical emergency, in which the placenta come to light.); prenatal abuse; psychological
spontaneously separates from the uterine wall, battering; sexual abuse (forcible vaginal/rectal
causing hemorrhage and pain. Albuminuria and penetration by whatever means)*; statutory rape
anemia will be present. Shock must be guarded (whether or not age was known); shaken infant
against, and emergency delivery and/or surgery syndrome*; skeletal trauma (multiple fractures*,
scheduled. spiral fractures* — always incriminatory); sub-
abscess Localized suppuration in any tissue, stance abuse; thoracic trauma*; unexplained
causing pain, edema, and generalized/localized injuries*; verbal abuse. That which can never be
fever. Absesses may be acute, chronic, life- restored, is the violation of the child's trust and
threatening or subacute. absence seizures innocence.
Petit-mal epilepsy without clonic/tonic activity. *Pathogmonic evidence as highly suspect for
Voluntary hyperventilation may trigger absentia pediatric abuse.
epileptica. This event consists of a brief loss of Notes
consciousness, possibly accompanied by Resultant disorders of the abused child may
stereotypical muscle contractions. The patient's include: Fear of the parent(s); Dread of return-
activity will be resumed as though it had never ing home; Substance abuse; Delinquency;
been interrupted. Withdrawal; Precocious sexual knowledge;
absolute Complete, total, and unrestricted. Passivity; Excessive compliance; Too
infantile/mature for age; Physical/mental/emo-
tional lags; Compulsivity; Neurotic traits / psy-

3

choneurotic responses; Suicidal the many people in their lives. Failure to thrive
gesture/attempt. (If the child or retarded person describes a long-identified concern which is
believed the innocuous act would have a lethal aligned with emotional deprivation.
outcome, this represents a suicidal attempt Discrepancy Features in Child Abuse Age under
rather than a gesture.) 3 years; Cause of presenting trauma unknown;
The damage of emotional abuse is tormenting Characteristic distribution of wounds; Child's
because it erodes the person and the psyche. In complaint rehearsed; Child's health neglected;
comforting these victims, the nurse needs to Concurrent family crisis; Disproportionate soft-
guard against using psychobabble. tissue injury; Excessive delay in seeking care for
In prenatal abuse, the fetus is at risk for addic- child; History fails to validate findings; Injuries
tion and substance abuse — including fetal increasing in severity; Parental history of abuse
alcohol syndrome. These infants may be born in as child; Parent minimizes child's injury; Parent
withdrawal. The fetus' mother, who does not reluctant historian; Previous similar
want her unborn child, will transmit to him/her visits/episodes; Unrealistic expectations of child.
this psychiatric rejection while in utero, and if Factors Suggestive of Child Neglect Child
life. aggressiveness; Child terrorized; Excessive cry-
Rape — a crime of violence rather than a sexual ing; Inadequate care/hygiene/nourishment;
crime — requires empathy and support of the Inadequately dressed for the elements;
victim by those whose role it is to give care. Inappropriate treatment of child's concerns;
Support groups see that the victim is accompa- Infant does not mold to mother's arms;
nied and advised throughout the legal process. Irritability of the child; Parents unaware of child-
2nd degree rape describes the insensitive prob- appropriate behavior; Marked passivity;
ing of the victim by those who may have Repeated injuries sustained; Reverse parenting
license, but lack psychotherapeutic wisdom and by the child noted.
finesse. (Too often, these are unlicensed Vulnerability for Child Abuse/Neglect
employees.) Adolescent parents; Child unplanned/unwanted;
Substance abuse includes nicotine abuse, Chronically ill child; Congenital anomalies;
enmeshed by its oral gratification. This drug Extremely authoritative parenting; History of
compromises cardiovascular and respiratory family violence; Marital maladjustment; Mental
health. Of remarkable danger, is the carcinogen illness/retardation; Multiple births; Multiple care-
of chewing tobacco — with marked incidence of takers; Parents maltreated as children;
oral cancer in all ages. Prematurity; Substance abusers;
Ritual abuse describes the obsessive participa- Unachieved/interrupted bonding; Unrealistic
tion in occult attractions. parental expectations, oblivious to age-appropri-
Physical, emotional, mental injury may be ate behavior.
inflicted by out-of-control parents/surrogates. X-ray findings of pediatric abuse Long bone
Often, these victims assume reverse-parenting, fracture(s), accompanied by subdural
in which the child tries to anticipate the parent's hematoma*; periosteal shearing*; separation of
needs and wishes — lest s/he incur more hos- the epiphysis*; subperiosteal calcification of
tility. (The child may also find him-herself fracture*; subperiosteal hemorrhage*.
blamed for frustrations and reversals which did *Pathogmonic evidence as highly suspect for
not involve the child.) These youngsters assume pediatric abuse.
responsibility (or are blamed) for their parents' adult abuse Clergy abuse; date rape, 2nd
failed marriages. In turn, they are likely to follow degree rape, violent rape; domestic abuse; drug
this indelible psychic example in their parenting. abuse; elder abuse; neglect; emotional abuse;
Molestation refers to the manual manipulation ritual abuse.
of a child's erogenous areas. Children now are child pornography Use of a minor in the pro-
taught at an early age the difference between a duction of sexual/nude material — even with the
"good touch" and a "bad touch" received from consent of the parent(s).

4

child prostitution The inclusion of boys and turbation. The following are the types of congre-

girls in sexual/nude acts — often under the gation members cited by Rediger and Elizabeth

guise of musical acts. Stellas, program specialist at the Center for the

incest The insidious practice of sexual Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence in

demands within the family. (The child is never Seattle, who are most vulnerable to clergy sexu-

responsible.) These youngsters may yield to the al abuse: 1. Children who do not have a healthy

parents' demand to protect the family by keep- home life, are looking for an authority figure,

ing their secret. and are early adolescents; 2. Dependent women;

physical abuse Inflicting a physical (and emo- 3. Women and children who have been abused,

tional) injury on a child. The shaken baby syn- especially sexually, and who have weak family

drome is often fatal. Some caregivers say contacts or other support; 4. Anyone in crisis.

"They're the lucky ones." (With permission of: Waterloo (Iowa) Courier

rape The forced sexual assault which results in U.S.A.)

the destroyed innocence of children. If this acalculia That disability in which the concepts of

includes sodomy, the child is placed at risk for basic mathematics cannot be grasped.

lethal rectal hemorrhage. To oppose the perpe- acanthosis nigricans The autoimmune dermato-

trator's conspiracy of silence, small children are sis associated with gastrointestinal (Gl) neo-

taught to "Yell and tell!" plasms, this eruption is marked in its symmetry,

sexual abuse The most common cause of pre- hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratotic skin fold

cocious sexuality. Children do not make up such changes. Keratosis nigricans is more common

accounts. The child is never guilty! in the obese, diabetic female. When noted in the

verbal abuse Under a barrage of abusive, non-obese male, this symptomatology is sug-

obscene, profane insults, these victims grow up gestive of Gl malignancy.

to live this prophecy. Believing these hostilities, acapnia The absence/decreasein carbon dioxide,

the child may carry them through life, and inflict resulting in paresthesias, infrequent seizures.

them upon his/her children. acarbia A decrease of circulatory bicarbonate

abusive clergy warning signs The following are (HC03).
early warning signs that a clergy person may be acatamathesia The inability to comprehend spo-

sexually abusing people in the congregation. G. ken words, due to a brain tumor.

Lloyd Rediger, a certified pastoral counselor, acataphasia Difficulty expressing oneself mean-

stresses that one or two signs is not indicative ingfully, due to a brain lesion. The inappropriate

of an abuser, but that there must be a pattern of use of words and ideas in disordered speech.

several of the following signs. 1. The clergy per- acathexis The patient's lack of feeling toward

son is extremely private and does a lot of coun- that which the patient treasures.

seling; 2. There is a lack of accountability, and accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) An

the clergy person is unwilling to account for his abnormal ventricular rhythm.

or her time; 3. The clergy person demonstrates acceptance Adoption of that which was not orig-

irresponsibility in self-management, i.e. inally tolerated. The last stage for dying patients

overeats, overdrinks, or has some other addic- as assigned by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, MD in

tion; 4. The clergy person has extraordinary her pioneering practice devoted to those who

contact levels with children and/or members of were terminally ill and moribund.

the opposite sex; 5. The clergy person has con- accessory Assisting, auxiliary.

stant companionship with one other person in accessory muscles of respiration Exaggerated

the church; 6. There are problems in the clergy use of neck, chest wall, and abdominal muscles

person's intimate relationships, especially his or by the acutely dyspneic patient. This significant

her marriage; 7. The clergy person constantly sign indicates that the patient's condition is

talks about sexually explicit issues or tells sexu- deteriorating.

al jokes; 8. The clergy person has a lifelong pat- accident An inadvertent, sudden event.

tern of being involved in pornography and mas- cerebrovascular accident (CVA) A "stroke".

5

radiation accident Excessive exposure to absence of the head.
roentgen rays. acetabulum The center of the innominate bone
acclimatization Acclimation. Adjusting to a new
environment. (at its concavity), in which the head of the
accommodation Adaptation, adjustment. femur articulates.
absolute accommodation Each eye focuses acetaminophen toxicity Poisoning by this highly
independently of the other. available antipyretic/analgesic may progress to
binocular accommodation Bilateral conver- fatal hepatic necrosis. Symptoms of central ner-
gence to achieve a common, focused image. vous system, myocardial, and/or renal damage
excessive accommodation Ocular over-focus- may follow, then death.
ing. acetonemia Excessive acetone in the circulation
histological accommodation Functional and may result in acidosis, gradual onset of depres-
cellular adaptation to the environment. sion, and inappropriate excitement.
negative accommodation Distant focusing acetonitrile Methyl cyanide — that chemical
achieved by relaxation of the ciliary muscles. found in elevated levels in the urine of smokers.
positive accommodation Contraction of the cil- acetonuria Ketonuria, as found in diabetic keto-
iary muscles permits close focusing in order to sis or those in starvation states.
read and do intricate work. achalasia Inability of the esophageal sphincter to
subnormal accommodation Inadequate adapta- relax.
tion. ache Unrelenting, boring pain.
accountability Liability of health care givers for acheilia Congenital absence of the lip(s).
their judgment, decisions, and care. acheiria Achiria — that inability to identify from
acellular That without cells. where a stimulus came. Developmental absence
acenesthesia Hypochondriacal and neurasthenic, of a hand(s).
lacking a feeling of well-being. acheiropodia Congenital absence of the feet and
acentric Peripheral, off center. hands.
acephalia Acephalism. Developmentalabsence achlorhydria The absence of free gastric
of the head. If born alive, the neonate will expire hydrochloric acid.
soon after birth. acholia Deficient or absent bile.
acephalobrachia Developmental absence of the acholuria Jaundice without urinary bile pig-
arms and head. ments.
acephalocardia Developmental absence of the achondroplasia Chrondrodystrophy, osteosclero-
heart and head. sis congenita — dwarfism caused by an anom-
acephalochiria That congenital absence of the aly of the epiphyseal cartilage of the long bones.
hands and head. achromatic Achromatosis, achromatous, color-
acephalogastria Developmental absence of the less, without pigment.
upper abdomen, chest and head. achromatopsia Total color blindness.
acephalopodia Congenital absence of the feet achylia Achylosis — the absence of chyle and/or
and head. If the parents are willing to hold and other digestive enzymes.
rock their ancephalic neonate (or other dying acid Any chemical which contributes protons
infant), they should be permitted to do so. (hydrogen ions) in solution. That which imparts
acephalorhachia Congenital absence of the a bitter taste. Street slang for lysergic acid
head, spinal column, and feet. diethylamide (LSD).
acephalostomia The developmental transposi- acidaminuria Excessiveamino acids in the urine.
tion of the mouth opening to another part of the acid-base balance Prevention of alkalosis and
body, in the absence of the head. acidosis by an equilibrium of body fluids. This is
acephalothoracia Congenital absence of the maintained by buffer systems in the circulatory,
chest and head. respiratory, and urinary systems.
acephalus Acephalism, acephalia — congenital acidemia Excessive acidity in the blood.
acidity The presence of protons (hydrogen ions)

6

in solution. Bitterness. is no trunk.

acidosis Acidity due to excessive hydrogen ions acousia The hearing organs.

in body fluids. This is due to a lowered state of acousma An auditory hallucination, non-verbal in

alkalinity. character.

carbon dioxide acidosis That seen in drown- acoustic center That area of the temporal lobe of

ing/near-drowning victims, and in those with the cerebrum, which interprets auditory stimuli.

depressed respirations due to retention of car- acoustic impedance Resistance to the transmis-

bon dioxide, C02. sion of sound waves.

compensated acidosis Restoration of the acid- acoustic neuroma Growth of a tumor on the

base balance by return of the pH (potential of acoustic nerve — which may result in deafness.

hydrogen) of the body fluids to normal. acoustiphobia A morbid fear of loud sounds.

diabetic acidosis That occurring in uncon- acquired Neither inherited, congenital, nor

trolled diabetes mellitus with accumulation of innate.

ketone bodies, progressing to coma. acquired immune deficiencysyndrome(AIDS)

hypercapnic acidosis This may be caused by Human immunodeficiency syndrome, HIV dis-

hyperventilation, since the respiratory center is ease. A myriad of opportunistic infections, neu-

exquisitely sensitive to subtle pH changes. rologic diseases, and malignancies give these

metabolic acidosis Some of the many condi- patients an extremely poor prognosis. Breast

tions which lead to this imbalance are prolonged feeding by infected mothers is contraindicated.

diarrhea, severe dehydration, ketosis, liver dys- Loss of immunity to resist opportunistic infec-

function, renal disease, prolonged vomiting. tions, malignant syndromes, or neurological

renal acidosis Malfunctioning kidneys lose the manifestations is attributed to the loss of the T

ability to excrete phosphoric and sulfuric acids cells/lymphocytes' defense and protection. Good

— due to the excessiveloss of electrolytes. aseptic technique continues to be demanded in

respiratory acidosis That imbalance found in the handling of all body fluids for all patients.

patients with cardiopulmonary disease, emphy- There is still a myriad of unanswered questions

sema, and pulmonary fibrosis — due to the regarding the transmission of this lethal virus.

inadequate elimination of carbon dioxide. Needlesticks of staff, unprotected coitus, homo-

aciduria Excessive acid excreted in the urine. sexuality, and attitudes are of high concern.

acleistocardia Patent foramen ovale — failure of Although a very few cases may lie dormant,

the foramen ovale (of the heart) to close at there is no vaccine and only one outcome —

birth. Cardiac surgery is indicated. death.

acneform Acneiform — dermatitis which has the acrania Congenital absence of part/all of the

appearance of acne, but is not. skull.

acnegenic That which promotes acne. acrid Bitter, pungent, noxious odors.

acne vulgaris An infective dermatitis caused by acroanesthesia Acroagnosis — lack of sensation

allergies, bromides, chlorines, coal tar products, in an extremity(s).

corticosteroids, debilitated states, iodines, irrita- acrocephalosyndactyly Apert's syndrome, acro-

tion, oils, petroleum, psychogenic factors, vita- cephalosyndactylia — a congenital anomaly

min deficiencies, or any cause specific to the characterized by webbed fingers/toes and a

patient. Although considered to be an adoles- head which appears to be pointed.

cent condition, acne can be noted in all ages acrocephaly Oxycephaly — the malformed crani-

from newborn to adulthood. This condition um caused by premature closure of the sutures.

becomes a source of emotional distress. Those acrocontracture Muscular spasms of the extrem-

cases with scarring may require plastic surgery. ity(s).

acorea Absent pupil at the center of the iris. acrocyanosis Loss of heat with pallor of the

acoria Lack of satiety following anadequate extremities, caused by vasomotor instability.

meal. This may be noted in hysterical and catatonic

acormus That congenital anomaly in which there patients, but it is within normal limits for the

7

one hour-old neonate. ease.

acrodermatitis Acrodermatosis — cutaneous acrosphacelus Gangreneof the fingers and toes

eruption over the extremities. — a progression of Raynaud's disease.

acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans A rash on acrotism That condition in which the pulse is

the hands and feet which gradually progresses imperceptible.

toward the trunk. acrylic resin bite guard A dental orthosis used

acrodermatitis continua That resistant eczema- to prevent bruxism.

tous rash which remains confined to the limbs. acting out The use of defense mechanisms, sug-

acrodermatitis enteropathica A rare pediatric gestive of misbehavior.

dermatitis seen between 3 weeks to 18 months actinic burn A thermal injury caused by solar or

of age. The onset includes fluid-filled lesions ultraviolet rays.

around body orifices, diarrhea, loss of hair, and actinodermatitis Skin conditions caused by radi-

failure to thrive. Malabsorption of zinc is consid- ation.

ered to be the cause. If untreated, the infant actinoneuritis Inflammation of the nerves, from

may go on to die. radiation therapy.

acrodynia Feer's disease, erythredema, Swift's actinotherapy Treatment by actinic rays, photo-

disease. That pediatric condition caused by an chemical rays, light rays, radium, or X-ray ther-

allergy to mercury. The child's cheeks and tip of apy.

the nose are bright pink. Pruritic lesions on the activate Causing involvement.

hands and feet, digestive problems, and edema- active immunization Administration of an anti-

tous extremities are noted. Muscle weakness gen that provokes an immune response, pro-

and polyarthritis may follow. tecting against later exposure to the actual dis-

acromegaly Marie's disease — enlargement of ease.

the cranium, bones of the extremities, lips, jaws, acute Not chronic — that which is sudden,

and nose may be seen. Decreased libido, day- severe, and serious in nature.

time sedation, and labile affect may be present. acute care Immediate and definitive hospital care

Onset is gradual, and may evolve to diabetes given to the patient with severe symptomatol-

mellitus, serious muscular weakness, and loss ogy.

of sight. acute chest syndrome Dyspnea and/or tachyp-

acromyotonia Acromytonus — muscular nea indicate pulmonary involvement secondary

spasms of the extremities, which may cause to lung infarction or infection. Significant in

deformity(s). pediatric sickle cell disease, such findings

acro-osteolysis That genetic condition of prompt hospitalization — during which oxygen

unknown etiology, in which there is dissolution and transfusions of packed erythrocytes may be

of the tips of the fingers and toes of young chil- ordered.

dren. acute coryza "The common cold", which may

acropachy Clubbing of the digits — often a sign not seem so common to the sufferer.

of cardiopathy. acute eosinophilic pneumonia A febrile illness

acropachyderma Thickening of the skin, accom- in which the hypoxemia and other symptoms

panied by anomalies of the long bones and will respond to corticosteroids.

clubbing of the fingers. acute hypercalcemiccrisis Acute hyperparathy-

acroparesthesia Numbness of the extremities. roidism/parathyroid crisis — in which the

acrophobia A pathological fear of heights and serum level may ascend to 15mg. Fever, coma,

depths. Mypsophobia. pancreatitis, and rising blood urea nitrogen

acroscleroderma Sclerodactylia — coarse, thick- (BUN) contribute to this high morbidity. Optimal

ened tips of the digits. therapy for these dehydrated patients is intra-

acrosclerosis Scleroderma, in which thickened venous therapy of saline solution, Furosemide,

skin may extend from the arms to the neck and and parathyroidectomy when prudent.

face — possibly a sequela of Raynaud's dis- acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis Vincent's

8

infection, "trench mouth". the purpose of counting casts and cells. If a
acute pharyngoconjunctival fever That commu- voiding should inadvertently be discarded, this
incident should be reported, and the collection
nicable disease which disables summer started over.
campers with conjunctival inflammation, fever, Addison's disease Adrenocortical hypofunction,
and pharyngitis. Treatment is symptomatic, chronic hypoadrenocorticism. The etiology
under strict aseptic technique. points to progressive destruction of adrenal
acute renal failure Kidney dysfunction. gland tissue by hemorrhage, malignancy, or
intrarenal failure Kidney dysfunction which infectious process — precipitated by stress. If
results in damaged renal tissue. adrenocortisone therapy is delayed in the pres-
postrenal failure Interruption in the flow of ence of hypotension and hypoglycemia, the
urine. patient may expire.
prerenal failure Disrupted circulation to the adduction Approximation of the axis/midline of
kidneys. the body by the eye or extremity.
acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) convergent-stimulus adduction Visual accom-
The European-American concept is radiological- modation upon the gaze of near vision.
ly-confirmed bilateral pulmonary infiltration. adenectomy The surgical excision of a gland.
acute splenic sequestration crisis Erythrocytes adenectopia That ectopic positioning of a gland.
entrapped in the spleen, lead to anexacerbation adenitis Chronic enlargement/inflammation/over-
of anemia, splenomegaly, and a potential for growth of a lymph node/gland.
shock, vascular collapse, death. adenocarcinoma Malignancy of glandular tissue.
acute stress disorder Dissociation and anxiety
may occur within the 4 weeks following a trau- adenofibroma Neoplasm of the breast or uterus,
matic event, resolving in this time. Numbing, composed of fibrous connective tissue.
detachment, disrealization may follow.
acute tubular necrosis(ATN) Crucial renal adenoma A tumor found in glandular tissue.
ischemia caused by shock. adenomalacia The softening of glandular cells.
acute zonal occult outer retinopathy Multiple adenomyosarcoma Neoplastic tissue composed
evanescent white dot syndrome — a new retinal
disease in young female patients. These cases of connective, glandular, and muscle cells.
may present with visual loss or compromise, adenopathy Glandular disease accompanied by
and chorioretinal scarring. A full recovery may
be realized. hypertrophied lymph nodes.
adactylia Adactylism, adactyly — congenital adenosarcoma A tumor with connective and
absence of a digit(s).
Adams-Stokes syndrome Diminished circulation glandular tissues.
to the brain, caused by deficient cardiac output. adenosine That endogenous nucleosidecapable
Altered consciousness may vary from syncope
to convulsions, to unconsciousness. of causing atrioventricular nodal conduction
Implantation of a demand-type cardiac pace- block. This intravenous agent is used to termi-
maker is the treatment of choice in reversing the nate paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
incomplete/complete heart block. When the maximal dose is administered, pul-
Adams-VanderEecken's disorder That inherited monary and systemic vascular resistance is
condition associated with chorea and changes in reduced, and heart rate increased.
the mental status. adenotome A surgical instrument used in glan-
adaptation Achievement of conformity to one's dular excision.
environment and its challenges. adenotonsillectomy Surgical excision of the ton-
addiction The psychological/physiological sils and adenoids. These patients require close
reliance upon any habituating substance/ritual. observation for hidden bleeding which might
Addis count A 12-24 hour collection of urine for require their return to surgery — especially
those beyond childhood!
adermia Lack/loss of skin — which may be
acquired or congenital. Infection will be a seri-
ous problem.
adermogenesis Maldevelopment of the dermis.

9

skin. adrenal crisis.
adhesion The adherence of separate surfaces. adrenal echinococcal disease Endemic to the
adhesiotomy That surgical lysis of adhesions.
adiadochokinesia Adiadochokinesis, asynergia Middle East, where its vector is dogs, this ill-
ness occurs in childhood, then lies dormant for
— because of cerebellar pathology, the inability years.
to smoothly perform antagonistic motor tasks adrenalectomy Surgical excision of the adrenal
rapidly. gland(s).
Adie's syndrome Suggestive of central nervous adrenalinemia The presence of epinephrine in
system pathology, the patient's pupils may differ the circulation.
in size. The tonic pupil responds poorly to light adrenalinuria Epinephrine present in the urine.
and accommodation. adrenalitis Adrenitis — inflammation of the
adipectomy Excision of adipose tissue. adrenal gland(s).
adipokinesis Metabolism of body fat. Fat mobi- adrenarche Pubertal changes caused by
lization. increased production of adrenocortical hor-
adiposis Adiposity, corpulence, excessive body mones.
fat, liposis, obesity. adrenergic That which is transmitted/activated
adiposis cerebralis Obesity caused by intracra- by adrenalin. Those nerve fibers which release
nial pathology, often pituitary-related. epinephrine when stimulated.
adiposis hepatica Fatty infiltration or degenera- adrenocortical hormones Those which are
tion of the liver. secreted by the cortex of the adrenal glands —
adiposuria Lipuria — fat cells in the urine. androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, pro-
adipsia Adipsy, aposia — absence of the thirst gestins.
sensation. adrenogenital syndrome Congenially, adrenal
adjustment disorder The maladaptive virilism may lead to ambiguous sexual charac-
response(s) to stress. Symptoms may abate teristics, which causes erroneous sexual assign-
when the stress response lifts, or when a new ment. Excessive production of androgenic hor-
level of coping is learned. mones causes precocious puberty in the young
adjuvant therapy In immunology, that substance male child, and masculine secondary sexual
which increases the antigenic response. In characteristics in the female child.
oncology, the addition of another form of thera- adrenoleukodystrophy Shilder's disease — a
py to the primal modality. rare, sex-linked genetic disease which gradually
ad libitum (ad lib) As much/often as is needed. brings paralysis to young boys. Slurredspeech,
ad nauseam That which is carried to the point of imbalance, emotional problems, deafness,
tedium. and/or hyperactivity may be noted, as well as
adnerval Adneural — adjacent to/toward a neur- deterioration of skills. Neurologically progres-
al structure. sive, the loss of gait, sight, and/or speech is
adnexa Adjacent to or adjoining parts of an accompanied by seizures and death — often
organ. within 2 years. Researchis seeking to achieve
adnexitis Infection of the adnexa uteri. remyelination, before time runs out for these
adolescence That period between puberty and children. Until then, symptomatic therapy is
adulthood. their main comfort.
adoral Near/toward the mouth. adrenolytic That which interferes with the action
adrenal crisis Acute adrenocortical insufficiency. of epinephrine.
Unless treated promptly and aggressively with adrenomegaly Hypertrophied adrenal glands.
corticosteroids, death will ensue from circulato- adrenotoxin That what is poisonous to the
ry collapse. Off hormone therapy, adrenal insuf- adrenal glands.
ficiency may persist for a few months. It is dur- adrenotropic An agent of adrenal gland stimula-
ing this period that physiological stress can tion and nourishment.
throw these patients into a subacute form of adsternal Toward or near the breastbone.

10

adterminal That toward the end of any organ. achieved by the injection of air into the peri-

adtorsion Convergent squint — the eyes are toneum. Decadesago, this was a frequent thera-

crossed toward each other. peutic procedure for pulmonary tuberculosis in

adulteration Manipulation of the quality of a sub- the sanitaria.

stance by interfering with its purity. aerophagia Aerophagy — the swallowing of air.

adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) A aerophore A portable respirator which aerates

fatal respiratory complication of medically debil- the lungs of neonates suffering respiratory dam-

itated patients. Atelectasis and disseminated age. A number of asphyxiated and stillborn

intravascular coagulation (DIC) require vigorous babies have been resuscitated by this modality.

efforts to reverse this damage. Pharmacologic aerosinusitis A chronic inflammation of the

paralysis may be required. All patients receive sinuses from atmospheric pressure changes.

antibiotic chemotherapy and oxygen therapy. aerosol therapy Aerosolizedtherapy, inhalation

advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) Beyond therapy, aerospace medicine — that specialty

the basic cardiac life support protocol, this which addresses the pathological, physiological,

embraces defibrillation, intravenous infusion, and psychological needs of those in space,

medications, placement of an esophageal obtu- and/or with respiratory needs.

rator, airway/endotracheal intubation. afebrile Apyretic — the absence of fever.

Certification is required of those who assume affect Those emotions subjectively experienced,

these responsibilities. such as dysphoria, elation, depression, hope-

advance directives That document which speci- lessness, hostility, et al.

fies the patient's major health care choices. A broad range of affect Normal variability in

medical power of attorney is named, should one expression, voice pitch, body movement.

be needed. When possible, decisions regarding blunted affect That marked by a severe lack of

resuscitation codes and extraordinary means emotional expression. A subdued intensity of

are made by the entire family, following response.

patient/family education by staff. constricted affect A guarded interaction

adynamia Asthenia, debility, hypodynamia — accompanied by emotional impoverishment.

weakness due to cerebellar or muscular pathol- That restricted, reduced intensity and range.

ogy. flat affect Monotonous, expressionless speech,

adynamic ileus Paralytic ileus — that serious voiced without facial inflection.

complication of abdominal surgery, when absent inappropriate affect That marked inconsistency

intestinal motility and absent bowel sounds between the patient's ideation, emotion and ver-

place the patient at risk for bowel obstruction. bal content.

On nothing by mouth (NP0), a Levine tube may labile effect Excessiveshifts of content with

be required for decompression. unpredictable mood and volume, with repetition.

aerodermectasia Subcutaneous emphysema — Emotional lability.

air beneath the skin. affective disorders (Now classified as mood dis-

aeroembolism Aeroemphysema, bends, caisson orders.) A prolonged emotion which dominates

disease — those severe conditions which result every aspect of the patient's life.

in the fatal presence of air within the circulatory afibrinogenemia Hypofibrinogenemia — the

system and/or organs. Recompressionand slow absence of fibrinogen in the plasma, causing

decompression per hyperbaric chamber is the inability of the blood to coagulate. This rare dis-

procedure of choice. ease may develop abruptly following abruptio

aeroneurosis An occupational disorder of pilots. plancentae, extensive surgery, hepatic cirrhosis,

This chronic nervous condition affects function- leukemia, neoplastic disease, polycythemia vera,

ing because of emotional instability, gastric dis- retention of fetal tissue or fetal demise, sar-

tress, increased motor activity, insomnia, and coidosis, severe burns, extraordinary trauma.

irritability. aflatoxicosis X-disease— poisoning from rancid

aeroperitoneum Aeroperitonia — distention peanuts.

11

African tick typhus Fievre boutonneuse. puscles.
agalactia The absence of milk production in the aggression Assaultive behavior (or intent) which

postpartum patient. may be self-protective, symbolic, verbal, physi-
agammaglobulinemia Bruton's agammaglobu- cal, inappropriate, directed toward the self/envi-
ronment.
linemia, congenital agammaglobulinemia, X- agitated depression Dysphoria accompanied by
linked agammaglobulinemia. This rare, sex- increased psychomotor activity/restlessness.
linked characteristic places young boys at risk These patients are at increased risk for acting
for serious disease. The absence of gamma out and for suicide. The most common cause of
globulin may be acquired or congenital — ren- geriatric agitation is urinary tract infection (UTI).
dering these children without immune defenses. agitographia Hastily-written script demonstrat-
agastria The congenital absence of a stomach. ing omission of syllables, words, withexcessive
agathanasia That concept of assisting terminal typographical errors.
patients to die with dignity. Known as the hos- agitolalia Agitophasia — press of speech with
pice philosophy, the consideration is toward distortion of sounds.
quality of the life that is left, rather than a quan- aglossia The congenially absent tongue.
tity of time. When medical procedures are of lit- Inability to speak.
tle help, it is proposed that they be omitted. aglutition The inability to swallow.
Necessary analgesia may allow that an exces- aglycemia Absenceof sugar in the blood.
sive dose be given when less is no longer effec- aglycosuria Urine which is free of sugar.
tive — even when this may depress the vital agnathia Absence of the mandible.
signs. In a rational decision that s/he not be agnea An inability to discern objects.
kept alive without hope of quality of life, a agnogenic The etiology/origin is unknown.
"Living Will" has been drafted and signed by agnosia A neurologic disorder in which tactile,
each patient. This authorizes that s/he be under gustatory, auditory, and/or visible stimuli cannot
a "No Code" (Do Not Resuscitate — DNR) sta- be discerned. (The patient's sight is of absolute-
tus. S/he will not be rescued to exist in coma. ly no use, but a distracting hindrance.)These
Regrettably, some of these legal documents patients are free of language impairment. In
have not been honored by the families, hospi- some, this severe disability may be noted during
tals, et al. their arousal from coma.
age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) agonadal Agonad — the absence of sexual
Mild memory deficits which occur with aging. glands.
agenesis Agenesia— failed development, agonal The state of exquisite suffering and/or
growth, or deficiency in potency of an organ. approaching death.
agenitalism Congenitally absent organs of repro- agoraphobia That incompacitating fear of finding
duction. oneself in places/situations from which fan-
agent That which stimulates/represents a result. tasied rescue or escape might be impossible.
age-related macular degeneration Formerly This overwhelming anxiety may provoke mount-
"senile macular degeneration", the patient must ing panic attacks. The principal stressor(s) is
remain in a prone position (face down) for sev- specific to the patient: animals, bridges, atten-
eral days post-operatively. If it is determined dance at public functions, driving, crowds, eat-
pre-operatively that the patient will be unable to ing in public, tunnels, standing in lines, et al.
assume or cooperate with this positioning, These autonomic symptoms become so dis-
his/her candidacy for this surgical procedure abling, that without psychiatric intervention,
will be reconsidered. some patients spend their adult lives requiring a
ageustia Ageusia, dysgeusia, hypogeusia. companion and/or confining themselves as self-
Impairment, partial loss, absence, of taste. imposed "shut-ins".
agglutination Adhesions promoting the healing agranulocytosis Granulocytopenia, agranulocytic
of a wound. angina — in which leukocytes reach precarious-
aggregation The clumping together of blood cor-

12

ly low levels. considered to constitute a "binge". It is manda-

agraphia Logagraphia — loss of the ability to tory to force fluids on these patients, lest they

write. develop the seizures of delirium tremens.

agromania That morbid desire to wander, to live Pathologic organ changes, physical dependency,

in isolation, to dwell in solitude. and/or tolerance characterize the effects of

Ahumada del Castillo syndrome Galactorrhea, ETOH addiction.

amenorrhea unassociated with pregnancy. This alcoholomania Obsessive craving for alcohol.

may be attributed to a pituitary tumor. alcoholophilia A morbid voracity for ETOH.

aichmophobia The pathological fear of coming in alcoholuria Ethyl alcohol in the urine.

contact with pointed objects, or by another's fin- aldosteronism Hyperaldosteronism — exces-

gers. sively high levels of this mineralcorticoid hor-

ainhum Seen in Africa, a constriction of mone in the blood. Retention of sodium, urinary

unknown etiology which eventually causes auto- loss of potassium, and alkalosis occurs, result-

amputation of the digit(s). There is no known ing in episodic arrhythmias, hypertension, paral-

preventive, nor cure for this uncommon afflic- ysis, polydipsia, polyuria, tetany, profound

tion. weakness.

air curtain That wall of air flow which protects primary aldosteronism Conn's syndrome —

the isolated/immunocompromised patient from pathology related to adrenal gland disorders.

airborne bacteria. This principle is also used secondary aldosteronism Adrenal symptoma-

with the air flow hoods of other areas within the tology unrelated to the adrenal glands.

hospital, to secure a more aseptic environment Aleppo abscess Delhi abscess. Cutaneous leish-

in clean areas. maniasis.

airplane splint A brace used to hold in abduction alethia An obsession for the past. Dwelling on

the reduced or postoperative extremity — such days gone past with an inability to forget.

as skin grafting of the axilla(e), chest, back. aleukemia Aleukocytosis, leukopenia — that

akathisia The tormenting side effect of constant deficiency of leukocytes in the circulation.

movement the patient cannot control. aleukocytosis Profound leukopenia.

Albright's disease Polyostotic fibrous displasia Alexander-Adams operation The surgical correc-

— that accompanied by endocrine disorders, tion of uterine displacement.

cafe-au-lait spots, and precocious puberty in the alexia Sensory aphasia, word blindness, caused

female child. by a central nervous system lesion(s).

Albright's hereditaryosteodystrophy motor alexia While able to comprehend the

Hyperphosphatemia in the presenceof hypocal- printed word, the patient is unable to read

cemia. aloud.

albumin Protein present in blood, bile. This may musical alexia Optic, sensory, visual loss of

be administered intravenously to build the circu- the ability to read/decode music.

latory volume. visual/optic alexia Loss of the ability to com-

albuminuria Proteinuria — serum protein in the prehend the printed word.

urine. algolagnia Erotic fulfillment achieved by the

albuminuric retinitis That retinal inflammation inflicting or experiencing of pain.

associated with nephropathology. algophobia An exaggerated fear of pain.

alcoholic psychosis Acute hallucinosis, alienation Dissociation, estrangement, and isola-

Korsakoff's psychosis, delirium tremens — tion from society.

pathological intoxication caused by alcohol alignment A straight/controlled manipulation or

abuse. These patients can become violently position.

aggressive without provocation. orthodontic alignment Straightening of maloc-

alcoholism That progressive-to-lethal status of clusion.

the patient who is addicted to ethel alcohol. orthopedic alignment Reduction of fractures.

Episodic drinking extending over 24 hours is alkaptonuria An anomaly in the metabolism of

13

the amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, which alopecia symptomatica Psychogenic or sys-
present in the form of dark urine and arthritis. temic loss of hair, secondary to stress.
allachesthesia Tactile stimuli, remotely per-
ceived. alopecia universalis Hair loss over the entire
allergen That agent, inhalant, physical agent, body.
substance which causes hypersensitivity.
allergic alveolitis Hypersentivity pneumonitis. Alport's syndrome Hereditary nephritis, congeni-
allergy Reaction to a substance which may be as tal glomerulonephritis accompanied by
severe as anaphylactic shock. Allergies may visual/acoustic defects. Untreatable, death may
appear as genetically inherent, or as acquired occur by age 40 years.
responses to multiple exposures. Shellfish aller-
gies may not be known to the patient, but must altitude sickness Decreasedoxygen at increas-
be taken very seriously. Unaware that a restau- ing heights may cause dyspnea, euphoria,
rant's mixed pizza has a small amount of headache, impaired judgment/concentration,
shrimp, this may be enough to cause the diner syncope. Multiple symptoms could prelude
to go into anaphylactic shock while still in the death.
restaurant. An allergy is an IgE-mediated
response. aluminum intoxication The cause of a marked
alliesthesia The subjectivity of opposite increase in serum calcium, this pathology is
responses to the same stimulus. noted with patients on chronic hemodialysis.
alliteration Dysphasia in which words with the Bone pain, defective bone mineralization,
same opening consonant are used exclusively. hypocalcemia, osteomalacia. and renal osteody-
allochezia Allochetia — defecation through an strophy may be seen. Therapy requires chela-
abnormal opening. tion of the aluminum.
allodynia That perception of nonpainful stimuli
as causing pain. alveolectomy Total/partial surgical excision of a
allokinesis Involuntary, reflexive, passive move- mandibular or maxillary alveolar process.
ments.
allolalia The cerebral, dysphasic substitution of alymphia Deficiency of lymph.
words whichh could signal a brain tumor. alymphocytosis Absent/decreased circulatory
allongement The surgical lengthening of tissue.
allophasis Incomprehensible language (which is lymphocytes.
beyond the developmental stage). alymphoplasia Failure of the lymph to develop.
alloplasty Psychiatric adaptation — that in Alzheimer's-type dementia Dementia of the
which the environment is altered, rather than
the patient. Plastic surgery which utilizes an Alzheimer's type — presenile dementia due to
inert substance. cerebral atrophy. The symptomatology can
allopsychosis Misperception of input stimuli. mimic drug reactions, head injury, major
all-or-none law Bowditch's law — when stimu- depression (or other psychiatric conditions),
lated, the heart will contract fully if it contracts malnutrition, metabolic pathology, et al., allow-
at all. ing for the possibility of misdagnosis. This pro-
allotriogeustia Perversion of the sense of taste. gressive course includes disorientation, gait dis-
alopecia Acomia, calvites — baldness. turbance, disordered emotions, language diffi-
androgenic alopecia Diffuse hair loss and thin- culties, apathy, permanent loss of
ning, in the female. precious/recent memory (of which the patient is
alopecia areata Patchy baldness which may painfully aware), aphasia, apraxia, deterioration
occur abruptly. in mentation/visual/spatial skills, agnosia. These
alopecia capitis totalis Total loss of hair from patients will demonstrate impairment in execu-
the entire head. tive functioning as they come to embody a
spouse's analysis — "It's like leading a 6-foot,
3-year old around the house, who doesn't even
know who I am!" A definitive diagnosis can be
made only by a brain biopsy (at autopsy).
amastia Amazia — failure of mammary tissue to
develop.
amaurosis Total blindness, usually void of
pathology.

14

amaurosis fugax Intermittent retinal ischemia, ammoniemia Ammonemia — that pathological

commonly caused by carotid stenosis, as evi- level of ammonia in the circulation.

denced by monocular/hemisensory findings. ammoniuria Excessive urinary levels of ammo-

Early treatment is mandatory, to prevent this nia.

arteritis from involving the opposite eye. amnesia Loss of significant recall.

ambiasis Amebic infestation. anterograde amnesia Mental loss of events

ambidexterity Mixed dominance, in which there following the precipitation of the trauma.

is no preference in handedness. asterognosis Tactile amnesia. Loss of the abili-

ambilevous The inability to use either hand ty to discern items by touch.

effectively. auditory amnesia Auditory aphasia, word deaf-

ambivalence Ambitendency — contradictory ness.

views held by the same person. retroanterograde amnesia Past events are tele-

ambivert One possessing personality traits of scoped to recent events, and recent events to

both extroversion and introversion. the past.

amblyopia Reduction of vision in the absence of retrograde amnesia Loss of memory for the

clinical findings. events prior to the head injury.

Ambu bag That emergency equipment used to tactile amnesia Asterognosis — loss of the

hand-ventilate the apneic patient. ability to identify items by touch.

amelia Congenital absence of an extremity(s). transient global amnesia Sudden onset of

amelioration Improvement of patient status. symptomatology, with rapid resolution of mem-

ameloblastoma Adamantinoma — mandibular ory.

neoplasm. amniocentesis Aspiration of amniotic fluid from

amelus That congenital absence of all extremi- the gravid uterus by transabdominal puncture

ties. — for the purposes of analysis, to determine

amenorrhea Suppression/absence of the menses fetal maturity, et al. This procedure can be trau-

— which may be congenital, endocrinal, meta- matic to the fetus, and could be abortifacient.

bolic, systemic, and/or psychogenic. amnionitis Amniotitis, amnitis — inflammation

amentia Innate mental deficiency. of the amniotic sac.

ametria The congenially absent uterus. amniotome The digital instrument used to punc-

ametropia Maladjustment of refraction, produc- ture fetal membranes prior to delivery, if they

ing astigmatism, hyperopia, myopia. have not ruptured spontaneously.

amimia The inability to gesture. Patients do not amniotomy Surgical rupture of the amniotic

need to understand sign language to benefit membranes, to expedite and/or to induce deliv-

from the nurse's creative gesturing — especially ery.

if anxious and/or afraid. amphetamine A stimulant of the central nervous

aminoacidemia Excessive amino acids in circu- system. Used in the treatment of narcolepsy and

lation. clinical depression, it has fallen into disuse

aminoacidopathy An amino acid metabolic dis- because of the high risk of dependency. The

order. prescribed use for the therapy of obesity,

aminoaciduria Urinary amino acids in excess. decades ago, is no longer legal in the USA.

aminuria The presence of urinary amines. amphetamine intoxication Maladaptive behav-

ammonia toxicity Ammonia intoxication, hyper- ioral/psychiatric changes following the use of

ammoniemia — altered levels of consciousness, controlled stimulants have been documented.

asterixis, neurological changes accompanied by Cardiac arrhythmias, dilated pupils, blood pres-

abnormal EEGs (electroencephalograms). sure changes, chilling, nausea with emesis,

Treatment goals include the prevention of weight loss, psychomotor retardation/agitation,

absorption and production of ammonia in the respiratory depression, seizures, and/or coma

intestines. Dietary protein intake must be limit- only begin the list.

ed. amphicrania A bilateral headache.

15

amphigony Sexual reproduction. amyostasia Due to profound muscle weakness,
amphimixis Reproductive characteristics inherit- difficulty maintaining an erect posture.

ed from both parents. amyosthenia Muscle weakness.
amphoterodiplopia Amphodiplopia — bilateral amyotaxy Defective muscle coordination.
amyotonia Absent muscle tone.
double vision. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) Lou Gerig's
amputation Surgical/traumatic excision of an
disease. This autoimmune mechanism compli-
extremity, organ, or other part of the body. cates progressive degeneration of the cerebral
amusia Music deafness. The inability to appreci- cortex, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord.
Muscular atrophy and profound weakness
ate or to produce musical sounds — or even to evolve with hyperreflexia and spasticity, to pro-
appreciate those tones. It is an injustice to duce total paralysis. These patients mayexceed
assign the label "tone deaf" to a child, when the estimated survival of 3 years, but without
inability to sing is often due to inadequate expo- quality of life. Eventually unable to speak nor
sure and/or lack of instruction. swallow, they may require respiratory support
Amussat's operation Lumbar colotomy of the with their end-stage disease, as they go on to
ascending colon in order to create an artificial die. This motor neuron pathology carries a
anus. genetic anomaly. There is no known therapy
amychophobia An excessivefear of animals' other than supportive care.
claws and of being clawed. amyotrophy Amyotrophia — loss of muscle
amyelencephaly Developmental absence of the mass.
spinal cord and brain. amyxia The absence of mucus.
amyelia A congenially absent spinal cord. anabiosis Resuscitation following apparent
amyeloneuria The impaired/paralyzed function- death.
ing of the spinal cord. anabolic agent A steroid hormone, testosterone.
amyelencephaly Congenital absence of the Indiscriminate/illegal use will disqualify atheletes
spinal cord/brain. from competition in the United States and major
amyelus The neonate with a congenially absent international events.
spinal cord. anacatesthesia The illusion of hovering. This
amygdalopathy Tonsillar pathology. phenomenon may be described in a near-death
amygdalotome A tonsil snare. event, as did Raymond A. Moody, MD, in his
amylasuria Increased urinary amylase seen in accounts.
pancreatitis. anacatharsis Severe vomiting which is
amylodyspepsia Inability to digest carbohy- intractable.
drates. anacathartic An emetic for the induction of vom-
amyloidosis Amylosis — a metabolic condition iting.
in which amyloid deposits form in many tissues. anaclitic Dependence upon another for care.
The most frequently involved organs are the anacrotic pulse The occurrence of a double beat
adrenal cortex, kidneys, liver, spleen. Symptoms on the ascending ECG/EKG tracing — as seen in
of pseudo-obstruction may include all strata of aortic stenosis.
the bowel. anacusia Anakusis — profound deafness.
lichen amyloidosis That disease limited to epi- anadenia The absence of a gland(s).
dermal tissue. anadidymus Conjoined twins, fused at the legs.
secondary amyloidosis Involvement with a anadipsia Profound thirst.
chronic disease process, producing extensive anadrenalism Nonfunctioning adrenal glands.
tissue destruction. anakatadidymus Conjoined twins, fused at the
amylophagia Excessivecarbohydrate hunger. trunk.
amylosuria Starch present in the urine. analepsis Recovery of health and strength.
amyocardia Myasthenia cordis — weakness of analeptic A central nervous system stimulant.
the myocardium.
amyoplasia Failed muscle development.

16

analgesic Anodyne — that which relieves pain. of intestinal, neural, tubular, vascular, or other

An analgetic, antalgic, antalgesic. tissues/organs, in order to unite circulation

analgesic nephropathy Renal damage/impair- and/or functioning.

ment secondary to aspirin toxicity. anatoxin Attenuated toxin/toxoid for the purpose

analogous Variation in structure or origin, while of inoculation.

similar in function. anatripsis Therapeutic massage utilizing friction.

analogy Similarity in 2 dissimilar organisms. anconad In the direction of the elbow.

anal personality A psychological trait/disorder anconagra Gout localized in the elbow.

characterized by obstinacy, stinginess, obses- anconitis Inflammation involving the elbow joint.

sive orderliness. ancylostomiasis Uncinariasis — ankylostomia-

anamnesis Remembrance, recall. sis, hookworm infestation.

anancastic In the obsessive-compulsive patient, Andersen's disease Glycogen storage disease,

ventilation through behavior, thought, and verbal Pompe's disease.

expression, directed toward recovery. androgalactozemia Mammary secretion of milk

anangioplasia Inadequate vascularization. in the male.

anaphoria Anatropia — eversion of the eye(s) androgenic Andromimetic — effecting masculin-

upward. ization.

anaphrodisia A decreased or absent libido. androgynoid Possession of the gonads of one

anaphylaxis A dramatic, sudden, life-threatening sex, and the secondary sexual characteristics of

reaction to that substance to which the patient the other. Thus, a male pseudohermaphrodite

has been sensitized. This shock must be will have gonads with female sexual characteris-

reversed immediately, by use of respiratory ven- tics, while a female pseudohermaphrodite will

tilitation, oxygen therapy, and pharmacologic have the sexual characteristics of the male.

intervention with steroids, epinephrine, and androgynous Lacking definite secondary sexual

other vasopressor agents. Fatal anaphylactoid characteristics.

reactions may be precipitated by food, as well android Masculine.

as by other agents. Such hypersensitivity shock androphobia An abnormal fear of males.

may present with sudden dyspnea, convulsions, Anel's operation Ligation of the artery supplying

cyanosis, unconsciousness, and/or death. an aneurysm.

Patients with an anaphylactoid history should be anemia Deficiency of hemoglobin concentration

clinically observed for 3 hours, following expo- below normal range. There may be other etiolo-

sure to an allergen. Others may require hospital- gy besides hemoglobinopathy.

ization to monitor this critical hypersensitivity achlorhydric anemia Addisonian anemia.

reaction. Pernicious, hypochromic, microcytic deficiency

anaptic An absent/diminished sense of touch. in the hemoglobin, due to a lack of free

anarthria Loss of the ability to speak distinctly hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

due to defective neurological/muscular status. aplastic anemia Hypoplastic anemia — that

anarthria centralis A central nervous system rare blood dyscrasia caused by chemical agents

lesion which causes partial aphasia. such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents,

anarthria literalis Stuttering/stammering — anticonvulsants, chemotherapy which dstroys

which might disappear during singing. bone marrow cells.

anasarca Severe,generalized systemic edema. congenital hemolytic anemia Familial, chronic

anaspadias Epispadias — a congenital anomaly disease accompanied by hemolytic icterus,

in which the urethra exits at the dorsum of the hemolysis of blood.

penis. Surgical reconstruction will be unable to Cooley's anemia Erythroblastic anemia, tha-

correct the inability to void from the glans lassemia major — a genetic interference with

penis. the synthesis of hemoglobin.

anastole Retraction of wound edges. Fanconi's anemia That rare form of aplastic

anastomosis Pathological/surgical approximation anemia — in which bone anomalies, hypogeni-

17

talism, microcephalism may be noted. anephrogenesis Congenital absence of a kid-
hemolytic anemia Autodestruction of the ery- ney(s).
throcytes. These chronic patients may require a
low dosage of steroid therapy for life. Each anergastic reaction Organic psychosis arising
medical event may be life-threatening. from a central nervous system lesion(s). This
hypersplenic anemia Excessivedestruction of patient(s) may present with impairment of activ-
erythrocytes by the spleen. ity, functioning, judgment, and/or memory.
iron-deficiency anemia Iron-poor anemia,
man's most common, chronic disease. anergia Anergy — the loss of motor/psychic
Jaksch's anemia Infantile pseudoleukemia — energy, as evidenced by leaden "paralysis".
splenomegaly with anemia, but without
leukemic changes. anergic stupor Psychomotor retardation. The
myelopathic anemia Metastatic disruption of acute phase of dementia, in which there is a
bone marrow functioning. prominent lack of physical/psychic energy.
pernicious anemia Addisonian anemia — that
macrocytic, chronic anemia in which achlor- anesthekinesia Anesthecinesia — motor/senso-
hydria is seen. ry paralysis.
sickle cell anemia Sicklemia — that inherited
form of anemia seen in stricken anesthesia Loss of sensation with/without
African/Mediterranean descendants and African unconsciousness from injury, disease, or
Americans. Obstructed transportation of oxygen administration of an agent(s) by inhalation or
to the capillaries causes abdominal pain, acute parenteral route. Anesthesia is administered to
chest syndrome, fever, functional asplenia, non- the depth at which loss of sensation and mus-
traumatic osteonecrosis of the hip(s), diffuse cular relaxation are sufficient to allow conduct
bone/joint pain, vaso-occlusive pain crises. of the surgical procedure without muscular
Bone marrow treatment is the only known thera- rigidity.
py for this crescent cell sickling. audio anesthesia Music heard through a head-
sideroblastic anemia An iron-utilization defi- set receiver in order to distract the patient's per-
ciency due to ineffective erythropoiesis. ception of pain.
splenic anemia Banti's syndrome, congestive basal anesthesia A light level of anesthesia,
splenomegaly — hypertension involving the cooperating with regional/light agents. In addi-
spleen or liver, which may lead to gastric hem- tion, insensitivity is produced by heavy sedation.
orrhage. block anesthesia Basal/local/conduction/infil-
traumatic cardiac hemolytic anemia That tration/neural/regional anesthesia. This renders
caused by rupture of the erythrocyte membrane local insensibility over the entire area required.
in postoperative, intracardiac procedures involv- caudal anesthesia Regional insensibility is
ing implantation of aortic valves and other pros- achieved from intrathecal injection of an agent
thetic devices. into the epidural space.
anemic hypoxia Inadequate oxygenation caused central anesthesia Pathological insensitivity
by the reduced capacity of the hemoglobin to caused by a central nervous system lesion(s).
carry oxygen throughout the circulation. closed anesthesia Inhalation anesthesia — the
anemophobia That exaggerated fear of rebreathing of inhaled anesthetic agents.
wind/drafts. dissociative anesthesia Environmental denial
anencephalus The developmental anomaly in by cataleptic, amnestic patients. This may also
which the brain and spinal cord are open at be seen in some hysterical states.
birth. (The cranium may also be open.) electrical anesthesia That induced by current.
Therapeutic/diagnostic efforts are ill-advised — general anesthesia Inhaled agents are admin-
if alive, there is no quality of life, and cardiac istered per endotracheal tube, in conjunction
arrest will occur soon after birth. with intravenous medications/fluids — to
achieve total insensibility via the brain. This pre-
carious balance is under the supervision and
protocol of the anesthesiologist.
ice anesthesia Frost anesthesia, in which ice
and/or a volatile liquid are applied to the surgi-

18

cal site. aneurysmectomy The surgical resection of a

mixed anesthesia The use of multiple agents. true/false aneurysm.

neuroleptic anesthesia Adjunctive use of a aneurysmoplasty Surgical reduction of a dilated

narcotic, nitrous oxide, analgesia, oxygen, and a blood vessel.

neuroleptic agent to achieve total loss of con- aneurysmorrhaphy Surgical repair of an

sciousness. aneurysmal sac.

open anesthesia Anesthesia dripped onto a Angelman syndrome That chromosomal aberra-

mask over the patient's nose and mouth. Ether tion which includes many of the following —

lost its popularity due to the discovery of its abnormal EEG,absent speech, ataxia, character-

hepatic toxicity. istic facies (macrostomia, microcephaly, prog-

pudendal anesthesia An obstetrical block nathism, protruding tongue), widely-spaced

which affords sufficient loss of local sensation teeth, convulsions, hyperactivity, ocular

without depressing the respirations of the deliv- hypopigmentation, paroxysms of laughter,

ering infant. This precision technique requires severe mental retardation.

that the mother be in control of her emotions, in Angelucci's syndrome Excitability, palpitations,

order to cooperate. vasomotor disturbance — seen with conjunc-

refrigeration anesthesia Immersion of the tivitis in the spring.

body or extremity in crushed ice, while the angiectopia A dislocated blood vessel.

patient is on absolute bed rest. Topical freezing angiemphraxis An obstructed blood vessel.

is achieved with ethyl chloride spray, prior to angiestasia Angiectasis — a dilated lymph/blood

amputation. vessel.

spinal anesthesia That produced by angiesthenia Loss of vascular tone.

disease/injury to the spinal cord, or induced angina abdominis Acute post-prandial pain.

parenterally within the subarachnoid space. Severe abdominal pain caused by an abdomi-

tactile anesthesia Loss of touch perception. nal/sclerotic blood vessel(s).

anetoderma Epidermal atrophy, in which fibro- angina acuta Angina simplex — pharyngitis.

mas form hanging masses of tissue. angina cruris Cyanosis/pain in the leg with an

aneuploidy An excessive number of chromo- obstructed artery.

somes. angina decubitis Angina pectoris which strikes

aneuresis Aneuria — the inability to form urine. when the patient is in the dorsal recombent

aneurysm An out-pouching of a blood vessel position.

caused by congenital defect, hypertension, angina epiglottidea Epiglottitis, supraglottitis —

infection, trauma. which could be life-threatening.

arteriovenous aneurysm The formation of a angina follicularis Severe tonsillitis, angina ton-

small sac between an artery and vein. sillaris, quinsy.

berry aneurysm The congenital dilatation of a angina laryngea Acute laryngitis.

cerebral vessel. Rupture will be fatal. angina ludovici Angina ludwigii, Ludwig's angi-

dissecting aneurysm Separation of the blood na, submaxillary cellulitis.

vessel walls by aneurysmal bleeding. angina maligna Septic pharyngitis, gangrenous

false aneurysm That saccule which may rup- pharyngitis.

ture. angina parotidea Parotitis, mumps.

fusiform aneurysm Persistent dilatation of the angina pectoris Prinz-metal's angina, cardiac

walls of a blood vessel. neuralgia, stenocardia. Insufficient circulation to

mycotic aneurysm That caused by bacteria. the heart may cause severe, radiating spasms to

true aneurysm That which may develop sec- the arm, back, chest, and/or jaw — rarely to the

ondary to closed chest trauma or from an abdomen. Unstable angina may indicate serious

inflammatory process. cardiopathology, with a grave prognosis.

varicose aneurysm That which forms a com- Sublingual nitroglycerine is the analgesic of

municating sac between the vein and artery. choice.

19

angina phlegmonous Suppurative inflammation resolve without intervention. This may involve a

of the deep tissues of the throat. blood vessel (hemangioma), or lymphatic vessel

angioblastoma A tumor of the meninges/vessels (lymphangioma).

of the brain. angiomatosis Multiple hemangiomas, lymphan-

angiocardiography Serial X-rays of the heart and giomas.

great vessels, following intravenous administra- angiomegaly Hypertrophied blood vessels.

tion of a contrast medium. angiomyolipoma That benign tumor, consisting

angiocardiokinetics That which causes the heart of fatty, muscular, vascular cells.

and/or blood vessels to dilate/contract. angiomyoneuroma Angioneuromyoma, gloman-

angiocarditis Inflammation of the heart and gioma — a painful but benign arteriovenous

great vessels. skin tumor.

angiocholecystitis Inflammation within the bil- angiomyosarcoma A tumor of circulatory, con-

iary system. nective, and muscular cells.

angiodysplasia An acquired lesion found in older angioneurosis Paralysis or spasm of vascular

patients. This may be associated with aortic tissue, due to vasomotor disturbance.

stenosis (or other cardiac lesions), and is the angioneurotic edema A severe allergic reaction,

most common cause of lower gastrointestinal characterized by marked urticaria (hives) and

hemorrhage. facial edema beyond recognition by the patient's

angioendothelioma Single/multiple bone tumors family. Stridor should not be dismissed for asth-

arising from endothelial cells. ma. The patient is to be monitored for develop-

angiofibroma A fibrous tissue tumor. ment of anaphylactic shock — which may rapid-

angiography Serial X-ray studies (with contrast ly be fatal.

medium) which reveals vascular structures. angioneurotomy Surgical ligation of blood ves-

aortic angiography A diagnostic tool for sels and nerves.

aneurysms/tumors. angionoma Ulceration within a blood vessel.

cardiac angiography This radiography deter- angioparalysis Relaxedvasomotor tonus.

mines the condition of the valves,sizes/shapes angiophobia An overwhelming fear of a repeat

of the chambers, and of the heart and the coro- attack of angina pectoris.

nary vessels. angiophrasia The choking, drawling speech dis-

cerebral angiography By this is outlined the order noted in paralytic dementia.

vascular network of the brain. angiorrhaphy Suturing of a blood vessel.

coronary angiography Necessary to reveal angiorrhexis Rupture of a blood vessel.

myocardial insufficiency. angiosclerosis Hardening of vascular walls.

peripheral angiography This modality visual- angiospasm Angiohypertonia, intermittent clau-

izes the blood vessels of the extremities. dication, vasospasm — spasmodic contractions

pulmonary angiography By this is revealed the of blood vessel walls.

vasculature of the respiratory system. angiostaxis The oozing of blood. Hemophilia,

vertebral angiography This modality outlines hemorrhagic predisposition to pathology.

the basilar/vertebral arteries. angiostenosis Constriction of a blood vessel.

angiohypertonia Angiospasm — vasospasm of angiosteosis A calcified blood vessel.

arterial vessels. angiotensis A vasopressor.

angiohypotonia Angioparesis — angioparalysis angiotitis Inflammation of the otic vessels.

due to vascular dilation. angiitis Chest pain.

angioleukitis Inflammation of the lymphatic sys- angor animi The fear of impending doom experi-

tem. enced in the realization and distress that one is

angiology Study of the circulatory/lymphatic sys- suddenly dying.

tems. angular stomatitis Cheilosis.

angiolysis Obliteration of a blood vessel(s). anhaphia Anaphia — diminished/lost tactile

angioma That circulatory tumor which may sense.

20

anhedonia That depressive state (as seen in ankylurethria Imperforation/stricture of the uri-

major depression) in which nothing brings plea- nary meatus.

sure. annulorrhaphy Purse-string suturing of a hernia

anhepatia The deficiency/failure of liver function. ring.

anhidrosis Adiapneustia, anidrosis — anodontia Edentia — the absence of teeth previ-

absent/diminished perspiration. ously erupted. These patients are edentulous.

anhydrous That which is deficient in water. anodyne Analgesia, antalgesic, antalgic.

anicteric Free of jaundice. anodynia Absence of discomfort, relief of pain.

anilism Chronic analine poisoning. (An antipyret- anoesia Anoia — a profound inability to compre-

ic, aniline is too toxic for human consumption.) hend.

The presenting symptoms are arrhythmias, anomaly Birth defect(s), congenital abnormali-

cyanosis, heart block, muscular weakness. ty(s).

anima The soul, an individual's inner self. anomia The inability to remember objects by

animation That state of being active, alive, of name.

involving the affect. anontosis Failure of bone tissue to ossify.

animalistic Theroid — possessing pathological anonychia The absence of nails.

animal characteristics/instincts. This feature anophthalmia Anopia, anophoria — congenital

may be more commonly noted in pediatric psy- absence of the eye(s).

chiatry, than among adult patients. anopsia Hyperphoria — inability to see.

animi agitatio Psychic agitation. anorchidism Anorchism — congenially absent

anisoaccommodation Unequal ability of both testis/testes.

eyes to focus. anorectic The patient who is unable/unwilling to

anisocoria That inequality of pupil size due to eat.

aneurysm, brain lesion, congenital effects, head anorexia Total loss of appetite secondary to

injury, locomotor ataxia, neurological pathology, chemotherapy, severe illness, medication side

paresis. effects, emotional upset, et al.

anisognathous That condition in which the anorexia nervosa That disturbance in body

mandible is more narrow than the maxilla. image, with amenorrhea from self-imposed star-

anisoiconia Aniseikonia — the variation in ocu- vation, vomiting, and exerciseto excess.

lar images between each eye. Bradycardia, edema, hypotension, hypothermia,

anisomastia A marked difference in the size of a lanugo, marked weight loss/cachexia accompa-

patient's breasts. ny the serious metabolic changes. To prevent

anisomelia A marked difference in the patient's death from starvation, therapeutic intervention

limbs. may require well-structured hospitalization with

anisometropia Anisopia — a variation in the close supervision. Psychotherapy remains a

refractive power of each eye. vital modality for these patients who are deter-

anisophoria An imbalance of eye muscles, caus- mined to self-destruct.

ing incongruity of the horizontal resting position anorthography Agraphia — the inability to

of the eyes. express oneself in writing, once established.

ankylochilia Adhesion of the lips. anorthopia Visual perceptual defects, in which

ankylocolpos An imperforate vagina, vaginal symmetry and parallelism do not appear to

atresia. exist.

ankyloglossia A shortened frenulum of the anosmia Anodmia — loss of the ability to smell.

tongue. anosognosia Lack of ability/insight to appreciate

ankyloproctia An imperforate anus, anal atresia. one's neurological deficits.

ankylosis The rigidity of a joint. anotia Congenially absent or deformed ears.

ankylostoma Trismus — tetanus, "lockjaw". anotropia An upward gaze, away from the visual

ankylotia An imperforate external auditory mea- axis.

tus. anovarism The absent ovary/ovaries.

21

anovulatory Anovular — an inability to produce sure over graft sites, to minimize scarring dur-

ova. ing healing.

anoxemia Hypoxemia — inadequate oxygenation anticarcinogenic That which impedes tumor for-

of the circulation. mation.

anoxia Lack of oxygen. anticholagogue A medication which reduces the

antacid A medication which neutralizes gastroin- production of bile.

testinal hyperacidity. anticholinergic A parasympatholytic (blocking)

antagonism That opposing action between medi- agent of parasympathetic neural fibres. An

cines or muscles — which are in contrary excessively dry mouth and visual disturbances

action. are two of many side effects which trouble

antasthenic That agent which relieves weakness patients most — and which compromise patient

while strengthening the organism. compliance with this therapy.

antecubital fossa The volar surface of the elbow. anticoagulant That medication which delays or

antegrade That which flows in the same direc- prevents the clotting of blood.

tion. anticonvulsant That which treats and/or prevents

ante mortem statement A deathbed statement seizures.

made by the patient. antidepressant The psychotropic therapy which

antenatal surgery Procedures carried out on the treats dysphoria/depression.

fetus in utero. Still in its pioneer stages, results antidiabetic That which treats and/or prevents

have been promising* despite the risks. reactions in patients with diabetes mellitus.

anthelmintic Anthelminthic, antihelmintic — a antidiarrheal Medication and/or diet which

vermicide which expels intestinal parasites. relieves loose stools.

anthophobia An intense dislike/fear of flowers. antidote A medication/procedure which counter-

anthracosilicosis Coal worker's pneumoconiosis acts ingested toxins. The universal antidote, not

— that occupational disease from inhalation of adopted by all, is considered necessary for each

silica and carbon in the coal dust. home.

anthrax An infectious disease contracted from antiembolic stockings Graduated, elastic stock-

animals requiring isolation technique. This acute ings from groin to toes, guard against venous

condition is manifested by cutaneous abscess- thrombolic complications. These prescribed,

es, integumentary symptoms, pulmonary com- custom-fitted hose must be applied and worn as

plications, and/or more rarely, gastrointestinal ordered.

involvement. These isolated patients may go on antiemetic That medication which prevents and

to die. relieves nausea and vomiting.

anthropomorphism Attributing human qualities antiestrogen A modifier/blocker of female sex

to nonhuman objects/organisms. hormones.

antiamebic Medication prescribed for the treat- antifebrile Antipyretic — that which reduces

ment or prevention of amebiasis. fever.

antiarrhythmic That electronic force or medica- antigalactic That which diminishes/prevents the

tion which controls and prevents erratic heart production and secretion of milk.

beats. antigen A substance recognized by the body as

antibiotic An agent which kills microorganisms being foreign. This results in the production of

specifically identified by culture of the disease. specific antibodies directed against it.

antibody A blood-borne protein which is pro- antigen-antibody reaction That immunity which

duced in response to antigen stimulation. In results from agglutination, complement-fixation,

turn, antibodies destroy the antigen which pro- neutralization and precipitation — occurring

duced them. This confrontation establishes when an antigen combines with its specific anti-

immunity against the antigen. body.

antiburnscar garment A custom-fitted tensile- antigonnorheic Treatment of gonorrhea.

strength article which provides uniform pres- antihemorrhagic That which prevents/arrests

22

bleeding. on hydralizine, isoniazid, procainamide.

antihistamine A drug in opposition to histaminic antiodontalgic Analgesia ordered for dental pain.

action. antipathy Antagonism, aversion.

antihydropic That agent which counteracts gen- antiphlogistic An agent which relieves and pre-

eralized edema. vents inflammation.

antihypercholesterolemic An agent which com- antiplatelet regimen Aspirin gr. 1.25 (a baby

bats a rise in serum cholesterol. aspirin), has been credited with prevention of

antihypertensive Therapy which controls/pre- cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, when

vents hypertension. taken daily.

antihypnotic Any measure which prevents sleep. antiprostaglandin That type of drug which inter-

anti-icteric Medication intended to relieve and/or feres with autocoidal (not hormonal) activity.

control jaundice. These substances are used in the treatment of

antiketogenesis The inhibited formation of ace- dysmenorrhea and arthritis.

tones during metabolic crises. (Carbohydrates antipruritic That drug which prevents/relieves

are antiketogenic.) itching/pruritus.

antilipemic That method which counteracts fatty antipsychotics Neuroleptic agents which modify

substance accumulation in the blood. the patient's psychotic symptoms and behavior.

antilithic An agent which dissolves/prevents cal- antiputrifactive That which prevents decomposi-

culi. tion and putrifaction.

antiluetic Antisyphilitic — a cure/relief for this antipyogenic Antipyic — that which inhibits sup-

sexually transmitted disease. puration.

antilyssic An antirabic — a preventitive or cure antipyrotic That which enhances the healing of

in the treatment of rabies. burns.

antimalarial Antipaludian — that cure/preven- antirachitic A treatment for rickets.

tion/relief in the treatment of malaria. antiseborrheic Dandruff therapy.

antimetabolite That antineoplastic drug which antisepsis Prevention of infection by the inhibi-

demonstrates marked efficacy against the tion of growth of causative microorganisms.

metastasis of carcinoma. antisialic Antisialagogue — an agent/procedure

antimetotic Interference with, or prevention of, which inhibits the secretion of saliva, when

mitosis. drooling is is a problem.

antimetropia An ocular disorder in which each antisocial personality disorder A pervasive dis-

eye has a conflicting error of refraction. regard and violation, which categorizes as dis-

antimony poisoning The acute gastrointestinal social, psychopathy and/or sociopathy.

response to this toxic element — in which arter- Manipulation and deceit are central features of

ial/cardiac depression, diaphoresis, nausea, this disorder. Some of these patients are unable

vomiting may be prominent. Following gastric to sustain warm, close, and lasting relation-

lavage, treatment is symptomatic. ships.

antinatriuresis A reduction in the excretion of antithrombotic A drug which prevents coagula-

urinary sodium — by design. tion.

antinephritic That agent which prevents/relieves antitoxin Antibody, antitoxigen, antoxinogen —

kidney inflammation. produced in an animal for the passive immu-

antineuralgic An analgesic which relieves sharp nization against botulism, diphtheria, snakebite,

pain along the path(s) of a nerve. et al.

antinuclear antibodies (ANA) Sensitizing factors antitrypsin deficiency That suspected in young

present in many immunologic diseases: der- emphysematic patients without a smoking histo-

matomyositis, polymyositis, progressive sys- ry.

temic sclerosis, scleroderma, Sjogren's syn- antitussive That which relieves and prevents

drome, systemic lupus erythematosus, et al. coughing.

These factors may also be present in the patient antivaccinationist One who opposes immuniza-

23

tion. Recurrent, unexpected attacks without organic

antivenom Antivenin, antivene. That serum used cause. Fear of impending doom evolves from

to treat animal/insect poisoning. somatic symptomatology.

antivivisectionist One who opposes experimen- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Trauma

tation on animals. threatening one's life, family, or sudden destruc-

antixerotic An agent which relieves dry skin. tion of the home precedes psychic numbing.

antizymotic That which arrests/prevents fermen- simple phobia Most frequently related to the

tation. fear of animals, exposure to the phobic stimulus

antroatticotomy Surgical opening into the tym- may provoke an immediate anxiety response.

panum and maxillary sinus. Marked anticipatory anxiety is seen if the patient

antrocele Cystic accumulation of fluid in the is confronted with the necessity of entering the

maxillary sinus. phobic situation alone.

antroduodenectomy Surgical excision of the social phobia A persistent fear that others will

upper duodenum and pyloric antrum. scrutinize the patient — that s/he will be humili-

antrotympanitis Chronic inflammation of the ated in public. This avoidant behavior interferes

mastoid antrum and the tympanic cavity. with relationships and occupational functioning,

anuria Anuresis — absence of urine formation. If even though the patient realizes the fear is

this occurs for longer than one hour during high excessive.

rate intravenous infusion, that rate should be anxiolytic The use of psychotherapy, psy-

reduced until the patient's renal/cardiac status chopharmacology, and counselling to counteract

can be reassessed. (Diuretics are contraindicat- stress.

ed in the routine treatment of drug overdosage.) aortalgia Pain in the epigastric region.

Relative hypovolemia and uncompensated dehy- aortectasia Aortic dilatation.

dration must be corrected before a balanced aortic murmur The auscultory blowing sound of

intake and output can be realized. Diuresis may regurgitation — symptomatic of aortic valvular

exceed 1 litre/hour as vascular tone resumes. disease.

Anuria is a critical sign, lethal if not reversed. aortic stenosis Aortic sclerosis, aortostenosis, a

anus The terminal opening of the colon. common cause of hypertrophy of the heart.

artificial anus Colostomy. Embryonic anomalies and rheumatic fever result

imperforate anus Congenital absence of the in narrowing of the vessel wall, due to scar for-

rectal sphincter. This critical anomaly will be mation.

surgically corrected at once. aortitis An inflammation which can be a cause of

vulvovaginal anus A developmental abnormali- aortic aneurysm, sometimes associated with

ty consisting of an imperforate anus and vagi- syphilis.

nal/rectal fistula. aortoclasia Rupture of the aorta.

anxiety neurosis Avoidance behavior and fear aortocoronary bypass Utilizing a vascular pros-

are characteristic symptoms of the disorders in thesis, the aortic circulation is surgically shunt-

this category. ed around an obstruction.

generalized anxiety disorder Unrealistic anxi- aortoptosis Aortoptosia. caudad displacement of

ety with apprehensive expectation. Vigilance and the abdominal aorta.

scanning behavior may be observed. aortorrhaphy Suturing of the aorta.

obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) aortotomy Incision into the aorta.

Recurrent rituals and preoccupation cause aosmic Free of odor.

marked distress, are time-consuming, interfere apallesthesia Pallanesthesia, the inability to dis-

significantly with functioning, activities, and cern vibrations.

social relationships. The patient may try to aparathyrosis Parathyroid deficiency of parathor-

resist or neutralize the compulsion. His/her ten- mone.

sion will mount until s/he yields to the ritual. apareunia Inability to accomplish coitus.

panic disorderwith/without agoraphobia apastia Pathologic refusal to eat.

24

Apgar scores

Sign 0 1 2

Color Cyanotic, pale Body pink, Entirely pink
extremities cyanotic
Respiratory Absent Irregular breathing, Respirations regular,
effort weak cry lusty cry
Muscle tone "Floppy baby" Flexion of some Actively moving
extremities
Reflex irritability No response Grimaced response Cries
Heart rate None Slow-100/min. Good +100/min.

These criteria are assessed immediately after birth and five minutes later. Thevital signs are crucial - when these
are acceptable, the other parameters usually follow as well. Infants with a score of 0-3 need urgent resuscitation.
Those scoring 7-10 may represent well babies.

apathy Acedia, lack of emotion, indifference, put, intact repetition, preserved comprehension.
insensibility. Abnormalities in naming and deficits in word-
finding are characteristically present.
apepsia Interruption of digestion. Broca's aphasia Expressive aphasia with exten-
aperient Mild taxation. sive damage produces a drastic loss of fluency
Apert's syndrome Congenital anomalies of of speech. Comprehension is preserved.
Naming is impaired, as is repetition, and all spo-
webbed digits, a peakedhead. ken language is nonfluent, labored, and slow.
apex beat Palpable movement of the left ventri- These patients are unable to repeat verbatim,
and are upset by this obvious deficit. They are
cle against the chest wall, especially during afflicted by agrammatism, and make errors
forced expiration. Assessment should be made which appall them. Musical tones are retained.
of the sitting/erect patient during quiet respira- conduction aphasia Despite fluent output and
tions. A weak apex beat may be noted in those intact comprehension, phonemic substitutions
in cardiac failure, shock, collapse, with emphy- are noted. The patient is unable to repeat verba-
sema, or pericardial effusion. Forceful apical tim.
beats may be caused by exophthalmic goiter, global aphasia The most severe of these syn-
excitement, cardiac hypertrophy, tachycardia, dromes encompasses output, comprehension,
and reflex irritation. repetition, word-finding, and naming impair-
Apgar score A popular assessment tool which ments. Propositional (deliberate) speech is
evaluates the newborn infant's viability at 1 and reduced. To the patient's horror, his/her auto-
5 minutes of age. Evaluated are the color, respi- matic (non-deliberate) speech may be an unpro-
ratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and voked tirade of expletives, or nonsense.
heart rate of the neonate. Typically, this patient may be of devout religious
aphagia Difficulty experiencedwhile swallowing. orientation. Grammatical skills are often lost.
aphalangia The absence of digits. mixed transcorticalaphasia Although nonflu-
aphanisis That fear of loss of libido, of impoten- ent with poor comprehension, these patients
may retain repetition. Gesturing enhances com-
cy. munication with hearing patients as well.
aphasia Alalia — loss of communication due to sign language aphasia In the case of hearing-
impaired patients, the ability to use, decode, and
brain dysfunction. There are 9 major syndromes interpret sign language can be lost.
which are identifiable by distinctive changes in transcortical sensoryaphasia Normal repeti-
comprehension and fluency. The premorbid IQ tion is accompanied by fluent output, but poor
and communication skills will predetermine the
rehabilitative outcome, but not predictably. The
common feature of aphasia remains the impair-
ment in communication.
anomic aphasia A mild form with fluent out-

25

comprehension. be evident in the glottic obstruction and snoring

Wernicke's aphasia Receptive aphasia — of these patients. Myoclonus may be a prelude

although speech is fluent, auditory comprehen- to the physical struggling, during which the

sion is poor, repetition impaired, and writing patient awakens, presuming s/he awakened to a

reveals many errors. Not only is the content of nightmare or loud noise. Usually male, he then

speech unintelligible, these patients have diffi- returns to sleep with a normal respiratory pat-

culty understanding that of others. Aphasic tern, or to another episode. Impending pul-

patients rarely have motor deficits, and neuro- monary failure may eventually lead to central

logic signs are usually absent. apnea. A number of sleep labs will see these

aphephobia The pathological fear of being patients in referral. Much progress has been

touched. made.

apheresis The centrifugal separation of blood apnea of prematurity Although hypoxemia may

into each of its components. This enables each stimulate neonatal respirations, this may

unit of donated blood to be used for a variety of depress the respirations in others, requiring

patients. ventilation.

aphonia An absence of voice due to vocal apneumatic The absence of air.

cord/laryngeal pathology. This may also be apneumatosis Congenital atelectasis.

functional because of psychiatric dynamics. The apneumia Apulmonism — developmental

etiology is not a brain lesion. absence of a lung.

hysterical aphonia Organic pathology is apneusis Abnormal respirations, marked by a

absent. sustained inspiratory effort, second degree to

spastic aphonia Aphthongia — spasms of the surgical excision of the upper pons.

thyroartenoid muscle. apocamnosis Apokamnosis — easily fatigued.

aphonia paralytica Paralysis of the speech mus- apodal Apodia — absent foot/feet.

cles. apodemialgia A pathological drive to leave

aphonia paranoica Refusal to speak — a mental home.

disorder. apogee The crisis stage of a severe illness.

aphonogelia The inability to laugh aloud. apolepsis Functioning which has ceased.

aphrasia Difficulty in understanding and speak- Retention/suppression of a secretion/excretion.

ing phrases. aponia The absence of discomfort. One's absten-

aphthongia Speaking which is disordered due to tion from exertion.

spasms of the muscles of speech. apoplexy Bloody effusion into an organ.

aphylaxis Lacking immunity. Cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

apicolysis Surgical collapse of the apex of the apotemnophilia A mental disorder in which the

lung via the anterior chest wall. patient requests amputation for erotic reasons.

apinealism Congenital absence of the pineal apothanasia The prolongation of life.

gland. appendectomy Appendicectomy — surgical exci-

apituitarism Absent pituitary function/gland. This sion of an inflamed appendix.

may lead to pituitary cachexia, or to dwarfism. incidental appendectomy The excision of a

aplasia Abnormal tissue growth. healthy appendix at the time of another abdomi-

aplastic crisis Arrested production of erythro- nal surgery. To avoid another major surgery,

cytes in the patient with sickle cell anemia. this has become standard of care.

Pallor, fatigue, and self-limited activity are the appendiceal reflex Reboundtenderness at

principal signs/symptoms. A fall in the hemo- McBurney's point, accompanied by rigidity.

globin/hematocrit, as well as reticulocytopenia appendicitis Abdominal pain accompanied by

indicate that the patient should be transfused fever, nausea, and vomiting. More common in

with packed red blood cells. ages 15-25, this is rarely seen before age 5, nor

apnea A periodic lapse of respirations. after age 50. Appendicitis may be subacute,

sleep apnea This Pickwickian syndrome may acute, or chronic, and more common in the

26

male patient. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) argyria Argyrosis, argyrism, argyriasis, argy-

and Mittelschmerz must be ruled out in the rophil — that cyanotic tint to mucous mem-

female patient. Neither catharsis, enemata, nor branes/skin from long-term therapy with silver.

topical heat should be given these patients — ariboflavinosis Deficiency of Vitamin B2 in the

who must be carefully assessed for risk of diet. The presenting symptoms include corneal

appendiceal rupture with gangrenous peritonitis. vascularization, fissures and lesions around the

appendicolithiasis The appendiceal formation of lips, seborrhea around the nose, stomatitis.

calculi. Arnold-Chiari deformity That congenital deformi-

appestat That area in the hypothalamus which ty of the brainstem. Usually accompanied by

controls the appetite. meningomyelocele and/or spina bifida, this is

apraxia Parectropia — inability to function in the one of the causes of hydrocephalus. Arnold-

absence of motor/sensory impairment. Chiari malformation.

akinetic apraxia The inability to move sponta- arousal Preparednessto act. Alertness. Erotic

neously. stimulation. The use of noxious stimulation to

amnestic apraxia Forgetfulness which prevents bring the anesthetized patient back to con-

the patient's response to a command — sciousness.

because the command cannot be recalled. arrest Sudden cessation of movement.

dressing apraxia Inability to dress because of a cardiac arrest Cardiac standstill.

deficient memory regarding the spatial needs of epiphyseal arrest Interruption of growth at the

his/her body. growth centers of long bones.

apraxia of gait The patient's feet seem glued to pelvic arrest Fixation of the presenting part in

the floor. the pelvis during delivery.

aprosody Inappropriate pitch, rhythm, and stress respiratory arrest Apnea, which may be tempo-

in one's speech. rary or permanent.

aprosopia Congenital absence of the partial/total sinus arrest The therapy of choice is implanta-

face. tion of a permanent cardiac pacemaker.

apyrexia The absence of fever. arrhenoblastoma An ovarian tumor which caus-

aquaphobia A pathological fear of water. es virilization in the female patient.

arachnodactyly Acromacria, dolichostenomelia arrhinia The congenially absent nose.

— abnormally long and slender digits. arrhythmia Dysrhythmia — an erratic, disor-

arachnophobia A pathological fear of spiders. dered rhythm.

arc eyes Thermal burns of the eyes of welders arseniasis Arsenicism, arsenic poisoning.

— with/without eyegear. arsenicophagy Chronic ingestion of arsenic.

areflexia Absent reflexes. arsenic poisoning Acute, lethal condition with

arenaceous Arenoid, of sandy quality. progressive symptoms of metallic taste, burning

areolitis Inflammation of the mammary throughout the gastrointestinal tract, vomiting,

areola(e). diarrhea, shock syndrome, coma, dehydration,

arevareva A severe Tahitian dermatitis, caused seizures, paralysis, and death.

by a native intoxicating drink. The formation of arsine Arsenous hydride, a lethal gas used in

scales is accompanied by generalized debilita- chemical warfare.

tion. arterectomy Arterial excision, arteriectomy.

argininosuccinicacidemia A hereditary metabol- arterial line An invasive monitor of systemic

ic condition caused by excessive excretion of blood pressure, which provides access to blood

arginosuccinase. The clinical picture includes samples for arterial blood gas determinations,

ataxia, epilepsy, coma, hepatopathy, mental as well as to hemodynamic monitoring.

retardation, friable hair, and/or trichorrhexis arterial varix A tortuous, hypertrophied artery.

nodosa. Therapy includes arginine, essential arteriectasis Arteriectasia, dilatation of an artery.

amino acids, sodium benzoate, sodium phenyl arteriocapillary fibrosis Sclerosis of arterioles

acetate. and capillaries.

27

arteriography X-ray of an artery prepared with exacerbation of gout.
radiopaque contrast medium which reveals a juvenile rheumatoid arthritis Still's disease, a
graphic description of the arterial system being chronic, inflammatory, systemic joint disease
studied. which may cause extensive visceral lesions and
connective tissue damage prior to age 16.
arteriolith A calculus within the artery. Complete remission often occurs.
arteriolitis Inflammation of the walls of arteri- neurotrophic arthritis That which accompanies
or follows neurological diseases.
oles. osteoarthritis A chronic disease affecting
arteriolonecrosis Destruction of arterioles. weight-bearing joints. Degenerative arthritis,
arteriolosclerosis Loss of elasticity and contrac- hypertrophic arthritis, degenerative joint dis-
ease. Digits are markedly affected.
tility of the thickened arteriole walls. palindromic arthritis Disease of unknown etiol-
arteriomyomatosis Hypertrophy of arterial walls. ogy in which transient, recurrent symptoms
arterioplasty Repair of an artery, with recon- involve large joints.
psoriatic arthritis The remissions and exacer-
struction. bations of this variation may appear after psori-
arteriopressor That agent which increases arteri- asis has occurred.
rheumatoid arthritis Crippling deformities
al blood pressure. characterize this chronic, systemic disease.
arteriorrhexis Arterial rupture. suppurative arthritis Purulent synovitis.
arteriosclerosis Pathological conditions causing syphilitic arthritis Tenderness, limitation of
movement and edema may occur during the
loss of arterial elasticity, hardening and hyper- secondary and tertiary stages of syphilis.
trophy of arterial walls. The cause is not fully tuberculous arthritis Tubercular involvement of
known. a joint(s).
arteriostenosis Narrowing of the arterial lumen. arthrocace Infected joint cavity.
arteriostosis Arterial calcification. arthrocele Edema of any joint.
arteriosympathectomy Surgical excision of the arthrocentesis Aspiration of accumulated joint
arterial sheath. fluid.
arteriotomy The surgical opening of arteries. arthrochondritis Inflamed articular cartilage.
arteriotony Intra-arterial blood tension, blood arthroclasia Surgical freeing the adhesions of an
pressure. ankalosed joint to allow motion.
arterioversion Eversion of the arterial wall to arthrodesis Surgically achieved ankylosis to pro-
arrest hemorrhage. duce immobilization of a joint.
arteritis Polyarteritis, endarteritis, inflammation arthrodynia Arthroneuralgia, joint pain.
of the arteries. Polyarteritis nodosa, periarteritis arthrodysplasia Inherited deformity of the
nodosa. joint(s).
arthralgia Joint pain. arthroempyesis Arthropyosis, abscess formation
arthrectomy Surgical excision of a joint. within the joint.
arthredema Edema within the joint. arthroendoscopy Arthroscopy, visual examina-
arthrempyesis Suppuration within a joint. tion within the joint.
arthritide Dermatitis caused by gout or arthritis. arthrogryposis multiplex congenita Innate con-
arthritis Painful inflammation of a joint(s), with tractures.
frequent structural deformities. arthrolysis Surgical release of an ankylosis.
acute secondary arthritis Arthritis caused by arthrophyte Abnormal growth within the joint.
osteitis. Edema may be present. arthroplasty Reconstruction of a defective,
acute suppurativearthritis A serious form of painful, deformed, and/or diseased joint.
this condition. Purulent distention occurs at the arthropneumoroentgenography An X-ray of the
synovial sac.
allergic arthritis This form follows exposure to
an antigen(s) or during serum sickness.
gonorrheal arthritis Joints are attacked during
the acute stage of gonorrheal infection.
gouty arthritis Joint disease caused by an

28

joint after injection of helium or air. patients are oblivious to the needs of any but

arthrorrhagia Bleeding into the joint space. themselves.

arthrosclerosis Geriatric arthritis. asoma Developmentally abnormal, the fetus with

arthrosteitis Inflammation of the bone(s) at the a deformed head and trunk.

joint. asonia Tone deafness.

arthrostomy Surgical construction into a joint to aspect The presenting surface.

permit fluid to escape. Asperger's disorder The clinically significant

arthrosynovitis Inflammation of the synovial impairment in the social interaction of children,

membranes. embracing abnormal nonverbal behavior, failed

arthrotome Scalpel used to incise a joint. peer relationships, absent social initiative,

articulation Synchronization of the elements of a and/or lack of emotional reciprocity. Restricted

joint. Precise enuciation of speech. behavior includes stereotypical interests. These

articulo mortis The moment of death. children are known for their inflexibility, repeti-

artifact Artefact, that which is artificially pro- tive motor movements, preoccupation with

duced. Electrocardiogram interference by patient objects without purpose. Delay in language,

movement, defective equipment, loose elec- clinical impairment in functioning, and/or cogni-

trodes, or electrical static. tive delay may be seen.

asaphia Inability to speak with clarity. aspergillosis An infectious condition, marked by

asbestosis Pneumonoconiosis caused by inhala- inflammatory granulomatous lesions, which

tion of asbestos. This mesothelioma form of may include visceral involvement. This invasive

carcinoma may remain dormant for twenty fungal infection is becoming more common

years. among immunosuppressed patients (pts). Often,

ascariasis Infestation by round worms. these outbreaks are nosocomial, with high risks

Aschner's reflex/sign Oculocardiac reflex — for recipients of bone marrow transplantation.

pressure applied to the carotid sinus (or the aspermatism Aspermia — the absence of

eye) will slow the pulse. This may beperformed sperm/semen.

during attacks of supraventricular tachycardia, asphyxia carbonica Carbon monoxide, water

serving as a diagnostic sign, and treatment, for gas, or coal gas as the cause of death.

angina pectoris. asphyxia livida Suffocation with cyanosis.

refractory ascites That which fails to respond asphyxia neonatorum Respiratory failure in the

to sodium restriction and maximal diuresis. That neonate.

which requires hospitalization 3 times within 9 fetal asphyxia Intrauterine demise from defec-

months. tive placental circulation or abruptio placentae.

asemasia Asemia, asymbolia — asphyxiation The lethal state of oxygen depriva-

emotional/organic aphasia. tion.

asepsis Sterility. Those who have grasped this aspiration The inhalation of an object/fluid.

concept as their own, are said to have an asep- Suctioning to withdraw a foreign body or fluid

tic conscience. Their honor holds them to sterile from a body cavity. Surgery may be required.

technique in the moments when only they know. aspirin toxicity Salicylism, salicylate poisoning.

aseptic meningitis Viral infection of the brain Acute cases present with coma and convul-

and spinal cord meninges. sions. Hypotensive pediatric cases may require

aseptic technique The required sterilization, as transfusion. Hemodialysis or exchange transfu-

well as gowning, gloving, and masking. sion(s) may be indicated for extremely critical

Asepto syringe A bulb syringe used for irriga- patients. Those who were attempting to suicide

tion. should receive a psychiatric evaluation.

asexual Organisms which are nonsexual. asplenia The absent spleen.

Asherman's syndrome Intrauterine adhesions, assault That violent, physical attack upon anoth-

possibly with intrauterine synechiae. er, or upon property. The performance of a med-

asociality Withdrawal from others. These ical/surgical, invasive procedure without legal

29

consent, nor a Court order. In extremeemergen- must be diligently watched for signs of sudden,

cies, the Court order is obtained after the proce- rapid deterioration leading to respiratory fatigue,

dure has been initiated. failure, and death. The newest protocol is to

sexual assault Rape. treat asthma daily (while asymptomatic), as

assault precautions That status/protocol ongoing management.

assigned to a psychiatric patient who is out of bronchial asthma That form of asthma caused

control and/or verbally (or by gestures) is by an allergen.

threatening harm to persons/property, and/or cardiac asthma That manifested by a recurrent

has a history for violence. Prompt action is cough in the absence of dyspnea/rales. This is

imminent — these patients will not calm them- confirmed by the reversibility of airway obstruc-

selves, and the safety of the other patients and tion.

staff is at risk. intrinsic asthma Nonatropic disease, caused by

assimilation Digestion. The absorption of psy- endogenous factors.

chological input into a subjective framework. nocturnal asthma That which awakens the

assisted circulation The mechanical pumping of patient who was asymptomatic upon retiring.

blood. astomia Congenital absenceof the mouth, which

associated movements Actions which accompa- may be in conjunction with other facial anom-

ny bodily functions. Characteristically, these are alies.

lost in cerebellar pathology. Correlated motions astraphobia As exaggeratedfear of electrical

in synchrony. storms.

assonance The similarity of sounds. Abnormal astrocytoma A vicious, malignant form of brain

overuse of alliteration, ("wild and woolly", etc.) tumor.

astasia Motor dyskinesia, which prevents erect astrophobia The excessive fear of celestial

sitting/standing. space.

astasia-abasia Hysterical ataxia, in which inco asyllabia Alexia — recognition of symbols with-

ordinated leg movements can be observed while out the ability to interpret them.

the patient is supine/seated. asymbolia Asemia — aphasic inability to com-

astereognosis The inability to identify objects by prehend words, gestures, graphic symbolism.

touch. asymmetry Lateralization,one-sidedness.

asterixis "Flapping tremor" — the exaggerated asymptomatic Lacking in diagnostic clues,

tremor caused by conditions which interfere symptom-free, silent.

with cerebral metabolism. asynchronism Incoordination in time.

asternia Congenital absenceof the breastbone. asynclitism An oblique presentation of the deliv-

asthenia Adynamia — weakness originating in ering fetal head.

cerebellar/muscular pathology. anterior asynclitism Naegele's obliquity — the

asthenocoria A sluggish pupillary reflex. anterior, parietal presentation.

asthenospermia Infertile loss of sperm motility. posterior asynclitism Litzmann's obliquity —

asthma Chronic, paroxysmal dyspnea (inspirato- the posterior, parietal presentation.

ry/expiratory rales). Attacks may be exacerbated asyndesis The inability to connect thoughts into

by allergies, emotional situations, endocrine a comprehensible concept.

changes, mental or physical fatigue, pollutant asynergy Asynergia— neurological incoordina-

fumes, smoking, et al. When aerosolized bron- tion, as may be seen in cerebellar pathology.

chodilators are prescribed, they should be used asynovia An insufficient amount of, or absent,

with spacers, as indicated. These medications synovial fluid.

are dangerously overused by many patients, asyntaxia Embryonal malformation.

placing them at risk. Inhalations must be timed asystole Asystolia — a pulseless rhythm,

2-5 minutes apart, separate from other aerosol electromechanical dissociation, ventricular

medications. Patients in status asthmaticus may standstill. Those catastrophic disorders which

require systemic steroidal intervention. They may prelude asystole are cardiac rupture, global

30

cardiac ischemia, ruptured aorta, pulmonary disturbed — especially when the patient's eyes

embolism, respiratory arrest, or other complex are closed.

cardiovascular events. Successful resuscitation static ataxia Inability to maintain balance due

is unlikely. to loss of deep insensibility.

ataraxia Ataraxy — alert tranquility without ataxiaphasia Ataxaphasia — the inability to

depressed mood. speak or write in sentences.

ataxaphasia Ataxiaphasia — the inability to con- ataxia telangiectasia (TA) Louis-Bar syndrome

struct words in a sentence. — an inherited, degenerative brain disorder in

ataxia Atactiform — severe incoordination caus- pediatrics. This progressive cerebellar degenera-

es an intoxicated gait. Cerebellar pathology will tion results in premature death by early adult-

cause this dyssynergia, as may medication side hood.

effects. ataxophemia Incoordination of the muscles of

alcoholic ataxia Dystaxia due to loss of propri- speech.

oception. ataxophobia Antipathy for clutter.

autonomic ataxia Lack of coordination between atelectasis An unexpanded/collapsed lung, in

the parasympathetic/sympathetic nervous sys- which the involvement may be minor or mas-

tems. sive. This may be caused by elevated/decreased

Briquet's ataxia Hysterical incoordination with intrathoracic/intrapulmonic pressures, airway

paresthesias of the extremities. obstruction, fluid, neoplasm, cardiomegaly,

Brims' ataxia That affected stance/gait originat- emphysematous lesions, pneumothorax, or inef-

ing from a bilateral frontal lesion(s). These fective inspiratory effort. While the acute patient

patients are at risk of falling/staggering back- may experience marked dyspnea with circulato-

wards. ry collapse, the chronic patient may be asymp-

bulbar ataxia Those symptoms caused by a tomatic.

lesion in the pons or medulla oblongata. atelencephalia Ateloencephalia — congenital

cerebellar ataxia That hereditary, progressive maldevelopment of the brain.

pathology appearing in adulthood. Despite the atelia Incomplete, imperfect development.

intoxicated gait and aphasia, mentation remains ateliosis Hypogenesis — that infantilism of pitu-

intact. itary insufficiency, in which the face and voice

choreic ataxia Incoordinated, involuntary remain juvenile (but free of deformity), due to

movements appear to be writhing, in this form arrested growth.

of chorea. atelocardia Congenital, developmental anomalies

Freidreich's ataxia That degenerative, inherited of the heart.

sclerosis of the spinal cord. The onset of symp- atelocephaly Congenital, developmental anom-

tomatology appears to be prior to adulthood. alies of the head.

locomotor ataxia Tabes dorsalis — sclerosis atelocheilia Congenital, developmental anom-

affecting the spinal cord, secondary to a syphilic alies of the lips.

infection. A staggering, wide-base stance, atelocheiria Congenital, developmental anomaly

diminished ankle/leg reflexes, paresthesias, and of the hands.

severe pain are the presenting symptoms. ateloglossia Congenital, developmental anomaly

Marie's ataxia Hereditary cerebellar ataxia — of the tongue.

that progressive disease caused by atrophy of atelognathia Congenital, developmental anomaly

the cerebellum. This may become evident in of the jaws.

adulthood, following the onset of slurring of atelohachidia Congenital, developmental anom-

speech and intoxicated gait. Treatment is symp- alies of the spinal cord.

tomatic, dementia is absent, and prognosis is atelopodia Congenital, developmental anomalies

dismal. of the feet.

sensory ataxia Resulting from spinal cord ateloprosopia Congenital, developmental anom-

pathology, conduction of sensory responses is alies of the face.

31

atelostomia Congenital, developmental anom- tricular tachycardia.
alies of the mouth. atrophodermatosis Any dermatitis presenting

athelia Congenital absence of the nipples. with cutaneous atrophy.
atheronecrosis That degeneration/necrosis atrophy Atrophia, abiotrophy, hypotrophy —

which accompanies arteriosclerosis. decrease in the size of tissue.
atherosclerosis A form of arteriosclerosis char- correlated atrophy That wasting of a part fol-
lowing the loss of another.
acterized by arterial changes. The death rate is Cruveilhier's atrophy That wasting away of
higher for male patients than for female. spinal muscles.
athetosis Constant, involuntary, choreic move- disuse atrophy Muscle wasting due to the
ments — especially of the hands. inability to use that body part.
athymia Athymism — absence of the thymus Landouzy-Dejerine atrophy An inherited form
gland. Apathy of emotions and/or feelings. of muscular dystrophy. Atrophic effects include
athyreosis Athyrea, athria, athroidism, athyrosis inability to purse the lips, eyelids which do not
— hypothyroidism. close completely, myopathic facies.
athyroidemia The absence of thyroxin from the muscular atrophy That wasting of tissues fol-
circulation. lowing disuse.
atlodidymus Atlantodidymus — a developmen- myotonic atrophy Myotonia congenita.
tally malformed fetus with two heads and one pathologic atrophy That which is secondary to
body. a disease process.
atocia Nulliparity — female infertility. peroneal muscular atrophy Charcot-Marie-
atony Insufficient muscle strength/tone. Tooth disease, hereditary wasting of the mus-
atopic dermatitis Disseminated neurodermatitis. cles supplied by peroneal nerves.
atopognosis That inability to locate the source of physiologic atrophy The normal aging process.
feeling or a touch. progressive muscular atrophy Duchenne-Aran
atoxic Nonpoisonous. disease. A chronic wasting of the extremities
atraumatic That which does not cause injury. which proceeds to the vital organs and centers.
atremia The absence of tremor. That hysterical Death ensues from paralysis of the respiratory
inability to walk. muscles.
atresia That absent/obstructed body opening. Sudeck's atrophy Acute wasting of bone at the
atrial fibrillation Irregular tachycardia caused by site of injury, due to local reflex vasospasm.
degeneration of the myocardium. trophoneurotic atrophy Wasting caused by
lone atrial fibrillation Patients who do not neural pathology of affected muscles.
have other forms of cardiomyopathy. Direct-cur- atropine sulfate poisoning Atropinism, atropism.
rent cardioversion is conducted under general atropinization Continued administration of
anesthesia. Those with rheumatic heart disease atropine until the desired result is achieved.
or history of emboli are considered to be at high attention Sustained focus with the ability to con-
risk. centrate and to complete tasks with a minimum
atrial flutter Cardiac arrhythmia originating in of distractibility.
the myocardium. attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
atrial natriuretic factor That hormone secreted Developmentally inappropriate lack of attention,
by the atrium in response to hypertension. impulsivity and excessive motor activity.
Blood pressure/volume, cardiac output, and Academic underachievement, low self-esteem,
diuresis of sodium are influenced to reduce the poor self-image, lability of mood, intolerance for
burden of the heart. frustration, and/or outbursts may be seen.
atrichosis Congenially absent hair. attenuate To dilute, thin, or weaken the concen-
atrioseptopexy Plastic surgery revision of an tration of pathogens, et al..
interatrial septal defect — a congenital anomaly. atypical agents Antipsychotics which combat
atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia The psychoses. These have reduced extrapyramidal
most common form of paroxysmal supraven-

32

liability. Walking toddlers achieve their wishes by leading
adults by the hands to that which is wanted.
audible hallucinations Voices of unseen persons Stereotypical noises (nonsense syllables, clicks,
which are heard only by the patient. These may etc.) may be voiced instead of language. Speech
be ego-dystonic (alien) or ego-syntonic (friend- may include echolalia, perseveration, pronomi-
ly). Either may force the patient to act beyond nal reversal in a peculiar tone. Half of these
his/her will and usual judgment. patients never achieve useful speech. There is
often a fascination with vestibular stimulation
audioanesthesia Analgesia achieved through (spinning objects) — to which the child will
music, used to prevent the perception of pain in devote hours and months. Activities, if any, are
obstetrics, dentistry, and minor procedures. compulsive, ritualistic, rigid, and/or repetitive.
Stereotypies (hand flapping, covering eyes/ears,
auditory evoked response Used in conjunction clapping, twirling, rocking, tip-toeing, tongue
with averaged electroencephalic audiometry, movements, et al.), mannerisms and grimaces
during which the hearing of autistic, profoundly increase under stress. Hyperacusis, altered
retarded, hyperkinetic children, sleeping babies, response to pain, an alarming oblivion to dan-
or uncooperative psychiatric patients may be ger, attendance to cues in only one modality
tested (under sedation, if indicated). may be prominent. Hyperkinesis is a common
problem. School age autistic children fail to
auditory reflex Any response to stimulation pro- interact with peers. Gross language deficits and
duced by sound. deviancies in language development is a cardi-
nal diagnostic sign. Aggression, epilepsy, and/or
Auenbrugger's sign Prominence of the epigastri- self-mutilation may be seen. Autism presents an
um caused by marked pericardial effusion.
extremely guarded prognosis — most will lead
Aufrecht's sign Diminished breath sounds aus- lives of total dependency, severely handicapped.
cultated above the jugular fossae — pathogno- unique signs of autism The Autism Society of
monic of tracheal stenosis. America says individuals with autism usually
exhibit at least half of the traits listed below.
augmentation Enhancement of size or action. Difficulty in mixing with other children;
augnathus Fetal malformation of a double Insistence on sameness; resists changes in rou-
tine; Inappropriate laughing and giggling; No
mandible. real fear of dangers; Little or no eye contact;
aura Subjective psychic/sensory prelude to a Unresponsive to normal teaching methods;
Sustained odd play; Apparent insensitivity to
neurological attack such as an epileptic seizure pain; Echolalia (repeating words and phrases in
or a migraine headache.The aura will often place of normal language); Prefers to be alone;
remain consistent for the individual patient. aloof manner; May not want cuddling or act
aural Pertaining to the ear or to an aura. cuddly; Spins objects; Noticeable physical over-
auriasis Chrysiasis — administration of gold activity or extreme underactivity; Tantrums;
into the tissues. This may be followed by gray Displays extreme distress for no apparentrea-
discoloration of the skin. son; Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as deaf;
auscultation Assessment of the patient by direct- Inappropriate attachment to objects; Uneven
ly using the ear or by using a stethoscope to gross/fine motor skills (May not want to kick
detect normal/abnormal sounds. Clothing ball but can stack blocks.); Difficulty in express-
should be removed. The examiner should have ing needs; uses gestures or pointing instead of
familiarized him/herself with normal and patho- words. These symptoms can range from mild to
logical sounds of the chest and abdomen. severe and vary in intensity from symptom to
Austin Flint murmur An apical sound of regurgi- symptom. In addition, the behavior usually
tation which causesthe mitral valve to vibrate. occurs across many different situations and is
autechoscope That instrument intended for self-
auscultation.
autism Failure of an infant to develop related-
ness, such as a social smile, anticipatory posi-
tioning prior to being picked up, eye contact
(active avoidance of eye contact may be noted),
lack of parental bonding, resistance to molding
to mother's arms, failure to develop empathy.

33

consistently inappropriate for their age. body produces antibodies against itself by
(With permission of: Temple Daily Telegram, autosensitization.
Temple, Texas, U.S.A.) autoinoculation That protection afforded the
autoagglutination That clumping together of ery- patient by his/her own organisms.
throcytes. Autohemolysis caused by the accidental autoinoculation Topical spread
patient's own blood serum. and/or transfer of protective organisms which
autoamputation The spontaneous loss of a part occurs inadvertently. If the small child's small-
or limb. pox vaccination becomes disturbed, s/he will be
autoanalysis Psychological survey made by the able to revaccinate adjacent tissues.
patient him-/herself. autokeratoplasty Corneal grafting, using the
autocatharsis Psychotherapeutic interaction patient's other eye as the donor source.
which permits the patient to ventilate and gain autokinesis Autocinesis, voluntary movement.
insight through candid discussion of his/her autolesion Self-inflicted injury. Self-mutilation.
responses. autologous blood transfusion Administration of
autocystolysis Autolysin — that antibody in the blood obtained by phlebotomy prior to elective
patient's plasma which is capable of destroying surgery. Stable geriatric, pediatric, cardiovascu-
his/her own tissues and cells. lar, and pregnant patients may donate blood for
autocystoplasty Plastic surgery of the bladder, their own transfusions every 4-7 days, up to 72
using autografts. hours prior to surgery. Daily iron supplements
autodermia Skin repair utilizing an autograft. are administered. The hemoglobin level must
autodigestion Ingestion of tissue(s) by one's remain above 11 Gm (hematocrit 34%).
own secretions. Autoreinfusion of hemorrhaging blood in the
autoecholalia That repetition of one's own clos- operating room. Jehovah's Witnesses allow this
ing phrases. method of transfusion.
autoerotic asphyxia/asphyxiation Temporary autolysis Self-destruction by the body's own
self-strangulation for the purpose of enhancing cells. Spontaneous decomposition of sterile tis-
orgasm. This risky behavior frequently leads to sue following death.
sudden death. automatism An hysterical trance during which
autoexamination Self-examination of all adults the patient may be capable of spontaneous
as taught by health professionals. activity. S/he must not be left alone because of
autofundoscope The instrument used to examine his/her amnestic state.
one's own retinal vessels. autonomic hyperreflexia Autonomic dysreflexia
autogenous Originating within the body, self-pro- — a life-threatening complication of high tho-
ducing. That vaccine cultured from the patient's racic/cervical spinal cord injuries. Sudden
own bacteria. severe headache, piloerection, diaphoresis,
autograft Transplantation wherein the patient is bradycardia, hypertension may be triggered by
both host and recipient. An autologous procedures on the bladder or colon.
host/recipient. autonomous That independent of external influ-
autohemagglutination That clumping of one's ence(s).
own erythrocytes. Autoagglutination. autonomy Independent functioning.
autohemic That which is accomplished with autophobia An exaggeratedfear of being alone,
one's own blood. or of possessing an inflated sense of one's own
autohemolysis The clumping of blood by one's worth.
own serum. autophony Echoed reproduction of one's own
autohemotherapy That treatment by which the breath sounds and voice — due to middle ear
patient's blood is aspirated and then returned by pathology.
infusion. autoplasty Adaptation by changing oneself rather
autohypnosis A self-induced trance. than the environment. Plastic surgery with auto-
autoimmune disease That condition in which the grafts.

34

autopsy A postmortem examination to determine and itensified.

the cause of death. avalvular Lacking valves.

psychological autopsy A determination of avascular Tissue which is devoid of blood sup-

those psychiatric and emotional factors which ply.

permitted the patient to suicide. This is conduct- avascularization Deprivation of circulation.

ed by the psychiatrist for all staff who worked avascular necrosis That death of tissue, caused

with this patient. by interrupted circulation.

autopsychic That self-awareness of the dynamics A-V block Impedance of cardiac impulses at the

of one's personality and interactions with oth- atrioventricular node of the heart.

ers. Avellis' paralysis syndrome Paresis of half of

autopsychosis A disordered understanding of the larynx, pharynx, and soft palate with loss of

oneself which is out of touch with reality. cold, heat, and pain sensations on the opposite

autosepticemia Blood poisoning which origi- side.

nates within the patient. aversion therapy Behavior modification, in which

autoserodiagnosis Identification of illness made the patient's pathological situation is associated

from an analysis of the patient's blood serum. with a painful/undesirable stimulus. This objec-

autoserotherapy A treatment which infuses the tionable relationship reinforces distaste with the

patient's own serum or cerebrospinal fluid. problem behavior.

autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease avitaminosis The lethal inability to utilize vita-

That involving multiple organs. These patients mins, following a starvation state.

may also suffer cardiac anomalies, gastrointesti- avivement The surgical trimming of wound

nal problems, and/or intracranial aneurysms. edges prior to suturing.

autosomatognosis A phantom limb image — avoidance The conscious/unconscious escape

that the severed body part still remains. When from that reality perceived by the patient to

the sensation is that of pain, the ordered anal- threaten his/her well-being, safety, and/or com-

gesic is given as though the amputated part fort.

were intact. avulsion A wound in which tissue has been torn

autosomia Awarenessof one's own away. If body parts have been avulsed, they

odors/scents. might be successfully rejoined if correctly pre-

autosplenectomy Multiple infarction of the pared and maintained.

spleen — which causes it to be nonfunctioning axenic Sterile — germfree.

and fibrotic, with marked shrinkage. This is seen axilla conformer That brace, device, or airplane

in sickle disease. splint which prevents adduction contractures

autostimulation Self-motivation. following axillary burns.

autosuggestion The acceptance of one's own Ayerza's syndrome A condition characterized by

ideas. pulmonary insufficiency, hepatomegaly,

autotherapy A spontaneous cure, using autovac- splenomegaly, and bone marrow hyperplasia,

cine or patient tissue. leading to pulmonary insufficiency.

autotopagnosia The inability to correctly orient azoic That which includes no living organisms.

parts of one's body. azoospermia Semen void of spermatozoa.

autotoxemia Autotoxicosis — self-poisoning Azorean disease That hereditary, degenerative

from toxins produced by the body. disease seen among the Portuguese. The symp-

autotransplantation Autografting, in which the toms include ataxia, cerebellartremor, sponta-

donor and the recipient is the same patient. neous muscle contractions.

autovaccination Immunization by autogenous azotemia Uremia — increased blood urea.

vaccine. Revaccination by the inadvertent trans- Hyperazotemia.

fer of scarified vaccine to skin at another site. azotenesis Pathology caused by excess nitrogen

avalanche theory The idea that, as nervous in the body.

impulses travel peripherally, they are reinforced Azuma battery That psychiatric expressive inven-

35

tory which reveals the patient's attitudes,
defense mechanisms, motivations.
azure lunulae Cyanotic nailbeds may be seen in
patients with hepatolenticular degeneration.
Argyric patients may demonstrate this blueness
of the entire nail(s).
azygous Azygos — single, unpaired.

B

Babcock's operation The eradication of varicosi- penis.

ties. balantidiasis That infestation causing abdominal

babesiosis A rare disease which may imitate pain, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, weight loss.

malarial infestation. Ticks are the vectors. Balint's syndrome That ophthalmic condition

Asplenic and middle-aged patients may become encompassing the following symptomatology:

severely and mortally ill. ocular apraxia: deficit within visual reach; optic

Babinski's reflex A significant neurological sign, ataxia: deficit in visual scanning; simultagnosia:

in which the great toe extends, and the others failed panoramic vision.

fan out — in reaction to a firm stroke up the Balkan frame That structure over the bed, from

sole of the foot. Positive findings are normal in which is suspended pulleys, weights, and ropes

infants younger than 6 months of age, and are to achievetraction, countertraction, and other

recorded as "absent" or "present". immobilization, according to the physician's

baby bottle tooth decay That which occurs in the orders.

toddler who has routinely been put to bed with a balloon valvuloplasty Emergency intervention

nursing bottle. (Milk is the second-best flora for for the aortic stenotic patient who presents in

bacterial growth.) These caries may be so cardiogenic shock.

extensive, full extractions become the only den- ballottement The palpation of floating organs —

tal option. in the presence of ascites, or of pregnancy.

bacillemia Bacteremia — blood contaminated by bamboo spine That X-ray visualization of the

bacilli. patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

bacillophobia An exaggerated fear of infection. Banti's syndrome Those symptoms secondary to

bacillosis Infection by bacterium/bacilli. portal hypertension — anemia, cirrhosis, hem-

bacilluria Bacterial contamination of urine. Mid- orrhage, congestive splenomegaly.

stream urine specimens are required for culture baragnosis Abarognosis — the inability to esti-

and sensitivity studies, in order to prescribe the mate weight (symptomatic of a parietal lobe

most specific antibiotic/urinary antiseptic. lesion).

bacteria Organisms controlled by ribonucleic barbiturate A controlled substance which

and desoxyribonucleic (deoxyribonucleic) acids. depresses the central nervous system, alters the

bacterial antagonism Interference of bacterial cardiac rate, and depresses the vital signs. All

growth by foreign microorganisms — as seen are addictive.

in opportunistic infections. barbiturate coma That regimen for resistant

bacterial meningitis An overwhelming infection intracranial pressure. Following rehydration, a

of the meninges of the brain/spinal cord. loading dose of Nembutal is administered intra-

bacterial resistance That development of immu- venously. Contraindications to this protocol are

nity to an agent which was previously effective a patient in hypothermia, or with an abnormal

against this pathogen. pulmonary artery wedge pressure.

bactericidal An agent which disinfects, kills barbotage Repetitive injection/aspiration, in

bacilli. Bacteriocidal. order to achieve safer subarachnoid administra-

bacteriogenic Bacterium as the causativeagent. tion of anesthesia. This principal may be used in

That which produces bacilli. gastric lavage, and in the aspiration of cere-

bacteriolysis Destruction of bacilli. brospinal fluid.

bacteriophytoma Neoplastic growth caused by bariatrics That medical specialty dealing with

bacterium. obesity.

bacteriostasis Arrested growth of bacteriae. barium (Ba) An element which is alkaline and

Baker's cyst A synovial, fluid-filled growth within metallic.

the popliteal fossa. Commonly associated with barium cookie swallow Ingestion prior to fluo-

menisceal tears or rheumatoid arthritis, this is roscopy enables the radiologist to rule out aspi-

asymptomatic. ration, and the pathology of motility problems.

balanorrhagia Frank bleeding from the glans This modified barium swallow, requiring swal-

37

lowing, will reveal dysphagia secondary to amy- barylalia Imperfect enunciation, with a hoarse
otrophic lateral sclerosis, aneurysm, cere- quality.
brovascular accident, Guillian Barre syndrome,
head/neck tumors, Huntington's chorea, multiple baseline Known, initial values against which spe-
sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia cific findings can be compared. The patient's
gravis, Parkinson's disease. norm.
barium sulfate The radiopaque form, BaS04,
used in roentgenography to visualize the gas- basiarachnoiditis Inflammation of the arachnoid
trointestinal tract. membrane, at the basal brain.
Barlow's disease Infantile scurvy, caused by lack
of ascorbic acid in both bottle-fed and breast- basiloma A carcinoma which invades basal (pri-
fed infants. Supplemental vitamin C (ascorbic mary) cells.
acid) is the treatment of choice.
Barlow's syndrome Mitral valve prolapse. basiphobia Basophobia — a morbid fear of
barotitis media Aerotitis of the middle ear, ambulation (in the absence of organic findings).
caused by barometric changes.
barotrauma Tissue damage of the sinuses, mid- Bassen-Kornzwag syndrome
dle ear, and most critically, the lungs — caused Abetalipoproteinemia.
by decompression sickness. This critical emer-
gency may require immediate treatment in a Bassini's operation Inguinal herniorrhaphy.
hyperbaric oxygen chamber. bathophobia A pathological fear of depths —
Barrett's epithelium That premalignant gastric
mucosa seen in patients with gastroesophageal which may also be experienced as a fear of
reflux. heights.
barrier Obstruction, separation. bathyanesthesia The anesthetized loss of deep
blood-brain barrier That which exists between sensibility.
the brain and the circulation, to prevent toxic bathycardia That low, anatomic position of the
substances within the blood from reaching the heart.
spinal fluid and brain. Batten's disease That genetic, degenerative
placental barrier Provided by the placenta! tis- pediatric disorder — which is terminal. These
sues, most substances are kept from crossing children are at risk for seizures, bilateral dislo-
to the maternal/fetal circulation. cation of the hips, blindness, loss of coordina-
radiation barrier A shield against direct X-rays. tion and of the ability to speak, accompanied by
bartholinitis Infection of the Bartholin's gland(s). much pain and anxiety.
bartonellosis Carrion's disease — an acute, battered child syndrome Adult violence inflicted
communicable disease in the Andes. Oroya upon children. In addition to a high mortality
fever is the first clinical stage — asevere, rate, the emotional/psychiatric damage of verbal
hemolytic anemia. Next, verruga peruana erupts abuse is carried into adulthood (if the child sur-
with small neoplasms of the cutaneous/mucous vives). Child abuse is often perpetrated by bat-
membranes. tered children who mature to abuse their own
Bartter's syndrome A pediatric condition of children. Every licensed nurse is a mandatory
unknown etiology — which may be accompa- reporter of abuse to the authorities.
nied by dwarfism. These children present with battered spouse syndrome Mental, physical,
hypokalemic acidosis, hyperaldosteronism, renal and/or emotional abuse inflicted by a spouse
hyperplasia, but are normotensive. upon the other.
Baruch's law Water produces a sedative effect Battle's sign Suggestive of basilar skull fracture
when its temperature equals that of the patient's — ecchymosis over the mastoid bone, hemato-
skin — and stimulation if above or below. tympanum, and/or "raccoon eyes", 24-48 hours
baryglossia Slow, thickened articulation. post-injury. Medical attention must be obtained
to rule out skull fracture.
bayonet leg A posterior knee dislocation.
Bazin's disease Erythema induratum, chronic
dermatitis of cutaneous nodules — which pro-
gresses to necrotic ulcers, leaving atrophic
scarring. This disease is not seen in the male
population.

38

BCG vaccine Bacille Calmette-Guerin immunolo- forced beat That premature contraction result-

gy, used in pediatric therapy against tuberculo- ing from defibrillation.

sis. Early developed for use in carcinoma thera- premature beat The early beat of premature

py, BCG failed to gain popularity for this indica- ventricular contraction, extrasystoles.

tion. Beau's lines Those white marks across the fin-

beat Pulsation from each cardiac contraction. ger nails, which may be due to coronary occlu-

apex beat That which may be felt over the fifth sion, dermatitis, hypercalcemia, systemic dis-

intercostal space, at the midclavicular line. ease, trauma.

capture beat The response of ventricular con- Bednar's aphthae Traumatic palatine ulcers

traction to sinus impulse, arriving at the atri- noted on the hard palate of infants who have

oventricular node, when it is nonrefractory. been sucking contaminated objects.

ectopic beat That cardiac beat which does not Beer's operation Flap surgery for the artificial

originate at the sinoatrial node. cataract or pupil.

escape beat The heart beat which follows a behavior modification That technique of trans-

prolonged pause. forming maladaptive conduct by rewarding

39

progress in self-control. remain intact, others may expire from cor pul-
Behget's syndrome The chronic, inflammatory, monale.
bestiality Zooerasty — human coitus with ani-
recurrent disease which involves many systems. mals.
Joint pain and ulceration of mucous membranes Best's disease A rare, inherited macular degen-
accompany conjunctivitis, episcleritis, iritis, ker- eration, for which there is no hope of cure.
atitis, optic atrophy, retinal thrombophlebitis. beta blockade A cardiovascular agent which
Cardiac, central nervous system, intestinal achieves a decrease in cardiac output, heart
involvement may be seen. Injections are con- rate, and systolic pressure. Exercise, inhibition
traindicated as these provoke cutaneous lesions. of isoproterenol-induced tachycardia, and
This disease of autoimmune etiology has no reduction of reflex orthostatic tachycardia are
specific therapy — only symptomatic, support- anticipated. Abrupt withdrawal of this agent
ive care. could exacerbatean unexpected cardiovascular
bejel The pediatric form of non-venereal syphilis event.
endemic to Arab countries. Periostitis is com- beta-thalassemia trait That condition in which
mon. one inherits a normal beta globin gene and a
Bell's palsy An acute onset of unilateral facial beta globin gene — that results in reduced syn-
paralysis — from which most recover. Sensory thesis of normal beta globin.
loss is subjective. The deformity of paresis usu- bibliotherapy Psychotherapeutic
ally resolves. guidance/encouragement that the patient read.
Benedikt's syndrome Neurological lesions which bicameral Possessing two chambers/cavities.
produce hemiplegia with oculomotor paralysis Bielschowsky disease The early juvenile stage of
and clonic tremor/spasm on the involved side. cerebral sphingolipidosis.
benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) Progressive bifid That divided into 2 sections.
enlargement of the aging prostate. This may bifurcation Division into 2 branches.
cause urinary retention/obstruction. bigeminal pulse An irregularity of the heart beat
Bennett double ring splint Metal rings which in couplets of 2s. The (stronger) first beat is the
prevent hyperextension of the proximal inter- normal beat.
phalangeal joint(s). This is prescribed for the bigeminy Pairing.
arthritic patient. junctional bigeminy Nodal bigeminy — that
Berardinelli-Seip syndrome Congenital total cardiac arrhythmia in which each second pulse
lipoatrophy. is a premature junctional contraction, or junc-
Berard's aneurysm Arteriovenous dilation in tis- tional ectopic contraction.
sues adjacent to the involved vein. ventricular bigeminy That cardiac arrhythmia
berdache A person who takes on the role and in which a premature ventricular contraction (or
status of the oposite sex in private life. junctional ectopic contraction) occurs every
Homosexuality/transvestism are not involved in second beat.
this condition. bilateral Ambilateral, two-sided.
beriberi Panneuritis epidemica — dietetic neuri- bilharziasis Schistosomiasis.
tis, endemic neuritis. Cardiovascular, cerebral, bilious fever Biliousness — a hepatic condition
peripheral neurological anomalies are caused by with symptoms of anorexia, constipation, eme-
thiamine deficiency. sis of bile, fever, and/or headaches.
berylliosis Beryllium disease, beryllium poison- bilirubinemia Hyperbilirubinemia — bilirubin in
ing, granulomatosis — that occupational/chemi- the circulation.
cal pneumonitis which may affect other tissues. bilirubinuria Biliuria — bilirubin detected in the
Acute beryllium disease may present with dif- urine.
fuse alveolar consolidation — even sarcoidosis. Billroth's operation Gastrectomy.
(These are difficult to discern from each other.) bimanual Two-handed.
Although most patients have an excellent prog- bimaxillary Both jaws — maxilla and mandible.
nosis that their respiratory functioning will

40

binary system Computer numeration system.

Binary code.

binaural Bilateral ears.

bioavailability The extent and rate to which sub-

stances enter the circulation to reach the area in

need of therapy.

biocatalyst An enzyme. That which causes a

reaction without entering into that reaction Biological signs: left, male; right, female

process.

biochemical marker An antibody, antigen, aspiration.

enzyme, hormone which becomes pathologically muscle biopsy The submitted sample will be

altered and then serves as a diagnostic clue or chemically analyzed and examined.

predictor. needle biopsy Tissue obtained by a large bore

biochemistry A study of organic chemical needle and syringe.

processes. punch biopsy An excision of sample tissue.

biodegradation Biological degradation — biolog- biopterin A deficiency of this chemical is a cause

ical decomposition, enhanced by enzymatic/bac- of phenylketonuria — a source of mental retar-

terial/catalytic action. dation. A specific diet will spare these children.

bioenergy Life force. Vital energy. biosphere Ecological systems of the planet.

biofeedback Self-control of the autonomic ner- biotelemetry Remote electronic recordings of

vous system. electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram

biohazard That which is toxic to the environment (EKG, ECG), heart rate, temperature, and other

and its organisms. organic measurements.

biokinetics The study of organic movement and biotics Biology — the science of living organ-

growth. isms.

biologicals Organic medicinal products which biotransformation of medication The metabo-

include antigens, antitoxins, serums, and vac- lism of drugs.

cines. biovular twins Dizygotic pregnancy — a
biological sign That graphic indication of male biparous pregnancy, productive of fraternal
twins.
or female.
biological warfare The use of disease organisms bipolar disorder Once known as "manic depres-

in war. sion", these patients may present in depressed

bioluminescence Visible light emitted by living phase, manic phase, or in mixed phase. Rapid

organisms. cycling or psychotic features may be seen.

biolysis Organic decomposition of tissue. Lithium is the medication of choice, for this life-

biomedical engineering The development of time diagnosis (dx).

medical appliances, prostheses, et al., through bipolar I disorder This is a recurrent disorder —

the concepts of physics, united with medical in which almost all go on to suffer future manic

research. episodes. A rapid-cycling pattern indicates a

biometrics Biometry — the analysis and solution poor prognosis. Some of these patients experi-

of living science problems, applying statistical ence mood lability with work difficulties. Others

and mathematical concepts. may present with psychotic features. Many of

bionomics Ecology. the world's creative geniuses are documented to

biopsy A tissue sample used for microscopic have suffered from this disorder.

study to establish a diagnosis, and to rule out bipolar II disorder Recurrent major depressive

(RO) carcinoma. episodes which are experiencedwith hypoma-

aspiration biopsy Tissue obtained by suction nia. This impairment may demonstrate the

for the purpose of microscopic examination. chronicity of fluctuating, erratic

liver biopsy A core of liver tissue obtained by occupational/interpersonal functioning, in the

41

presence of chronic mood unpredictability. bland diet That ordered to buffer gastric acidity.
bipolarity The tendency to gravitate from one blastomycosis Infection caused by a fungus

extreme to its opposite pole. pathogenic in man.
bird breeder's lung Pigeon breeder's disease — keloidal blastomycosis Lobo's disease — a
dermatitis resembling South American blasto-
the contact respiratory affliction of chronic mycosis.
onset, affecting those who handle birds. The North American blastomycosis Gilchrist's dis-
symptomatology of dyspnea and rigor abate, ease — a rare fungal infection presenting with
when exposure to the birds' excreta ends. This inflamed lesions of lungs/skin. There may be
is an occupational disease. generalized involvement of spleen, kidneys,
birthing chair That used instead of a delivery liver, central nervous system, bones, lungs,
table, by those choosing a bedroom atmosphere and/or skin.
— if not contraindicated. Often part of a birthing South American blastomycosis
unit, emergency and obstetrical equipment is Paracoccidioidomycosis — a serious fungal
still immediately accessible, but concealed. infection causing marked inflammatory lesions
bisexual A hermaphrodite possessing imperfect to mucous membranes and skin.
male/female genitalia. A person who is sexually bleb A primary skin lesion filled with serous,
attracted to both males and females. sanguinous, or seropurulent fluid.
bisferious Dicrotic, possessing 2 beats. bleeding time That required for blood to cease
Bitot's spots Shiny, triangular, gray marks — to flow.
seen on the conjunctivae of patients with blennadenitis Inflamed mucous glands.
Vitamin A deficiency. blennemesis The vomiting of mucus.
bituminosis A form of pneumoconiosis — the blennometritis Inflammation of the uterus.
etiology of which is exposure to bituminous coal blennorrhea neonatorum Gonoccal inflammation
dust. of the newborn conjunctiva(e).
Bjerrum's sign A comet- or sickle-shaped blind blennostasis Treatment of an abnormal dis-
spot, as seen in the central visual zone of glau- charge of mucus.
coma patients. blennothorax Mucus congestion of the
black Reflecting no light. The absence of color. bronchi/alveoli.
The cyanotic patient. blennuria Mucus present in the urine.
Black A member of the African race. (This term blepharadenitis Blepharoadenitis — inflamma-
is used as a noun.) tion of the sebaceous glands.
black death Bubonic plague — blepharal Reference to the eyelid(s).
pneumonic/bubonic infection, leading to death. blepharectomy Surgical excision of the eyelid.
This condition reached epidemic proportions in blepharedema Swelling of the eyelid(s).
Europe, during the Middle Ages. blepharitis Lippitude — inflammation of the
blackwater fever A complication of malaria — eye(s).
during which erythrocytes are voided. blepharoadenoma Tumor of the eyelid.
bladder training That technique for the rehabili- Blepharoncus.
tation of urinary incontinence. Starting with blepharoatheroma Sebaceous cyst involving an
hourly voidings, the patient records the times eyelid.
and amounts of each. When free of incontinence blepharochalasis Hypertrophy of the upper eye-
on this regimen, the interval between voidings is lid(s).
increased. blepharoclonus Spasms of the orbicularis oculi.
blanching sign Confirmation of circulation to the blepharoconjunctivitis Inflammation of the eye-
extremities — when pressure is applied to the lids and conjunctivae.
nailbeds until the color is lost, this should blepharodiastasis That excessive opening of the
return as soon as that pressure is released (at eyes.
least within 5 minutes). Compromised circula- blepharophimosis Epicanthus inversus syn-
tion must receive prompt intervention.

42

drome — the narrowed external angle, with pto- to confirm patient compliance, and whether or

sis. not the medication is being prescribed at a ther-

blepharoplasty Plastic surgery of the eyelid(s). apeutic level for the patient.

blepharoplegia A paralyzed eyelid(s). blood pressure That tension exerted upon any

blepharoptosis Drooping of the eyelid(s). vessel wall by the circulation. The higher sphyg-

blepharorrhaphy Tarsorrhaphy, blepharosphinc- momanometer number is the systolic reading,

terectomy — surgically adjusting the eyelid to and the lower, the diastolic. Among the many

prevent corneal injury. causes for inaccurate blood pressure determina-

blepharospasm Tremor of the eyelid(s). tions are those of technique — taking blood

essential blepharospasm Marked tremors of pressures through clothing or too rapidly. Digit

the eyelids (without apparent cause). preference (ending readings with zeros or other

blepharostat That surgical instrument used to predetermined numerals) is an inaccuracy which

position the eyelid(s). may be unconsciously perpetrated. If two

blepharostenosis Inability to open the eyelids. sounds are auscultated for the diastolic pres-

blepharosynechia Ankyloblepharon — adhesion sure, both should be recorded: 144/82-16, or

of eyelids. 162/76-0 (if the sound continues to the end of

blepharotomy A surgical incision of the eyelid(s). the manometer).

blepsopathia Neurasthenia, caused by severe central arterial BP Blood pressure within the

eyestrain. aorta or proximal artery.

blindness Snellen acuity of 20/200 or worse, due central BP Blood pressure calculated close to

to glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular the heart or within a chamber.

degeneration, heredity, diabetic retinopathy, central venous BP Blood pressure within a

rubiosis, complex trauma, corneal opacification, great vein or a heart chamber.

retinal detachment, pseudoexfoliation, disrup- direct BP An invasive technique by which the

tion of the globes, et al. Following "count fin- pressure is recorded intra-arterially.

gers vision", if there is no light perception, sight indirect BP An external measurement in which

will not be restored. Many perforating injuries Korotkoff's sounds may be auscultated at the

may have retained intraocular foreign bodies. As antecubital fossa or at the popliteal fossa.

long as there is light perception, enucleation Dopplers improve auscultated sounds in infants.

must be deferred. Amaurosis. blood shunting Travelling an abnormal route, the

blind spot The optic disk. That inability of the circulation may flow through a fistula or the

psychiatric patient to gain insight into his/her foramen ovale.

own personality. blood warmer A coiled device used to warm a

blocking Spontaneous mention by the patient transfusion to precise body temperature in order

that his/her train of thought has been lost mid- to reduce reactions.

sentence/thought. blue toe syndrome Digital ischemia of fingers or

blood-brain barrier That tissue which prevents toes. Percutaneous transluminal atherectomy is

damaging substances from reaching the cere- effective in treating these embologenic

brospinal fluid and brain tissue via the circula- stenoses.

tion. Blumberg's sign Rebound abdominal tender-

blood gases Analysis of acids and bases to ness, which suggests peritoneal inflammation.

determine a possible status of acidosis/alkalo- Boas' point In patients with gastric ulceration,

sis. tenderness at the left, twelfth dorsal vertebra.

blood groups ABO — A, B, AB, and 0. Rh blood body image A subjected vision of one's charisma

factors — negative, positive. and appearance. The auto-perception of one's

blood level That serum concentration of any own body at any time.

substance in the blood. Drug screens are emer- body mechanics The application of biomechan-

gency levels to determine which agents might ics/kinesiology in daily living through correct

have been taken. Specific drugs can be assayed posture, lifting, and prevention of strain.

43

body packing Ingestion of multiple condoms ing respiratory and cardiac paralysis. Trivalent
filled with narcotics and intended for illegal antitoxin should be administered before testing
transport. Should any rupture through ulcera- has been received — prior to the onset of neu-
tion or spontaneous means, the "mule" will rologic symptomatology. An experimental
expire from this megalethal overdose. serum, Botulism Immune Globulin (BIG)
requires FDAapproval for use.
body surface area (BSA) A method of calculating infant botulism Thought to be a cause of sud-
radiation dosages and pediatric dosages. This is den infant death syndrome (SIDS).Because
essential in the management of burn patients. honey is not sterile, it has been blamed for
causing this poisoning when used in formula.
bolometer An instrument which measures the There is no antidote, only time.
strength of the heartbeat. An apparatus which Bouchut's respiration Pediatric respirations of
gauges radiant heat. longer expiration than inspiration — as seen in
asthma and bronchopneumonia.
bolus A mass of food or medication which is Bouchut's tubes Those used for laryngeal intuba-
administered as a single dose. tion.
bougie A thin, flexible instrument used to dilate
bonding Non-erotic love and regard for another. and explore tubal organs.
That which occurs in a mentor relationship. bourdonnement A humming tone.
Bourneville's disease Tuberous sclerosis — an
bone hunger Hypocalcemia, post-parathyroidec- inherited triad of adenoma sebaceum (butterfly
tomy. erythema), progressive mental deficiency,
and/or seizures which may be focal or general-
bone marrow transplant The grafting of marrow ized. Spina bidifa, syndactylism, hyperoncomas,
to treat acute leukemia, aplastic anemia, and cataracts, optic atrophy, or retinal neoplasms
immunodeficiency. may complicate this clinical picture. This
includes vascular malformations of pancreatic,
borborygmus Bowel sounds. Significant when adrenal, hepatic, renal tissue. The prognosis is
absent ("Silent as the tomb!"), this points to the grave.
possibility of strangulated hernia, bowel boutonniere deformity Contractures of the
obstruction, or paralytic ileus. hand(s) in which the distal joints are hyperex-
tended and the proximal joints flexed. The
borderline personalitydisorder A pervasive severe pain often ceases once the deformities
instability of interpersonal relationships, mood, are permanently established.
and self-image. An identity disturbance involves bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) One
values, friends, career, goals, sexual orientation. of the transmissible neuropathies categorizedas
The unstable self-image leaves the patient feel- prion diseases. Degeneration of the brain is
ing empty and bored. Over-idealization and characteristic. .Symptomatology may include
devaluation cause interpersonal relationships to confusion, disorientation, loss of cognition,
be intense and stormy. Impulsivity leads to self- muscular atrophy, incoordination, or profound
damaging acts. Despite their fear of abandon- weakness. Research continues.
ment, these patients may use suicide threats, Bozeman-Fritsch catheter A double-lumen uter-
self-mutilation, and intense anger to manipulate ine catheter.
the staff — which they characteristically split. brachialgia Severe pain in the arm(s).
(Splitting confirms the borderline diagnosis.) brachiocyllos An abnormally curved arm(s).
brachybasia The shuffling gait of the partially
boric acid poisoning This lethal response to the paralyzed.
ingestion of boric acid includes shock, vivid der- brachycheilia Abnormally short lip(s).
matitis, central nervous system depression, brachydactylia Brachyphalangia — abnormally
seizures, diarrhea, and nausea with vomiting.
Dialysis may be required to rescue the patient.

Bornholm disease Epidemic pleurodynia charac-
terized by fever and sudden onset of chest pain.

Boston arm An electric prosthesis for those with
above the elbow amputations.

botulism A severe poisoning from improperly
preserved meats and non-acid vegetables. This
toxin attacks the central nervous system, caus-