94
to forgetfulness. (Some may have occurred fol- gering, feigned amnesia.
lowing a highly disturbing event.) psychogenic fugue Psychogenic amnesia.
dissociative fugue The assumption of a new selective amnesia That ability to recall some
identity, while unable to bring to mind one's details while forgetting others. (A new widow
own name and history, since his/her abrupt may make funeral arrangements, later to find
elopement. Lost is the patient's home, work, herself unable to recall whether or not her hus-
family, et al. S/he may leave the country. band died.)
Although psychopathy may not be evident, dissolution Death.
much clinical attention may be devoted, out of dissonance Discordance, disagreement, close
concern. Returned to their prefugue status, and grating musical chords.
events of the fugue state may never be known. cognitive dissonance Incongruity of actions,
dissociative identity disorder Multiple personali- philosophy, thought.
ty disorder — two or more personality states, in distal Distad, that most distant from the center.
which there is an enduring pattern of coping distomia Congenitalanomaly of the fetus, pro-
with the environment and the self. These per- ducing two mouths.
sonalities control the patient's actions. This distortion Bending/twisting out of shape.A
behavior revealsthat essential, personal data writhing movement. A deformity, anomaly, alter-
has been lost to recall. ation. Visual misperception. The process of
dissociative trance disorder That temporary, modifying unconscious mental elements so they
altered state of consciousness — during which can enter the consciousness without censoring.
the patient's identity is replaced under the con- Difference in X-ray sizes, shapes.
trol of a charismatic, political/religious leader. distractibility That inability to focus one's atten-
continuous amnesia Inability to recall subse- tion. The attraction of thoughts by extraneous
quent events — including the present. stimuli — a dissociation of consciousness.
generalized amnesia The least common form, distraught That mental state of frantic indecision,
which encompasses the patient's entire life. of being deeply troubled with conflicting
localized amnesia Failureto recall all events thoughts.
during the circumscribed period of time sur- distress Pain and suffering — which may be
rounding a profoundly disturbing event. emotional or physical.
multiple personalitydisorder The existence of fetal distress Compromisedviability assessed
two or more identity states which take full con- in the unborn baby.
trol of the patient's behavior. Transition between disturbance Interruption of continuity, departure
these personalities may be triggered by amobar- from the norm.
bital interview, conflict, cues, hypnosis, and/or diuresis Polyuria caused by diabetes mellitus,
stress. The presenting personality may be obliv- chronic interstitial nephritis, hysteria, anxiety,
ious of the others — which may vary in age, IQ, fear, polydipsia, diabetes insipidus, diuretics.
race, sex, et al. Severe emotional trauma pre- diurnal Daily.
cedes this disorder. divagation Incoherent with disconnected speech.
psychogenic amnesia That abrupt inability to divergence Deviationfrom the center.
remember vital personal data, is the essential diverticulitis The inflammation of diverticula in
feature of this disorder. This cannot be attrib- the intestines — which may be chronic or
uted to an organic mental disorder, nor to for- acute.
getfulness. There may be agitation regarding diverticulosis Inflamed diverticula — a few of
amnestic problems — or indifference. This dis- which go on to develop infection as diverticuli-
turbance usually follows severe psychosocial tis.
stress. In other cases, the patient may be in a dizygotic Fraternal twins — the products of two
subjectively intolerable life situation. Recovery is ova.
abrupt, complete, with rare recurrences.It is DNA typing Deoxyribonucleicacid — DNA fin-
crucial to bear in mind the possibility of malin- gerprinting, DNA profiling (which is often used
95
forensically). animal fur/hair.
documentation The precise, legal confirmation of dosage That amount, number, and frequency of
an assessment, care, order, procedure, treat- medication/radiation. Each must be adminis-
ment that has been completed. "If it hasn't been tered and documented precisely — especially
charted, it hasn't been given. If it has been pedatric doses.
charted inconclusively, it hasn't been done. If it double depression Major depression which is
was ordered illegibly, it wasn't ordered." superimposed upon a dysthymic disorder.
(Imprecisely quoted statements of boards of Down's syndrome Mongolism — that congenital
nursing in the U.S.A. — upheld in the courts.) chromosomal aberration, producing the symp-
dog (any animal) bite That puncture wound or tomatology of trisomy 21. Features often includ-
laceration developed by a dog/animal. (The ani- ed are Brushfield's spots of the irides, dwarfism,
mal should be impounded and observed for 10 short forehead, small broad hands with simian
days to rule out rabies.) Thoroughly scrub creases, and severe mental retardation. This
wound with soap for 10 minutes. Flush with a population will not be able to live/work indepen-
viricidal agent and rinse until clear. Unless hem- dently, but may be taught to live in group
orrhaging, permit bleeding to cleansethe homes, while working in sheltered workshops.
wound. Prepare for suturing if indicated. Dressler's syndrome Post-cardiotomy/post-
Administer tetanus prophylaxis. Determine data infarction pain which occurs with fever, as a
about the dog/animal and report to the public reaction to necrotic myocardial tissue.
health authorities. Antirabies prophylaxis should Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or
be given if the animal is confirmed to be rabid, steroids are the agents of choice.
or cannot be found. Infants and the handi- Drinker respirator The "iron lung" which utilizes
capped should never be left alone with dogs — alternating positive/negative pressures to pro-
especially large animals. Gentle pets have killed vide artificial respiration on a long-term basis.
infants within their households. (This is rarely used.)
doll's head maneuver In the presenceof severe dromomania Drapetomania, ecdemomania — a
brain stem injury, the patient's eyes will follow compulsive drive to wander.
his/her head when moved. dromopathy A category of all diseases which
domatophobia Abnormal, claustrophobic aver- travel.
sion to being alone in the house. droplet infection That disease transmitted by
domino transplant The patient donates his/her minute droplets from the oropharynx.
organ(s) while on the operating table to receive drowning Asphyxiation occurring from immer-
transplanted organs. sion in fluid, or from spasm of the epiglottis. An
Donohue's syndrome Leprechaunism — that acute asphyxial response, followed by relaxation
hereditary condition with elfin facies, suscepti- of the larynx with flooding of the respiratory
bility to infection, endocrinedisorders, tract. Immersion in freezing water — after
mental/physical retardation, emaciation. which the victim may experience a vagally-
Donovania granulomatis Granuloma venereum, induced cardiac arrest. Following the Heimlich
granuloma inguinale, donovanosis. A communi- maneuver, cardiopulmonary resuscitation must
cable, venereal, bacterial disease which is pro- be administered in the absence of pulse/respra-
gressive and chronic, affecting the genital tions. Hypoxia may cause expiration anytime up
mucous membranes and skin. If the initial to 3 days following any of the above events. I: is
lesion is untreated, the genitalia may be exten- mandatory that these and all near-drowning v c-
sively damaged. tims be hospitalized for assessment and close
Ooppler effect The frequency of waves, versus observation.
the distance between the sound source and drownproofing The American Red Cross method
receiver, decreasesas the distanceincreases of staying afloat when submerged — even by
(and increases as the distance decreases). non-swimmers! This valuable technique is no:
doraphobia An exaggerated aversion to touching widely emphasized.
96
1, Rest. 2, Get set. 3, Lift head, exhale. 4. Stroke and kick, inhale. 5, Head down, press. 6, Rest. Printed with
permission — National American Red Cross, Temple,Texas, USA.
drug Any substance which has the potential to dual diagnosis The comorbidity of psychiatric
modify the functioning of human physiology. disorders and substance abuse. Sometimes, the
nurse is able to facilitate the patient's integration
drug abuse The self-prescribing, self-administer- into Twelve-Step programs, as well as psychi-
ing of prescription medications/illicit substances atric principles — emphasizing post-detoxifica-
in non-prescribed dosages. tion evaluation and the rehabilitation of addictive
behavior.
drug addiction That use of medications in erratic
amounts — which leads to dependency. Dubin-Johnson syndrome This rare, autosomal,
Because quality control of street drugs is non- recessive defect may appear as an asympto-
existent, those who react to these substances matic, mild jaundice. The liver is pigmented.
may not know which (lethal) chemicals they While bile is present in the urine, excretion of
actually took. Toxicological surveys are essen- bile salts is unimpaired, and jaundice may be
tial. (If one hasn't changed the ritual, one hasn't
changed the addiction. There can also be addic- seen.
tion to intensity, conflict, crisis, power, et al.) Dubowitz score/tool 21 strictly-defined clinical
drug dependency A physical/psychological crav- signs by which the gestational age of an infant
ing for substances which are habituating.
Withdrawal symptoms may appear when the can be determined ± 14 days.
substance of the addict's preference becomes Duchenne-Aran disease Progressive, spinal
unavailable. These illicit users may become
assaultive and/or violent. muscular atrophy which involves wasting, weak-
ness, and paresis of targeted muscles. Toxins,
drug interaction Concurrent response of medica- avitaminosis, and/or infectious processeslead
tions taken simultaneously, in the areas of syn- to the development of this degenerative condi-
ergism, antagonism, lethality. Remain alert to
the potential interactions of the patient's regi- tion.
men, aware that s/he may be non-compliant Duchenne-Erb paralysis Erb's palsy — paresis
with the physician's orders.
of the muscles supplied by nerves from the
drug overdose An excess of medication — upper brachial plexus.
whether the patient overdosed (OD'd), was Duchenne's disease Tabes dorsalis — degenera-
given too high an amount for his/her tolerance tion of the brain stem and spinal cord. This
or more than was ordered. Prescription limits syphilitic complication may include paroxysmal
are written to prevent a suicidal patient from pain, impotency, progressive ataxia, as well as a
overdosing, whenever it is possible to do so. functionally disordered gastrointestinal system,
larynx, bladder, and/or loss of reflex(es).
Duchenne's muscular dystrophy
97
Labioglossolaryngeal paralysis — pseudohyper- mar fascia contracture(s). The "Veteran's triad"
trophic muscular involvement with muscular of epilepsy, alcoholism, diabetes has been held
weakness. This sex-linked, progressive, pedi- as the etiology.
atric disease often terminates fatally, prior to Dupuytren's fracture That of the ankle with
adulthood. upward displacement of the talus.
Duchenne's paralysis Bulbar paresis — Durand-Nicholas-Favre disease
labioglossolaryngeal paresis. Lymphogranuloma venereum.
ductal carcinoma in situ Intraductal breast can- duraplasty Plastic surgery on the dura mater.
cer (CA) — that proliferation of malignant cells durematoma That hematoma between the dura
within the ducts. This may be difficult to differ- mater and the arachnoid membrane.
entiate from lobular carcinoma in situ (position), duritis Pachymeningitis — infection of the dura
as well as extensive/invasive CA. In the surgical mater.
excision of malignancies, breast-conserving duroarachnitis That inflammation of the arach-
procedures will be taken prior to radiation. noid membrane and the dura mater.
dumping Patient dumping — the questionable Duroziez' murmur Auscultation of diastolic/sys-
transferring of an indigent patient to another tolic murmur(s) over a large artery while pres-
hospital — without the purpose of specialized sure is applied distal to the stethoscope.
care which was not available at the first hospi- Duverney's fracture A broken flank/os ilium.
tal. dwarfism Abnormally short stature due to hered-
dumping syndrome Vomiting with diaphoresis ity, skeletal pathology, endocrine dysfunction,
occurring in the patient who has undergone a renal insufficiency, metabolic deficiency states.
gastric resection procedure — nausea; palpita- achondroplastic dwarfism Normal trunk,
tions; post-prandial weakness; syncope — by prominent buttocks, shortened extremities, with
the above patient(s). Frequent small meals, with a large head.
rest periods in between, often provide sympto- asexual dwarfism Sexual development is defi-
matic relief. cient.
duodenectasis Chronic dilatation of the duode- hypophyseal dwarfism Levi-Lorain dwarfism
num. — a pituitary dwarf whose deformity resulted
duodenectomy Total/subtotal excision of the from hypophyseal hypofunction.
duodenum. infantile dwarfism Marked underdevelopment
duodenitis Duodenal infection. — sexually, mentally, physically — of a child.
duodenocholedochotomy Surgical incision into micromelic dwarfism Rudimentary extremities.
the duodenum by which to reach the gallblad- ovarian dwarfism Underdeveloped/absent
der. ovaries.
duodenocystostomy Duodenocholecystostomy phocomelic dwarfism Abnormally short dia-
— that surgical formation of a fistula between physes of the extremities.
the gallbladder and the duodenum. physiologic dwarfism Abnormal stature despite
duodenorrhaphy Suturing of the duodenum. normal development.
duodenoscopy Endoscopic survey of the duode- primordial dwarfism Normal endocrine func-
num. tioning with selective deficiency of soma-
duodenostomy That surgical construction of a totropin, the growth hormone.
permanent opening from the abdominal wall rachitic dwarfism That caused by rickets.
into the duodenum. renal dwarfism That condition produced by
duodenotomy A surgical incision into the duode- renal osteodystrophy.
num. thanatophoric dwarfism Caused by failure of
duplicitas That anomalous duplication of a fetal endochondral bone tissue to form, these infants
part(s) or organ(s). present with short extremities perpendicular to
Dupuytren's contracture Flexion deformity of the trunk, saddle nose, hypertelorism, and large
4th, 5th finger(s) of the hand(s) caused by pal- head with prominent forehead. They fail to sur-
98
vive the neonatal period. dysemia Hemopathology.
dyad A two-party alliance. dysentery Inflammatory, colonic disorders with
dyadic Social communication. symptoms of bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain,
dynamoscope An instrument used to auscultate and tenesmus.
muscles. amebic dysentery Amebaeare the etiology.
dysacousia Dysacousma, dysacusis — impaired bacillary dysentery This form may reach tox-
hearing. Discomfort caused by excessively loud emic, epidemic stages.
sounds. malignant dysentery Virulent, this form may
dysadrenalism Adrenal gland pathology. The dis- lead rapidly to death.
ordered functioning of the adrenal gland(s). dysergasia Inappropriate functioning which is
dysaphia An impaired sense of touch. sometimes caused by toxic states. Delirium,
dysarthria Defective speech due to impairment dream states, hallucinations and/or disorienta-
of the muscles essential to articulation. tion may be observed.
dysarthrosis Joint deformity. dysergia Incoodination of voluntary move-
dysautonomia That rare, inherited disease of ments.
Ashkenazi Jews, involving the autonomic ner- dysfunctional That status of an organ/part/per-
vous system. These patients present with con- son which is impaired or abnormal.
vulsions, infection, mental retardation, motor dysgalactia Inadequate/defective milk produc-
discoordination, nausea and vomiting. tion.
dysbetalipoproteinemia Broad beta disease — dysgammaglobulinemia Dysglobulinemia,
peripheral vascular disease. Heralded by xan- abnormality of quality and/or amount of
thomas and/or claudication, this may lead to immunoglobulins in the circulation — acquired
other findings. Hypothyroidism may be seen or congenital.
with hyperuricemia and elevated glucose toler- dysgenesis Defective embryonic development.
ance. gonadal dysgenesis Turner's syndrome — that
dysboulia Ambivalent willpower. Poor concentra- congenital endocrine disorder in which the
tion. ovaries fail to respond to pituitary stimulation.
dyscalculia Mathematical disability becauseof This clinically presents with short stature, failure
cerebral injury/disease. to mature sexually, and amenorrhea. Webbing of
dyscephaly Malformation of cranial/facial osteo- the neck, cubitus valgus (lateral deviation of the
genesis. forearm) and/or impaired intelligence may be
dyschiria Achiria — that inability to determine noted.
which side of the body was touched. dysgerminoma A malignant ovarian neoplasm.
allochiria Allesthesia— the patient believes dysgnatnia Anomaly of the jaws.
the opposite side to have been touched. dysgnosia Dysthymia, abnormality of the intelli-
synchiria Both sides of the body are believed to gence.
have been touched. dysgraphia Inability to write, which is suggestive
dyschoria Abnormal shape/form of the pupil(s). of a brain lesion.
dyschromia Discoloration. dyshematopoiesia Defective blood production.
dyschronism "Jet lag" — that systemic distur- dyskinesia Voluntary movements which are
bance in biological rhythm, caused by one's abnormal/painful.
being transported to another time zone 5+ hours dyslalia A speech impediment due to defective
away. speech organs.
dysconjugate gaze That anomaly in which the dyslexia That condition of unknown origin in
eyes move independently. This suggests dam- which those with normal intellect and vision are
age to the vision-control apparatus. unable to decode the written language. The
dyscrasia A disease process. Pathology. meanings within pictures and objects remain
dysembryoplasia Embryonic malformation dur- intact.
ing intrauterine growth and development. dysmegalopsia A misperception of everything as
99
appearing larger than 100%. ing.
dysmelia Congenital absence/deformity of an dyspareunia Recurrent genital pain in either
extremity(s). male or female, in conjunction with coitus. This
dysmenorrhea Menstrual spasms, cramping. distress may cause interpersonal emotional mal-
dysmetria That inability to judge one's voluntary adjustment.
dyspepsia Indigestion — gastrointestinal (Gl)
movements, due to cerebellar pathology. discomfort which may be related to alcohol
Voluntary attempts to perform actions overesti- (ETOH) abuse, cardiopathy, gastric acidity, gas-
mate the appropriate strength and range trointestinal dysfunctioning, hepatopathology,
required. hysteria, or insufficient production of bile —
dysmetropsia The inability to correctly visualize accompanied by pain/stress.
shapes and sizes. dysphagia Difficulty swallowing — whatever the
dysmimia That lack of ability to express oneself etiology. When severe and/or life-threatening,
with gestures. These patients are unable to imi- gavage (tube feeding) may be required.
tate. spastica dysphagia Difficulty swallowing due
dysmnesia An impaired memory. to spasm(s) of the esophageal/pharyngeal mus-
dysmorphophobia An exaggerated fear of one's culature.
own deformities, that this represents gross dysphagia constricta That related to stricture of
defects. (Others will not agree.) With excessive the pharynx and/or esophagus.
concern devoted to the compensation of imag- dysphagia lusoria That caused by an anomaly of
ined flaws and the anxiety that his/her body the right subclavian artery, and the pressure
parts are the wrong size, expense may be devot- exerted on the esophagus.
ed to correction of "my general ugliness". Self- dysphagia paralytica That caused by muscular
isolation may lead the patient to drop out of paresis of the swallowing and esophageal appa-
school, church, or society in general, to submit ratus.
to unnecessary surgery, or to become suicidal. dysphasia Dysphrasia — speech impairment
dysmyotonia Abnormal tonicity or muscular attributed to cerebral pathology.
atony. dysphemia Stuttering/stammering — speech
dysomnias Disturbance in the timing, quality, impediments of psychoneurotic origin.
amount of sleep, of any etiology. dysphonia Hoarseness — difficulty speaking
dysontogenesis Defective embryonal develop- clearly.
ment. spasmodic dysphonia That paroxysmal con-
dysopia Dysopsia — defective vision. traction of the muscles used in voice produc-
dysosmia Distortion of the olfactory sense, per- tion. These same muscles may remain capable
ception. of other functions (singing, swallowing). This
dysostosis Defective bone formation/develop- condition is neither psychogenic nor progres-
ment. sive.
cleidocranial dysostosis Congenital ossifica- dysphonia clericorum That caused by the pro-
tion of the fontanels, accompanied by clavicular jection needs and overuse of the voice by minis-
atrophy. ters, orators, operatic singers.
craniocerebral dysostosis An inherited condi- dysphonia puberum Breaks in voice register dur-
tion with beaked nose, strabismus, wide crani- ing pubertal boys' voice change.
um, exophthalmos, maxillary hypoplasia, ocular dysphoria An unprovoked depressive mood, with
hypertelorism. irritability and anxiety as accompanying fea-
mandibulofacial dysostosis Congenital otic tures.
defects, hypertrophied mouth (macrostomia), dysphylaxia Terminal insomnia; awakening too
slanting palpebral tissues, underdeveloped facial early.
bones. dyspituitarism Malfunctioning pituitary gland.
dysoxia The abnormal metabolism of oxygen. dysplasia Alloplasia, heteroplasia, abnormal tis-
dyspancreatism Abnormal pancreatic function-
100
sue development. Uncoordinated uterine action.
anhidrotic dysplasia Congenially dystonia Disordered, impaired muscle tonicity.
deficient/absent sweat glands, abnormal forma- An acute neurological condition characterized by
tion of nails and teeth, heat intolerance. abnormal, involuntary muscle contractions
cervical dysplasia Abnormal tissue changes of which cause distortion, rigidity and/or postur-
the cervix uteri. ing. Psychotropic, neuroleptic medications may
chrondroectodermal dysplasia Ellis-van be the cause.
Creveld syndrome, defective formation of hair, oculogyric crisis Fixation with deviation of the
teeth, nails, bones — accompanied by congeni- eyes. This may be a neuromuscular side effect
tal cardiopathy. of accumulated antipsychotic drugs, as in neu-
roleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
hereditary ectodermal dysplasia That includ- dystonia musculum deformans Torsion dystonia
ing mental retardation, deficient hair growth, of childhood — a rare, progressive syndrome in
conjunctivitis, excessiveeyebrows,concave which bizarre posturing is sustained until lost in
facies, absent mammary glands, corneal anom- sleep. The IQ remains normal for the patient.
alies, nail deformities, absent/abnormal teeth, Mental illness and hysteria are absent. There is
glossy skin, absent hair follicles, and/or no known therapy, but reserpine and anticholin-
decreased sweat glands. ergics may be of benefit. Most effective has
monostotic fibrous dysplasia Replacement of been cryothalamectomy to partially obliterate
osseous tissue by fibrous cells. Pain may be the thalamus.
noted in the femur, tibia. The etiology of this dystopia Displacement/malposition of an
condition is unknown. organ(s).
polyostotic fibrousdysplasia Osseous tissue is dystrophia Dystrophy caused by defective
replaced by vascular fibrous tissue. The etiology metabolism/nutrition.
of this pediatric disease is unknown. Difficulty in adiposogenital dystrophia Frohlich's syndrome
ambulation occurs from multiple bone fractures — hypogenitalism with obesity caused by
anomaly(s) of the pituitary and hypothalamus.
and deformities. Landouzy-Dejerine dystrophia That inherited
dyspnea Air hunger arising from painful and/or form of pediatric muscular dystrophy character-
ized by an inability to purse the lips, eyelids
labored respirations. Tachypnea,cyanosis, and which only partially close, myopathic facies,
the use of accessory muscles to assist breath- atrophic changes in the face and shoulders, with
ing are signs that the patient's respiratory status inability to raise the hands above the head.
is deteriorating. Facioscapulohumeral dystrophyprogresses
cardiac dyspnea Difficult breathing caused by slowly and may be self-limiting.
cardiac insufficiency. progressive muscular dystrophia A familial,
dyspraxia Disturbance in the control, program- advancing disease characterized by cachexia
ming, and performance of voluntary movement with atrophy — attributed to a genetic defect in
— attributed to cerebrovascular accident, cere- muscular metabolism.
bral hemisphere conditions, and absent compre- pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophia That
hension. hereditary pediatric disease in which muscular
dysprosody Articulation, inflection, and rhythm pseudohypertrophy precedes atrophy.
noted to be absent in the patient's speech. scapulohumeral/pelvifemoral dystrophia This
dysrhythmia An irregular rhythm. disorder causes hip/shoulder muscles to weak-
dysthesia Abnormal cutaneous sensations. en and atrophy. The life span is usually unaffect-
dysthesia pedis Severe burning, pruritus of the ed.
toes and feet — which may be a side effect of Werdnig-Hoffmann's syndrome A form of
heparin therapy. muscular dystrophy which includes a familial,
dysthyroidism Dysthyreosis — impaired thyroid infantile, progressive deterioration of the spinal
functioning/development.
dystocia Arrest of labor. Complicated, difficult
labor. Failure of labor to commence.
101
cord. Harrington rods are often implanted adja-
cent to the spines of these wheelchair-bound
children. Respiratory complications pose the
major threat to the survival of these young
patients.
dystrypsia Impaired functioning of the pancreas.
dysuria Difficulty in voiding accompanied by
burning upon micturation (urinating). Causes
include acidic urine, psychological abnormali-
ties, dysmenorrhea, cervical carcinoma, metritis,
pelvic peritonitis with abscess, uterine prolapse,
hypertrophied, malignant, or ulcerated prostate,
urinary tract infection, urethritis, cystitis.
dyszooamylia Inability of the liver to convert
dextrose into glycogen.
dyszoospermia Abnormal spermatozoa forma-
tion.
E
Eales' disease Recurrent hemorrhaging into the ECHO virus That encompassing the following
vitreous humor and retina(e). Of unknown etiol- group(s): Enteric, Cytopathogenic, Human,
ogy, this condition is noted in young adult male Orphan. This group is associated with acute res-
patients. piratory infection, enteritis, myocarditis, non-
Eaton-Lambert syndrome An immune-mediated bacterial viral meningitis, and pleurodynia.
group of symptoms — in which neuropathies eclabium Eversion of a lip(s).
occur prior to, with, or following malignant dis- eclampsia Convulsions/coma occurring during
ease. Complaints of dry mouth, extremity pain, pregnancy or the first postpartum week. This
fatigability, impotence, peripheral paresthesias, significant complication must beassessed
and/or weakness may persist. promptly, and is fatal if untreated. The patient
Ebola Marburg virus That systemic illness which may present with toxemic symptoms of hyper-
presents with a sudden onset, and is fatal. tension, dependent dizziness, facial puffiness,
(Cadavers ooze fluid with the active virus.) This albuminuria, epigastric pain, severe headaches,
highly communicable disease from Gabonhas nausea, convulsions following an aura of nys-
no known treatment, and kills quickly. tagmus, twitching of the face, hands and arms
ebonation Surgical removal of bone fragments leading to more convulsions. Clinical signs are
from a wound. all elevated with a bounding pulse. Coma may
Ebstein's anomaly That congenital, cardiac syn- persist until the patient expires. Occurring more
drome caused by displacement of the tricuspid frequently in primigravidae, the etiology of this
valve — dyspnea, fatigue, palpitations. The condition is unknown. Pregnant patients with
valvular obstruction and ventricular hypertrophy glomerulonephritis and pre-existing hyperten-
may lead to conduction abnormalities and exer- sion are at significant risk. Diligent prenatal
cise-related sudden death. observation and care are mandatory. Diuretics
eccentro-osteochondrodysplasia Abnormal ossi- are contraindicated as ineffective,while masking
fication in abnormal sites. signs/symptoms of the onset of eclampsia.
ecchondroma Cartilagenous tumor(s) — a chon- Keep these patients on seizure precautions.
droma which produces no pain. During convulsions, administer magnesium sul-
ecchondrotome That scalpel used to excise carti- fate (MgS04) intravenously via infusion pump
lage. — titrated to keep the blood pressure above
ecchymosis Extravasation of blood into the 130/80. (Fetal damage could occur at lower
mucous membranes/dermal layers. Bruising. readings due to inadequate uterine perfusion.)
eccyesis Ectopic/extrauterine pregnancy. Intravenous calcium is the drug of choice as the
echeosis Mental disturbance caused/exacerbated magnesium sulfate antidote. Constant monitor-
by noise. ing of intake and output is mandatory. If medical
echocardiography A non-invasive, diagnostic management is ineffective, delivery should be
procedure which utilizes ultrasound to visualize managed conservatively, induced by an oxytoxic
cardiac anatomical structures. agent, if required. Cesarean section is not
echoencephalography That diagnostic modality required unless obstetrically indicated.
by which the midline structures of the brain are ecologic fallacy In epidemiology, an erroneous
assessed. estimate from population researchto determine
echokinesia Involuntary imitation of another's the risk of disease development. Bionomics.
movements/expressions. Echopraxia may be ecouvillonage That cleansing and swabbing of a
seen in catatonic schizophrenia. (Echomimia, cavity, using a brush/swab.
echomotism, echopraxia.) ecraseur The wire loop used for ecrasement
echolalia Echophrasia — involuntary "parroting" excisions.
of the speech of others, accompanied by mus- ecstasy An elated state.
cular twitching. ecstrophy Exstrophy — congenital eversion of
echopathy That neurosis in which pathological an organ.
repetition of others' actions/speech occurs. ectasia Ectasis, dilation of a tubular organ or
103
vessel. ectopotomy Excision of the products of concep-
hypostatic ectasia Dilation of a vessel from the tion in an ectopic pregnancy.
pooling of blood. ectrodactylism Congenitally/partially absent
ectasia iridis Diminuitive pupil due to displace- digit(s). Fusion may be present in this genetic
ment of the iris. anomaly.
ectocardia Cardiac dislocation. ectrogeny Congenital absence of a body part.
ectodactylism Absent digit(s). ectromelia Hypoplastic long bones of the
ectodermal dysplasias(EDs) Included is a large extremities.
group of rare inherited syndromes affecting the ectropionize To evert.
hair, nails, skin, teeth. ectrosyndactyly Congenital fusion of the fingers
ectodermatosis erosiva pluriorificialis A rare which are not absent.
form of erythema multiforme — congenital eczema Acute/chronic dermatitis with various
maldevelopment of skin layers. These young forms of intense pruritus, inflammation and
patients may present with rigor, profuse saliva- excoriation. Causes may include heredity, irrita-
tion, erythematous lesions on the hands, blebs tion, microorganisms, allergic contact, chemi-
on the cheeks, lips, and tongue. cal/occupational exposure, psychological stress
ectogony The embryo's influence upon the moth- factors. Allergens cover all soap products, exac-
er. erbating/precipitating factors, irritants, extreme
ectopagus Conjoinedtwins fused at the thorax. temperature changes, and emotional stress —
ectopia Congenital displacement/malposition of a which must be avoided.
structure(s)/organ(s). eczema herpeticum Pediatric herpes simplex
visceral ectopia Umbilical herniation. occurring in a child with eczema. This evolves
ectopia cordis Displacement of the heart outside into Kaposi's varicella eruption with extensive
the thoracic cavity. pustular vesicles.
ectopia lentis Dislocation of the crystalline lens. eczema vaccinatum Generalized/local lesions in
ectopia pupillae congenita Malposition of the eczematous patients who have been vaccinated.
pupils. This may also occur if the patient comes in
ectopia renis Malposition of the kidney(s). physical contact with a recently vaccinated per-
ectopia testis Testicular malposition. son. This is a form of Kaposi's varicelliform
ectopia vesicae Exstrophy of the bladder. eruption.
ectopic pregnancy Implantation of the (fertilized) edema Anasarca, oedema, edemata. Local/gener-
zygote outside the uterus. Amenorrhea may or alized excess of fluid in the tissues. Fluid intake
may not be present in the unruptured patient — restrictions of as little as 600cc/24 hrs may be
who may not realize that she is pregnant. imposed until free diuresis is achieved. Diuretics
Tenderness, unilateral pain on the affected side, are effective when cardiac abnormalities, salt
weak pulse, pallor, shock, hemorrhage may be retention, capillary pressure, and renal function
present. Ruptured patients willexperience are treated simultaneously. Diuretics are contra-
severe lower abdominal pain with frequent syn- indicated in preeclampsia and acute diffuse
copal episodes. Transvaginal puncture into the glomerulonephritis, and may be futile in the car-
peritoneum will confirm the presence of free diac edema of renal insufficiency.
blood. Emergency surgery is mandatory if the acute circumscribed edema Swelling within a
patient is to survive the hemorrhage and shock. given area — face, finger, etc.
Observe the wishes of the couple concerning angioneurotic edema Angioedema may be due
disposition of the products of conception. to allergic sensitivity to food, drug(s), or physi-
Catholics will be grateful that baptism was cal agent(s), and could progress to life-threaten-
included as required by their faith. (The Catholic ing compromise.
Church permits Protestant nurses to baptize blue edema Cyanotic edema induced by hys-
expiring/expired infants of Catholics.) terical paralysis.
ectopic rhythm An irregular, abnormal heartbeat. cardiac edema Dependentaccumulation of
104
fluid due to congestive heart failure. effleurage Gentle, two-handed strokes in mas-
cerebral edema Swelling of tissue due to sage.
anasarca of the brain — caused by infection,
toxic chemicals, tumor. efflux Backflow.
dependent edema Fluid accumulation in tis- effort syndrome Neurocirculatory asthenia (ady-
sues inferior to the heart, assisted by gravity.
high-altitude edema Pulmonary edema occur- namia).
ring in those exposed to decreased atmospheric effusion Escape of fluid into a cavity, organ, tis-
pressures.
laryngeal edema Life-threatening involvement sue.
of the larynx due to an allergic reaction, laryn- pericardial effusion Pericardial tamponade —
gospasm, anaphylactic shock. Emergency tra- a life-threatening crisis in which fluid enters the
cheotomy or endotracheal intubation must be pericardial cavity.
performed and followed up with intensive med- pleural effusion Fluid between the parietal and
ical/nursing care. visceral pleurae within the thoracic cavity.
malignant edema That characterized by an Amounts less than 300 cc will not be evident on
accelerated course, with rapid tissue destruc- X-ray.
tion. egersis Extremely alert vigilance.
pedal edema That of the ankles — which eglandulous Lacking glands.
needs to be investigated if accompanied by ego That which enables one to adapt to a poten-
chest pain and/or dyspnea. tially threatening situation with memory and
edema bullosum vesicae Anasarca of the blad-
der. consciousness.
edema neonatorum Seen in premature infants egocentric One who is withdrawn from others, to
— a transitory, localized fullness of the face,
genitalia, hands, and/or feet. This edemadoes concentrate on the inner self.
not become generalized. ego-dystonic That which is alien, repulsive,
edrophonium (Tensilon) test That which con-
firms or rules out myasthenia gravis. With unfriendly to the psyche.
equipment for respiratory resuscitation standing egophony Tragophony, tragophonia — the bleat-
by, atropine sulfate should be drawn up and
ready to reverse severe cholinergic reactions. ing sound heard in thoracic auscultation at the
Only under these conditions should this test level of fluid as the patient speaks. This is diag-
proceed — under the physician's supervision. nostic of pleural effusion.
effacement In delivery, cervical dilation which ego-syntonic That which is compatible with the
enlarges the birth canal for the descending patient's psyche.
baby. Egyptian ophthalmia Trachoma.
effect That result of a force/action. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome An inherited disorder
additive effect The therapeutic result of com- of elastic connective tissue — with the charac-
bined drugs is greater than the sum of each. teristics of atrophic scarring, calcified subcuta-
cumulative effect A delayed therapeutic effect neous cysts, joint hyperextensibility,
following doses of the prescribed medication. pseudotremors, visceral malformations. The
effeminate Female attributes/mannerisms seen severest forms of this disease include
in a male. arterial/intestinal rupture.
efferent nerves Motor nerves which carry Ehrlichiosis The chief complaint is that of a gen-
impulses affecting muscle contractions, secreto- eralized, unrelenting headache. Nausea with
ry and inhibitory responses. emesis, fever with chilling, and diarrhea with
efficacy The usefulness of a medication or pro- abdominal cramping are experienced with varia-
cedure. tions. Organomegaly of the liver and/or spleen
may be noted. The vector is the Lone Star tick.
Thrombocytopenia is universal. Most patients
will have an elevated hepatic enzyme.
Cerebrospinal fluid may reveal mononuclear
pleocytosis, elevated protein, in the presenceof
normal glucose. Doxycycline is the drug of
choice, with Tetracycline and/or Chloromycetin
105
the second line of therapy. A high index of sus- electroencephalography (EEG) That record and
picion is required to arrive at this diagnosis. analysis of amplified activity within the brain.
eidetic Total visual recall of all that has been Variations in waves are noted during awakening,
seen. sleep, and mental attentiveness. This diagnostic
eighth nerve tumor Acoustic neuroma. tool is essential in assessing brain neoplasm,
Eisenmenger reaction Pulmonary vascular dis- seizure disorder, epilepsy, and other cere-
ease which may require phlebotomy. Increased bropathology.
fatigue, slurred speech, and visual problems
may be seen. Both left-to-right and right-to-left electrolytes Those solutions which are conduc-
shunting may occur. tors of electricity. Acids, bases, and ionized salts
Eisenmenger's complex That congenital cardiac of chloride, potassium, sodium, as well as
anomaly consisting of dextroposition of the blood, calcium, magnesium, and other organic
aorta, pulmonary artery hypertrophy, pulmonary compounds are detected in tissue fluids.
hypertension with right ventricular hypertrophy,
ventricular septal defect. electromechanical dissociation Dysrhythmias
ejaculation The reflexive ejection of semen from without arterial pulsation.
the male urethra.
ekphorize The psychiatric retrieval of an experi- electronarcosis Unconsciousness induced by the
ence in order to recall it, experience it once application of electricity to the brain.
more, analyze it, and learn from this exercise.
elation A mood of enhanced well-being and joy. electroneurolysis Obliteration of a nerve, using
This may be pathological. an electric instrument.
electrocardiography (ECG/EKG) Recording the
electrical activity of the heart. This gives essen- electrothanasia Death by electrocution.
tial, graphic information regarding transmission electrothermotherapy Electrotherapy using
of the heartbeat. Electrocardiographs are valu-
able in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. applied heat.
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Electroshock elephantiasis Pachydermatosis — an infectious
therapy (EST) — stimulation of the brain by
current in order to produce grand mal seizure disease characterized by extreme hypertrophy of
activity. This treatment modality is specific for the skin, due to lymphatic obstruction.
agitated major depression and agitated psy- elfin fades The pediatric syndrome of delayed
chosis. Now conducted under generalanesthe- growth/development, a depressed nasal bridge,
sia, with non-dominant, unilateral placement of esotropia, enlarged mouth, hypertelorism, low-
the lead, this safer technique presents a lower set ears, prominent lips/eyes.
risk of amnesia. Continuation treatment holds elimination diet Determination by disqualifica-
the goal of preventing relapse. (Each return of tion of those foods which exacerbate allergic
symptomatology represents a new episode.) symptoms.
Maintenance treatment indicates active preven- elinguation Surgical amputation of the tongue.
tion of episodic psychopathy. M-ECT may be ELISA That Enzyme-Linked ImmunoabSorbent
prescribed for patients with recurrencesof Assay — a rapid, sensitive, and specific detec-
major depression, intolerable side effects from tion of antibodies, antigens, and hormones.
ECT, patient noncompliance to other modalities, elixir Medication in liquid form. Since alcohol is
or patient preference(when permitted). often a component, guard against giving such a
electroejaculation procedure That electric stim- preparation to patients on Antabuse.
ulation of male patients rendered impotent by ellipses Significant omissions by the patient dur-
diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord ing psychotherapy.
injury, et al. EEPs may be timed to coincide with Ellis-van Creveldsyndrome Chondroectodermal
the wife's ovulation. dysplasia presenting with congenital cardiac
anomalies, hydrotic ectodermal dysplasia, chon-
drodysplasia with acromelic dwarfism, poly-
dactyly.
elopement Escape from a psychiatric facility of a
patient who was being held by court order. Also,
a patient who leaves the hospital against med-
ical advice, without staff knowledge, and without
106
discharge instructions. Auscultation will reveal the presence of murmur,
emaciation Malnutrition from starvation, exoph- cardiac gallop, tachycardia, tachypnea, adventi-
thalmic goiter, severe sleep deprivation, infesta- tious chest sounds. Promptly support respirato-
tion, pyloric obstruction, esophageal ry assistance with hyperbaric oxygen, endotra-
stricture(s), diarrhea/dysentery, marasmus, cheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, arterial
hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, carcinoma blood gas determinations as ordered. Oral con-
(CA), anorexia nervosa, tuberculosis, Addison's traceptives are contraindicated in female
disease, et al. patients with history of embolism.
emancipated minor A person below legal age pyemic embolism Purulent matter acting as
who is married, a parent, a member of the the embolus.
Armed Services, or self-sufficient while living embryocardia A sign of cardiac distress in which
outside his/her parents' home. the first and second heart sounds are equal,
emasculation Rendering ineffective, powerless. resembling fetal heart tones.
Amputation of the entire male genitalia. embryocidal That which is lethal to the embryo.
embarrass That compromise/interference with embryoscopy Direct visualization of the develop-
function. To inflict humiliation. ing fetus by fetoscope.
embolectomy Excision of an embolus from a embryotocia Abortion — criminal, missed, spon-
significant blood vessel. This may beachieved taneous, therapeutic.
through enzymatic eradication or by surgical embryulcus That instrument by which an expired
excision. fetus is excisedfrom the uterus.
embolism A blood vessel obstruction(s) which emedullate Extraction of bone marrow.
has travelled to the present site, and which may emergency A potentially serious change in con-
travel again. dition which requires surgical/medical interven-
air embolism A potentially lethal bolus of intra- tion.
venous air which may be prevented by the emergency cardiac care (ECC) That given life-
patient's use of the Valsalva maneuver when threatening pulmonary and cardiovascular
central line connectors are being opened. Insure events.
that all connections are secure, that any flushing emergent Unforeseen, unexpected, sudden.
of lines is done with scrupulous technique. Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy That X-
Assess the patient for sudden change of senso- linked disorder which includes early humeral-
rium, cyanosis, hemoptysis, chest pain, peroneal weakness which evolves into scapulo-
hypotension, and/or dyspnea. Summon the humeropelvoperoneal distribution. Atrophy of
physician STAT, place the patient on his/her left the humeral/peroneal muscles is marked.
side in Tredelenburg position, clamp the intra- Characteristic posturing results from contrac-
venous infusion, administer oxygen. tures of the ankles, elbows, neck, and spine.
fat embolism That life-threatening complication Cardiopathy develops in the patient's second
following procedures on fractured pelvic and decade. Cardiac monitoring is mandatory for
long bones. Carefully evaluate patients at risk those patients whose asymptomatic arrhythmias
for petechiae, the respiratory symptoms of copi- place them at risk for sudden death.
ous sputum, rales, dyspnea, tachypnea, deliri- emesis Vomitus.
um, agitation, hypoxemia. Administer oxygen in emetic That agent which causes vomiting. Salt
high concentration, endotrachael intubation, and solutions should never be used for this purpose
mechanical ventilation as indicated. because the absorbed sodium could be lethal.
pulmonary embolism Prevent venous stasis, emetism Ipecac poisoning.
thrombophlebitis, and thrombus formation by Emmet's operation Surgical repair of a pro-
early postoperative ambulation, elastic stock- lapsed uterus, lacerated perineum, uterine lacer-
ings, venous return exercises.Assess patients ation or trachelorrhaphy.
at risk for apprehension, dyspnea, cough, and emotions Positive or negative feelings character-
chest pain (pleuritic and non-pleuritic). ized by autonomic responses. Subjective moods
107
which lead to an emotional drive with mental increased intracranial pressure; nuchal rigidity;
accommodation. Fear and anxiety rise in the opisthotonos. Although behavioral changes will
face of one's inability to adequately meet the not persist beyond the acute change, rehabilita-
threatening situation. In the struggle of "fight or tion may be necessary.
flight", conditioned reactions may force one into acute disseminated encephalitis Sequela of
denial. Conflicts remain undealt with — from the communicable phase.
which psychogenic disease arises. hemorrhagic encephalitis Bleeding which
emotivity One's capacity for emotional response. accompanies inflammation of the brain.
empathy Objective non-sympathetic insight into herpetic encephalitis A rare, lethal inflamma-
the emotions, motives, and feelings of the tion secondary to herpes simplex virus attacking
patient, as well as their significance and mean- the brain.
ing. This enables the patient to realize s/he is infantile encephalitis A cause of pediatric
heard and supported. cerebral palsy.
emphractic That which obstructs. Japanese encephalitis (JE) The leading cause
emphraxis An infarction, obstruction. of viral pathology in Asia, this severeform is
emphysema Chronic obstructive pulmonary dis- prolific in flooded rice paddies. Children over 15
ease (COPD), pulmonary emphysema, patholog- years of age are principally affected. Systemic
ical tissue distention within the airway. symtomatology includes abdominal pain, chills,
empirical That based on experiencerather than dizziness, fever, headache, malaise, myalgia,
theory. nausea, rash, vomiting. Adversereactions
emprosthotonos The body flexed in spasm — include urticaria, angioneurotic edema, collapse,
which may be seen in strychnine poisoning or distress, anaphylaxis, hypotension, erythema
tetanus. multiforme/nodosum.
empty-sella syndrome Although asymptomatic, meningo-encephalitis Encephalomeningitis.
lateral skull X-rays reveal the sella turcica postvaccinal encephalitis Acute disease imme-
(which holds the pituitary) to be empty. diately seen following vaccination.
Clinically, no endocrine anomaly may have been pseudoencephalitis That false diagnosis of
noted. Hormonal replacement is the therapy of signs/symptoms which suggest encephalitis.
choice. purulent encephalitis Disease complicated by
empyema Pyothorax — a suppurative disease brain abscess(es).
within the thoracic cavity. toxic encephalitis Lead encephalitis caused by
emulsion A combination of two insoluble sub- metal poisoning.
stances — one (at least) of which is liquid. encephalitis neonatorum That morbidity appear-
enanthrope Autoinfection — a disease arising ing in early infancy.
from within the body. encephalocele Hydroencephalocele — hernia-
en bloc To excise a body organ/part in its entire- tion of cerebraltissue through a cranial fissure.
Hydroencephalocele.
ty. encephalography X-rays of the skull, following
encatarrhaphy Transplantation of tissue into an cisternal/lumbar puncture to introduce air into
the ventricles.
uncharacteristic position/part. encepnalolith That calculus within the brain.
encephalatrophy Cerebral atrophy. encephalomalacia Softening of the skull — seen
encephalgia Cephalagia— adeep-seated in neonates from areas in which sophisticated
health care is seriously deficient. These new-
headache. born infants may go on to die.
encephalic Cranial. encephalomeningocele Herniation of brain tis-
encephalitis Neuraxitis — a viral inflammation sue through the cranium.
encephalomyelitis Acute inflammation of the
of the brain. This appears as a separatedisease spinal cord and brain.
of the brain, or sequela of another disease. The
patient needs to be evaluated for neurological
signs and symptoms: changes in level of con-
sciousness; cranial nerve involvement;
108
acute disseminated encephalomyelitis A post- lining of the heart, caused by an immunological
infectious inflammation, caused by acute exan- reaction, or microbial invasion.
thema or vaccination. acute bacterial endocarditis That infection
benign myalgic encephalomyelitis Icelandic which begins abruptly, and progresses rapidly.
disease. Of epidemic proportions, this acute atypical verrucous endocarditis Libman-Sacks
inflammation attacks institutionalized persons. endocarditis, nonbacterial disease associated
This disease of unknown etiology may imitate with cachectic illness.
poliomyelitis. malignant endocarditis Secondary to suppura-
encephalomyeloradiculitis Inflammation of the tive inflammation elsewhere in the body, this
brain, nerves, and spinal cord. strain is fatal.
encephalomyocarditis All diseases which involve mural endocarditis That involving the cardiac
the brain and myocardium. chambers while sparing the valves.
encephalopyosis A brain abscess. nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis That
encephalorrhagia Bleeding into the brain. usually seen in debilitated/geriatric patients.
encephalosclerosis Induration of the brain — in rheumatic endocarditis A complication of
which the tissues become fibrotic. rheumatic fever.
encephalotome The scalpel used to incise brain subacute bacterial endocarditis The disease
tissue. occurring in an abnormal/compromised/dam-
encopresis Repeateddefecation into inappropri- aged heart.
ate sites by children 4 years and older. The child syphilitic endocarditis That caused by luetic
may also smear/play with feces. A medical involvement of the heart valves.
workup should precede that by a child psychia- ulcerative endocarditis A rapidly destructive
trist. and fatal form of subacute bacterial endocardi-
endadelphos Congenially malformed twins in tis.
utero. verrucous endocarditis That nonbacterial form
endarterectomy Surgical debridement of an of this disease, seen in patients with lupus ery-
obstructed, major blood vessel(s). thematosus.
endarteritis Endoarteritis — inflammation of the endocervicitis Chronic inflammation of the
arterial intima from infective thrombi, pyogenic cervix uteri. Lesions are treated with electrocau-
bacteria, syphilis, or trauma. terization and antibiotics.
acute endarteritis A rare, inflammatory disease endocolpitis Encolpitis — inflammation of the
of the major arteries. vaginal mucosa.
chronic endarteritis Atheroma — a degenera- endocranitis Inflammation of the dura mater.
tive disease in the geriatric population. endocrinasthenia Neurasthenia caused by hor-
syphilitic endarteritis That inflammation monal dysfunctioning.
caused by luetic disease. endocrine system Glands which internally
endarteritis deformans That replacement of arte- secrete hormones into the circulation. These
rial lining by athermatous/calcareous deposits. include the adrenals, islands of Langerhans,
endarteritis obliterans A chronic disease pro- ovaries, parathyroids, pituitary, testes, thyroid.
gressing to obstruction of vessel lumen. The placenta and gastrointestinal mucosa also
endemic Continually-occurring pathology with assume an endocrine function. Hormones affect
low mortality. the growth and functioning of the reproductive
endoaneurysmorrhaphy Surgical repair of an system, secondary sex characteristics, libido —
aneurysm by incision, with suturing of the as well as the development of the higher neuro-
aneurysmal orifice. logical functions, personality, ability to cope
endoauscultation An invasive procedure which with stress, resistance to disease.
employs a tube passed into the heart or stom- endocystitis Cystitis — infection of the mucous
ach, to rule out pathology. membrane of the bladder.
endocarditis That inflammation of the cardiac endoenteritis Inflammation of the intestinal
109
mucosa. in the bone.
endogastritis Inflammation of the gastric endothelioma Malignancy of a blood vessel's lin-
mucosa. ing.
endogenous infection An endogenic inflamma- endotheliomyoma That tumor of endothelial and
tion caused by normal gastrointestinal flora. muscle cells.
endointoxication Endotoxemia, endotoxicosis, endotheliomyxoma A neoplasm consisting of
enterotoxin. Poisoning from an endogenic toxin, endothelial and connective tissue.
from endotoxins in the circulation. endotheliotoxin That poison which attacks
endolabyrinthitis Inflammation of the labyrinth.
endomastoiditis Inflammation of the mastoid endothelial capillaries — which produces hem-
mucosa. orrhaging.
endometrectomy Curettage of the uterine endothyropexy Surgical displacement of the
mucosa. throid with fixation elsewhere in the neck.
endometrial ablation Surgical excision of the endotoscope An otoscope — an ear speculum.
uterine lining — by laser. endotoxin shock That caused by the release of
endometriosis Ectopic endometrium distributed endotoxins from the decomposition of bacteria.
in various sites in the abdominal wall, or endotracheitis Inflammation of the trachea!
throughout the pelvis. mucosa and surrounding tissues.
endometritis Endometrial inflammation. endovasculitis Endangeitis — inflammation of
cervical endometritis That infection involving vessels. Endangiitis.
the uterine cervix. enemata Enema — a colonic wash.
decidual endometritis Inflammation of the enervation Surgical resection of a nerve.
mucosa of the gravid uterus. Weakness, lacking in nervous strength.
puerperal endometritis Acute postpartum dis- engorgement Distention, vascular congestion.
ease. enissophobia Morbid fear of criticism — espe-
endometritis desicans Ulcerative endometritis cially when in error.
with desquamation of the mucous membrane. enkatarrhaphy That buried organ/part by
endomyocarditis Myocardial and endocardial sutured, adjacent tissue.
inflammation. enophthalmos Recessed optic globe in the orbit.
endoneuritis Inflammation of Henle's sheath. enosimania That psychiatric state in which irra-
endopericarditis A dual inflammation within the tional and excessive terror is noted.
heart. enstrophe Inversion — entad, a turning inward
endoperimyocarditis Endocardial, pericardial, of the eyes.
and myocardial disease. ental Central, inside, interior.
endoperitonitis Peritoneal inflammation. entamebiasis Infestation with parasitic ameba
endophlebitis Inflammation of the interior of a from the gastrointestinal tract.
vein. enteradenitis Inflammation of the intestinal
endophthalmitis Anterior/posterior inflammation glands.
of the inner eye(s). enteralgia Enterodynia — enterospasm, intesti-
endorhinitis Acute coryza, inflamed nasal nal colic/cramping/neuralgic pain.
mucosae. enteral tube feeding That formula(e) adminis-
endosalpingitis Inflammation of the fallopian tered per nasogastric tube — gavage feeding.
tube(s). enterectasia Dilation of the small intestine.
endoscopy That invasive inspection of body cavi- enterectomy Surgical excision of the small intes-
ties/organs with an endoscope. tine.
endosepsis Auto-septicemia. enterelcosis Ulceration of the intestines.
endosteitis Endostitis — inflammation of the enteric-coated Coated tablets/capsules by a
medullary center of a bone. compound which does not dissolve until it
endostoma Enostosis — an osseous tumor with- reaches the small intestine. Enteric-coated med-
ications must not be crushed. (Many are time-
110
release forms.) nal wall.
enteritis Intestinal inflammation and/or infection. enteroplasty Plastic surgery, revision of the
enteroanastomosis Intestinal approximation fol- intestines.
lowing resection. enteroplegia Paralytic ileus — a serious compli-
enteroapokleisis Surgical excision of parts of cation of general anesthesia.
the intestines. enteroplex That surgical instrument which
enterobiasis Oxyuriasis — parasitic infestation approximates intestinal edges.
and infection. enteroptosis Prolapse of an abdominal organ(s).
enterocele Posterior vaginal herniation. enterorrhexis Intestinal herniation.
Intestinal herniation through the vagina. enterosepsis Enterotoxism, intestinal toxemia.
enterocentesis Surgical tapping of the intestines. Absorption and circulation of toxins from the
enterocholecystostomy Cholecystenterostomy intestinal contents.
— creating an opening between the small intes- enterostasis Peristaltic delay.
tine and the gallbladder. enterostenosis Intestinal stricture.
enterocinesia Peristalsis. enterostomy Laparoenterostomy — surgical
enterocolectomy Surgical excision of the development of an ileostomy.
ascending colon, cecum, and terminal ileum. enterotome That scalpel by which isdeveloped
enterocolitis A serious intestinal disease in an incision into the intestine.
which shock must receive immediate interven- enterotomy Laparoenterotomy — that
tion. Next, attend to electrolyte imbalance. incision/dissection of the intestine.
neonatal necrotizingenterocolitis Attacking entheomania Religious insanity, manic religiosi-
premature infants primarily, the death rate is ty.
high. Treatment and care must be vigorous and enthesis Replacementof lost tissue by inert sub-
symptomatic, and may include laparoenterosto- stance.
my. The etiology of this disease is unknown. enthlasis Comminuted fracture(s) of the skull;
enterocystocele Herniation of the intestine and Depressed fracture(s) with bone fragments.
the bladder wall. entome Scalpel for the dissection of a urethral
enterocystoplasty That plastic surgery procedure stricture.
for enlargement of the bladder by grafting tissue entopic Normally situated, positioned.
from the intestinal wall. enucleation The surgical extraction of the eye(s)
enteroenterostomy Anastomosis of intestinal because of diseaseor injury, rendering the
segments. organ beyond hope of medical or surgical res-
enteroepiplocele Herniation of the omentum and cue. Because necrotic contents will spill every-
small intestine. where, never open a freshly-enucleated globe in
enterogastritis Enteritis and gastritis superim- the operating room. Submerge the specimen in
posed upon each other. fixative — not saline solution.
enterohepatitis That inflammation of the liver enuresis Urorrhea — familial incontinence
and intestines. beyond age 5 years. Causes may include dia-
enterohydrocele An accumulation of serous fluid betes mellitus, epilepsy, mishandled toilet train-
and a loop of intestine in a sac/pouch. ing, spinal cord pathology, trauma, urinary tract
enterolithiasis The presence of intestinal calculi. infection. Enuresis in a previously continent
enterolysis Surgical removal of intestinal adhe- child may have a psychogeniccause.
sions. Nintendo enuresis Pediatricincontinence
enteromegaly Megacolon, enteromegalia. which is seen in the child who refuses to inter-
enteromycosis Fungal/bacterial disease of the rupt his/her video game to go to the toilet.
intestines. nocturnal enuresis The child who has achieved
enteroneuritis Inflamed nerves of the intestines. continence only during the day.
enteropexy That fixation of the intestine to primary enuresis Continencewas never estab-
another part of the intestines or to the abdomi- lished.
111
secondary enuresis Incontinence in the child epidermolysis bullosa Genetically-transmitted
who was continent longer than a year. skin conditions, in which bullae/blebs appear
envenomation Poisoning from toxic bites/stings. whenever the skin is irritated.
That process by which a snake's (et al.) venom
enters its prey via fangs/teeth. Such attacks epidermolysis bullosa acquisita An acquired
upon humans must receive immediate emer- disorder which is autoimmune. This may be
gency attention. associated with a multitude of conditions, such
environmental illness The chemical assault as lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
staged by anything man-made.
enzygotic twins Monozygotic twins developed epidermolytic hyperostosis Bullous ichthyosis.
from one ovum. epidermolytic hyperkeratosis Bulbus ichthyosis.
enzyme An organic catalyst — that substance epidermosis Pathology affecting the skin.
which enhances a reaction without entering into epididymitis Inflammation of the epididymis,
the reaction — nor is it changed by that reac-
tion. with edematous epididymis, inguinal pain, rigor.
enzymopenia A deficiency of an enzyme(s). Etiologically, attributed to repeated catheteriza-
eosinophilia That presenceof excess granular tion, gonorrhea, pertussis, prostatectomy, pro-
leukocytes in the blood. statitis, syphilis, tuberculosis, urethritis. This is
eoslnophilic fasciitis Inflammation of the fascia a multifaceted problem.
in the presence of eosinophilia. Theaccepted epididymodeferentectomy Surgical excision of
treatment is prednisone and penicillamine. the ductus deferens, epididymis.
Physical therapy is an important component of epididymovasostomy That development of an
this therapy. This condition runs its course in 1- anastomosis betweenthe epididymis and the
3 years. vas deferens.
eosinophilic gastroenteritis A rare disorder, epidural anesthesia The injection of local anes-
seen in adulthood. Allergic manifestations are thetic into the base of the spinal canal for relief
often noted. An atypical feature is the absence of pain. In obstetrics, this is medically indicated
of peripheral eosinophilia. The therapy of choice for the high-risk patient with breech presenta-
is steroidal. tion, multi-gestation, pre-eclampsia,and
ephebiatrics Adolescentmedicine. preterm labor — as less likely to depress the
ephedrosis Excessive perspiration. fetus. Motor strength and sensoryperception
epicondylitis Epicondylar inflammation of the must be assessed prior to ambulating these
humerus. patients.
epicrisis An emergencyfollowing a critical ill- epidural steroid injection(ESI) That spinal
ness. That crisis which is secondary to the cri- application which reduces inflammation, and
sis. relieves pain. This may be repeated.
epicystotomy A suprapubic opening into the epifolliculitis Infected scalp hair follicles.
bladder. epigastorrhaphy Suturing an epigastric abdomi-
epidemic Communicabledisease occurring in nal wound.
the immediate geographical area. epigastralgia Epigastric pain.
epidemic viral gastroenteropathy An acute, epigastric reflex Contraction of the upper rectus
infectious, non-bacterial, self-limiting disease abdominus muscle reacts to stroking of the epi-
which includes abdominal pain, diarrhea,fever, gastric skin.
nausea with emesis. epigastrocele Epigastric herniation.
epidemiology That scientific study of the occur- epiglottidectomy Surgical excision of the
rence of pathology in human society. epiglottis.
epidermatoplasty The grafting of epidermis epiglottitis Epiglottidis — an extremelyacute
which has corium intact. airway inflammation, seen more frequently in
epidermitis Inflamed superficial skin. pediatrics. This infectious process presents with
cough, croup, cyanosis, exquisite pharyngitis,
fever, sialorrhea (drooling), and stridor (inspira-
tory and/or expiratory), progressing to death.
112
The patient must be transported (in high tion.
Fowler's position) to the hospital, STAT. Only a myoclonic seizure That sudden, brief contrac-
physician should examine the oropharynx — tion — during which the person may fall.
which could trigger laryngospasm. In the inten- Consciousness is retained.
sive care unit, no oral procedures should be photic epilepsy Convulsive attacks which recur
attempted, and a tracheotomy tray must remain in the presence of specific stimuli.
in the patient's room. A STAT X-ray of the lateral primary generalized seizure Tonic/clonic grand
neck confirms this diagnosis. IV antibiotics will mal involvement — sudden loss of conscious-
be administered. ness, amnesia, bitten tongue, incontinence,
epilation Radiation-caused loss of hair. muscular contractions, and/or lapse into post-
Extraction of hair. Depilation. ictal sleep.
epilepsy Any seizure pattern which is recurrent. recurrence seizure That caused by menstrua-
These disorders of cerebral function may be tion, noxious musical sensation, tactile stimula-
characterized by attacks of altered conscious- tion.
ness, motor activity, and/or sensory phenome- secondary epileptic seizure Suggestive and
na. Because alcohol lowers the seizure thresh- symptomatic of brain lesion/pathology.
old (as do some drugs), epileptics should not secondary generalized partial seizure That
consume this substance. In documenting progression to generalized involvement.
seizures, it is significant to record whether simple partial seizure Jacksonian epilepsy —
grand mal convulsions included incontinence, involvement of only a portion of the body with-
and whether the mouth was bitten. out loss of consciousness.
absence seizures Petit mal involvement — sleep epilepsy Narcolepsy.
those attacks which vary from momentary inat- status epilepticus Prolonged seizures which
tention to a lapse of several minutes. This may may be life-threatening. General anesthesia may
occur over 100 times daily. The phenomenon be required as intervention.
might be outgrown. television epilepsy That cause of seizures in
atonic seizure The patient falls and briefly some patients.
loses consciousness, but there is no muscular tonic seizures Contractures are not clonic, last-
involvement. ing for a shorter length of time.
atypical absenceseizures Other involvement is traumatic epilepsy That caused by brain dam-
seen in addition to petit mal symptomatology. age/injury.
complex partial seizure Episodic loss of con- epinephrine Adrenaline — that hormone which,
sciousness with behavioral changes. An aura in excess, causes the physiological manifesta-
with sensory illusions/complex hallucinations tions experiencedin anxiety disorders. Those
may precedethis event. The patient may contin- therapeutic uses for this hormone include needs
ue his/her activity, but will not communicate. as a bronchiole relaxant, cardiac stimulant,
Amnesia will follow. vasoconstrictor.
epilepsia partialis continua Status epilepticus epinephrinemia Adrenaline in the circulation.
which may have motor, sensory, visceral epinephritis Adrenal gland inflammation/infec-
involvement. tion.
febrile convulsions That experienced between epinephroma Hypernephroma — a lipomatoid
6 months and 3 years (rarely beyond age 8), renal tumor.
during fevers. This is not consideredto be epiphenomenon An exceptionalfinding rarely
epilepsy. seen in the course of the illness.
grand mal seizures Tonic/clonic convulsions. epiphora That abnormal flooding of tears due to
idiopathic seizures Those without pathological an obstructed lacrimal duct(s) orexcessive
basis. These are often inherited and benign. secretion of tears.
infantile spasms Generalized convulsions seen epiphylaxis Increased immunological defenses.
in some infants with profound mental retarda- epiphysis A secondary ossification center.
113
epiphysitis Epiphyseal infection/inflammation. equipotent.
epiplosarcomphalocele Epiplomphalocele — Erben's reflex Retardation of the pulse when the
protrusion of omentum with umbilical hernia- head and trunk are forcibly flexed.
tion. Erb's paralysis Erb's palsy — congenital paresis
epipygus The developmental anomaly of an of the shoulder and arm.
accessory limb attached to the buttock. erectile tissue That vascular tissue of nipples,
episioperineorrhaphy Repair of uterine prolapse clitoris, penis which becomes rigid when the
by suturing the perineum and vulvae. person is sexually aroused.
episioplasty Plastic surgery of the vulvae. eremophobia An excessive fear of being alone.
episiorrhaphy Suturing a perineal laceration. erethism Irritability/excitement to stimulation.
episiotomy Development of a perineal incision to erethism mercurialis That psychiatric illness
facilitate delivery without injury. caused by mercury poisoning.
episoelytrorrhaphy Surgical narrowing of the erethisophrenia Psychiatric excitement.
vulvae and vagina. ergonomics Tailoring a person's psychological,
epispadias Anaspadias — that congenital anom- anatomical, and physiological characteristics to
aly in which the urethral opening is on the dor- a job which will enhance well-being and efficien-
sal surface of the penis instead of at the tip of cy.
the glans penis. In female infants, the urethra ergot poisoning Abdominal cramping and burn-
may open at the fissure of the clitoris and the ing, extreme thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, profound
labia minora. weakness, anesthesia, bradycardia, twitching of
epistaxis Rhinorrhagia — hemorrhage from the the extremities, convulsions, dilated pupils,
nose. anuria, gangrene of the extremities — if the
epithalaxia Desquamation of intestinal mucosa patient survives.
cells. erogenous Erotogenic, stimulating sexual
epithelial pearls Concentric, squamous epithe- arousal.
lial cells in carcinoma. erogenous zones Those areas, specific to the
epithelioma Carcinoma of skin/mucosa. individual, which are capable of erotic response.
basal cell epithelioma Carcinoma derived from erosion Ulceration, wearing away.
the foundation cells of skin. eroticism Sexual desire, libido, erotism.
deep-seated epithelioma That with lymphatic anal eroticism Fixation at the anal-erotic devel-
involvement. opmental stage.
epithelioma adamantinum Adamantinoma — auto-eroticism Self-admiration, self-gratifica-
malignancy of the jaw(s). tion.
epithelioma adenoidescysticum Acanthoma — oral eroticism Fixation at the oral phase of
cystic carcinoma of the face. development.
epithelitis That radiation side effect of inflamma- erotopathia Abnormal sexual impulses.
tion and hypertrophy of the epithelial mucosa. eructation Belching, burping.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) That associated with eruption Skin lesions, dermatitis. Cutting teeth
infectious mononucleosis, with Burkitt's lym- by infants and children.
phoma among South African children, and with drug eruption Dermatitis medicamentosa.
Asian carcinoma of the nasopharynx. erysipelas Acute, systemic disease with inflam-
Complications are rare, but include splenic rup- mation, erythema, rigor, nausea with emesis,
ture, fatal myocarditis. warm painful skin, head and facial lesions with
epulis A fibrosarcomatous tumor arising in the bullae/abscesses. Complications may include
mandibular periosteum. nephritis or septicemia, cellulitis.
equinovarus Pes varus/equinus — clubfeet char- erythema Capillary congestion.
acterized by inverted soles and failure to touch erythema induratum Bazin's disease, chronic
the floor with the heels when ambulating. vasculitis.
equipotential That which is equal in strength, erythema infectiosum Fifth disease.
114
erythema multiforme A reddened eruption of esophagismus Spasm of the esophagus —
symmetrical, bullous, edematous lesions of the esophagospasm.
mucous membranes, skin. esopnagitis Esophageal inflammation.
erythema nodosum A painful rash on the upper esophagocele Esophageal herniation.
legs — the most common cutaneous lesion of esophagodynia Esophageal pain.
Crohn's disease. Rheumatism may also be esophagogastrectomy Total/subtotal excision of
present. the esophagus and stomach.
erythema venenatum Contact dermatitis with a esophagogastroanastomosis Surgically uniting
toxic substance. the esophagus with the stomach.
erythroblastosis fetalis Hemolytic disease of the esophagogastroplasty Plastic surgery to repair
newborn. Anemia, hydrops fetalis (generalized an esophageal/gastric defect(s).
edema), hepatomegaly, jaundice, splenomegaly esophagojejunostomy In esophageal stricture,
may be present. If the bilirubin is markedly ele- the jejunum is anastomosed to the esophagus.
vated, an exchange transfusion will be ordered. esophagomalacia Softening of the walls of the
erythrochromia Hemorrhagic spinal fluid. esophagus.
erythrocytopenia Erythropenia — decrease in esophagoplasty Plastic surgery to repair the
erythrocytes. esophagus.
erythrocytosis Increased red blood cells — sec- esophagoplication That reduction of esophageal
ondary to many diseases. dilation by suturing in the walls.
erythroderma Erythrodermia — abnormal ery- esophagoptosia Esophagoptosis, esophageal
thema. prolapse.
erythrokeratodermia Erythema with keratosis. esophagostenosis Esophageal stricture.
erythroleukemia Acute myelogenous disease esophagostomy Surgical development of an
with a markedly low/high leucocyte count. opening into the esophagus.
Anemia, bizarre erythrocyte morphology, ery- esophagotome That surgical instrument that
throid hyperplasia, and hepatosplenomegaly develops an esophageal fistula.
may be noted. esophagotomy That surgical development of an
erythromelalgia Rodonalgia — intermittent esophageal incision.
burning and throbbing of the extremities. esthesioneurosis Sensory impairment.
erythropenia Erythrocyte deficiency. estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) Prescribing
erythropia Erythropsia — all appears to be red. estrogen for the postmenopausal woman to
erythroplasia of Queyrat A rare, precancerous, control vasomotor events. Due to estrogen defi-
mucosal dermatosis noted on the genitalia of ciency, untreated candidates are at high risk for
uncircumcised males. osteoporosis and coronary artery disease
erythroprosopalgia Facial neuropathy with ery- (CAD).
thema, pain. ether asphyxia Suffocation during ether anes-
erythruria Urine which appears to be red. thetization.
eschar Necrotic tissue following a burn or gan- ethics Deontology — concern for professional
grene. Escharotics are acid, alkalies, carbon obligations. That systematic regard for nurs-
dioxide, cauterization, metallic salts. ing/medical standards and principles.
escharotomy Surgical debridement of eschar and ethmocarditis Infection of connective tissue
severely-burned tissue, to restore circulation. within the heart.
Escherich's reflex Contraction of the lips in ethmoidectomy Excision of nasal ethmoid
response to mucosal irritation of the lips. (sinus) cells.
esophagalgia Esophageal pain. ethmoiditis Acute/chronic inflammation of eth-
esophagectasia Esophagectasis, esophageal moid cells causing discharge/pain.
dilatation. etiology The cause of a process/progression,
esophagectomy Partial excision of the esopha- disease.
gus. etiopathogenesis That origin of a disease.
115
Ethics is The
highest possible level
of moRal Thought And action.
B. F AndRews, m.o.
etiotropic A treatment/drug which combats the evangination The outpouching of an organ.
causal agent of a specific disease. Evans' syndrome An autoimmune disease
Eulenburg's disease Thomsen's disease, accompanied by hemolytic anemia and throm-
paramyotonia congenita. bocytopenia.
eventration The evisceration, exenteration, surgi-
eunuch A male castrated prior to puberty — cal resection of abdominal contents.
resulting in absent secondary sex characteris- eversion The evangination outward of an
tics, gonadotropic hormones, low voice, and organ/part/tissue.
beard. In ancient Asia, eunuchs were hired to evidement That debridement of diseased/necrot-
guard harems. In Italy, these castrati were ic tissue.
revered as operatic tenors. eviration Castration. The belief of a delusional
male that he has become female.
euphoria An exaggerated state of well-being. evisceration Eventration, exenteration, extraction
Mild elation (pathologic when inappropriate to of viscera from the abdominal cavity. Loss of
the environment/situation). abdominal organs through wound dehiscence.
Prepare the patient to return to the operating
eurycephalic Possessing a broad skull. room per bed.
eustachianography X-ray study of the middle ear evisceroneurotomy Enucleation with dissection
of the optic nerve.
and otopharyngeal tube with contrast medium. evoked potential Signals of electrical activity.
eustachitis Infection of the otopharyngeal tube. evoked response The testing of sense organs in
eutetic mixture of local anesthetics A prescrip- infants, the blind, deaf, retarded, and uncooper-
ative subjects.
tion cream which is applied topically, then evulsion Forcible extraction.
dressed. An hour later, the site is sufficiently Ewald tube A 34 French tube used in the emer-
numbed to allow venipuncture, et al. This is gency room to achieve immediate gastric lavage
indicated for pediatric chemotherapy. (No med- in cases of overdosage and/or poisoning.
ication should replace a nurse's studied exacerbation Aggravation of the patient's condi-
venipuncture technique.) The above sensation tion, as well as the severity of the disease/disor-
returns in 2 hours. der.
exaltation That emotional state characterized by
euthanasia "Mercy killing." The illegal and grandiosity, enhanced well-being, optimism
unprofessional termination of life — even for inappropriate to the environment/situation, ela-
those with incurable disease, nonexistent quality tion, palpable joy, delusions of grandeur.
of life, intractable distress/pain. Comfort mea- exangia Aneurysm — a dilated blood vessel, or
sures and emotional support help both the
patient and family at this time of anguish.
euthymia A stable balance of emotions, free of
dysthymia.
euthyroid Thyroid functioning within normal lim-
its.
116
varix. forced on the viewers.
exanthem An inflammatory eruption. exhumation Disinternment of a body from the
exanthem subitum Roseola infantum, exanthe- grave.
ma. An acute disease of infancy, in which febrile exocardia A congenitally-displaced heart.
convulsions may occur, followed by a persistent exocardial That which is located outside the
fever. As this breaks, a diffuse maculopapular heart.
rash erupts. Therapy is symptomatic. exocolitis Inflammation of the peritoneal surface
exarticulation Partial excision of a joint. of the colon.
Amputation of an extremity through the joint. exodeviation Exotropia — divergent strabismus.
excavation That surgical creation of a cavity. exogastritis Inflammation of the peritoneal sur-
excerebration Surgical extraction of the fetal face of the stomach.
brain to facilitate delivery of an already expired, exogenous That which is outside an organ/part.
impacted fetus. exohysteropexy Implantation of the uterine fun-
exchange transfusion In neonates with erythrob- dus into the abdominal wall, to achieve fixation.
lastosis fetalis, hemolytic disease, or Rh incom- exometritis Inflamed peritoneal surface of the
patibility, exchange transfusion is lifesaving. uterus.
This procedure might even be required in utero. exomphalos Umbilical herniation.
Aspiration of the infant's blood with infusion of exophthalmia cachectica Exophthalmic goiter.
the donated blood is performed until the baby's exophthalmia fungosa Glioma retinae.
entire blood supply is replaced. This technique exophthalmic goiter Thyrotoxicosis, Stokes' dis-
is also employed with uremic children and ease — thyroid cachexia, accompanied by ner-
adults. vousness, weight loss, hand tremor, thy-
excision Surgical removal of tissue, organs, romegaly, tachycardia, and protrusion of the
extremities. globes.
excitability The inherent capacity to be stimulat- exophthalmos Exophthalmus, exophathalmia —
ed. may be caused by an aneurysm, leukemia,
excitotoxicity That process which kills neurons orbital cellitis, orbital tumor, thyrotoxicosis. The
— contributing to spinal cord/brain damage final feature of prominent globes is irreversible.
induced by hypoxia, ischemia, status epilepti- pulsating exophthalmus Exophthalmos accom-
cus. panied by a bruit and pulsation — attributed to
excochleation Debridement/curettage of a cavity. an aneurysm behind the eye.
excoriation Abrasion of the surface by chemical, exoplenopexy Suturing the spleen to the abdom-
thermal, or physical means. inal wall.
excrement Biologial waste products. exostosis Hyperostosis, osteoma, osteoncus —
excrescence Abnormal growth on the surface of a bony tumor arising from bone tissue.
any tissue. exotropia Exodeviation — divergent strabismus.
excretory urography Intravenous pyelography expulsive hemorrhage During surgery, extreme
(IVP). pain is experienced due to positive, posterior
executive functioning Abstracting, planning, vitreous pressure of the anterior chamber,
organizing, sequencing. recurrent prolapse of the iris, vitreous loss, oph-
exencephalia Encephalocele, hydrencephalocele, thalmic pressure,and loss of the red reflex —
meningocele — that congenital anomaly in vital premonitory signs. Preoperatively,excruci-
which the brain is not located within the cranial ating pain accompanied by reduced vision is a
vault. signal that profuse, complete extrusion of
exhibitionism A polyneurosis in which disinhibi- intraocular contents will occur with hemorrhage.
tion and lack of impulse control enable one to Anticoagulants should be discontinued, the
expose the genitalia to others — especially to blood pressure of hypertensive patients low-
children. Rarely, will s/he go beyond attracting ered, and intraoperative tachycardia controlled.
attention, but psychic damage still has been High dose systemic corticosteriods are advised
117
in the early postoperative period. represent some measure of hostility.
exsanguination Massive hemorrhage which may
render the patient drained of blood ... and life.
exsiccant Dessicant. That agent which absorbs
moisture.
exsufflation Expulsion of air from a cavity.
externalize The ventilation of conflicts, rather
than suppressing these. To surgically expose a
wound to room air.
extirpation Surgical excision of a body part.
extorsion Outward rotation of an
extremity/organ.
extracellular Outside the cell.
extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO)
Medical equipment which receives blood from
the patient in acute respiratory failure, and
returns the oxygenated blood to that patient.
extracorporeal Shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)
The technique for pulverizing renal calculi by the
use of sound waves, with/without a bath. The
patient is under anesthesia.
extramarginal Of subliminal consciousness.
extramarital Sexual intercourse outside of mar-
riage.
extramural Outside the wall of the organ.
extraneous That which is unrelated.
extrapyramidal side effects (EPS)
Neuromuscular disorders related to many psy-
chiatric medications. These include akathisia,
akinesia, dyskinesia, life-threatening neuroleptic
malignant syndrome (NMS), pseudoparkinson-
ism, serious irreversible dystonic reactions.
extrasensory Forms of perception other than the
five primary senses — thought transference,
intuition.
extrasystole Premature cardiac contractions.
extravasation Suffusion — infiltration of an
intravenous infusion into the surrounding tis-
sues.
extrovert One who is preoccupied with external
actions, to the point of mania.
extubation Extraction of an invasive tube.
exudate Catarrhal, diphtheritic, fibrinous, hemor-
rhagic, purulent, serous excretions.
exudative diarrhea Enteropathy.
eye contact The emotional stamina/respect to
meet another's eyes when interacting. An unin-
terrupted gaze cannot be sustained without
some physical/affective discomfort, and may
F
Fabry's disease A genetic, metabolic condition another for whom one has assumed care. These
in which ceramide trihexoside (a glycolipid) children may be placed at high risk, enduring
accumulates in tissues/organs. This often procedures/operations at their mother's design.
results in neuropathy. Apart from these moms, the children often
make a speedy recovery. There are no external
facies The facial expression. incentives.
adenoid facies Dullness, lethargy, and open fagopyrism Buckwheat poisoning.
mouth, caused by chronic mouth-breathing. failure to thrive That inability of the infant/child
myopathic facies Pathological relaxation of to maintain/gain weight and developmental mile-
facial muscle tone with protrusion of the lips stones. Disruption in the child's bonding with
and ptosis (drooping) of the eyelids. primary caregivers presents an impasse in the
Parkinsonian facies A frozen face with rare infant's development, affecting the child's trust
blinking. The patient may appear to be expres- issues throughout life.
sionless, even though s/he is able to move the faith healing That accomplished without medical
facial muscles. intervention, by reliance upon spiritual powers.
typhoid facies A dull expression, dusky color- fall An unexpected event, in which the patient
ing, with injected conjunctivae. finds him-/herself on the floor. If a fall seems
imminent, ease the patient to the floor. Because
facies abdominalis An anxious, drawn expres- this patient will be unharmed, such events will
sion seen in the patient with acute abdominal not have to be documented as falls.
pathology. fallectomy Partial excision of the fallopian
tube(s).
facies aortica The sallow face with sunken false negative/positive Testing which results in
cheeks and blue sclerae — caused by aortic an incorrect result.
insufficiency. false ribs Those which do not attach to the ster-
num.
facies hepatica Recessed eyes, jaundiced con- familial A condition occurring frequently within a
junctivae, sallow skin. family relationship.
familial adenomatouspolyposissyndrome That
facies Hippocratica The expression seen in characterized by malignant transformation. Total
proctocolectomy is the surgical treatment of
moribund patients. choice.
facies leontina The leontine (lion) facial resem- familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Malignant histiocytosis.
blance which may be seen in the patient with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Those
Hansen's disease (leprosy). families which have experienced 2 or more sud-
facies mitralis That often seen in mitral insuffi- den, premature deaths, from malignant disease.
ciency — cyanosis, pink cheeks with visible, Genetic counseling is advised.
superficial capillaries. familial Mediterranean fever Recurrent poly-
facilitated communication The Australian tech- serositis with attacks of arthritis, fever, peritoni-
nique which allows those who cannot speak to tis, pleuritis — seen between the ages of 5-15
express themselves when assisted to use a years.
computer. Lacking rigorous scientific testing, family periodic paralysis A rare disease in
this new release for the autistic, cerebral which flaccid paresis occurs upon awakening.
palsied, and other patients unable to communi- Tests with potassium chloride in patients who
cate awaits formal recognition. are hyperkalemic, and with dextrose in those
faciocephalgia Neuralgia of the head/face. who are hypokalemic, reveal precipitation of
facioplegia Prosopoplegia — facial paralysis. symptoms in affected patients. These tests
factitious disorder Munchausen's syndrome — cause significant respiratory/cardiac changes,
malingering with symptoms, this patient
assumes the role of a patient with a significant
malady. The motive for this behavior is to
remain hospitalized.
factitious disorder by proxy Munchausen's syn-
drome by proxy — the intentional production of
psychiatric/medical signs and symptoms in
119
and should be conducted only in the presence febricide An antipyretic, febrifuge. That which
of a physician. combats fever.
family therapy Simultaneous psychotherapy of
more than one member of the family. Because febrile Feverish.
the psychiatric disorder of one may be a mani- febrile convulsions Seizure activity accompany-
festation of a disordered family unit, this person
is not considered in therapy to be the patient, ing a high fever in children under 5 years of
but the "identified patient" (IP). The family in age. A medical/neurological workup should rule
maladjustment is guided in functioning, interre- out other etiology. The fever should be reduced
lationships, and interactions as a unified group. and phenobarbital given as ordered. These
Fanconi's syndrome Lignani-Fanconi disease — infants/children may be placed on anticonvul-
congenital hypoplastic anemia. Aminoaciduria sant therapy, although this is not considered a
with failure to grow/thrive, polyuria, and/or rick- form of epilepsy.
ets may be seen. These children expire prior to febrile state Elevated temperature, pulse, and
puberty. respirations with irritability, insomnia, restless-
fantasy That imagined sequence of mental ness, constipation, oliguria, anorexia, general
images which serves to gratify unconscious malaise, and/or headache may be noted.
wishes, to express unconscious conflicts, to febriphobia That generalized fear/anxiety experi-
prepare for anticipated future events. enced while in the febrile state.
farmer's lung Hypersensitive alveolitis caused by fecal emesis Vomitus (or gastrointestinal aspi-
moldy hay which has gone on to fermentation. rate) which contains fecal material. This critical
Farre's tubercles Carcinomatous masses sign may be seen in terminal bowel obstruction
appearing on the liver surface. and must be reported to the physician.
fasciculation Spontaneous contractions of mus- Feingold Diet That treatment of hyperkinesis in
cle fibers. which all artificial additives (coloring, preserva-
fasciolopsiasis Diastomiasis. That Asian infesta- tives, flavoring, etc.) are eliminated. Compliance
tion presenting with abdominal pain, anasarca, with this diet is difficult to achieve because it is
diarrhea, eosinophilia — and capable of causing so strict. The improving child who receives an
intestinal obstruction. additive(s) will be set back. It will take a while to
fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy An inherited regain his/her improved status.
muscle disorder in which there is noted marked fellatio Oral stimulation of the phallus.
weakness of the facial/trunk/arm muscles. This Felly's syndrome Chronic rheumatoid arthritis
is a form of muscular dystrophy. with anemia, neutropenia, splenomegaly, and/or
fasciotomy That surgical release of tissue bands thrombocytopenia.
which is performed on extensive burn scars, tis- fenestration That in which has been created a
sue constrictions, etc. window — such as a cast or drape.
fastidium A hysterical aversion to food/eating. fertilization Fecundation, impregnation.
fatal familial insomnia (FFI) A rapidly progres- fertilization in vitro "Test tube babies" artificially
sive, inherited sleep disorder. Thalamic atrophy conceived in the physician's laboratory and then
is the pathognomonic histological finding. implanted in the uterus. If a donor's semen is
Impairment of the autonomic, endocrine, and used in this artificial insemination, it should be
motor systems advances to include complex blended with the husband's oligospermatic sem-
hallucinations, hyperhidrosis, hypertension, inal fluid.
tachycardia. Ataxia, dysarthria, myoclonus, and fertilization in vivo Conception of the ovum by
pyramidal signs present with coma in terminal the spermatozoon. Evidence of the viability of
stages. this zygote is its immediate growth and develop-
fat embolism Traveling molecules which are ment.
attributed to the lethal manipulation of fetal acoustic stimulation (FAS) That obstetrical
interosseous canals. modality by which external cephalic version
(ECV) is achieved by audible stimuli to the
breech fetus. The high conversion rate renders
120
Cesarean section unnecessary for many. nant (full-blown) renal failure.
fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) Infants born to fibrillation That bioelectrical aberration seen in
alcoholic mothers may show signs of alcohol myopathy/neuropathy.
withdrawal, growth retardation, facial anomalies, atrial fibrillation Marked irregularity, rapidity,
mental retardation. This abnormality can be incoordination of cardiac muscle fibers.
totally prevented. ventricular fibrillation Ineffective, tremulous,
fetal demise Expiration of the fetus in utero. frantic ventricular contractions which can result
fetal distress Anoxia and mecomum-stained in cardiac arrest/standstill. Causes include chlo-
amniotic fluid are the principle signs that the roform, coronary occlusion, digitalis toxicity,
cardiopulmonary status of the infant is being electrocution, mechanical injury to the
compromised prior to, or during parturition. myocardium.
fetal heart tones (FHTs) The auscultated heart- fibrin foam An absorbefacient created from fib-
beats of the unborn infant. Confirm that the rin, which is slowly absorbed. Impregnated with
maternal pulse (P) is not being counted, by thrombin, this functions as a hemostatic agent.
holding her radial P with your non-dominant This is especially valuable in parenchymatous
hand as the FHTs are auscultated. (To accurately injuries and in neurosurgery.
count such a rapid heartbeat, it helps to tap the fibrinogenopenia Reducedfibrogen in the circu-
toe inside one's shoe.) lation — the result of liver pathology.
fetal hydantoinsyndrome Associated cardiac fibrinuria Fibrin present in voided urine.
defects with cranial/facial defects borne by the fibrocarcinoma Cancer in which the connective
infant whose mother received Dilantin prenatal- tissue is resistant and thickened with cellular
ly. Mental deficiency, microcephaly, phalangeal degeneration.
hypoplasia, pre-/postnatal growth failures may fibrocystic disease of the breast Palpably irreg-
also be noted. ular breast tissue. These patients have an
fetal inclusion That anomaly of twin fetuses, in increased chance of developing malignant dis-
which one encompasses/encloses the other. ease. If there is a familial history of mammary
fetishism Belief in the power of inanimate carcinoma, this chance is greatly increased in
objects as stimulation. Care for a person's prop- the presence of chronic cystic mastitis.
erty rather than for the person. Erotic stimula- fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva disease A
tion receivedfrom inanimate objects. Serious disorder which turns skeletal muscle to carti-
impairment of functioning ensues. lage.
fetography X-ray of the fetus in utero. limited intramembranous heterotropic ossifi-
fetotoxic That which is poisonous to the infant in cation That related, extremely rare manifesta-
utero — such as Vitamin K overdose(OD), tion in which muscle and dermis are converted
tobacco smoke, thiazides, tetracyclines, seda- to bone tissue. (Organs are spared.) The etiolo-
tives, coumarin, salicylates, morphine (MS), gy and cure of this mysterious condition are
ethyl alcohol (ETOH). unknown.
fever of undetermined origin (FUO) An elevation fibroma Fibrous connective tissue tumor(s)
of 3 weeks' duration without diagnosis following found in periosteum, affecting the jaw(s), long
1 week's hospitalization. Causes include cirrho- bone(s), occiput, pelvis, rib(s),vertebra(e).
sis, collagen-vascular disease, disseminated uterine fibroma These may remain asympto-
lupus erythematosus, drug fever, granulomatous matic under the age of 30 years. The cardinal
disease, inflammatory boweldisease, symptoms of dysmenorrhea, leukorrhea, and
localized/systemic infection, neoplasm, pol- menorrhagia are seen infrequently.
yarteritis nodosa, pulmonary embolization, vas- Asymptomatic fibromata should be left undis-
cular disease, Whipple's disease. turbed, and the patient watched. If rapid growth
fibrillary glomerulonephritis Immunolactoid becomes evident, fibromyomectomy will be
glomerulopathy — a unique renal lesion which indicated.
may vary from asymptomatic disease to fulmi- fibroma of the breast A painless, nonulcerative.
121
benign tumor. permanent pacemaker.
fibromatosis Fibrosis — the simultaneous devel- fistula Abnormal communication from a
opment of fibromata. tube/cavity.
palmar fibromatosis Dupuytren's contracture. fistulatome A scalpel for the incision of a fistu-
fibromectomy Excision of a connective tissue
tumor. la(e).
fibromyalgia Fibromyositis, inomyositis, chronic
muscular inflammation with connective tissue fistulectomy Excision of a fistula(e).
hyperplasia. Fibrositis patients mayexperience Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome Infection of the peri-
nonrestorative sleep, stress.
fibromyxoma Inomyxoma — that fibroma/myxo- hepatic peritoneum by Chlamydial salpingitis.
ma which has undergone partial degeneration. fixation Immobilization. That psychosexual sta-
fibromyxosarcoma Malignancy arising from con-
nective and myxoid tissue. That which has tus in which the libido is arrested at the presex-
undergone mucoid degeneration. ual level.
fibroneuroma Inoneuroma, neurofibroma. flaccid An absent/defective muscular tone.
fibro-osteoma Osteofibroma — that tumor com- flaccid paralysis That caused by lesions of the
prised of fibrous/osseous tissue(s). lower spinal neurons; paresis with loss of mus-
fibropapilloma Mixed papilloma/fibromatous tis- cular tone; reduction/loss of tendon reflexes;
sue seen in the urinary bladder. atrophy with degeneration of muscles; reaction
fibroplasia The healing emergenceof fibrous tis- of degeneration.
sue. flagellation A sexual aberration, in which the
fibrosis Abnormal growth of fibrous tissue. libido is heightened by whipping.
diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis flail chest Paradoxical chest movement (in with
Hamman-Rich syndrome. inspiration, out with expiration) — caused by
fibrothorax Intrapleural fibrosis which causes the multiple rib fractures, severing the attachment
pleurae to adhere together. by the ribs.
field A specific area of study, surgical or micro- flap Tissue which is partially detached.
scopic. amputation flap Skin layers revised to cover
Fifth disease Erythema infectiosum. the stump.
fight or flight response Fight/flight — that pedicle flap grafting Formation of a deep skin
response to fear or rage which prepares one for tube, which is left intact at both ends. When
response. Fight may be manifested as antago- viable, one end is transferred to the new site. If
nism/hostility. Flight represents escape via day- it will not reach, it is implanted into an interme-
dreaming, disruptive behavior, incoherent ram- diary site. In several stages, this graft may be
bling, intellectualizing. "walked" a considerable distance as alternate
filariasis A chronic, lymphatic, serous, subcuta- ends are implanted. Because strict immobiliza-
neous disease caused by filariae. tion is required to establish circulation, anatomi-
fimbriated Fringed. cally incorrect positioning may be required dur-
finger One of 5 digits on each hand. ing the casting stages.
dislocation of the finger Injury at the joint. In flashback The return of frightening/threatening
crushing accidents, it is assumed that a fracture images following recovery from hallucinogen
exists until ruled out by X-ray. Only MDs can abuse. This includes perceptual distortions.
attempt reduction of any dislocation. flatulence Excessivegas in the gastrointestinal
first degreeA-V block Cardiac dysrhythmia tract.
which may require no intervention. When occur- flexibilitas cerea The cataleptic state of catato-
ring in conjunction with bundle-branch block or nia.
following acute myocardial infarction, this may flexor tenosynovitis "Trigger finger/thumb" — a
progress to complete heart block requiring a benign inflammation caused by direct trauma
and/or arthritis. Pain accompanies this disability
to fully extend/flex the digit. Pain over the proxi-
mal sheath may be elicited upon compression,
with limited flexion/extension of the joint.
122
Treatment options include nonsteroidal anti- fluidized therapy The use of air, sand, silicone
inflammatory drugs, avoidance of etiologic trau- beds/pads in the nursing care of the complicat-
ma, cortisone injection, slit-sheath under local ed patient.
anesthesia, and/or referral to a hand surgeon. fluid retention Cardiac, metabolic, and/or renal
flight of ideas As seen in manic states, the disease may cause failure to eliminate fluid from
change in direction of pressured speech. This the body — as will salt retention. The use of
content may switch mid-sentence, often stimu- diuretics requires that the kidneys function ade-
lated by environmental input. The flow of quately.
speech is so erratic, it must be recorded verba- fluoroscopy Roentgenoscopy, radioscopy, photo-
tim to be documented accurately/diagnostically. scopy, scotoscopy, skiascopy — visualization of
These patients are so preoccupied, they neither physiology via radiation. Exposure to radiation
mind nor notice that the nurse is writing down is greater with this modality.
their actions and speech. Indeed, some appreci- flutter Tremulous vascular movement.
ate their "valuable words and ideas" being pre- atrial flutter Extremely rapid contractions (200-
served. 400/min) of the auricle.
floaters/flashers Semi-transparent, miniscule diaphragmatic flutter Rapid diaphragmatic
specks which pass across the field of vision. contractions of unknown etiology.
These must be considered seriously. Signalling mediastinal flutter Side-to-side mediastinal
possible retinal pathology, the sudden appear- motions during respirations.
ance of black specks, or flashes of light in the ventricular flutter Contractions of the ventricle
peripheral vision must receive immediate oph- which may exceed 250/min.
thalmic attention. flutter-fibrillation Cardiac dysrhythmias alternat-
floating kidney A movable kidney. ing between atrial flutter/fibrillation.
floating ribs Those ribs which do not articulate foam stability test Determination of the presence
with the sternum — the 11th and 12th pairs. of surfactant in the amniotic fluid.
floccillation Floccitation, carphologia, carpholo- Foix-Alajouanine syndrome Angiodysgenetic
gy — picking at the bedclothes by a critical, myelomalacia, hypertrophic myelomalacia —
semicomatose, terminal patient. necrosis/infarction within the spinal canal. All
flooding Treatment of phobias with repeated patients presenting with progressive weakness
exposure to the feared stimulus until this ceases of the legs should undergo immediate myelo-
to provoke a fear response. An increase in uter- graphic workup.
ine hemorrhage. folie Psychosis, mania.
florid Flushing — markedly reddened skin. folie a deux Appearance of paranoid psychosis
fluctuation Waves detected upon palpation, in two persons close to each other, in the same
revealing the vibrations of body fluid. proximity of time. A shared psychotic disorder
fluctuation above the umbilicus Gastric dilation, held by two or more codependent persons
colonic dilation. locked into the same bizarre delusion(s). They
fluctuation confined to a limited portion of the rarely seek clinical attention.
abdomen Tuberculous peritonitis. folie du doute Indecision concerning one's
fluctuation of ascites Impulses palpated over the beliefs and usual activities.
lower abdomen suggest ascites caused by peri- folie du pourquoi Unrelenting and unreasonable
toneal hemorrhage. questioning.
fluctuation in the right hippochondrium folie gemellaire Psychosis occurring in each
Suggestive of cholecystitis, hepatic abscess, twin.
hydatid cyst. folliculitis Infection of a hair follicle(s).
fluctuation in the lower female abdomen folliculosis An abnormal number of lymph folli-
Ovarian cyst, pregnancy. cles.
fluctuation over the central abdomen Bladder food poisoning That severe illness following the
distention. ingestion of decomposing/contaminated food.
123
This term is imprecise, unless the poison is who expired under criminal circumstances, on
specified. the operating table, within 24 hours of admis-
foot board That which is positioned 90° to the sion, or from unknown causes, et al.
mattress, to prevent foot drop in forensics That which legal nurse consultants
unconscious/paralyzed patients. If this essential practice, needs to be integrated by each nurse
nursing measure is not used in conjunction with in this litigious age. This includes communica-
passive-resistance exercises,footdrop may tion skills, self-motivation, the ability to work
develop, impairing the patient's recovery and under stress, interpersonal skills, a discerning
eventual ambulation. mind, and adaptability. Mental competency
footdrop A complication of bedrest for the neuro- issues confront each of us — to which psychi-
logically compromised patient who failed to atric nurses will attest. When a suit is brought,
receive preventive foot support/exercises. This this represents a poor outcome, in the presence
irreversible impairment requires that the leg(s) of inadequate staff interaction. Deviation from
be raised with each step — if unbraced ambula- quality standard of care is often all that needs to
tion is even possible. Some causes cannot be be addressed. From this, develops a fractured
discerned, nor correction achieved. therapeutic alliance — in which neither the
Forbes' disease Glycogen storage disease, patient nor physician can communicate further.
type III. forensic psychiatry The practice of medicine as
forceps A surgical instrument used to apply trac- it involves criminality. Psychiatric nurses often
tion, crush, extract, hold, seize, et al. care for forensic patients under police hold.
alligator forceps A toothed instrument with a formaldehyde poisoning Irritation of gastroin-
double clamp. testinal and respiratory tracts, eyes, central ner-
artery forceps The hemostat which secures the vous system, progressing to abdominal sympto-
ends of severedvessels for hemostasis/ligation. matology, convulsions, loss of consciousness,
bone forceps An orthopedic instrument used to renal damage, stupor, vertigo. Administer
incise and to remove bone chips. ammonia water to convert formaldehyde into
capsule forceps That surgical instrument used methenamine. This should be given with egg
to remove the crystalline lens. whites, water, and milk. Achieve emesis or per-
dental forceps An instrument used to grasp form gastric lavage, leaving milk in the stomach.
teeth undergoing extraction. Treat acidosis with sodium bicarbonate and
dressing forceps That used to remove drainage relieve pain with morphine. Support respiratory
tubes, necrotic tissue, and to dress wounds. distress and shock as indicated.
Halstead's forceps Mosquito forceps — minia- formication The form of paresthesia experienced
ture instruments delicately precisioned to use in in cocaine withdrawal — the sensation of bugs
eye, facial, vascular, and other specialty proce- crawling all over one's body.
dures. formiciasis Irritation caused by the bites of ants.
needle forceps That which holds a needle for fornication Coitus between two unmarried per-
threading and suturing. sons.
obstetrical forceps Of great variety, those used foveation Pitting of the epidermis — as in small-
to extract the impacted infant's head from the pox, acne vulgaris.
maternal pelvis during parturition. Fowler's position Elevation of the head of the
rongeur forceps Those used in cutting bone. bed.
tissue forceps An instrument with tiny teeth for high Fowler's position The head is raised as
grasping tissue. high as possible.
towel clip Forceps which secure sterile semi-Fowler's position The head is partially
drapes/towels to the edge of the operative field. raised.
forensic medicine The legal aspects of medical wave position Semi-Fowler's position with ele-
standards and ethics. Also, relating to autopsy vated knees — the position of choice for back
findings, (especially in coroners' cases), those patients.
124
fracture A broken bone, causing loss of mobility, displacement of the foot and ankle.
deformity, pain, shortening, crepitus, and/or pretrochanteric fracture That broken femur
unnatural movement. Do not elicit these symp- which involves the greater trochanter.
toms in an attempt to assess the injury. pseudofracture The decalcification zone(s)
Immobilize the area above and below the joint, seen in osteomalacia.
dress any open wounds, and transport to obtain spiral fracture An oblique break.
medical attention. stellate fracture Cracks radiating from the cen-
avulsion fracture A portion of the bone is torn tral point of injury.
away. stress fracture March fracture — a hairline
blow-out fracture Dislocation of the orbital crack which occurs without soft tissue injury,
wall, due to a blow to the globe. and which can be missed on X-ray. This may be
closed fracture The broken bone without a sur- seen in those who abuse exercise.
face wound. transcervical fracture That which involves the
Colles' fracture Smith's fracture of the wrist femoral neck.
with an upward/outward dislocation. transverse fracture The long axis of the bone
comminuted fracture That in which the bone is lies at a right angle to the line of fracture.
splintered. fracture pillow A flat pillow, 15x10", covered by
complicated fracture The fracture compounded a fracture pillowcase. Intended to achieve opti-
by internal injury. mal positioning and comfort for patients in body
compound fracture An open fracture, in which casts, this simple comfort measure is in
fragments of bone pierce the skin. demand for many other patients.
compression fracture Vertebralfracture(s) sus- fragile X syndrome That genetic mutation which
tained from spinal column pressure. is the most common form of familial mental
depressed fracture A broken portion of skull retardation. All mothers of children with this
which has been driven toward the brain. mutation are considered to be carriers.
dislocated fracture That near a dislocated joint. Cytogenetic testing may result in both
greenstick fracture Seen in pediatrics, and in positive/negative false errors.
children with rickets — the bent bone is partial- fragmented speech Loss of meaningful connec-
ly broken on one side. tions between words, phrases,sentences.
hangman's fracture That dislocated break of frambesia Yaws — an infectious disease of the
the upper cervical spine, accompanied by tran- tropics, which may cause extensive tissue
section of the spinal cord/medulla. destruction.
impacted fracture The broken ends of the bone frame A basis of support.
are wedged into each other. Balkan frame The basic apparatus which sup-
intrauterine fracture That broken bone which ports traction.
occurred in utero. fraticide The murder of one's sibling, by a sib-
Le Fort fracture One or more broken bones of ling.
the face (maxillary, nasal, orbital, zygomatic). friction rub The stiff, scraping sound produced
overriding fracture That in which the broken by, and auscultated over, infectious areas.
ends slide past each other. pericardial friction rub The sound produced by
pathologic fracture Spontaneous fracture of a infected pericardial surfaces, heard upon aus-
diseased bone (malignant or osteoporotic) by a cultation.
force or normal movement which would not pleural friction rub That sound auscultated
have broken a healthy bone. Patients with when infected pleurae rub together.
osteocarcinoma, metastases, or osteoporosis Friedreich's ataxia Hereditary spinal discoordi-
should be diligently protected against falls. nation in childhood/adolescence. Signs and
ping-pong fracture A depressed skull fracture, symptoms of this life-threatening brain patholo-
resembling a depressed table tennis ball. gy include curvature of the spine, ataxia, irregu-
Pott's fracture A broken fibula accompanied by lar movements (with swaying), intoxicated gait,
125
paralysis of the legs, sclerosis of the spinal edema and the "beaten metal" appearance of the
cord, speech impairment. endothelium.
fright neurosis Traumatic hysteria. fucosidosis An hereditary disease appearing after
frigorism That state caused by prolonged normal early development. Neurological deterio-
hypothermic conditions. ration is followed by heart disease, thickening of
Frohlich's syndrome Adiposogenital dystrophy the dermis, hyperhidrosis, and early demise.
— that caused by neoplastic disturbance to the fugue state A dissociative state in which the
hypophysis/hypothalmus. Altered secondary sex patient acts appropriately, but without recall.
characteristics, gonadal atrophy/hypoplasia, psychogenic fugue Dissociative fugue — that
sexual infantilism, and/or obesity may be noted. sudden elopement from one's home/work, with
Froment's sign An indication of ulnar nerve palsy the assumption of a new identity (while unable
— the distal phalanx of the thumb will flex when to remember one's identity, nor past). Confusion
paper is grasped between the first and second about this status is noted, with impairment
fingers. regarding multiple areas of functioning. These
frostbite Freezing of a body part(s) is felt in 3 patients may journey to other countries, unable
stages — numbness, followed by hyperemia, to recall their country of origin. This compli-
then vesicle formation with gangrene involve- cates their families' hope of their return.
ment. First aid includes gradual rewarming, Although they may not demonstrate psy-
without rubbing, then treatment as for burns. chopathology, they may attract clinical attention
The patient must not smoke, as this will cause by their lack of awareness of who they are and
further vasoconstriction and compromise. what they do.
frost-itch Pruritus hiemalis — that caused by fulgurant A paroxysm or other instantaneous
extreme cold. event.
frottage Hyperesthesia sexualis in which there is functional overlay Emotional response to illness,
a compulsion to touch a stranger in a crowd — taking the form of prolonged incapacitation after
thereby achieving orgasm. Because of the press an illness has run its course. This represents an
of the crowd, the victim may not realize his/her affective overreaction, and/or a hysterical/con-
privacy has been violated in this way. This is a version response.
psychiatric paraphilia. functional psychosis The disorder exhibited in
frotteurism Ongoing and repetitive erotic contact loss of contact with reality, without central ner-
with a non-consenting victim. These behaviors, vous system pathology.
fantasies, and urges cause significant impair- functioning tumor That capable of synthesizing
ment in multiple areas of functioning, and are the tissue/hormone from which it arises.
paraphiliac. fundoplication Surgical treatment of gastric con-
fructose intolerance Hereditary enzyme deficien- ditions which require that the opening be
cy or the absence of aldolase causes an inability reduced by suturing.
to metabolize carbohydrates. The resultant fundoscopy Ophthalmoscopy — visual examina-
hypoglycemia, nausea with emesis, diaphoresis, tion of the globe(s) of the eye(s). A visual sur-
tremor, convulsions, and coma leading to death vey within the body of any organ.
may follow if intervention is unsuccessful. This fundusectomy Cardiectomy — surgical excision
condition is diagnosed when intravenous admin- of the stomach.
istration of fructose causes a drop in blood glu- fungal septicemia Fungemia — pathogenic fungi
cose. Patients must be maintained on a diet free in the blood — a complication of parenteral
of fructose (which is difficult to maintain). hyperalimentation.
fructosemia Fructose in the circulation. funiculopexy Surgical repair of anundescended
fructosuria The presence of urinary fructose. testicle(s).
Fryns' syndrome That pattern of congenital, mul- furibund Maniacal rage.
tiple anomalies which lead to death. furor Violent, unprovoked outburst(s) of rage.
Fuchs' dystrophy That diagnosed by corneal furor femininus Nymphomania.
126
fusion The process of bonding and uniting.
spinal fusion Spondylosyndesis by orthopedic
surgery, or by chemonucleolysis.
futility A new bioethical concept, which recog-
nizes the intense ambivalence and ambiguity in
establishing criteria for withholding treatment
and resuscitation in cases representing no quali-
ty of life. These excruciating decisions elude
objectivity.
G 127
gag To retch without vomiting. impaired gait with flexed knees/hips, adduction
mouth gag That implement which prevents bit- of legs, and/or footdrop — all in a stiff, awk-
ing the tongue/mouth during a convulsion. Also, ward cadence.
that which maintains the jaws in an open posi- steppage gait Seen in arsenic poisoning, alco-
tion during surgery. A bite block. holism, end-stage diabetes, peripheral neuritis
— the foot is lifted high, while the heel is
gag reflex A life-saving response of wretching brought down first.
when the back of the throat has been stimulat- swing-through gait That crutch-walking
ed. method in which the crutches are advanced,
then the patient swings through them. Children
gain An increase. keep up with their peers this way.
primary gain The symptom has a symbolic tabetic gait Seen in tabes dorsalis, this high-
value that is represented in the underlying neu- stepping ataxia causes the feet to slap the
rosis and psychological conflict. This may be ground.
achieved through aphonia, blindness, paralysis, waddling gait Noted in coxa vara — double
etc. congenital dislocation of the hips accompanied
secondary gain Avoiding responsibility by elic- by lordosis, these patients ambulate with a wide
iting environmental sympathy/support. A patient base stance.
whose normal legs won't support his weight galactacrasia Abnormal composition of breast
prevents desertion by his wife; One anxious to milk.
maintain marked dependency needs might galactischia Suppressed secretion/excretion of
become blind; A soldier with a paralyzed hand milk.
cannot qualify for combat. galactocele That tumor due to occluded milk
ducts. Hydrocele containing a galactoid secre-
Gaisbock's syndrome Abnormal erythrocyte tion.
count. Other signs/symptoms characteristic of galactoma Galactocele— cystic tumor of the
polycythemia vera are absent. mammary gland.
galactophoritis Inflammation of a milk duct.
gait A manner of ambulating. galactoplania Secretion of milk from another
ataxic gait Intoxicated gait, staggering part of the body other than the breast.
unsteadiness which is seen in many other con- galactorrhea Lactorrhea — secretion of milk
ditions. between nursing or after weaning.Excessive
cerebellar gait That intoxicated gait in which lactation.
ethel alcohol has not been used, and disease of galactosemia An inherited metabolic inability to
the cerebellum is implicated. convert galactose into glucose. The neonate will
double step gait Length/rate of steps varies fail to thrive promptly after birth, with resultant
between legs. anorexia, diarrhea and vomiting. If lactose and
drag-to gait In crutch walking, the feet are not galactose are not excluded from the diet, these
lifted, but dragged to the crutches. infants will go on to starvation, dehydration, and
equine gait As in peroneal paralysis, the lift of death. Untreated children who do survive,
the feet is exaggerated. demonstrate failure to grow, cataracts, and
festinating gait The forward patient is pro- mental retardation. If it is determined by anrno-
pelled on tiptoe, unable to stop alone. centesis that the fetus has galactosemia in
helicopod gait Sometimes seen in hysteria, the utero, the mother must eliminate galactose and
foot/feet trace an arc with each step. lactose from her diet.
hemiplegic gait The patient must abduct the galactosuria Urinary galactose.
paralyzed leg, swinging it around in order to galactotherapy Lactotherapy, the healing use of
ambulate without tripping from footdrop. milk. Treating the nursing infant with medica-
scissor gait That in which the legs cross each tions given to the nursing mother.
other in ambulation.
spastic gait Noted in arachnoiditis, spinal cord
tumor, pyramidal sclerosis, spastic paraplegia,
cerebral palsy, these patients have a severely
128
galactotoxin Bacterial toxin in milk. diabetic gangrene That result of diabetic neu-
galactotrophy Feeding the infant only milk. ropathy and/or vascular pathology.
embolic gangrene Necrosis caused by vascular
(Some nursing mothers are reluctant to wean.) obstruction.
These neonates are at risk for anemia. gas gangrene That present in a wound infec-
galacturia Chyluria — voiding milky urine. tion — by gas bacilli.
galeanthropy The delusional belief that one has idiopathic gangrene Etiology unknown.
been transformed into a cat. inflammatory gangrene That secondary to an
Galeazzi's sign To rule out congenital hip dislo- acute infectious process.
cation, the infant/toddler is placed on his/her primary gangrene Necrosis which develops in
back. When the hips/knees are flexed, neither the absence of an infectious process.
knee should be higher. secondary gangrene That which follows an
galeophobia An exaggerated aversion to cats. infection.
galeropsia Galeropia, extraordinary clarity of symmetrical gangrene Bilateral involvement in
vision. vasomotor disturbances.
gallop rhythm The 3rd and 4th heart sounds — traumatic gangrene That occurring in extensive
which may be either normal or pathologic. injuries.
galvanotherapy Galvanotherapeutics, elec- wet gangrene Moist gangrene, humid gangrene
trotherapy — direct current electricity used — caused by acute bacterial infections and tis-
therapeutically. sue necrosis. Sloughing progresses rapidly as
gamete intrafallopian transfer(GIFT) — "Test the patient becomes moribund and dies.
tube fertilization". After the ova are harvested Ganser's syndrome In this factitious disorder,
via laparoscopy, the sperm and ova are then the patient strives to act psychotic, giving non-
implanted in the fallopian tube. sensical responses. It is usually apparent that
gamma globulin Immunoglobulin — Proteins these persons' attempts are "out of sync". This
formed in the circulation, thereby enhancing the is hysterical pseudodementia — in which cogni-
body's ability to resist infection. tion is dissociated with regressive behavior.
Gamna's disease That strain of splenomegaly in Gardner-Diamond syndrome Autoerythrocyte
which there are Gamna nodules in the slowly sensitization — that defect in which
enlarging spleen. burning/pain precededermal ecchymoses which
gamophobia A neurotic fear of marriage. erupt on the extremities. This escape of RBCs is
gampsodactylia Deformed toes resembling characteristic of the pathogenesis. Many of
claws. these female patients present with severe psy-
gangliitis Ganglionitis, infected ganglion. choneurotic symptomatology.
gangliocytoma Ganglioneuroma — a neuroma- Gardnerella vaginalis vaginitis A sexually-trans-
containing ganglionic cell. mitted disease— more accurately diagnosed
ganglioma Lymphatic tumor/swelling. clinically, than microscopically.
ganglionectomy Excision of a ganglion(s). Gardner's syndrome A hereditary polyposis of
ganglionic blockade Obstruction of transmission the colon, with a high attendant risk of malig-
of stimuli with mecamylamine hydrochloride or nant involvement.
trimethaphan camsylate. Garren gastric bubble Surgical treatment of
ganglionostomy Surgical incision of a ganglion. morbid obesity, with the implantation of an
gangrene Necrosis of tissue due to inflatable bladder to reduce the gastric capacity.
deficient/absent blood supply. This is a common This modality has met with poor patient compli-
sequela of Raynaud's disease,diabetes mellitus, ance, high dissatisfaction, and scant success.
crushing injuries, frostbite, emboli. The necrotic Surgeons have discontinued the procedure
material must be debrided if the wound is to because of the numbers of patients who have
heal. requested surgical takedowns/reversals.
angioneurotic gangrene The state of thrombot- Garre's osteitis Dental osteomyelitis, sclerosing
ic veins and arteries.
129
myelitis caused by pyogenic cocci. An extremely gastroduodenitis Inflamed duodenum/stomach.
painful complication of dental surgery. Any gastroenteralgia Pain within the digestive tract.
drilling into the jaw should be precededand fol- gastroenteroanastomosis Surgical union of the
lowed by an appropriate course of antibiotics. stomach with the small intestine.
gasoline poisoning Gasoline toxicity — symp- gastroenterocolitis Inflamed digestive tract.
toms may include convulsions, cyanosis, dys- gastroenterocolostomy Surgically uniting the
pnea, giddiness, headache,loss of conscious- stomach, small, and large intestines, with com-
ness, muscular tremors, nervousness, paralysis, munication between.
pulmonary hemorrhage. The oral priming of a gastroenteroptosis Prolapsed gastrointestinal
gasoline hose must never be permitted, because organs.
of the risk of swallowing/inhaling this toxic sub- gastroenterostomy Abdominal surgery of the
stance. Also, exquisite care must be taken to stomach with anastomosis to the small intes-
protect the patient from any highly inflammable tine, to treat carcinoma, pyloric stenosis.
exposure, against becoming ignited. gastroesophageal reflux Reflux esophagitis,
gastralgia Gastrodynia — stomach pain. esophageal reflux — in which gastric contents
gastrectasia Gastrectasis — acute/chronic, return to the esophagus.
painful dilatation of the stomach. gastroesophageal syndrome Mallory-Weiss syn-
gastrectomy Partial/total excision of the stom- drome.
ach. gastroesophagitis Inflammation of the esopha-
gastric lavage Evacuating, irrigating the stom- gus/stomach.
ach, then instilling the ordered solution/medica- gastrogavage Formula instilled into the stomach
tion following this procedure. Gastrostolavage. per gavage/gastrostomy tube, as per schedule.
gastric stasis That disorder of motility which Gastric gavage, tube feedings.
mimics obstruction. gastrohelcosis Ulceration of the stomach.
gastritis Inflammation of atrophic/hypertrophic gastrohepatitis Gastritis complicated by hepati-
gastric mucosa with epigastric pain. tis.
chronic, erosive gastritis The presenceof gastrointestinal (Gl) bleed Hemorrhage within
ulcers as revealed upon endoscopy. This may be the digestive tract.
attributed to Crohn's disease, drugs, chronic gastrointestinal decompression Wagensteen
aspirin use, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory suction of the stomach/intestinal tract per
drugs, viral infections. Levine/Salem sump tube.
giant hypertrophic gastritis Menetrier's disease gastrojejunostomy Surgical anastomosis con-
— chronic inflammation of the stomach, in structed between the stomach and the jejunum.
which may appearadenocarcinoma. gastrolithiasis Gastric calculi.
gastroanastomosis Surgical construction of gastrolysis That surgical severing of adhesions
communication betweenthe cardiac and pyloric involving the stomach.
ends of the stomach, to relieve hourglass con- gastromegaly Excessive megalogastria — hyper-
tractions. trophy of the stomach.
gastrocele Herniation of the stomach. gastropancreatitis Inflammation of both the pan-
gastrocolic reflex Colonic peristalsis stimulated creas and the stomach.
by food in a fasting stomach. gastroparalysis Gastroplegia.
gastrocolitis Inflammation of the stomach and gastroplasty Plastic surgery of the stomach.
large intestine. gastroptosis Ventroptosis, ventroptosia —
gastrocoloptosis A fallen stomach and/or bowel. asymptomatic prolapse of the stomach.
gastrocolostomy Permanent surgical creation of gastrorrhagia Gastric hemorrhage.
communication between the stomach and the gastrorrhaphy Gastroplication — suturing of a
bowel. gastric injury to the stomach wall.
gastrodidymus Conjoined twins, united at the gastroschisis A congenital, abdominal fissure.
abdomen with a common cavity. gastrostaxis The oozing of blood from the gas-
130
tric mucosa. disorder presents with severe neurologic mani-
gastrostenosis Contraction of the stomach. festations (retroflexion of the head, hypertonici-
gastrostenosis cardiaca A stricture of the ty, strabismus, oculomotor ataxia). Death
esophageal/gastric orifice. occurs by age 18 months — if not at birth. Type
gastrostenosis pylorica Pyloristenosis, pyloric 3_: This juvenile onset appears as a long course
stenosis, pylorostenosis. with neurologic symptomatology beyond age 18
gastrostoma A fistula of the gastric wall. months.
gastrostomy Laparogastrostomy — a surgically- Gault's reflex Blinking in responseto a loud
developed fistula, exiting the abdominal/gastric sound adjacent to the ear. This test is performed
walls. A ceiliogastrostomy becomesthe route of to rule out factitious/malingering deafness.
nourishment for profoundly retarded infants, Gauss' sign Unusual uterine mobility in early
and for patients with esophageal stricture/fistu- pregnancy.
la/carcinoma. This safeguardsthe patient's air- Gee-Herter disease Gee's disease, Gee-Herter-
way, while enabling nourishment to be con- Heubner disease — infantile nontropical sprue.
sumed. Gee-Thaysen disease Adult nontropical sprue.
gastrothoracopagus Conjoined twins attachedat gegenhalten Involuntary resistance to passive
the thorax and stomach. movement — seen in cerebrocortical pathology.
gastrotome That scalpel used to developabdom- gelatin sponge That sterile, absorbable woven
inal/gastric incisions. substance capable of surgical hemostasis.
gastrotympanitis Gastric aerodistention. Gelle's test A tuning fork under suction, which is
gatekeeping The process of matching patient used to elicit vibrations within the normal ear.
needs and preferences with the judicial use of gemellipara A mother who has given birth to
resources. twins.
Gaucher's disease Cerebroside lipoidosis, cere- gender identity One's sexual orientation —
brosidosis — a rare, congenital anomaly of lipid which may agree with or oppose his/her chro-
metabolism accompaniedby splenomegaly mosomal sex.
and/or hepatomegaly (possibly massive), hyper- mistaken gender identity An incorrect sexual
pigmentation, bone lesions. Splenic hypertrophy assignment given to a newborn with ambiguous
may result in thrombocytopenia. The hepatic genitalia.
involvement may cause abnormal functioning gender identity disorder A forceful cross-gender
and fibrosis. Right-to-left pulmonary shunting identity. Preoccupationwith fantasies that sec-
may be caused by hepatopathy. The Erlenmeyer- ondary sexual characteristics will not last. A
flask deformity (flaring of the distal femur) is voiced desire to becomethe opposite sex. This
the classic sign of this disease.This may com- patient will insist on cross-dressing. With a
plicate as pathologic fractures, bone infarcts, strong desire to participate in the avocations of
aseptic necrosis of the head of the femur(s). the opposite sex, s/he will also prefer colleagues
Common manifestations are bone crises (painful of the other sex. There is persistent impatience
edema) which may be febrile but without X-ray with one's name, if that reveals one's sex, with
changes. The incidence of lymphoproliferative an expected sexual role, with one's genitalia,
disorder (chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multi- with the position of voiding. Marked impairment
ple myelomata, etc.)is significantly increased in in functioning is noted.
these patients. Genetic counselling may be general adaptationsyndrome (GAS) Thatnon-
sought by those with a positive family history. specific responseto stress, occurring in three
Most common within the Jewish race, this stages, as identified by Hans Selye, MD: 1
mutation has 3 clinical subtypes: Type 1: The Alarm reaction to the stressor: The
most common — in which neurologic involve- pituitary/adrenocortical system produces hor-
ment and/or disease manifestations may be mones for "fight or flight". The blood sugar
absent. This form may not progress and often rises, heart rate increases, digestion slows,
needs no intervention. Type 2: This fulminating pupils dilate. 2. Adaptive/resistance stage: The
131
acute stress symptoms diminish as the body whole, emphasizing the reality of orientation x 4
compensates for the effects of the arousal. If — with stress on enhanced self-awareness and
the stress persists, these attempts to maintain personal maturity.
the defense will fail. 3. Exhaustion stage: That in gestational age That time from conception to
which the body can no longer respond to the birth.
stressor. Pulmonary, renal, cardiovascular, emo- gesturing Communication without (or in addition
tional diseases may develop. to) speaking. A high level of cognition and cre-
generalized anxiety disorder Overanxious disor- ativity can be appreciated in those who are able
der of childhood. Apprehensive expectation to comprehend and communicate with creative
accompanied by other symptoms, in conjunc- spontaneity, free of the spoken/written word.
tion with symptoms of anxious mood. Out of Gesturing is an invaluable nursing tool for many
proportion to the prominent fear, the patient's situations and needs. Each nurse might expand
concern may shift from one to another. his/her repertoire by creating gestures for use
Associated features include tension, fatigue, dif- with patients.
ficulty concentrating, irritability, muscular ten- giardiasis Lambliasis — a protozoan infection.
sion, insomnia. The functioning is impaired. Gibson's murmur That auscultated in patients
gene(s) Growth and behavior determinant within with patent ductus arteriosus, between the first
each cell's nucleus. Unique variations exist as and second intercostal spaces, left of the ster-
per this unit of heredity. num. This continuous cardiac murmur increases
gene therapy The insertion of a normal gene into during systole.
a defective organism, to correct its defect. Gilford's reflex A pupillary contraction caused by
(Gene manipulation is medically and ethically the effort to close eyelids (which are being held
controversial.) open by the examiner).
genetic code The information system in all living gigantism Giantism, osseous hypertrophy of the
cells — which is universally applicable. face, hands, and feet.
genetous Congenital. acromegalic gigantism That caused by excess
Geneva Convention The decision of all major pituitary growth hormone beyond achieving full
military powers that military patients and their skeletal growth.
caregivers are to be declared neutral, and are eunuchoid gigantism Excessivegrowth caused
not to be the targets of military action. by a marked lack of muscular development, and
geniculate otalgia Radiation of pain from the accompanied by a high-pitched voice, absence
facial nerve to the ear. of beard, retarded sexual maturation.
genioplasty Plastic surgery of the cheek/chin. (normal) gigantism Sexual development and
genodermatosis Genetic dermatitis. body proportions remain appropriate.
genotoxic That which is poisonous to genetic tis- gigantomasia Mammary hyperplasia, hypertro-
sue. phied breasts, mammary augmentation.
gerodermia Geroderma — premature aging. Gilbert's syndrome Mild unconjugated hyper-
gerontal Senile, geriatric. bilirubinemia. This disorder is often misdiag-
gerontopia Senopia, visual changes returning to nosed as chronic hepatitis. The pathogenesis is
the level of one's youth — which may be a unknown. Because liver histology is normal, the
warning of impending cataracts. patient need not be subjected to a hepatic biop-
geropsychiatry Mental health as applied to the sy.
aging. Gilchrist's disease Blastomycosis.
Gerstman-Straussler-Scheinker disease A famil- gingival hypertrophy Overgrowth of gum tissue.
ial, primary dementia which requires a brain Macrogingivae may be seen as a side effect of
biopsy or autopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Dilantin therapy.
Agraphia, acalculia, alexia, tactile agnosia, gingivostomatitis Inflammation of the oral
and/or apraxia may follow. mucosa and gingival tissue.
Gestalt therapy Treatment of the patient as a acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivostomatitis
132
(ANUG) Severe stomatitis with necrosis and congenital glaucoma Neonatal glaucoma, pre-
ulceration. sent at birth.
herpetic gingivostomatitis Herpes simplex is infantile glaucoma That occurring with ocular
the causative virus. enlargement and intraocular tension, in infants.
glanders An equine disease communicable to juvenile glaucoma Pediatric/adolescent
humans. Inflammatory eruption ofabscesses, involvement.
and ulcers of mucous membranes coalesce into narrow angle glaucoma Closed angle glauco-
large, malodorous areas. Prognosis of the ma caused by anatomical narrowing of the filtra-
resulting septicemia is grave. tion angle which obstructs the aqueous humor.
Glanzmann's thrombasthenia A rare, congenital open angle glaucoma That in which there is a
platelet anomaly presenting with coagulation normal filtration angle.
dyscrasias. Only platelet transfusions prove to primary glaucoma Etiology unknown.
be therapeutic. secondary glaucoma Increased intraocular
Glascow Coma Scale That gauge by which is pressure caused by pathology in the opposite
assessed the viability of a critical patient. The eye.
responses of eye opening, verbal response, and simplex glaucoma That in which there are no
motor response supply an objective acuity mea- acute attacks. Blindness exists with glaucoma-
surement. This provides the medical/nursing tous cupping, moderate tenometric pressure,
staff with an on-going prognosis for the and contracted visual field(s).
comatose patient as s/he returns in and out of Glenard's disease Splanchnoptosia, enteroptosis
compromised consciousness. This instrument — prolapse of an internal organ.
has wide acceptability. glioma Neuroglioma — neoplasm, sarcoma
glaucoma Increased intraocular pressure which composed of neuroglial cells.
results in blindness from optic nerve atrophy. glioma retinae Pediatric pseudoglioma — that
This disease cannot be cured, only controlled. malignant tumor of the retina which demon-
Glaucoma is insidious because the central vision strates late metastasis. Enucleation may be
remains unchanged, while deteriorating from advised.
"minor" loss to frank blindness. It is vital for Glisson's disease Rickets, rachitis, rhachitis.
patients to understand that intraocular pressure globulinuria Urinary globulin.
may be increased by the use of antihistamines globus Sphere, globe.
— as well as by emotional states, fatigue, and globus hystericus Spheresthesia — a neurotic
an excessiveintake of fluids. Indeed, compli- "lump in the throat".
ance insures sight. There are few cardinal signs, glomerular disease Primary dysfunction with
such as those of visual, iridescent (and beauti- pathological deterioration of the glomeruli
ful) halos around lights and reflectingsurfaces. involving hypertension and proteinuria — lead-
absolutum glaucoma An extremely painful con- ing to the development of nephrotic syndrome.
dition in which the eye is blind, anterior cham- This category covers many severe conditions.
ber shallow, cornea insensitive, optic disk exca- glomerulonephritis Secondary infectious
vated, and globe sclerotic. process following streptococcal upper respirato-
acute glaucoma That ophthalmic emergency in ry infections, subacute bacterial endocarditis,
which the patient experiences sudden,severe systemic lupus erythematosus, cryoglobuline-
pain in the eye(s). Headache and vomiting may mia, vasculitis. Hypertension, edema, red-cell
occur. This must be treated STAT if the sight is casts, azotemia, proteinuria, and/or hematuria
to be preserved. may be noted. Close observation of these
chronic glaucoma Cupping of the optic disk is patients includes daily weights, intake/output,
absent, visual field near normal when free of vital signs around the clock, frequent turning,
attacks, occasional pain, dilated pupil(s) with fluid restriction.
clear cornea(e), enlarged anterior ciliary veins, glomerulosclerosis Fibrotic renal glomerulus.
tonometric reading -50 (25+ is abnormal). diabetic glomerulosclerosis Intercapillary dis-
133
ease seen in comorbidity. glucose tolerance test Determination of the
glossalgia Glossodynia, painful tongue. patient's ability to metabolize glucose. Following
glossectomy Partial/complete elinguation — a high caloric supper, fasting blood samples are
drawn — six at specified hours during the next
excision of the tongue. day. This test will reveal diabetes mellitus which
glossitis Glottitis — inflammation of the tongue. eluded less specific testing.
oral cortisone glucose tolerance test Because
This could require that the patient be tra- cortisone enhances the body's demand for
cheotomized. insulin, this will reveal any deficiency in insulin
glossitis areata exfolliativa Geographic tongue. response.
glossitis dessicans A fissured, raw, and painful
tongue. glutamic aciduria A lethal, genetic disorder —
glossitis parasitica Glossophytia, hyperkeratosis first identified among the Old-Order Amish (who
linguae. practice intermarriage). Children present with
glossocele Hypertrophied, protruberant tongue spastic paralysis, aphasia, atrophy, brain dam-
due to anomaly/pathology. age, leading to death. Children at risk can be
glossolalia That emotional, frenzied commentary screened by urine spectrometer. Therapeutic
in a tongue unknown to the speaker — often intervention includes vitamins, medication, low
presented in charismatic ecstasy known as protein diet, et al.
"speaking in tongues". These repetitious state-
ments are not proclaimed in a recognized lan- gluten-induced enteropathy Non-tropical sprue,
guage/dialect. adult celiac disease — related to the malabsorp-
glossoplasty Reconstructive surgery on the tion of food.
tongue.
glossoplegia Glossolysis — unilateral paralysis glycemia Glycosemia — glucose in the circula-
of the tongue. This may be caused by hypoglos- tion.
sal injury, cerebral disease, or hemorrhage.
glossoptosis Malposition/ptosis of the tongue. glycogen storage disease A severe, rare, auto-
glossopyrosis That burning sensation perceived somal, recessive condition. Glycogen is patho-
in the tongue. logically accumulated/stored in the tissues and
glossorrhaphy Suturing of the tongue. organs — especially by the hepatic cells. There
glossospasm Paroxysmal contraction of a mus- are many types of glycogen storage diseases.
cle(s) of the tongue.
glossotomy Incision of the tongue. glycogeusia A taste of sweetness.
glucagonoma Malignant neoplasm of the islets glycopolyuria Diabetes mellitus in the presence
of Langerhans. Anemia, elevated glucagon,
glossitis, dermatitis, diabetes mellitus, weight of uric acid and glycosuria.
loss may be present. glycoptyalism Melitoptyalism, glycosialia — glu-
glucohemia Glycosemia, hyperglycemia.
gluconeogenesis Glyconeogenesis — the con- cose excreted in the saliva.
version of fatty/amino acids into glycogen, as glycosuria Glucosuria, glycuresis — sugar
occurs in starvation states, or during low carbo-
hydrate intake. spilled in the urine.
glucopenia Hypoglycemia, glycopenia — low alimentary glycosuria Elevation of excreted
blood sugar. sugar, following a large ingestion of carbohy-
glucose-galactose malabsorption Alactasia, di- drates.
saccharidase, lactose deficiency, lactose intoler- diabetic glycosuria That caused by a deficient
ance — the deficiency of intestinal enzymes to secretion of insulin.
digest carbohydrates. This symptomatology emotional glycosuria That which is secondary
(abdominal distention, diarrhea) will be promi- to anxiety.
nent following the ingestion of sugars. pituitary glycosuria That related to pituitary
dysfunction.
renal glycosuria In the hypoglycemic patient,
the diminished renal threshold for sugar.
gnathalgia Gnathodynia — mandibular/maxillary
pain.
gnathitis Mandibular/maxillary inflammation.
134
gnathoplasty Restorative surgery of the Goldenhar's syndrome Multiple congenital
cheek(s), jaw(s). anomalies.
gnathoschisis A congenital cleft of the jaw. golden hour That first hour post-injury, consid-
gnosia Perceptive recognition of people, forms, ered to be the most crucial for the critical vic-
tim's survival and prognosis, as trauma and
and objects. hospital services are becoming involved.
goiter Hypertrophy of the thyroid due to iodine
Goldmann-Favre syndrome Retinopathy with
deficiency in the diet, hyper-/hypofunction, erosive vitreoretinopathy. Retinal detachment is
infective inflammation, thyroiditis, neoplasm. a risk.
aberrant goiter Supernumerary enlargement of
the thyroid gland. gonadectomy Surgical excision of a sexual
acute goiter That which has grown out of con- gland.
trol.
adenomatous goiter Hypertrophy of the thy- gonalgia Pain in the knee(s).
roid, due to an encapsulated adenoma, glandu- gonarthritis An inflammed knee joint(s).
lar tumor. gonarthromeningitis Synovitis of the knee(s).
colloid goiter That in which the follicular con- gonarthrotomy Incision of the knee joint.
tents are markedly increased. gonioscope An instrument used to examine the
congenital goiter That present at birth.
cystic goiter Formation of a cyst(s) resulting angle of the anterior chamber of the eye — to
from liquifaction/degeneration within an adeno- determine ocular rotation and motility.
ma. goniosynechia Iridal/corneal adhesion.
endemic goiter Development in areas deficient goniotomy Surgical release of obstructed aque-
in iodine. If a household uses iodized table salt, ous humor, enabling flow into the canal of
the entire family will be protected by this suffi- Schlemm.
cient amount of iodine. gonococcemia Gonohemia, gonococci in the cir-
exophthalmic goiter Basedow'sdisease, culation. Gonococcal septicemia.
Grave's disease, hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis gonorrhea A communicable infection of the
— of unknown etiology. Although treatable, the Bartholin's gland(s), conjunctiva(e), endocervix,
exopthalmos cannot be reversed. fallopian tubes, genital mucosa(e), heart,
intrathoracic goiter That which is partially situ- joint(s), oral mucosae, rectum, urethra, vagina,
ated within the thoracic cavity. vulva(e), vulvovaginal gland(s) — of whichever
lingual goiter A hypertrophied tumor beneath sex.
the tongue. gonycampsis An abnormally-curved knee.
parenchymatous goiter Follicular, hyperplastic gonyocele A tuberculous synovitis of the
knee(s).
mass of diffuse thyroid tissue. gonyoncus A neoplasm within the knee.
perivascular goiter That encompassing a large Goodell's sign Softening of the gravid uterus.
blood vessel. Goodpasture's syndrome A rare disease, encom-
retrovascular goiter Development of a mass passing hemosiderosis, hemoptysis, and rapid-
behind a large vessel. ly-progressing glomerulonephritis. Death occurs
simple goiter Hyperplasia without constitution- from renal failure.
al symptomatology. Good Samaritan Law In the United States,
substernal goiter Hypertrophied lower portion physicians who provide care at the scene of an
of the thyroid isthmus. emergency cannot later be accused of malprac-
suffocative goiter The hypertrophied thyroid tice.
which causes dyspnea. goundou Bilateral hyperostosis of the nasal
toxic goiter Exophthalmic goiter. structures of West Africans infected with yaws.
vascular goiter That caused by vascular disten- gout That hereditary metabolic disease, which is
tion of the thyroid. a form of acute arthritis. This exquisite joint
goitrogens Substances which cause goiters. pain/inflammation may occur anywhere, but is
often seen in the foot and knee. Known to enjoy
135
rich foods, these patients have an increased ten- both ends remain intact with established circula-
dency to form uric acid calculi. tion. This is moved in stages, challenging the
Gower's sign Clinical evidence of pediatric mus- circulation, one end at a time. If the staged posi-
cular dystrophy — the child attempts to assume tioning is anatomically incorrect, casting may be
an erect posture by "walking" his/her hands up required.
the thighs in order to stand/walk. periosteum graft Transfer of bone with the
Gradenigo's syndrome Suppurative otitis media periosteal tissue intact.
with temporal pain and paresis of the abducens punch graft Small circles of dermal tissue
nerve. which encourage the patient's dermal cells to fill
gradient Varying degrees in increments. in between the grafts.
gradient solution That in which a hyperplastic sieve graft A portion of skin which is cut to
gland sinks, and a normal gland floats. permit stretching over the larger area receiving
graduated tenotomy Surgical dissection of the the graft.
partial tendon of an ocular muscle. sponge graft That placed over ulceration to
graft Implantation/transplantation. stimulate epidermal growth.
allogenic graft Allograft — that taken from a Thiersch's graft An epidermal graft, used with
nonidentical donor. dermal tissue.
autogenous graft Autodermic graft from an Wolfe's graft Use of full-thickness dermal layer.
uninvolved portion of the patient's body. zooplastic graft That in which an animal is
autologous graft Autogenous, autodermic used as the donor source. This is extremely
graft/transfusion. rare, and precariously unstable.
avascular graft That without vascular infiltra- graft-versus-host reaction/disease Deficient
tion. immune response caused by immunosuppres-
bone graft Often taken from the tibia as an sive treatment, resulting in a pathological
autogenous transplant. response between the graft and the host.
cable graft A non-essential nerve is dissected Gram-equivalent The chemical amount of a sub-
in order to construct a bundle of segments to stance which will react with 1 Gram of hydro-
compile a nerve graft. gen.
cadaver graft Postmortem graft — tissue
which has been harvested from an expired Grancher's disease Splenopneumonia — pneu-
patient's donation. monitis with splenization of the lung(s).
fascicular graft That nerve graft in which each
bundle is sutured separately. grandiosity That pathologically enhanced self-
heterodermic graft Heterograft — that from a concept of one's status, power, ability, wealth, et
donor of another species. al.
homologous graft Homograft — the donor is
from the recipient's species. granular conjunctivitis Trachoma.
isologous graft That in which the donor and granulitis Acute miliary tuberculosis. This dis-
recipient are genetically identical — as are
monozygotic twins. ease might elude diagnosis until autopsy.
lamellar graft Corneal grafting used to repair granulocytopenia Granulopenia — abnormally
opaque, corneal tissues.
Ollier-Thiersch graft The wide dermal strips few granulocytes in the circulation.
used to close a wound. granulocvtosis A pathologic increase of granulo-
omental graft The use of omentum to cover the
suture line of an abdominal organ. cytes.
ovarian graft Implantation of a partial ovary granuloma A granular tumor composed of
into an abdominal wall muscle.
pedicle graft A skin graft which is raised, while epithelioid or lymphoid cells — occurring in
infectious diseases such as syphilis, yaws, cuta-
neous leishmaniasis, Hansen's disease.
apical granuloma Dental granuloma — chronic
apical periodontitis, periapical granuloma.
benign granuloma of the thyroid
Lymphadenoma of this endocrine gland.
coccidioidal granuloma A generalized granulo-
136
matous disease, which is chronic. ashen-gray coloring and flaccidity, leading to
eosinophilic granuloma Xanthomatosis with expiration by 5 days of age.
osseous cysts. Greenfield's disease Metachromatic leukodys-
iridis granuloma That which develops on the trophy.
iris. greffotome An instrument which harvests skin
lipoid granuloma A tumor containing choles- grafts.
terol/fatty cells. grief reaction A full depressive syndrome follow-
lipophagic granuloma That in which the fat ing bereavement — accompanied by anorexia,
cells have undergone phagocytosis by insomnia, and weight loss. Morbid preoccupa-
microphages. tion with worthlessness, irrational grief,
Majocchi's granuloma Trichophytic granuloma marked/prolonged impairment of functioning,
promotes hair growth. suicidal issues, psychomotor retardation, indi-
malignant granuloma Hodgkin's disease, lym- cate that major depression needs to be watched
phogranulomatosis. professionally. Uncomplicated bereavement
paracoccidioidal granuloma should lift in 2-6 months.
Paracoccidioidomycosis. group therapy A support system of a selected
septic granuloma Granuloma pyogenicum. group of psychiatric patients who meet to share
telangiectaticum granuloma That with marked common adjustment needs and growth poten-
vascularization. tial, under a psychotherapist's confrontation,
Wegener's granuloma This rare condition of monitoring and guidance.
unknown etiology presents with granulomatous Grunfelder's reflex Pressure on the posterior
bronchial lesions, glomerulonephritis, and/or fontanel will elicit the infant's Babinski reflex.
necrotizing arteriolitis. gryposis An abnormal curvature of a body part.
granuloma annulare A benign, chronic dermato- guaiac A test for occult (hidden) blood.
sis of the extremities, in a circular distribution. Gubler's paralysis Alternate hemiplegia of the
granulomatosis The development of multiple opposite side of the body.
granuloma. guide dog A "seeing eye dog", trained to assist
granulomatosis ileitis lleocolitis. the blind with mobility (and other) needs.These
granulomatosis siderotica Pulmonary granulo- animals are impeccably trained. Permitted by
mata containing iron. law to enter restaurants, restrooms, stores, per-
granulomatous lipophagia Intestinal lipodystro- formances, et al., these dogs and their masters
phy. go wherever they choose. They may also be
granulomatous pathology Sarcoidosis, tubercu- housed in university dorms and rented property
losis. which forbids pets. They make a remarkable dif-
graphesthesia The recognition and decoding of ference in their owners'freedom/independence.
symbols, words, numbers. Guillain-Barre syndrome
graphorrhea Copious writing of unintelligible Polyradiculoneuropathy, acute polyneuritis,
data. infectious polyneuritis, Landry's paralysis, acute
graphospasm "Writer's cramp". polyneuropathy. This demyelinating, neurologi-
grave That condition which is critical, precarious. cal disease may lead to quadriparesis requiring
Graves' disease Exophthalmic goiter. artificial ventilation. Cardiac monitoring may be
gravid Pregnant. indicated. Prevention of nosocomial infection is
gravidocardiopathy Cardiac conditions exacer- a prime goal of therapy. Plasma exchange is
bated by pregnancy. preferred to corticosteroids. Persistent mental
gray syndrome of the newborn Abdominal dis- fatigue suggests major depression during the
tention, absent sucking reflex, cyanosis, emesis, intensive and prolonged recovery/rehabilitation.
tachypnea with irregular respirations, seen in In time, many of these patients recover fully.
neonates treated with chloramphenicol. Within guillotine That instrument used to excise laryn-
24 hours, these symptoms may progress to geal growths and tonsils.
137
guilt An intense emotion which might be the
most difficult with which to cope.
irrational guilt Often seen in depressedstates,
this plays an active part in death wishes —
with/without suicidal ideation.
Gull's disease Myxedema — that caused by
atrophy of the thyroid.
gunstock deformity That caused by fracture of
the elbow — in which the long axis of the fore-
arm everts.
Giinther's disease Erythropoietic porphyria,
which is congenital.
gurney A hospital or ambulance stretcher on
wheels.
gustatory sweating Auriculotemporal diaphoresis
with flushing, experienced while eating.
gutturotetany Temporary stuttering, caused by
laryngeal spasms.
Guyon's sign Renal ballottement.
gymophobia An exaggeratedaversion to nudity.
gynecogenic Transmission of those characteris-
tics which are feminine.
gynecomania Satyriasis — an abnormal eroto-
genic drive in the male.
gynecomastia Mammary augmentation in the
male — which could involve lactation. Some
cases are drug-related.
gynephobia An exaggeratedaversion to women.
gynoplasty Surgical repair/revision of the female
genitalia.
gyrectomy Excision of a cerebral gyrus.
gyroma An ovarian tumor encompassing a con-
voluted mass.
H
Haab's reflex Pupillary constriction without tion, and progressive rigidity.
accommodation nor convergence, while focus- hallucination(s) An erroneous excitation involv-
ing on a bright object — suggestive of a cortical
lesion. ing one more senses. Unrelated to external
stimuli, these false perceptions (perceived by
habituation Exposureto an addicting substance the patient to be real) may reveal themselves in
— by which dependency is achieved and height- auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, and/or
ened. visual sensations. (Hallucinating patients may
appear to be responding to internal stimuli.)
Haemophilus influenzae H. influenzae — the auditory hallucination(s) Perceptions of
leading cause of invasive bacterial disease sounds not heard through the hearing appara-
among children in the United States. The portal tus.
of entry is the nasopharynx. Children who devel- command hallucination(s) Severe manifesta-
op fever and headache, should be promptly tions in which the patient "hears" orders that
evaluated for neurological signs. This vaccine is s/he must carry out. Believing it to be the "voice
immunogenic in patients at risk for invasive dis- of God" (or other supreme authority), the
ease: sickle-cell disease, leukemia, human patient feels compelled to commit heinous
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the splenec- crimes such as infanticide. Hallucination(s) in
tomized patient. Children in day care are at an aggressive patients should be reported, docu-
increased risk for Hib disease. Invasivedisease mented, and closely monitored, before they
includes meningitis, osteomyelitis, otitis media, escalate.
empyema, pneumonia, septic arthritis, pericardi- egodystonic hallucination(s) Input which is
tis, cellulitis, epiglottitis. alien to the self — critical comments, ridicule of
the patient — from which s/he cannot escape.
Hagedorn needle A curved, surgical needle with The patient's hostility and desperation rise.
flattened edges. egosyntonic hallucination(s) Those auditory
comments which are "heard" as friendly, com-
Hailey-Hailey disease A familial pemphigus plimentary.
which is not malignant. extracampine hallucination(s) Claimed abilities
attributed to "extra" senses: The ability to read
half-life The proportional reduction of strength, minds, to see behind one's back, et al.
regarding radioactivity and drugs. gustatory hallucination(s) That perception of
biological half-life That required by the taste which does not arise from the taste buds.
body/organ/tissue to inactivate half of the sub- haptic hallucination(s) Sensation perceived in
stance received. The time required for an organ- the skin, but not through tactile innervation.
ism's radioactivity to be reduced in half by bio- hypnagogic hallucination(s) Sensations of
logical elimination, combined with radioactive sinking, falling — phenomena experiencedwhile
decay. conscious and approaching sleep.
physical half-life The time required for half the kinetic hallucination(s) Motor hallucinations
nuclei of a radioactive substance to undergo — perceptions of flying, or other movement not
radioactive decay — thereby losing activity. The actually experienced.
time it takes a radioactive substance to excrete microptic hallucination(s) That visual misper-
and metabolize one-half of its energy. ception during which everything appears to be
miniaturized and reduced.
halfway house A group home for psychiatric olfactory hallucination(s) The perception of
patients who no longer need hospitalization, but scents not involving the sense of smell.
who are not ready to live independently in soci- somatic hallucination(s) Visceral symptoma-
ety. tology which elicits referred pain.
tactile hallucination(s) That perception of
halisteresis Halosteresis — deficient calcium being touched — while alone.
(Ca) in the bones.
Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome/disease In pedi-
atrics, a neurological condition which is pro-
gressive and degenerative. This inherited mani-
festation presents with the clinical findings of
athetotic movements, mental/emotional retarda-
139
visual hallucination(s) Viewing absent may present problems resulting from the over-
crowding of other tissues/organs.
objects/persons. Hamman-Rich syndrome Diffuse, interstitial,
hallucinogen An illicit substance which causes pulmonary fibrosis.
Hamman's disease Mediastinal emphysema
extrasensory perception and hallucinations. which occurs spontaneously.
hallucinogen persisting perception disorder The hammer/claw/mallet toes Dorsal flexion of the
second and third phalanges.
flashbacks following use of these illegal stimu- hammer/mallet/baseball finger Flexion deformi-
lants. Marked impairment of functioning may be ty of the distal joint of the finger — caused by
caused by geometric hallucinations, flashing, avulsion trauma to the extensor tendon.
intensified colors, micropsia, macropsia, et al. hand and foot syndrome Painful edema of the
hallucinosis Persistent hallucinations. feet and hands — in the patient with sickle cell
acute alcoholic hallucinosis Alcoholic psy- disease.
chosis with auditory hallucinations, stark fear, hand-foot-and-mouth disease A highly commu-
and anxiety. These patients can be unpre- nicable, painful condition with ulcerative/vesicu-
dictable, with "superhuman strength". lar lesions of the oral mucosa/tongue. Vesicular
halo traction/frame This immobilization (which lesions also appear on the feet and hands.
may be in the form of a horseshoe) facilitates a Hand-Schiiller-Christian disease Xanthoma dis-
more secure ambulatory fixation of the fractured seminatum, histiocytosis X — a rare,
skull/jaw/vertebra. The 4 skeletal screws must pediatric/adolescent condition of unknown etiol-
avoid fracture lines by a wide margin. (These do ogy. Accumulated lipids manifest themselves as
not prenetrate the bone, but epidermal and histiocytic granulomata in the skull and other
periosteal layers.) In using this apparatus for bones, viscera, skin. Diabetes insipidus and
dental-alveolar fractures, the patient's resting exophthalmos may be noted.
anatomical features (nose, lips, et al.) should hanging That accidental or suicidal death quickly
not be distorted by braces, wires, tubing, pro- following suspension of the body by the neck. It
jection rods, nor cap splints. These must be free is significant to remember that hanging may
from pressure necrosis and feeding obstacles. occur from low heights — especially in the acci-
Edentulous (toothless) patients present the dental deaths of children, and horizontally — as
additional complications of lost anatomical land- in deaths from autoerotic asphyxiation. A physi-
marks and no source of intermaxillary fixation. cian must be summoned STAT! If the victim has
Dentures should be brought to the hospital, not expired, s/he may appear to have stroked, or
even if damaged, in case these can facilitate may violently resist attempts to be rescued.
immobilization. Even if the anterior teeth need to Cyanosis and imperceptible vital signs may be
be extracted to achieve this, space must be pre- present, perhaps with tachypnea and occasional
served to allow for an airway, feedings, and oral gasping. Pupillary dilation may be unequal in
hygiene. Wire cutters are mounted above the the presence of cerebral damage. Place the psy-
postoperative patient's bed — in case s/he chiatric patient in maximum seclusion
should vomit. (restrained if combative) — under constant sur-
Halsted's operation Inguinal herniorrhaphy. veillance. Assess for shock and fractures.
Halsted's radical mastectomy Biopsy of the Intensive psychiatric intervention must follow all
breast is performed under general anesthesia. lethal suicide attempts.
Following a positive frozen section, the breast, hangman's fracture Fracture of the second cervi-
lymph nodes, and chest wall muscles are sacri- cal vertebra — as achieved by the executioner's
ficed. This procedure has now evolved to a "hangman's knot", applied as a merciful act.
modified radical mastectomy, with much suc- Hanot's disease Hypertrophic portal cirrhosis
cess and greater acceptance. with secondary jaundice.
hamartoma A benign, self-limiting tumor arising Hansen's disease Leprosy — a minimally com-
from a new growth of normal cells.
multiple hamartoma Cowden's disease, hemar-
tomatosis — congenital, benign tumors, which
140
municable and chronic condition of various Hartman procedure Sigmoid colectomy.
forms: borderline form Bacteriological and clin- Hartnup disease A rare, inherited metabolic con-
ical features represent both lepromatous and
tuberculoid types; indeterminate form Fewer dition resembling pellagra. Clinically, this syn-
skin lesions are noted, with less abundant bac- drome is characterized by dermatologic and
teriae. This form resembles tuberculosis. An central nervous system anomalies.
erythema nodosum leprosum reaction may Haverhill fever A febrile disease transmitted by
develop in the tuberculoid/indeterminate forms rats.
of this disease; lepromatous form Skin lesions headache Cephalgia due to toxic factors of
characterized by symmetrical involvement of endogenous/exogenous origin, endocrine disor-
peripheral nerves, paralysis, anesthesia. This ders, diseases of the special sense organs, sys-
type is more communicable; tuberculoid form temic disease, gastro-intestinal disturbances,
Benign lesions of asymmetrical nerves occur, physiochemical anomalies, gynecological caus-
with dermal anesthesia, and auto-amputation. es, organic brain pathology, et al.
Although protocol no longer requires leprosaria, cluster headache Recurrent with abrupt,
many patients remain in United States' sanitaria intense pain behind one eye with erythema over
by choice, due to their disfigurements/handi- this area, lasting less than 2 hours.
caps. These multiple stigmata include iritis lead- exertional headache Acute discomfort follow-
ing to glaucoma, corneal insensitivity leading to ing strenous activity. This benign form responds
blindness, et al. They will be cared for, for life, to aspirin, reduction of exercise.
at no charge. histamine headache That caused by dilation of
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) Caused branches of the carotid artery, from an excess
by filovirus strains: Ebola Zaire virus, Marburg of histamine in the circulation.
(Germany) virus, Ebola Sudan virus, and the migraine headache Recurrent, severe, often
Hantaan virus, this scourge is carried by the unilateral, associated with nausea and visual
vector deer mice. This was identified at the disturbances. Some attacks may be attributed to
Muerto Canyon in Arizona — translated: emotional conflicts.
"Canyon of the Dead". The symptomatology postlumbar puncture headache Related to
includes blinding headaches, fever, nausea with leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through puncture
vomiting, abdominal pain, hemorrhage from any of the dura mater, when the needle was
orifice, gingival bleeding, hematuria, seizures, removed. A smaller-gauge spinal needle may
tachycardia, hypotension, dyspnea, cough, prevent this complication. Intravenous rehydra-
tachypnea, hypoxia, right heart failure, pul- tion is the intervention of choice.
monary edema, acute respiratory failure, car- subdural headache That which results from
diopulmonary arrest, and death. A lethal respira- cerebrospinal fluid leakage, through a tear in the
tory form of the renal Hantavirus, this version dura/arachnoid mater. An autologous
does not include renal symptoms. Oxygenation epidural/subdural blood patch is effective.
with cardiovascular support are the first course tension headache Pain related to emotional
of intervention. head and/or neck strain.
haphalgesia A painful sensation perceived when thundering headache A sudden, acute cephal-
touched by a non-irritating object. gia which may accompany intracranial hemor-
haphephobia Aversion to the human touch. rhage. Absence of this sign does not rule out
Harrington instrumentation Surgical implanta- intracranial hemorrhage.
tion of Harrington rods, following spinal fusion, head injury Structural damage (of any etiology)
to correct idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. to the cranium. The skull's strength causes it to
Harrison's stent A miniscule catheter inserted suffer deformity before yielding to fracture. The
into the fetal urinary bladder (guided by ultra- cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enables the brain and
sound). This catheter will be in situ upon deliv- spinal cord to float. Still, the cranial vault will
ery. not yield to edema/increase in mass. Brain dam-
age is instantaneous and irreversible. All head
141
trauma should be scanned for this reason. sinoatrial heart block That in which there is
Orbital/maxillofacial fractures may be demon- partial/complete interference with sinoatrial
strated also by distorted facial anatomy. CSF impulses.
may be present in nasal/otic bleeding. The heart disease Cardiopathology/cardiomyopathy.
Glascow Coma Scale remains a most vital neu- ischemic heart disease Insufficient oxygena-
rological assessment. Essential are the observa- tion to the myocardium — most frequently
tions of pupillary status (PERLA) (Pupils Equal caused by atherosclerosis.
and Reactive to Light and Accommodation), heart disease risk factors Age, sex (male),
decerebration, decortication, lateralization, genetics, tobacco abuse, hypertension, obesity,
weakness. Patients with deteriorating levels of inactivity, stress, hyperlipidemia, diabetes melli-
consciousness, uncontrollable hemorrhage, tus, hyperglycemia, decreased high-density
and/or neurological lateralization require a neu- lipoproteins.
rological consult STAT. Major brain damage heart failure Cardiac standstill caused by arte-
injures the mind — possibly impairing cogni- riosclerosis, atherosclerosis, congenital anom-
tion, emotions, and personality for life. aly(s), coronary disease, constrictive pericardi-
classification of head trauma Low risk: tis, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, valvular
Asymptomatic; Minimal symptoms. No neuro- insufficiency.
logical signs: Scalp injuries (except scalping). congestive heart failure Reducedoutflow from
Moderate risk: Altered level of consciousness; the left heart results in abdominal discomfort,
Substance abuse; Skull/basilar/facial fracture; dependent edema, dyspnea, weakness,venous
Child abuse above 2 years. High risk: stasis.
Depressed/deteriorating level of consciousness; left ventricular heart failure Failure to maintain
Focal neurological signs; Depressedfracture; left-sided circulatory output.
Penetrating injury; Total scalping. right ventricular heart failure Inadequate cir-
heart block Cardiac arrhythmia(s) caused by fail- culatory output by the right heart.
ure of conductile tissue of the heart to submit heart-lung bypass That heart-lung machine
impulses. which maintains circulatory and/or respiratory
atrioventricular heart block Impedance of con- functions, while these organs are undergoing
duction at the atrioventricular (A-V) node. surgical reconstruction/transplantation.
bundle branch heart block Interventricular heart murmur Extraneous heart sounds caused
heart block originating at the bundle of His. The by backflow of blood through an incompetent
ventricles fail to beat in rhythmic synchroniza- valve (which could be diseased), or by flowing
tion. through a constricted lumen.
complete heart block Third-degree dissociation innocent heart murmurs Most extraneous car-
between the atrial and ventricular systoles. diac sounds heard in infancy/childhood do not
congenital heart block That present at birth have a pathologic origin. Assessment of the
due to pathological development of the impulse- patient's cardiac history should include mention
conduction system. of cyanosis, diaphoresis, exercise intolerance,
first-degree heart block Becausethe impulse failure to thrive, tachycardia, tachypnea, and all
conduction time is prolonged, this condition is other significant symptoms/milestones. Blood
diagnosed only by noting the exaggeratedP-R pressure is taken on all patients (pts). In chil-
intervals on the cardiogram. dren with coarctation and/or low cardiac output,
partial heart block This second-degree block is blood pressure should be measured in all
demonstrated by two variants. In the extremities. Pulmonary/cardiac auscultation
Wenckebach or Mobitz I variation, the P-R inter- must be assessed for clicks, murmurs, rales,
vals become increasingly longer, until the QRS third/fourth sounds — many of which may be
complex is dropped. The Mobitz II variation innocent. Note the cyanosis of all extremities
reveals consistent prolongation of the P-R inter- and the lips while crying and at rest. Murmurs
vals, with an absent QRS complex. are graded in intensity, 1-6, with descriptions of
142
character. Venous hum is that most frequently be the international rescue for those with a
encountered. Patent ductus arteriosus has a compromised airway. Incorporating subdi-
continuous thrill, heard in the back, unaltered by aphragmatic abdominal thrusts, forces air
head movements. Still's vibratory murmur against the obstructing mass. Before the Red
resembles a honking goose. Louder in the Cross deleted back blows from this protocol,
supine position, this murmur may disappear in this author succeeded in rescuing 2 patients —
the sitting position, or with the Valsalva maneu- only after adding back blows to the effort. This
ver. The intensity will increase with excitement, technique can be self-applied by a knowledge-
exertion, fever, et al. The pulmonary flow mur- able victim.
mur is more commonly auscultated in slender Heimlich maneuver for the drowning Recently,
adolescents, and in anemic children. The bra- Henry Heimlich, MD expanded his technique to
chiocephalic murmur may be heard in late child- encompass those rescued from drowning/near-
hood and adolescence. Resembling other car- drowning, to fill drowning lungs with air. This
diac murmurs, it is not auscultated over the aor- maneuver must be implemented before the vic-
tic valve area. A systolic murmur (carotid bruit) tim can inhale air. (Vomiting does not pose a
common in pediatrics is heard in a significant problem.) All victims must receive
crescendo/decrescendo pattern, and does not prompt medical assessments.
indicate atherosclerotic nor intracranial patholo- Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty Surgical enlarge-
gy- ment of the gastric outlet.
heart transplantation This surgical procedure helcoma Corneal ulcer.
lost popularity, until tissue-matching techniques Heller's disease Dementia infantilis.
were improved. Most replaced valves are not HELLP syndrome That status of the pregnant
biological tissues, but are synthetically manu- patient which requires that her fetus be deliv-
factured. ered STAT — hemolysis, elevated liver
heat exhaustion An acute reaction to heat expo- enzymes, and low platelet count. These findings
sure. will progress to a life-threatening stage with
heatstroke Sunstroke — that dangerous reaction liver function coagulation abnormalities, if inter-
to extreme heat exposure. vention of the pregnancy is not expedient.
heavy chain disease Plasma abnormalities caus- hemachrosis Abnormal redness of carboxyhe-
ing anemia, eosinophilia, leukopenia, lym- moglobin — present in carbon monoxide poi-
phadenopathy, recurrent fever, susceptibility, soning.
thrombocytopenia, weakness. hemagglutination The clumping of erythrocytes.
Heberden's disease Arthritis deformans begins hemangioendothelioma That sarcoma which
with deformity of the fingers which progresses originates from the endothelium of a vein wall.
to ankylosis, exostosis, Heberden's nodes, soft Pain is uncommon. These patients often present
tissue atrophy. with venous obstruction and a mass — which
hedonism Using the pleasure principle as the may fade and absorb without intervention.
objective of one's life — to avoid pain while hemangioma of infancy A congenital, angioma-
seeking pleasure for oneself. tous disorder which may be disfiguring, sight
hedrocele Proctocele — anal prolapse/hernia- endangering, or life-threatening (if organs are
tion. involved). This is seen more often in girls.
heel puncture The site for obtaining a blood These tumors grow rapidly the first year of life,
sample from a premature or term neonate. The causing soft tissue destruction, deformity,
puncture should avoid the posterior curve of the obstruction, hemorrhage, sepsis, heart failure.
heel, and should not go beyond 2.4mm. Therapy options include corticosteroids, radia-
Previous sites should not be used. tion, embolization, etc. If watched, some of
Heerfordt's disease Uveoparotid fever — related these lesions will fade and absorb without treat-
to sarcoidosis. ment.
Heimlich maneuver This technique continues to hemangiosarcoma Angiosarcoma — a malig-
143
nant, vascular neoplasm. tion of blood cells outside the bone marrow —
hemapoiesis Hematopoiesis — blood formation. which is seen in severe anemia/blood
hemarthrosis Hemarthros — effusion of blood dyscrasias.
hematopoietic Hematogenetic, hematoplastic —
into a joint. those tissues which are blood-producing (bone
hematapostema An abscess containing blood. marrow and the lymph nodes). That agent(s)
hematemesis The vomiting of blood which may which stimulates/assists the production of blood
cells.
be clotted, dark, or resembling coffee-grounds hematorrhea Profuse hemorrhage.
(charted as "coffee-ground emesis"). Bleeding hematotympanum Blood present in the middle
originating in the pharynx will be bright red. ear.
(Hematemesis should be differentiated from hematozoon Any organism which is living in
hemoptysis — in which blood is coughed up blood.
but not vomited.) Blood in the stomach will be hematuria Hematocyturia — erythrocytes
vomited. This is sometimes the only indication present in the urine. If passed at the end of
that a tonsillectomized patient is hemorrhaging. voiding, bleeding is in the bladder; If at the
hemathidrosis Hematidrosis — the excretion of beginning of the urine stream, from the urethra;
blood through the sweat gland(s). If clotted, from the ureter; If diluted with urine,
hematinic Hematic — that agent used to treat from the kidney.
anemia. dysmorphic hematuria Considered to be a spe-
hematinuria Hemaglobinuria, hematuria — cific indicator of glomerular hemorrhage, with
blood in the urine. >8,000 erythrocytes. These patients may suffer
hematobilia Hemobilia — blood in the bile/bil- acute renal failure with/without glomerular
iary ducts. pathology. Renal dialysis may be ordered.
hematocelia Hemorrhage into the peritoneal cav- pseudohematuria Reddened urine — not
ity. attributed to erythrocytes.
hematocephalus That infant with congenital hemeralopia Diminished vision in bright lighting
hemorrhaging within the cranium. (which improves in poor lighting). This phe-
hematochezia Defecation of stools with frank nomenon may be noted in albinism, coloboma
blood. of the choroid/iris, conjunctivitis with photopho-
hematocolpos The retention of menstrual blood bia, retinitis with central scotoma, toxic ambly-
within the vagina in the presence of an imperfo- opia.
rate vagina. hemiacephalus Ancephalus — the malformed
hematoma A mass of blood caused by a rup- fetus with a prominently deformed head.
tured vessel. hemiageusia Hemigeusia — the unilateral loss
hematomediastinum Effusion of blood into the of taste.
mediastinal cavity. hemialgia Pain in one-half of the body.
hematometra Uterine hemorrhage — accumula- hemianacusia Unilateral deafness.
tion of menstrual products within the uterus. hemianencephaly Infants in whom half of the
hematomyelia Hematorrhachis — hemorrhage brain is congenially absent.
into the spinal cord. hemianopsia Hemiamblyopia, hemiamaurosis,
hematonephrosis Hemonephrosis — that accu- hemiopia, hemianopia — loss of one-half of the
mulation of blood in the renal pelvis. visual field unilaterally or bilaterally.
hematopericardium Pericardial tamponade — a altitudinal hemianopsia Vision lost in the
cardiac crisis. Bleeding within the pericardial superior/inferior half of the visual field.
sac will constrict the heart from beating. binasal hemianopsia Blindness in the temporal
hematoperitoneum Hemoperitoneum — that halves of both eyes.
bloody effusion into the peritoneal cavity. bitemporal hemianopsia Blindness in the tem-
hematopoiesis Hematogenesis — the produc- poral halves of both eyes.
tion of blood.
extramedullary hematopoiesis That produc-