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

194

exophthalmos, hysteria, exhaustion. Injury to throughout the body — which assume an
the exposed cornea and conjunctiva may occur. importance in surgery. When incisions are
This phenomenon is normal when seen in chil- developed along these lines, scarring is mini-
dren. mized.
lag phase The latent period between stimulation Lange's test Confirmatory of cerebrospinal
and response, bacterial innoculation and syphilis according to the degree of gold precipi-
growth. tation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
languor Lassitude, exhaustion.
la grippe Influenza. lanugo That down which covers the newborn
laliatry That study and rehabilitation of speech infant.
laparocele Abdominal herniation.
defects/disorders. laparocolostomy Colostomy, laparocolotomy —
lallation Stammering which resembles babbling. surgical formation of a diversion by bringing
bowel through an abdominal incision, through
Infantile speech. which excretion occurs. This state may be tem-
lalognosis The study of speech. porary or permanent.
lalopathology Those medical features of speech laparocystectomy Laparocystotomy — extrac-
tion of a cyst or other tissue through an abdom-
pathology. inal incision.
lalopathy Disorderedspeech. laparocystidotomy Incision of the bladder devel-
lalophobia Fear of speech errors. oped through an abdominal approach.
laloplegia Paresis of the speech muscles. laparogastrostomy Celiogastrostomy — the cre-
lalorrhea That abnormal flow of speech which ation of a permanent gastric fistula through the
abdominal wall.
may be organic or psychiatric. laparohepatotomy An abdominal incision into
Lamaze technique Psychoprophylaxis during the liver, hepatotomy.
laparohysterosalpingo-oophorectomy Pan hys-
childbirth, achieved by breathing techniques
which enhance relaxation. The goal is that anes- terectomy.
thesia will not be required. laparomyitis Inflammation of the abdominal wall
lambliasis Giardiasis.
laminectomy Excision of the posterior arch of a muscles.
laparomyomectomy Excision of an abdominal
vertebra(e).
laminotomy Dissection of a vertebral lamina(e). muscle tumor.
lamprophonia The marked clarity/articulation of laparonephrectomy Surgical removal of a kidney

orators. via a lumbus approach.
lancet A small lance, a small 2-edged scalpel. laparorrhaphy Celiorrhaphy — that surgical
lancinating That knife-like, cutting pain.
landmark That which becomes a reference point. repair of a wound in the abdominal wall.
laparosalpingectomy Excision of the fallopian
Anatomical landmarks are an asset to accurate tube(s) via an abdominal approach.
assessment. laparoscopy Abdominal and pelvic examinations
Landouzy-Dejerine atrophy Degeneration of
facial and scapulohumeral musculature, a mus- and proceduresconducted through a laparo-
cular dystrophy. scope.
Landry's ascending paralysis Guillian-Barre syn- laparosplenectomy Excision of the spleen via an
drome, acute dysimmune polyneuropathy — abdominal approach.
that acute febrile polyneuritis of unknown etiolo- laparotomy Ventrotomy, celiotomy.
gy. Preceded by nonspecific febrile illness, mul- exploratory laparotomy That surgery under-
tiple nerve involvement with pain and symmetri- gone in the presence of an acute abdomen of a
cal weakness begins in the extremities. This patient presenting without conclusive clinical
ascends to involve the musculature of the trunk. findings.
Paresis of respiratory muscles will require a laparotrachelotomy Cesarean section via pelvic
ventilator. Eventual recovery often follows reha-
bilitation.
Langer's lines Rarely visible cleavage lines

195

incision at the lower uterus. appendage to the larynx.
laryngeal foreign body The patient who presents laryngocentesis Laryngeal puncture/incision.
laryngoedema Allergic, life-threatening swelling
with dyspnea, universal choking sign, spasmod-
ic cough, and pain at a fixed point in the throat of the larynx. Emergency tracheotomy or endo-
should be suspected of having a lodged foreign tracheal intubation is mandatory for survival.
body. If able to cough and/or speak, do not laryngomalacia Softening of the larynx.
interfere with his/her attempts to dislodge the laryngoparalysis Paresis of the laryngeal mus-
obstruction. If s/he becomes aphonic and/or culature.
unable to cough, apply the Heimlich maneuver. laryngopharyngectomy Excision of the larynx
Anticipate the necessity of a tracheotomy. and pharynx. Rehabilitation will be extensive.
laryngopharyngitis Pharyngolaryngitis —
laryngeal vertigo Tussive syncope in those with inflammation of the pharynx/larynx.
chronic bronchitis who cannot cease from laryngophony Those vocal sounds heard during
coughing. pharyngeal auscultation.
laryngoplasty Plastic surgery to achieve laryn-
laryngectomy Excision of the larynx. Intensive geal repair.
preoperative patient education is mandatory — laryngoplegia Laryngeal paralysis.
that the patient be able to cope with this radical laryngorrhagia Hemorrhage of the larynx.
ablation of his/her life-long ability to communi- laryngospasm A fatal complication of the induc-
cate verbally. Simple signing, flash cards, tion of an endoscope or other stimulus.
"magic slate" and other methods need to be laryngostenosis Stricture of the larynx — a seri-
understood by these patients prior to surgery. In ous emergency which may require tracheotomy.
addition to the tracheotomy, NPO (non per os laryngostomy That surgical creation of a perma-
— nothing by mouth) status for one week post- nent stoma from the neck into the larynx.
operatively, aphonia, and the inability to suck, laryngotracheobronchitis Inflammation of the
smell, and smoke add to the patient's chal- larynx, trachea, and bronchi — which can be
lenged adjusting and coping. Carefully assess fatal in infants and young children. Angina tra-
these patients for carotid artery rupture, tracheal cheobronchitis.
stenosis, fistula formation. Counsel them in laryngoxerosis Laryngeal dryness which is
their grieving over altered body image and self- pathological.
esteem — which may also accompany a poor Lasegue's sign Back pain elicited in the supine
prognosis. patient when the extended leg is raised.
LASER Light amplification by stimulated emis-
laryngempraxis Laryngeal obstruction. sion of radiation. This extremely intense, unified
laryngismus stridulus Spasmatic croup. beam of radiation is capable of a multitude of
laryngitis Laryngeal inflammation with some accomplishments, including incision and diag-
nosis.
degree of loss of voice. Smoking is contraindi- Lassa fever A fatal Nigerian disease spread by
cated. rats. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting,
acute catarrhal laryngitis Severe diarrhea, conjunctival injection, flushing, dizzi-
hoarseness/aphonia with pain upon swallowing ness, pharyngitis, headache, chest/abdominal
and speaking. pain, generalized neuralgia, high fever.
chronic laryngitis That secondary to a recur- Hemorrhagic areas may appear on the 4th day
rent irritation, nasal/sinus pathology, tobacco of disease.
abuse, neoplasm, alcohol abuse, verbal abuse. lassitude Exhaustion.
hypertrophic laryngitis Voice overuse — an last rites The minister's/priest's anointing of the
occupational hazard of singers, ministers, teach- dying patient. (In giving clergy condition
ers, orators, statesmen. reports, they are regarded as members of the
syphilitic laryngitis A chronic condition with family, as well as members of the treatment
possible cicatrization and deformity.
tuberculous laryngitis That which follows pul-
monary tuberculosis.
laryngocele A congenital air sac — an abnormal

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team.) The nurse should assist the patient's is common.

spiritual needs as per his/her beliefs, not the Hilton's law The nerve trunk supplying the joint

nurse's. The date of anointing should be entered also supplies the muscle(s) that moves the joint

in the cardex. and skin over the insertion of that muscle.

latah A psychiatric disorder of southeast Asian Koch's postulate To prove the organization of a

women which is characterized by blind obedi- disease, pure cultures must be obtained and

ence, echolalia, coprolalia, echokinesia. grown from them.

latent That which is concealed, hidden, inactive, Marey's law Arterial blood pressure and the

inapparent, occult, quiet. heart rate vary inversely.

latent content That which cannot be brought into Murphy's law That which can go wrong, will.

objective memory despite the patient's efforts to (Although not a medical premise, this is fre-

recall this material. quently cited in professional circles.)

latent period Lag phase — the period between a Nysten's law Rigor mortis progresses from the

stimulus and its response. A period of incuba- muscles of mastication to the facial muscles,

tion. abdominal muscles, those of the arms, legs,

laterality Choosing sides. That side which is and finally, of the feet.

dominant. Rubner's laws Laws of constant energy con-

lateropulsion Cerebellar/labyrinthine ataxia, in sumption, and growth quotient.

which the subject falls to one side. Waller's law If a spinal nerve is divided com-

laterosemiprone position Sims' position. pletely, the distal portion will undergo fatty

laterotorsion Twisting to the side. degeneration.

lattice corneal dystrophy That unassisted, with law of the intestines Distention causes relax-

systemic pathology. ation below that point, contraction above.

laudable Commendable. laxative An agent which facilitates defecation,

Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome An inherited and treats constipation. The action may be to

skull deformity with girdle-type obesity, mental increase bulk within the bowel, to lubricate the

retardation, polydactyly, retinal degeneration, intestinal walls, to irritate the intestinal mucosa,

and sexual underdevelopment. and/or to increase peristalsis.

lavage Irrigation of a body cavity. layer Stratum.

gastric lavage Irrigation to aspirate ingested, lazaretto An overseas leprosarium, communica-

toxic materials, or to preoperatively prepare the ble disease hospital, or quarantine station.

stomach for surgery. lead An insulated wire which connects electronic

La Veen shunt The peritoneovenour diversion cardiac monitoring equipment to the patient.

which relieves cirrhotic ascites more effectively This tracing may be read at the bedside and/or

than does periodic large-volume paracentesis. transmitted to the nurses' station.

Neither enhances the survival rates of these lead encephalopathy That syndrome which

patients. includes rapid absorption of a toxic level of lead.

law That statement which holds true for an entire Ataxia with falls, restlessness, insomnia,

class of natural occurrences. A proven theorem. headaches, vertigo, and clumsiness are followed

all-or-none law The least stimulus will causea by projectile vomiting, excitation, confusion,

cardiac muscle to react fully, or not at all. convulsions, and coma. An abrupt and marked

Bell's law The law of Magendie — posterior increase in intracranial pressure precedesdeath.

spinal nerve roots are sensory, anterior roots Survivors may have optic atrophy, cerebral

are motor. palsy, electroencephalographic anomalies, men-

biogenetic law Haeckel's law: Ontogeny reca- tal retardation, and/or a damaged central ner-

pitulates phylogeny. vous system (CNS).

Courvoisier's law Dilatation of the gallbladder leaden paralysis That subjective sensation of

is rare when the common bile duct is obstructed heaviness of the extremities — which may be

by a calculus. With other obstructions, dilatation present in the psychomotor retardation stage of

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major depression. Because the patient may Patten-Bearing brace for Legg-Calve-Perthe's
attribute this feeling to profound weakness, Disease. (The 3" lifts made this 3-year-oldinstantly
stifness, or being "out of condition", s/he may
not mention this "insignificant" detail. It is nec- taller.)
essary that the clinician ask.
lead poisoning A toxic accumulation of lead transplantation. Designed to render total heart
(Pb). replacement which is no longer necessary post-
acute lead poisoning Whether inhaled or operatively, these pumps are still experimental,
ingested, these victims present with anorexia, and still undergoing testing.
Burton's lines (blue outlining of the lips), coma, Legg-Calve-Perthe's disease Osteochondritis
convulsions, diarrhea, headache,stupor, and/or deformans juvenilis. Pseudocoxalgia— aseptic
vomiting. Establish and secure the airway, con- necrosis of the epiphysis of the femoral head.
trol the convulsion, and administer chelating This rare condition is usually seen in 10-13
agents (to chemically bind the lead). These year-old boys, but may affect girls or children as
patients will be maintained on penicillamine for young as 3 years. All modalities of the treatment
months, during which they will require close philosophies agree on one premise — weight-
monitoring for the adverse reactions of bearing is forbidden because of the risk of
angioneurotic edema, neutropenia, and protein- developing a coxa plana deformity. Since pain is
uria. This drug is contraindicated for patients uncommon, the child may lose interest in com-
with nephropathology/penicillin sensitivity. plying with a "nuisance protocol". To avoid the
chronic lead poisoning The gastrointestinal daily contest around when the brace goes on,
tract, hemopoietic (blood-producing) tissues, the child should not be given this option. (Is
and nervous systems will be damaged. The s/he up out of bed? The brace is on.) Treatment
patient must be removed from the source of no longer takes the form of the Sam Browne
exposure, and not be permitted to return. belt with crutches. Patten-bearing braces which
Maintenance follows the acute protocol. keep the diseased hip(s) in abduction, spica
learning disability Inability to decode/grasp the
concepts of mathematics, reading, and writing,
et al. — regardless of the etiology.
Leber's disease Leber's optic atrophy — trans-
mitted by the female, this sex-linked condition is
exhibited by the male.
Leboyer method A French philosophy of obstet-
rics which claims enhanced physical/mental
development from the moment of birth. A
peaceful, gentle environment with subdued
lighting and music is the ambiance for delivery.
The mother immediately "and daily" caresses
her newborn infant.
lecithin Phospholipids. Those who receive this
health supplement will gain weight.
Leeuwenhoek's disease Respiratory myoclonus
— diaphragmatic contractions which produce
epigastric pulsations and windedness. Surgical
sectioning of the phrenic nerve may be indicat-
ed — as well as for intractable hiccoughs.
left ventricular assist device The mechanical
cardiac pump which assists the failing left heart.
This instrument is removed following cardiac

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casting, surgery, and/or confinement to a wheel- lentitis Phacitis, phakitis — inflammation involv-

chair may be employed. Some cases of bilateral ing the crystalline lens.

involvement may be given a Scottish Rite brace. leontiasis ossea That rare hyperostosis includ-

Ambulation for these braced children is ing leonine distortion of facial bones, as noted

extremely ungainly. But they still learn to play in advanced Hansen'sdisease.

and function. The concept which allows braced lepidosis Any desquamating dermatitis.

ambulation holds that revascularization of the leprechaunism Donohue's syndrome — a rare,

acetabulum and head of the femur(s) will occur, genetic disorder encompassing mental/physical

as new bone lies down where stress occurs. retardation. Elfin fades are pathognomonic.

Whether the child has unilateral or bilateral leptomeningitis Piarachnitis — infection of the

involvement, s/he should be given range of pia mater and arachnoid meninges. Clinically

motion (ROM) hip exercises every bedtime. similar to pachymeningitis with cephalgia, back

(With the child lying on the bed, "bicycle" the pain, irritability, nuchal rigidity, somnolence, and

legs. This should not be done by the child, since coma may also be noted.

full range will not be reached that way.) These leptospirosis Canicola fever, infectious jaundice,

children should be encouraged to retain their Weil's disease/syndrome. This may appear from

self-image as well children — responsible for "inapparent" to "fatal". This occupational dis-

complying with parents' and teachers' expecta- ease may be acquired in a contaminated envi-

tions, as well as self-goals. ronment. The abrupt leptospiremic phase pre-

Legionnaires' disease Legionellosis — an sents with chilling, headache, spiking fever,and

acute, severe pneumonitis complicated by arthralgia. The immune phase coordinates with

cough, gastrointestinal symptomatology, myal- serum antibodies, while meningitis symptoma-

gia. Organ dysfunctioning may lead to cardio- tology develops. This spirochetal infection may

vascular collapse and death. prove to be abortifacient. Supportive nursing

Leigh's disease/syndrome Subacute, familial, care is given under enteric precautions.

necrotizing encephalomyelopathy. A progressive Leriche's syndrome Thrombolic occlusion of the

pediatric disease with brain stem involvement, aortic bifurcation, producing diminished/absent

central hypoventilation, hepatomegaly, lactic femoral pulses, impotence, claudication.

acidemia, optic atrophy. This neurodegenerative Leri's plenonosteosis An inherited anomaly con-

disorder may include both cerebral/cerebellar sisting of flexion contractures of the fingers,

atrophy with tonic/myoclonic seizures. broad thumbs, short height, slanting eyebrows.

Leiner's disease Exfoliative dermatitis. lesbianism Sapphism — female homosexuality.

leiodermia That dermatitis from which the skin Lesch-Nyhan disease A hereditary condition in

becomes smooth and glossy. which an essential metabolic enzyme is absent.

leiomyosarcoma An intestinal tumor which These male patients exhibit renal failure, self-

achieves marked growth, prior to becoming mutilation, aggression, mental retardation.

symptomatic. By this time, mesenteric/peri- lesion Normal tissue which has been pathologi-

toneal metastases may have occurred, with per- cally altered.

foration caused by necrosis. Bowel resection is lethal That which leads to death.

the surgical procedure of choice. lethal factor An abnormal genetic factor which

leishmaniasis That cutaneous, nasal, pharyn- causes death before reproductivity has been

geal, and visceral infection caused by biological reached.

vectors. lethal suicidality That attempt to suicide which,

Lemierre's disease Post-anginal sepsis followed had it not been interrupted by rescue, the rope

by multiple, serious complications. Recovery — breaking, running out of gas, vomiting the toxic

if the patient survives — may be prolonged. overdose, being discovered, et al., — would

lemoparalysis Esophageal paresis. have been successful. The juvenile/mentally

lentectomy Surgical excision of the crystalline deficient person who believed that 3 aspirin

lens. (ASA) would end his/her psychic pain is not cat-

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egorized as having attempted a suicidal gesture acute granulocyticleukemia Acute myeloblas-
(as by manipulative patients), but a suicidal tic leukemia.
attempt. This places these patients at high lethal acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) A lethal
risk. form of this disease, to which the patient will
lethargy Stupor — an inalert status with poor rapidly succumb. The clinical abnormalities of
functioning. this progressive form are seen in splenomegaly.
hysteric lethargy A hypnotic stage of sleep. (Spleens with evidence of pathology should
This is the status of cases which have been never be palpated by nurses.) Splenic trans-
found to have been "cured" by some charismat- plants in children carry a poor prognosis. This
ic "healers". form of leukemia is rarely known to Asians.
induced lethargy A hypnotic trance, after which acute myelogenousleukemia (AML) Acute
nothing will be graphically recalled. The subject nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) is the pre-
will not violate his/her will. dominant neonatal form of this malignant and
lucid lethargy That total loss of muscular acute, terminal pathology. Anemia, ecchymosis,
response and willpower, during which cognition lethargy, irritability keep these children from
is retained. The patient may know/abhor that having many well moments in which they feel
which is occurring, but also may be unable to like themselves. Over the many months, parents
act in his/her defense. face constant stress from many concerns, while
lethologica The memory lapse of a name, word, the patients fearfully regard themselves to be
intention. "human pin cushions". Many parents of desper-
Letterer-Siwe disease That development of ately and terminally ill children support each
granulomatous lesions with histiocytic prolifera- other. This form may also be diagnosed in mid-
tion common to reticuloendotheliosis, histiocy- dle age.
tosis X, Hand-Schuller-Christian syndrome, as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) This pro-
well as eosinophilic granuloma of bone tissue. gressive, generalized form is more common in
Appearing prior to age 3 years, this syndrome is the geriatric male, and seldom seen in the Asian
fatal if untreated. Hepatosplenomegaly and patient (pt).
widespread pulmonary infiltration may be seen. chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) A
There is no known etiology, nor treatment of unique chromosomal anomaly associated with
choice — other than palliation and cortisone to neoplastic disease, in which an overgrowth of
treat the pulmonary pathology. granulocytes in the bone marrow causes severe
leucinosis Excess of this essential amino acid in clinical manifestations. Cytotoxic agents/regi-
the system, causing leucinuria. mens may be mixed (alternated) in hopes of
leucitis Scleritis. "confusing" this vicious pathology. Sibling bone
leukapheresis Separation of leukocytes from the marrow transplantation sometimes achieves
patient's blood — which is then retransfused remission.
without the leukocytes. leukemoid Leukemic symptoms which are not
leukemia Leukocythemia — an acute/chronic caused by leukemia.
malignancy of the leukocytes, of unknown etiol- leukoblastosis Proliferation of immature leuko-
ogy. Classification is crucial for optimal progno- cytes.
sis and treatment planning of each case. Signs leukocytolysis Leukolysis — that destruction of
and symptoms are myriad, involving multiple white blood cells.
systems — fever, hemorrhage with petechiae, leukocytoma A tumor formation of white blood
and of mucous membranes. Gastrointestinal cells.
hemorrhage, lethargy, profound weakness, leukocytopenia Leukopenia — an abnormal fall
hematuria, irritability, headache, nausea with in white blood corpuscles, < 5,000/cu mm.
emesis become chronic. Bone/joint pain are leukocytosis That elevation (> 10,000/cu mm) of
prominent as the chief complaints, keeping the white blood cells seen in the presence of allergy,
patient in a debilitated status. coronary occlusion, diphtheria, eosinophilic

200

leukocytosis, extensive surgery, hemorrhage, Because this sometimes reaches litigious areas,
Hodgkin's disease, infection, infestation, intoxi- the nurse needs to chart responsibly — even
cation, malignancy, pneumonia, pregnancy, sep- defensively.
sis, toxemia. The leukocytosis of leukemia can
reach 1,000,000/cu mm. libido Sexual drive. Psychic energy.
leukocyturia An elevation of white blood cells in Libman-Sacks' disease Verrucous, nonbacterial
the urine.
leukodystrophy Sclerotic white matter. endocarditis.
metachromatic leukodystrophy The clinical licentiate One who is licensed to practice a pro-
signs include dementia, gait disturbances,
hyperreflexia, spasticity. This inherited disease, fession.
which appears after the first year of life, may be lichen Papular dermatitis — which may be fun-
fatal within the next ten years.
leukoerythroblastosis Anemia of any etiology gal.
which inactivates/infiltrates the marrow. hypertrophic lichen planus Of unknown etiolo-
leukomyelopathy Disease states of the spinal gy, this pruritic, inflammatory dermatitis may
cord white matter. progress to scaly patches and oral lesions —
leukonecrosis White gangrene. which may be widespread.
leukonychia Canites unguium — white marks on lichenification Cutaneous sclerosis developing
the nails. These grow off. from a dermatitis.
leukopenia Granulocytopenia, leukocytopenia, Lichtheim's syndrome Spinal cord degeneration,
marked decrease of white blood cells, <5,000/cu secondary to pernicious anemia.
mm. lienitis Splenitis.
leukoplakia Precancerous lesions on oral life Viability as evidenced by adaptation, growth,
mucous membranes. metabolism and reproduction. That time span
leukoplakia buccalis Premalignant mucosal between conception and death.
lesions of the cheek. Li-Fraumeni syndrome A familial predisposition
leukoplakia lingualis Premalignant mucosal for malignancy. Characterized by an unusually
lesions of the tongue. high incidence of sarcoma, premenopausal
leukoplakia vulvae Kraurosis vulvae — a geri- breast carcinoma, diverse neoplasm, this rare
atric, genital degeneration. phenomenon is evident in brain tumors,
leukorrhea Leukorrhagia — cervical/vaginal leukemia, and adrenocortical carcinoma.
secretions. ligature Suture material — of multiple sources.
leukosarcoma Malignant lymphoma with lightening The engagement of the presenting
leukemic leukocytes. fetal part into the pelvis — prior to parturition.
Le Veen shunt A peritoneal diversion of ascites lightning injuries The systematic damage to the
(by shunt) to the venous circulation. victim of a direct strike may affect the cardio-
Levine tube That nasogastric tube used for
decompensation of the gastrointestinal tract. vascular/neurological systems.
levoduction Movement toward the left. limb An extremity, extension.
levotorsion Levorotation, levoversion, levoclina-
tion — twisting to the left. anacrotic limb That ascending portion of the
levulosemia That presence of circulatory fruc- cardiographic pulse wave.
tose. catacrotic limb The descending portion of the
levulosuria Urinary fructose. cardiographic pulse wave.
Lhermitte's phenomenon That symptom (not pectoral limb An arm, thoracic limb.
sign) of pain as a sudden electric shock, upon pelvic limb Aleg.
flexion of the cervical spine. limbic Marginal. That system of cranial struc-
liability One's responsibility for his/her conduct. tures which is stimulated by arousal and behav-
ior — to influence the autonomic and endocrine
systems.
limit That point which can/may/must/should not
be passed.
assimilation limit Those high and low parame-
ters beyond which sounds cannot be heard.

201

elastic limit The extent to which an object can injections among women and children. Insulin
be bent/stretched, and returned to its original lipodystrophy.
size. lipocardiac The patient afflicted with fatty degen-
limit of flocculation The amount of a toxin or eration of the heart.
toxoid which, when combined with its antitoxin, lipocatabolism The metabolic breakdown of adi-
will cause and enhance the fastest precipitation. pose cells.
limit of perception The normal scope of visual lipoceratous Adipoceratous — that substance
acuity. The smallest item one can see with the formed when a body decomposes in an air-tight,
unassisted eye. moist environment.
limitation of motion That restriction of move- lipocyte An adipose cell. A fat cell.
ment imposed by disease, trauma, appliance, lipodystrophy Defective metabolism of adipose
physician's orders, contractures, traction, cast- tissue.
ing, et al. insulin lipodystrophy Subcutaneous atrophy at
limosis An abnormal appetite. the sites of unrotated insulin injections. Insulin
lincture Linctus — a component of cough lipoatrophy.
syrups, lozenges. intestinal lipodystrophy Granulomatous
linitis Inflammation of the gastric mucosa. lipophagia presenting with arthritis, weakness,
linitus plastica Inflammation with gastric hyper- weight loss, steatorrhea, and/or fat deposits in
trophy, caused by neoplasm. mesenteric/intestinal lymphatic tissue.
lipacidemia Excessivefatty acids in the circula- progressive lipodystrophy Symmetrical, pro-
tion. gressive atrophy of subcutaneous fat cells from
lipaciduria Fatty acids excreted in the urine. the face, neck, arms, upper trunk.
lipectomy Surgical excision of fatty tissue. lipofuscinosis That abnormal deposit of semisol-
suction lipectomy Lipoplasty — uble lipid pigment in smooth and cardiac mus-
extraction/aspiration of subcutaneous adipose cle cells.
tissue. lipogranulomatosis Disordered metabolism of
lipedema Dependent, pitting edema of bilateral fat in which central fat cells become necrotic,
involvement in the female patient. This is while adjacent cells become granulomatous.
caused by accumulation of subcutaneous fluid lipoidemia Excessive circulatory lipids.
in the blood. Assessment of the standing patient lipoiduria The presence of urinary lipids.
should observe both legs, from the groins to the lipolysis Lipoclasis — fat decompensation.
feet, anterior and posterior, noting variations. lipolytic enzyme Lipase — a catalyst which
lipemia Pionemia — excessive level of circulat- decomposes fat.
ing fat. lipoma Adipoma, lipoblastoma, pimeloma —
alimentary lipemia Postprandial accumulation that fatty tumor which may be multiple, but not
of fat in the blood. metastatic.
lipemia retinalis That present in hyperlipopro- cystic lipoma That containing fluid-filled cysts.
teinemia. diffuse lipoma The ambiguously circumscribed
lipid histiocytosis Neimann-Pick disease. fatty tumor.
lipidosis Lipoidosis — disorders of fat metabo- hernial lipoma Lipocele.
lism. osseous lipoma A fatty tumor with calcareous
arterial lipidosis Arteriosclerosis. degeneration of the connective tissue.
cerebroside lipidosis Gaucher's disease — lipoma arborescens A fatty tumor occurring in
familial deposits of glucocerebroside in reticu- the joint — which may present as monoarticular
loendothelial cells. involvement of the knee. Pain and limitation of
lipiduria Urinary lipids. motion may be observed in these patients.
lipoarthritis Inflamed fatty tissues of the joints. lipoma diffusum renis Lipomatosis renis — that
lipoatrophy Lipoatrophia — subcutaneous loss fatty infiltration of renal parenchyma.
of fat tissue at the sites of unrotated insulin lipoma telangiectodes That rare fatty tumor with

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abundant vascularization. nous products.
lipomatosis Adiposis, liposis, obesity — exces- lithiasis The formation of calculi.
lithiasis biliaris The formation of gallstones.
sive fat cells deposited in localized areas. lithiasis nephritica Nephrolithiasis.
lipomeningocele Meningeal herniation with fat lithiasis renalis Renal calculi — kidney stones.

cell lobules. lithicosis Pneumonoconiosis — stone cutters'
lipomeria The congenital absence of a fetal silicosis.

extremity. lithium The drug (an element) of choice for bipo-
liposarcoma That malignant, embryonal, lar (mood) disorder ("manic depression") —
which is also effective in treating resistent major
lipoblastic tumor. depression. Success has been demonstrated in
lipostomy A congenially absent or miniature treating children with lithium — who are too
aggressive to remain in school. The therapeutic
mouth. serum levels are adjacent to the toxic levels, and
Lippes' loop An intrauterine contraceptive need to be closely monitored. This mood stabi-
lizing agent closes up wide mood swings. In
device, developed by an obstetrician. another indication, it has been discovered that
lip reflex That lip movement which reflexively the acute, exquisitely painful herpes simplex
virus responds dramatically to Eskalith as sprin-
occurs when the angle of a sleeping person's kled from the capsule.
mouth is suddenly, lightly tapped.
lipsis animi Syncope — fainting. lithocenosis Extraction of calculi fragments from
lipuria Pimeluria — fat cells in the urine. within the bladder.
liquefaction The conversion of solids into liq-
uids. lithoclast Forceps used to pulverize a large cal-
liquid That state of matter which flows without culus.
being melted.
liquid diet Nourishment which is in a potentially lithoclasty The pulverization of calculi into frag-
flowing state (as eaten, thawed, set, and/or ments, to allow excretion by voiding.
melted).
clear liquid diet Fluids through which it is pos- lithoclysmia The injection of agents into the uri-
sible for light to pass — including gelatin and
sherbet. nary bladder to dissolve calculi. These chemi-
full liquid diet All soups, juices, ice cream, cals cannot be both safe and effective.
sherbet, fluids. lithocystotomy Excision of calculi through the
lisp The speech defect in which the sound "th" is bladder wall.
spoken for the sibilants "s" and "z". lithodialysis Litholysis — the dissolution/frag-
lissencephaly Failure of the brain to develop mentation of a calculus by injected solvent.
cerebral gyri. lithogenesis The formation of a calculus.
lissotrichy Straight hair. lithokonion Lithomyl — that instrument used to
listeriosis A form of meningitis which may be fragmentize a vesicular calculus.
transmitted transplacentally. If this does not litholabe The holder for an extracted calculus.
cause intrauterine abortion, neonatal mortality litholapaxy That surgical procedure of crushing
may reach 100% in the first 4 postpartum days. a calculus within the urinary bladder. These
Penicillin is the drug of choice. fragments are then irrigated per catheter in this
lithagogue That agent which expels a ultrasonic procedure.
calculus/calculi. lithomyl Lithokonion, lithotrite — an instrument
lithecbole The passage/ejection of a calculus/cal- which pulverizes vesicular calculi.
culi. lithonephritis A renal inflammation which is sec-
lithectasy Extraction of a calculus in the bladder ondary to a calculus/calculi.
via the dilated urethra. lithonephrotomy That extraction of calculi, via
lithectomy Surgical excision of a calculus. renal surgery (such as that required for a
lithemia Excessive uric/lithic acid in the circula- staghorn calculus).
tion, due to inadequate metabolism of nitroge- lithopedion Ostembryon, osteopedion — an

203

intrauterine/extrauterine fetal expiration which plegia, musculo-skeletal anomalies.
has become calcified. littritis Infected urethral glands.
lithophone An auscultory instrument which liver Essential in the functions of conversion,
assists confirmation that bladder calculi are pre-
sent. deaminization, excretion, production of heat and
lithoscope That instrument by which calculi may plasma proteins, regulation of blood volume, fil-
be studied while in the urinary bladder. tering, synthesis, this organ is crucial for sur-
lithotome A scalpel used to perform extraction of vival.
a calculus. acute yellow atrophy of the liver This disease
lithotomy Surgical extraction of calculi by inci- is both rare and fatal, characterized by marked
sion into the urinary tract. Preoperatively/post- cerebral deterioration and pathology.
operatively, all urine from these patients is to be carcinoma of the liver Rarely of primary origin,
measured and strained. this malignancy involves metastasis to the liver.
biliary lithotomy That operative procedure by Symptomatology includes cachexia,
which calculi are removed from the gallbladder hepatomegaly, jaundice, severe pain, weight
and/or its common bile duct. loss prior to demise.
high lithotomy The surgical extraction of cirrhosis of the liver Generalized hepatic dis-
stones, achieved through a suprapubic incision. ease with impaired function, due to fibrotic tis-
lithotomy position Of use in pelvic examinations, sue changes and nodule formation. As this
parturition, pelvic surgery of both male/female pathology develops, portal circulation adapts
patients, the patient is supine with knees and/or new avenues and channels. End-stage disease
feet in stirrups. reveals encephalopathy which may include
lithotripsy Lithotrity — the crushing of calculi in asterixis (flapping tremor), and/or hallucina-
the urethra/bladder. tions, mental dullness. The most frequent cause
extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) of cirrhosis is alcoholism. (When cirrhosis is
The medical procedure which crushes renal cal- seen in patients who have never consumed
culi by electro-hydrolically generatedpressure alcohol, it is presumed that this liver damage
waves. The patient rests in a water bath, or on a resulted from "missed" hepatitis, years prior to
Shockwave conducting water cushion — which the current diagnostic findings.)
eliminates the need for the bath. Following an liver failure The cessation of portal functioning
epidural/general anesthetic, ultrasonic waves are of this vital organ may be due to hepatic pathol-
administered to pulverize the calculi. Because ogy, or to excessive demands beyond its func-
they are coupled to the patient's cardiac rhythm, tional capacity.
the body tissue is not harmed by the shocks. living will That final directive, prepared, signed,
lithotriptoscopy Crushing renal calculi under and witnessed while the patient is mentally
direct vision, by use of the lithotriptoscope. competent. This legal instrument informs the
lithuresis The voiding of calculi. court, physician(s), and family that the patient
litigation psychosis Professionals immobilized in does not want life to be prolonged beyond rea-
the face of an emergency — with fear that they sonable quality of life — that no heroics/resus-
may incur a law suit by attempting to rescue the citation are to be implemented. Although much
victims. As with motor vehicleaccidents of the adult population agrees with this safe-
(MVAs), the Good Samaritan clause in the USA guard, rarely does one find a person who fol-
protects those who use their expertise to rescue lows through, providing this simple mental
others. comfort for his/her family and close friends.
Little's disease Cerebral spastic diplegia. With an RN witness, the physician may opt to
Mentally normal, these pediatric patients may inform the patient (prior to preoperative medica-
deliver prematurely with dystocia, suffering tion), that his/her living will shall not be
asphyxia neonatorum. In childhood, they may observed — that resuscitation will beconducted
have delayed sphincter control, hemiplegia/para- pro re nata (PRIM). On occasion, this document
may be tragically disregarded by any of a num-

204

ber of persons. Vigilant hospital staff indepen- patient incapable of decoding the written/spoken
dently elect to summon the resuscitation team word.
(aware of the patient's legal NO CODE status). logaphasia Caused by a cerebral lesion, this is a
Or, distant and emotionally unstable relatives complete/partial inability to coordinate speech
demand that all efforts be pursued at the musculature.
patient's expense— regardless of the patient's logasthenia Speech in a language known only to
legal, written Living Will. In the known progno- the mentally impaired patient.
sis that the moribund patient has no quality of logokophosis Word deafness.
life, these issues become crucial, and a matter logomania Press of speech, as noted in logor-
of ethics. rhea, monomania.
loading dose The initial amount of a drug logoneurosis A psychoneurotic disorder accom-
(sometimes doubled), administered initially. It is panied by speech pathology.
essential that the patient's allergic status be logopathia Speech impediments arising from a
known to the doctor prior to initiating this first central nervous system (CNS) disorder.
dosing. logoplegia Paresis of the speech organs.
loading test Administration of a challenge sub- logospasm Enuciation interrupted by paroxysms.
stance to determine the patient's longevity An extended length of life.
tolerance/excretion/metabolism of this agent. In loop monitor Loop recorder allows confirmation
of syncope. When the patient revives, s/he
research, doctors may conduct a rechallenge for records the episode. When signaled, the moni-
a patient who reacted adversely to the original tor records the cardiogram by memory, captur-
dose(s). Monitoring the patient closely, they ing the symptomatic period. This instrument
seek to confirm the original findings. requires precise compliance by the patient (pt).
lochia Puerperal discharge of blood, mucus, and loosening of associations Speech which rapidly
tissue segments which extends ±10 days post- shifts between unrelated subjects — as may be
partum. noted in manic and psychotic states.
Disconnection, illogical conversation.
lochiorrhagia Lochiorrhea — excessive uterine lordoscoliosis Lordosis, lordoma of the spine.
discharge post delivery. This anterior curvature of the spine is counter-
balanced by a lower, lateral curvature.
lochiometritis Lochometritis — uterine inflam- Louis-Bar syndrome Ataxia-telangiectasia — a
mation during the puerperium. hereditary cerebellar degeneration accompanied
by specific immunologic dysfunction, telangiec-
locked-in syndrome The demyelinated brain — tasia of the bulbar conjunctiva, with susceptibili-
with which the patient is in a pseudocoma. Due ty toward malignancy. Death usually occurs
to total paresis, s/he can communicate only by within the second decade.
ocular movements. The prognosis is poor, as Lowe's syndrome Oculocerebrorenaldystrophy
the hemorrhage/infarction is in the central pons. — a sex-linked characteristic composed of
aminoaciduria, cataracts, glaucoma, hydroph-
locomotor ataxia Sclerotic changes in the poste- thalmia, hypotonia, loss of reflexes, mental
rior spinal cord. Tabes dorsalis. retardation, renal tubular dysfunction, vitamin
D-resistant rickets.
locum tenens A physician on abbreviated assign- Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome A pre-excitation
ment, by contract. These short term jobs may state, in which ventricular impulses are trans-
be the only way hospitals can staff vacant spe- mitted through alternate conduction pathways.
cialties, while they seek to find permanent loxarthron The oblique joint deformity in which
physicians. dislocation is absent.
loxotomy Amputation which is achieved by
Loffler's endocarditis Of unknown etiology, oblique sectioning.
complications by fibroplastic hypertrophy of the
endocardium and eosinophilia.

logadectomy Partial excision of the conjunctiva.
logagnosia That form of aphasia in which the

written word is read, but neither comprehended
nor decoded.
logamnesia Sensory aphasia which renders the

205

lozenge A medicinal troche which is dissolved systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) This
orally. Children should not leave lozenges, hard inflammatory collagen disease also occurs more
candy, et al., in their mouths, while lying down. often in female patients. Beginning with an
acute fever, malaise, joint pain, symptoms from
lubricant An agent which reduces friction any organ system may occur — as well as
between adjacent, moving parts. remissions. Exacerbations may occur relentless-
ly. Of unknown etiology, this life-threatening dis-
Lucas-Championniere's disease ease may be diagnosed by any four of the fol-
Pseudomembraneous bronchitis. lowing criteria: abnormal urinary protein, alope-
cia, arthritis free of deformity, butterfly erythe-
lucid That which is abundantly clear. ma, convulsions, discoid skin lesions, false-pos-
lucid interval Mental clarity which may occur itive serological testing for syphilis, hemolytic
anemia, leukopenia, oral/nasopharyngeal ulcera-
during severe inability to relate coherently. tion, photosensitivity, psychosis, Raynaud's
Ludwig's angina Infection of connective tissue, phenomenon, thrombocytopenia purpura, uri-
nary cellular casts. The dosage of corticos-
adjacent to the submaxillary gland(s). Of no teroids is titrated to each patient's response. In
relation to a cardiac anomaly, this overwhelming the presenceof severe, crippling disease, the
sepsis may progress to threaten the patient's development of intolerable side effects, or fail-
airway/life. ure to respond to conventional therapy,
lumbar puncture Spinal puncture, spinal tap — immunosuppression may prove to be a viable
contraindicated in the presence of increased option.
intracranial pressure. Spinal fluid is aspirated lupus nephritis Comorbidity of systemic lupus
from the subarachnoid space for diagnostic pur- erythematosus with glomerulonephritis. The
poses, to confirm that the needle is correctly prognosis is poor.
positioned, and to administer chemotherapeu- lupus pernio Sclerotic, cyanotic, edematous
tic/anesthetic agents, et al. lesions of the knees, fingers, ears, lips, cheeks,
lumbar reflex Contraction of the back muscles is and/or nose need to be ruled out from sarcoido-
caused by stimulation of the erector spinae sis, requiring a definitive diagnosis.
muscles. lupus vulgaris Tuberculosis of the skin, charac-
lumbocolostomy That ostomy created by an inci- terized by areas which break down, ulcerate,
sion in the back — between the pelvis and the and scar. All lupus forms must avoid exposure
thorax. to the sun — lest a flare-up occur.
lumbocolotomy An incision developed into the Lust's reflex Percussion of the sciatic nerve will
colon, per the lumbar route. elicit dorsiflexion and abduction of the foot.
lumen That space within arterial, intestinal, tubal, lusus naturae That anomaly which is congenital.
and venous structures. That space within the Lutembacher's syndrome The atrial septal defect
walls of needles, tubes, et al. of the mitral, stenotic heart.
lumpectomy Surgical excision of a breast tumor luteohormone Progesterone, lutin (the hormone
without sacrificing the breast, nor adjacent tis- of corpus luteum).
sue. Lutz-Splendore-Almeida disease South
lupus Despite usage, this term is void of signifi- American paracoccidioidomycosis/blastomyco-
cant meaning — when it stands alone. sis.
discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) That char- luxation That dislocation of joint/articulation sur-
acterized by chronic exacerbations/remissions faces and/or organs. Subluxation.
of a desquamating, macular dermatitis. Affecting luxus That which is in excess.
females more often than males, this disease lycanthropy That manic stage in which the
may progress to the systemic form. This may patient believes him/herself to be a wild beast.
be an autoimmune disorder. lycorexia Bulimia nervosa.
neonatal lupus erythematosus The treatable
form of this disease is exhibited by offspring of
mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Although at low risk, these infants are to be
regarded as high-risk.

206

Lyme disease (LD) Lyme arthritis, borreliosis. phatic vessels.

That recurrent, inflammatory condition accom- lymphangioleiomyomatosis

panied by erythema chronicum migrans (ECM), Lymphangiomyomatosis — involvement of res-

fatigue, fever, general malaise, headache, nuchal piratory blood/lymphatic vessels and the airway.

rigidity, involvement of the nervous/cardiac sys- Hemorrhage and hemoptysis may be seen.

tems. Following the eruption of skin lesions, There is a marked decrease in the diffusing

polyarthritis develops into chronic arthritis. A capacity for carbon monoxide. Those women of

neuritis of somatic/cranial nerves may last many childbearing age may succumb within 10 years.

months. Cardiomegaly and myopericarditis may lymphangioma A tumor arising from lymphatic

appear at this time. The central nervous system tissue.

(CNS) signs vary. Human granulocytic ehrlichio- cavernous lymphangioma Lymphatic vessels,

sis may become the codiagnosis. filled with lymph.

lymphadenectasis Distention/dilation of a lymph cystic lymphangioma Congenital, lymph-filled

node. multiocular cysts.

lymphadenectomy Surgical excision of a lymph lymphangiosarcoma That malignant tumor

node(s). which arises from lymphatic endothelium.

lymphadenia Lymph node hyperplasia. lymphangiotomy Lymphotomy — anatomical

lymphadenia ossea Multiple myeloma — hyper- dissection of lymphatic tissue.

plasia of the bone marrow accompanied by uri- lymphangitis Inflammation of lymphatic tissue.

nary Bence Jones protein. Pathological (sponta- Ths patient may present with rigor, accompany-

neous) fractures may follow neuralgic pains. ing pain, edema, and erythema of the effected

Tumors on the skull and ribs may also compli- extremity. This area should be keptelevated

cate this clinical picture. above the level of the heart.

lymphadenitis Adenolymphitis — inflammation lymphatic blockade An obstruction which pre-

of the lymph nodes, usually accompanying lym- vents bacteria from extending throughout the

phangitis. body.

tuberculous lymphadenitis Tuberculosis of the lymphaticostomy Construction of a permanent

lymph nodes may present with loss of strength opening into a lymphatic duct.

and weight. Necrotic lymph nodes excrete lymphatism Tonsiliar/lymphatic tissue in excess.

through the skin. lymphatitis Lymphatic system inflammation.

lymphadenocele A lymph node cyst. lymphatolysis The destruction of lymph cells/tis-

lymphadenopathy Extravascular diseases of the sues.

lymphatic system. lymphatolytic That which is damaging to lym-

dermatopathic lymphadenopathy phatic tissue.

Dissemination of this disease is secondary to its lymphedema That edema caused by lymphatic

dermatitis. congestion.

lymphadenotomy A surgical incision into lym- congenital lymphedema Meige-Milroy's dis-

phatic tissue. ease — chronic, pitting, dependent edema —

lymphadenovarix Hypertrophy of lymph nodes, even in young people.

secondary to hypertension within the lymphatic lymphemia An increase in circulatory lympho-

vessels. cytes.

lymphagogue That agent which stimulates lym- lymphendothelioma That tumor arising from an

phangial flow. overgrowth of myxomatous tissue and

lymphangiectasis Lymphectasia — lymphatic dilation/proliferation of lymphatic tissue.

vessel distention and dilation. lymphenteritis Serous infiltration which may

lymphangiectomy Surgical excision of lymphatic coexist with a bowel inflammation.

vessels. lymphnoditis Inflammation of a lymph node(s).

lymphangioendothelioma Lymphendothelioma lymphocele A cyst containing lymph.

— malignant neoplasm(s) arising from the lym- lymphocythemia Lymphocytosis, lymphemia —

207

excessive lymph cells in the circulation. drating the tissue in a vacuum.
lymphocytoma Malignancy composed of lym- lysate A product of hydrolysis.
lysis The gradual decline of a disease/fever.
phocytes.
lymphocytopenia A deficiency of circulatory lym-

phocytes.
lymphoepithelioma Malignant, lymphoid, tonsil-

lar/nasopharyngeal tissue.
lymphogranulomatosis Hodgkin's disease.
lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

Lymphopathia venereum, lymphogranuloma
inguinale — a communicable, venerealdisease.
lymphoidectomy Surgical excision of lymph
cells/tissue.
lymphoma The growth of new lymphatic tissue.
Burkitt's lymphoma African lymphoma — a
malignant condition in which lesions are
destructive of the mandible. The Epstein-Barr
virus is considered to be the causative agent.
granulomatous lymphoma That small, lym-
phatic, hepatic nodule seen in Hodgkin's dis-
ease.
lymphoblastic lymphoma A malignant lympho-

cytic tumor — a poorly differentiated tumor.
lymphocytic lymphoma A malignant, well-differ-

entiated tumor.
malignant, histiocytic lymphoma Reticulum
cell sarcoma, composed primarily of neoplastic
histiocytes.
malignant, mixed cell lymphoma That growth
which is composed of both monocytes and his-
tiocytes.
lymphomatosis Generalized lymphatic engorge-
ment. Dissemination of lymphomata throughout
the body.
lymphopathia venereum Lymphogranuloma
venereum — ulcerative venereal disease involv-
ing the inguinal lymph nodes.
lymphorrhagia Lymphorrhea — lymph discharge
draining from a wound.
lymphosarcoma A malignant condition of lym-
phatic tissue — as diagnosed by biopsy.
lymphosarcomatosis Malignancycharacterized
by lymphoblastomatosis.
lymphotome An instrument for surgically excis-
ing adenomas from glandular tissue.
lymphotomy Lymphangiotomy.
lymphuria Urinary lymph.
lyophilization Freeze-dryingtissue by flash-
freezing at an extreme temperature, then dehy-

M

McArdle's disease A glycogen storage disease macroesthesia That misperception of objects as
(type V), in which there is a deficiency of being under magnification.
myophosphorylase B.
macrogenitosomia praecox Abnormal genitalia
McBurney's incision That classic site for an due to an excess of androgens from the fetal
appendectomy at McBurney's point — the left adrenal gland. In the male, hypertrophied geni-
lower quadrant of the abdomen. talia will be present. In the female, pseudoher-
maphroditism (ambiguous sex) will be noted.
McBurney's sign Rebound pain and rigidity at
McBurney's point — suggestive of appendicitis. macrogingivae Gingival hyperplasia (a side
effect of Dilantin).
McCormac's reflex Percussion on the patellar
tendon causes the other leg to adduct. macroglobulinemia Heavy serum globulins.

McCune-Albright syndrome Gonadotropin-inde- Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia Anemia,
pendent prococious puberty, accompanied by chronic lymphocytic leukemia, excessive plasma
defects involving the osseous/cutaneous sys- cells, hyperviscosity of the blood, lymph-
tems. In addition, mutations may be found in adenopathy — causing coagulopathies, lassi-
hepatic, gastrointestinal, and cardiac tissues. tude, and confusion. Treatment is symptomatic,
These children are at risk for intracranial lesions in addition to cytotoxic agents to reduce the
and multiple fractures. tumor mass.
macroglossia Megaloglossia. The hypertrophied
MAC disease That disseminated bacteremia tongue — a congenital disorder.
which may occur in comorbidity with acquired macrognathia An excessively enlarged jaw.
immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). macrography Megalographia — writing in
Signs/symptoms include abdominal pain, ane- enlarged script.
mia, fatigue, fever, hepatic dysfunction, night macromastia Mammary augmentation.
sweats, weight loss. macromelus The patient with hypertrophied
extremities.
maceration The breakdown of skin due to over- macronychia Extraordinarily long nails.
hydration — such as that seen at the delivery of macrophallus Megalopenis.
macroplasia Hypertrophied tissue.
the postmature fetus. macropodia Excessively large feet.
Machover test The "Draw-a-Person" test. macroprosopia Hypertrophied facial features.
McMurray's sign The click elicited by the physi- macrorhinia Congenital/pathological enlargement
of the nose.
cian's manipulation of the tibia of a flexed leg — macroscelia Abnormally enlarged legs.
in the presence of an injured meniscus. macroscopic That which is visible by the unas-
macrencephaly Macrencephalia— an abnormal- sisted eye.
ly large brain. macroscopy A visual examination.
macrobiosis Longevity. macrosis An increase in size.
macrocardius Cardiomegaly of congenital heart macrosigmoid The hypertrophied sigmoid colon.
disease. macrosmatic An abnormally acute olfactory
macrocephaly Macrocephalia — cranial hyper- sense.
trophy. macrosomatia Macrosomia — the hypertrophied
macrocheilia Congenital edema of the lips, body.
macrolabia. macrostereognosis Macropsia — a mispercep-
macrocheiria Megalocheiria — excessive hyper- tion of objects as larger than fact.
trophy of the hands. macrostomia An enlarged mouth.
macrocnemia Hypertrophy of the lower legs. macrotia Hypertrophied ears.
macrocornea An abnormally large cornea. macrotome That scalpel which incises and dis-
macrocythemia Macrocytosis — hypertrophied sects large sectioning.
erythrocytes. macrotooth A tooth which is extraordinarily
macrodactylia Megalodactylia — excessively
large fingers and/or toes.
macrodontia Megadontia, megalodontia —
enlarged teeth.

209

enlarged. magnetoencephalography A recent technique
macular degeneration Blurring and loss of cen- which, although experimental, offers much
potential in the diagnosis of epilepsy.
tral vision — of unknown etiology. Laser treat-
ments may diminish or prevent blindness. Ma Haung A Tibetan herbal preparation, sold
macule Pigmentation occurring in acnerosacea, over the counter (without prescription). Of con-
anemia, carcinoma, erysipelas, facial hemiatro- cern is the fact that this patent "medicine" is not
phy, infectious diseases, Hansen'sdisease, supervised by governmental regulation for safe-
leukemia, nevus pigmentosus, pediculosis cor- ty. Ma Haung contains 2 "script" medications —
poris, pellagra, pityriasis rosa, rubella, scurvy, which is against the law (to dispense without
serum sickness, vitiligo. prescription in the USA) — ephedrine and pseu-
maculopapular A raised, erythematous rash. doephedrine. Those who self-medicate them-
Madelung's deformity Overgrowth of the ulna, selves with this unregulated substance, place
resulting in displacement of the hand. themselves at high risk for primary pulmonary
madescent Moist. hypertension (PPH).
maduromycosis Mycetoma — that chronic fun-
gal infection of the hand/foot, characterized by main en griffe Atrophy with flexion deformities
abscesses, marked edema, nodules, sinus for- of the hand(s) in a "claw" contraction.
mation, and/or vesicles.
magenblase syndrome Postprandial pressure mainstreaming That controversial philosophy of
and fullness, caused byaerophagia. educating physically/mentally handicapped chil-
maggot therapy An antiquated treatment for dren in local schools' regular classrooms,
resistant, septic, necrotic wounds, and despite the severity of the disability. These chil-
osteomyelitis. Sterile blowfly maggots are per- dren may be assigned an attendant to assist
mitted (in the hospital) to debride the necrosis, with toileting, mobility, et al. A Braille or signing
leaving healthy granulation tissue. This tech- instructor may visit the child a number of times
nique is used as a final option — to achieve a week, which is often inadequate. These pro-
healing at last. grams offer opportunities for the entire class to
magical thinking The feeling/belief that the laws gain educational and social growth.
of cause and effect do not pertain to oneself, or
to one's concerns. The ideas of reference may Majocchi's disease Purpura annularis telangiec-
reach delusional proportions when beliefs are todes — purple eruption of the legs.
maintained despite evidenceto the contrary.
magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) That diag- Majocchi's granuloma Allergic cutaneous granu-
nostic modality which has joined computerized lomata, which causes fungal infection.
tomography (CAT/CT).MRI does not employ
radiation, has no bone artifacts, and provides major depression That endogenous state incor-
imaging of any plane (allowing for the visualiza- porating symptoms of anergia, anhedonia, apa-
tion of difficult-to-view structures). This is con- thy, appetite change, exaggerated death wishes,
traindicated with metallic foreign objects(pace- early morning awakening, insomnia (initial, mid-
maker, aneurysm clips, et al.). This modality is dle, and/or terminal), hypersomnia, feelings of
superior with soft tissue, detecting acute worthlessness (which may reach delusional pro-
parenchymal infarction, parenchymal hemor- portions), psychomotor retardation (which may
rhage, and acute subarachnoid bleeds. be so severe as to resemble catatonia), psy-
magnetic resonance spectroscopy A neuroimag- chomotor agitation, poverty of speech, difficulty
ing technique which is uniquely suited to study with cognition, distractibility, irrational guilt,
pediatric developmental, physiological, and/or and/or suicidal ideation. Note: Some of this
structural anomalies. Because neither biological symptomatology includes opposites — either
hazards nor ionizing radiation is involved, mea- may be seen. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is
sures may be repeated. seldom used. When elected for the agitated
depressive, the cardiac, the pregnant patient, for
those who have failed psychotropic chemothera-
py, and other patient categories,this becomes
the modality of choice. Conducted under general
anesthesia, ECT has evolved into safe,precise

210

treatment, despite its prominent side effect of Compression of the brain can cause necrosis of
marked loss of memory. that tissue. Seizures must be treated STAT. A
malabsorption syndrome Malassimilation — barbiturate coma may have to be induced.
defective use of nutrients from the intestines. malignant histiocytosis Familial erythrophago-
malacia Malacoma, malacosis — abnormal soft- cytic lymphohistiocytosis.
malignant hyperthermia crisis (MH) This condi-
ening of tissue. tion is a result of a dominantly inherited trait
malacosarcosis Malacia of muscular tissue. which alters the physiologic action of calcium in
malacotomy The development of an incision into the muscle, causing uncontrolled hypermetabol-
ic activity. That remains dormant until it is trig-
soft tissue. gered by a potent inhalational anesthetic agent
malactic An emollient. and/or a depolarizing muscle relaxant. This life-
maladie de Roger A congenital interventricular threatening event can occur at anytime in the
perioperative period, or after the initial episode
septal defect. has subsided. Immediate recognition and treat-
maladjustment Failure to adapt. The inability to ment are essential to prevent patient demise.
These patients should be admitted to intensive
cope with the stressors of life. care for 24 hour monitoring. Acute crisis man-
malady A disorder, disease. agement usually occurs intraoperatively. The
malaise General malaise — a vague feeling of clinical signs include tachycardia (often the first
sign), arrhythmias, and labile blood pressure.
illness. Respiratory involvement includes tachypnea,
malaria Cyclic chills, fever, and diaphoresis — in high end tidal/arterial C02. Administer 100%
oxygen per mask. The temperature is to be
this order. Splenomegaly with progressive ane- taken every 30 minutes until stable. Cooling
mia follows. measures (hypothermia blanket, ice packs)
cephalgic malaria That complicated by should be used for fever greater than 101° F.
intracranial lesions, nausea with emesis, and Cold saline lavages and iced intravenous fluids
exquisite headaches. may be initiated by physician's order. Assess for
cerebral malaria A critical complication of an increase in muscle tone — a signal of recur-
pediatric encephalopathy. Neurologic sequelae, rence of this crisis. Because of the ongoing
in many cases, lead to coma and/or death. In muscle breakdown, Ringer's lactate and potassi-
Africa, over a million infants and children expire um must not be used. Monitor intake and out-
from this fever annually. put precisely. Maintain a patent indwelling
falciparum malaria That form in which para- catheter, keeping urinary output higher than
sites exist in the blood. The patient presents 50cc/hour. Monitor for myoglobinuria.
asymptomatically. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
quartan malaria Shorter exacerbations(every can develop post-crisis. Order ABGs, CBC, CK,
4 days) are seen than with the other forms. K, Ca, urine/serum myoglobin, and clotting
quotidian malaria Paroxysms of chilling, studies q 6°, until stable. Dantroline is adminis-
diaphoresis, and fever appear daily. tered at 1 mg/kg IV q 6° (1 mg per kg patient's
vivax malaria That form which is the most body wt, IV every six hours) for the first 24°
common and recurrent. post crisis. This may be given PO (per os, oral-
malformation A congenital deformity. A mis- ly) for the next 24°, if needed. After the MH
shapen organ. episode subsides, the patient willexperience
malfunctioning Defective functioning/processing. severe pain from the breakdown of muscle
malice Harmful — of injurious intent. cells/tissues. Those susceptible to MH should
malignant Cancerous,virulent, solid tumors undergo a biopsy of skeletal muscle — the only
with/without bony metastases, multiple myelo- reliable diagnostic test for this condition.
mas, lymphomas, leukemias.
malignant cerebral hypertension Marked spikes
in intracranial pressure, which bears a 100%
mortality rate. Loss of autoregulatory control
may allow an increase in systemic pressure,
leading to brain damage and/or death.

211

malingerer One who pretends symptoms for the mandibular block Regional anesthesia of the
purpose of eluding responsibility/work/school, lower face/jaw achieved by infiltration of the
to elicit sympathy, to prolong financial benefits, trigeminal nerve with anesthetic. Mandibular
to obtain treatment and/or drugs. S/he may also division.
sabotage his/her own healing and recovery.
mandibular dislocation/subluxation That chron-
malleation Rhythmically striking the patient's ic proclivity for the mandible to slip out of the
body with the hands — as a massage stroke. joint during extreme articulation (endotracheal
intubation, toxic gastric lavage, even yawning or
malleotomy The surgical severing of the malleoli laughing by those predisposed to this risk).
ligaments of the ankle. Dissection of the malleus Reduction must be performed by an orthopedic
within the inner ear. specialist/oral surgeon. This condition may be
associated with temporomandibular joint disor-
Mallory-Weiss syndrome Upper gastrointestinal der (TMJD).
hemorrhage caused by mucosal tears in the
gastroesophageal junction. Severe vomiting mandibular distortion Craniometaphyseal dys-
(especially that by an alcoholic) may exacerbate plasia — distortion of the mandible and skull,
this stage. affecting the face. Cranial nerve dysfunction
results in sclerosis and malocclusion.
malnutrition Inadequacy of intake due to disor-
dered absorption/distribution/assimilation/uti- mandibular reflex The clonic movement elicited
lization of nourishment. by tapping/stroking the mandible.

malpractice Immoral, improper conduct in one's maneuver A skillfull manipulation.
practice. The negative outcome of a case in the Crede's maneuver Expression of the uterus, to
presence of a fractured therapeutic alliance. The assist expulsion of the placenta.
care need not have been faulty, nor does the Heimlich maneuver Dislodging an obstruction
insurer's settlement out of court indicate guilt. from the pharynx/trachea by manipulating the
Malpractice usually indicates a disappointing diaphragm with/without back blows. (Note:
outcome in the midst of failed communication Balloons and pieces of rubber cannot be dis-
between staff and family. loged by this method.) Recently, Henry
Heimlich, MD, expanded his protocol to include
malrotation That which is incorrectly those rescued from near-drowning. Both meth-
turned/rotated/twisted. ods have been used to resuscitate many thou-
sands of victims.
malunion Failure of a fractured bone to achieve Leopold's maneuver Determination of the
realignment and to knit. fetus' position/presentation by abdominal palpa-
tion.
mammalgia Mastalgia, mastodynia — painful Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit maneuver That intri-
breasts. cate delivery, under traction, of the aftercoming
head of a breech presentation.
mammaplasty A plastic surgery procedure on Muller's maneuver Roentgenographic visual-
the breast. ization of esophageal varices with an inspiratory
effort against a closed glottis at the end of an
mammary augmentation Increased breast size expiration (Valsalva's maneuver.)
due to drug side effects, pregnancy, surgery, Munro Kerr's maneuver A digital technique of
gynecomastia, et al. determining cephalopelvic disproportion.
Pinard's maneuver A delivery technique used
mammilliplasty Theleplasty — plastic surgery on the undescended breech presentation.
on the nipple(s). Prague maneuver That technique employed in
the delivery of a breech presentation with an
mammography X-ray of the breasts to rule out aftercoming posterior occiput.
(RO) carcinoma. High-risk women (age 40+) Scanzoni maneuver The application of double
should be screened annually. (African women
bear the highest incidence in the world.) Many
hospital radiologists waive a physician's order,
with the goal of comprehensive screening.

mammotomy Mastotomy — a single incision of
the breast.

mancinism Sinistrality, left-handedness.
mandibular In reference to the lower jaw.

212

forceps in delivery of the fetus presenting with a maple syrup urine disease A hereditary meta-

posterior occiput. bolic disease. This disease is named from the

Valsalva's maneuver Production of intratho- odor of the patient's urine. The infant's nervous

racic pressure by forced expiration against a system deteriorates in early months, with expi-

closed glottis. ration at a young age. Branched chain

manganese intoxication A rare disorder which ketoaciduria.

causes parkinsonism and behavioral alterations. marasmus Pedatrophy — the cachexia and with-

manganese poisoning An occupational toxicity drawal of neglected infants in the face of emo-

characterized by central nervous system (CNS) tional deprivation. Etiology includes absence

disturbances, muscular weakness, extraordinary (physical and/or emotional) of the primary care-

gait, tremor. giver, malnourishment (from whatever cause),

mania That psychiatric disorder in which the child abuse, failure to thrive syndrome, vita-

predominant mood is elevated, expansive, minosis, et al. These starving infants have a

and/or irritable. Delusions of grandeur, exalted shrill, weak cry, are apathetic, and inactive.

feelings, insomnia, psychomotor agitation and Older babies may not cry. Intravenous fluids are

overproduction of irrelevant and/or inferior work indicated for electrolyte imbalance and/or shock.

may be accompanied by poor impulse control Despite diluted feedings of 5 g protein/kg body

and psychotic features. weight daily, 40% of these infants go on to die.

bipolar disorder in manic phase That phase Marburg virus disease High fever accompanied

which alternates with the depressed phase and by acute prostration, myalgia, headache, nau-

intervening mood in this cycling affective disor- sea/vomiting are followed in 2 days by diarrhea,

der. Sexual/financial excesses may be promi- lethargy, and mental disturbances. An erythema-

nent, and are pathognomonic. tous dermatitis appears on days 5-7, and death

hypomania Enhanced functioning and produc- of 25% of patients occurs between days 8-16.

tivity which does not produce impairment This etiology indicates the Ebola-Marburg virus,

requiring psychiatric evaluation. That status via the African green monkey, as the causative

often erroneously assigned the adjective organism.

"manic" by the laity. Dysphoric hypomania may Marchiafava-Micheli syndrome A rare, hemolyt-

be exhibited as energized depression. ic anemia, hemorrhagic fever, in which occurs

pseudomania Pathological fabrication. That paroxysmal hemoglobinuria at night.

psychosis in which patients falselyaccuse Marian's syndrome A genetic condition charac-

themselves. terized by an impaired gait, abnormal hyperflexi-

religious mania That state of fanatic spirituality bility and arachnodactyly. This connective tissue

and/or charismatic ectasy. disorder is the major cause of aortic dissection

manifestation The presence of symptoms, signs, and rupture in adolescents. Ectopia lentis (dislo-

or other indications of disease. cated optic lens) is confirmatory of the diagno-

manipulation That conscious/unconscious agen- sis. Mitral valve prolapse/regurgitation may be

da by which one attempts to achieve his/her present.

wishes. Specialized treatment by one — manu- "Marfanoid" body habitus Slender build with

ally or by instrumentation. arachnodactyly, long extremities, and narrow

Mannkopf's sign That acceleration of pulse when hips.

pressure is applied to a site of pain. This phe- Marie's ataxia Hereditary cerebellar ataxia. The

nomenon is absent in maligned pain. etiology is that of bilateral cortical atrophy of the

mannosidosis A metabolic anomaly which cerebellum.

results in abnormal lymphocytes, accumulation Marie's disease Acromegaly — hypertrophied

of mannose, hypertrophied tongue, kyphosis, face and extremities.

mental deficiency. Marie's sign That fine tremor seen in cases of

maple bark disease Pneumonitis caused by thyroid imbalance, exophthalmic goiter.

spores from maple trees. Marie-Strumpell disease Ankylosing spondylitis

213

— one of the many variants of arthritis. Parkinson's mask The "frozen face" of
Appearing in young adults as progressive back Parkinsonism (void of expression) — as fre-
pain, a severe flexion deformity of the spine quently seen in paralysis agitans.
may result. Desperate involvement may affect surgical mask That worn in surgery, in respira-
the heart, eye, and joints. Exercise (within the tory isolation, reverse isolation, under sterile

prescribed limits) is essential. conditions, et al.
marijuana Cannabis (a street drug) which caus- mask of pregnancy Chloasma gravidarum —

es heightened anxiety, confusion, dependency, that malar pigmentation noted in some prenatal
and frank toxic delirium. Often used as an illegal patients. This benign coloring leaves after deliv-
"recreational" drug, its use may exacerbate pre- ery.
existing psychiatric conditions — amotivational masochism Relief of guilt through suffering. The
syndrome, behavioral disorders, schizophrenia, infliction of pain.
as well as those which have not yet been identi- mass The clumping of adherent cells.
fied. A significant correlation has been demon- massa intermedia A brain mass — the central
strated between prenatal use and impaired fetal commissure.
development. Components of cannabis have massage The methodical application of pressure
been used in extremely rare cases of glaucoma, and strokes to the body.
and to relieve intractable vomiting from cardiac massage Manual compression to
chemotherapy — when all other agents failed. restart the arrested heart.
cannabis intoxication Maladaptive psychi- cardiopulmonary resuscitation Closed chest
atric/behavioral changes with tachycardia, con- compression/massage to restart asystole/apnea.
junctival injection, increased appetite. emergency thoracotomy When the patient
marker That used to identify changeable charac- arrests on the operating table, the surgeon (or a
teristics. specialist within the surgical suite) may aban-
fecal marker The ingestion of carmine or other don surgical asepsis/technique, open the chest,
chemical to mark the beginning and end of a and restart the heart with the application of
fecal collection. direct cardiac massage/defibrillation.
Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome vapor massage Medication and nebulization of
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MRS). a cavity under intermittent pressure.
Marsh's test The determination used to reveal massive Enormous.
arsenic. massive atelectasis Pulmonary collapse.
Marshall syndrome An autosomal dominant Following major surgery, a collapsed lung may
condition characterized by deafness, hypoplastic be caused by obstruction of a main bronchus.
nasal bones, myopia with vitreoretinal degenera- mass psychogenic illness Mass hysteria, in
tion, and short stature. which a multitude of people panic — sometimes
masculinization Abnormal virilizing characteris- acting irreversibly, irrationally, irresponsibly,
tics in the female. The pubertal development of perhaps in riot, out of control.
secondary male sexual characteristics in the MAST Military antishock trousers, antishock gar-
adolescent male. ment, anti-G (gravity) suit — an inflatable gar-
mask Concealment of the nose, mouth and/or ment applied on the field by emergency person-
face. The appearance of the face in certain nel, prior to transporting the critical patient to
states. the hospital. By applying this compression to
ecchymotic mask Cyanotic facies which the patient's abdomen and legs, dependent
accompany traumatic asphyxia. pooling of circulation in the tissues is reduced.
Hutchinson's mask That sensation of facial This modality is contraindicated in the presence
compression, as though one were wearing a of congestive heart failure, penetrating thoracic
rubber mask. wounds, cardiogenic shock, et al. Because of
luetic mask The facial pigmentation noted in rebound hypertension, the suit may be removed
tertiary syphilis. only under a physician's directive.

214

mastadenitis Inflammation of the mammary Modern antibiotic therapy has rendered this
glands. surgery unnecessary.
mastoiditis Inflammation of mastoid air cells.
mastadenoma A breast tumor. Complications may include leukocytosis, perisi-
mastalgia Mammalgia, mastodynia — a painful nous abscess, periphlebitis, rigor, sepsis, sup-
puration, phlebothrombosis.
breast(s). Bezold's mastoiditis Abscess formation
mastatrophy Mastatrophia — atrophy of mam- beneath the sternocleidomastoideus insertion.
sclerosing mastoiditis That condition in which
mary tissue. there is sclerotic hypertrophy of the trabeculae.
mastauxe Mammary hypertrophy. mastoiditis externa Infection of the mastoid
mastectomy Mammectomy — partial/total exci- periosteum.
mastomenia Vicarious menses via the breasts.
sion of the breast. mastoncus A breast tumor.
segmental mastectomy Breast-conserving mastopexy Mazopexy — plastic surgery of
surgery followed by radiation therapy. This sur- mastoptosis (pendulous breasts), utilizing fixa-
gical protocol is regarded as equally effective as tion techniques.
modified radical procedures. mastoplasia Mazoplasia — degenerative hyper-
Master two-step test That standardized test plasia of mammary tissue.
which assesses cardiac function under a physi- mastoplasty Plastic surgery of breast tissue.
cally stressed EKG/ECG, as the patient steps. mastorrhagia Hemorrhaging from the breast.
Treadmill stress EKGs have surpassed the masturbation Erotic self-manipulation.
Master two-step in popularity. maternal deprivation syndrome An apathetic
masthelcosis Breast ulceration. and emotional disturbance with retardation of
mastitis Mammitis — breast inflammation, first development/growth and withdrawal of young
revealed by a triangular erythema beneath the children — which may follow the absence/death
affected breast(s). A high fever with excoriation of their mother(s).
of the nipple(s) may be evident. matrixitis Onychia — infection of the nailbed.
cystic mastitis Inflammation preceding the for- maxillitis Infection of the upper jaw.
mation of polycysts/nodules. maxillotomy An incision developed into the
interstitial mastitis Infection of connective upper jaw.
mammary tissue. maximum seclusion Maximum security — the
parenchymatous mastitis Inflamed secretory secured area where psychiatric patients who are
tissue of the breast. violent, actively seeking to elope or to suicide,
puerperal mastitis A mammary infection seen out of control, assaultive, or upsetting to the
later in the puerperium. This may include sup- patient population, are temporarily isolated with
puration. Induration may be caused by the maximum surveillance, restraints if indicated,
retention of milk. and decreased environmental stimulation.
stagnation mastitis A painful mammary disten- Disinhibited patients may be placed in maximum
tion which may also occur in the non-nursing seclusion to protect their privacy. Most patients
mother — whose milk comes in despite mea- soon regain self-control — those on and off
sures to prevent lactation. medication.
mastocarcinoma Breast cancer. Mayo-Robson's point That area above and to the
mastochondroma Cartilagenous tumor of the right of the umbilicus. If pancreatic disease is
breast. present, pressure at Mayo-Robson's point will
mastocytosis Neoplastic mastocytes which mas- elicit pain.
querade as urticaria pigmentosa. This may May Thurner syndrome Only the left leg is that
involve spleen and bone cells. which is involved with lymphedema.
mastodynia Mastalgia, mammary neuralgia, Maze surgery The open-heart procedure devel-
mammalgia — pain in the breast(s).
mastoidalgia Pain in the area of the mastoid.
mastoidectomy Extenteration of the mastoid air
cells, or radical excision of the middle ear.

215

oped for patients whose atrial fibrillation has At the original surgery to excise the parathyroid

resisted chemical/electronic cardioversion. A glands, rarely are they not all found in the neck.

"maze" of strategically placed lacerations is If not, this patient will be returned to the operat-

developed in the myocardium along the conduc- ing room the next day, to explore the medi-

tion route, then sutured. These surgical circuit astinum for occult parathyroid glands, which

breakers block all extraneous atrial impulses. will be excised.

Postoperatively, fluid retention may be noted. mediastinal fibrosis Sclerosing mediastinitis —

mean Average, median, mesial. that hypersensitivity reaction which may cause

measles Rubeola — a viral, systemic, infectious, obliteration of major structures, such as the

communicable disease. Complications may main bronchi or pulmonary artery.

include diarrhea, encephalitis, otitis media, mediastinitis Mediastinal inflammation.

pneumonia, and/or seizures. Measles during mediastinopericarditis That infection within both

pregnancy causes a higher risk of prematurity the mediastinum and the pericardium.

and spontaneous abortion. Rubeola in the medical jurisprudence The application of med-

immunocompromised patient, develops into a ical principles to the issues of ethics and law.

severe, prolonged course, complicated by medical preparations Pharmacological forms.

hyperpyrexia, seizures, delirium, respiratory dis- Fluid forms Elixirs, extracts, formulae, liquids,

tress, dermal/mucosal hemorrhage. Measles is a ophthalmic agents, otic preparations, parenteral

leading cause of pediatric blindness in Africa. medications, syrups, tinctures, X-ray contrast

atypical measles That form which may occur media, et al. Inhaled forms Anesthetics, bron-

in those who received killed measles vaccine. chodilators, oxytoxics, et al. Solid forms

This rash may be maculopapular, petechial, pur- Capsules, lozenges, plasters, powders, supposi-

puric, urticarial, or vesicular. This first erupts on tories, tablets, et al. Suspended forms

the ankles and wrists, and may be prevented by Emulsions, formulae, mixtures, ophthalmic

revaccinating with live vaccine. agents, otic preparations, topical ointments, X-

hemorrhagic measles Black measles charac- ray contrast media, et al.

terized by delirium, hemorrhage, high fever, res- medicate To administer prescribed or appropri-

piratory distress, seizures. ate over-the-counter preparations. Pharmacists

modified measles That which occurs in the are a reliable source of conservative recommen-

patients who received post-exposure prophylax- dation for minor ailments, and should readily

is. refer the consumer to his/her physician when

measles in the immunocompromised patient A indicated.

severe, prolonged course, characterized by medication An agent which is administered for a

extremely high fever, seizures, delirium, respira- specific condition, route, drug, dosage, person,

tory distress, and/or dermal/mucosal hemor- timing.

rhage. The rash may be absent. route of medication That manner by which the

meatoscope The speculum used to examine an drug enters the body — enteral, inhalation,

opening/passage such as the auditory, nasal, or intra-arterial, intracardiac, intramuscular,

urethral meatus. intraperitoneal, intrasternal, intrathecal, intra-

Meckelectomy An excision of Meckel's ganglion. venous, mucosal, parenteral, percutaneous, rec-

Meckel's diverticulitis That bowel inflammation tal, subcutaneous, sublingual, per os, vaginal, et

which presents with tenderness and lower al. Enteric coated, sublingual, and time-released

abdominal pain. Only at surgical laparotomy, preparations should be neither crushed nor

can this be correctly diagnosed. chewed.

meconium ileus A bowel obstruction of impact- medicochirurgical Combined medical/surgical

ed meconium stool — which may be seen in the disciplines of patient care.

neonate with cystic fibrosis. medicolegal Forensic medicine integrated with

mediastinal dissection Mediastinal search — a medical jurisprudence.

rare and second stage of the parathyroidectomy. medisect To incise/dissect along the central

216

plane. megalonychosis Enlarged nails.

Mediterranean anemia Cooley's anemia, thal- megalophthalmus Megophthalmos — an abnor-

assemia. An inherited abnormality in the synthe- mally enlarged eye(s).

sis of hemoglobin — for which there is only megalopodia Abnormally large feet.

symptomatic care. megalopsia Macropsia — visual misperception

medullary thyroid carcinoma High calcitonin in which objects appear to be enlarged.

levels may cause flushing and diarrhea. megalosyndactyly Enlarged, webbed

Pheochromocytomas may demonstrate bilateral fingers/toes.

involvement of the adrenal glands. megaloureter Increased lumen of the ureter.

Pathologically, hyperplasia or tumor may be megaprosopous An enlarged face.

seen in the adrenal, parathyroid, and thyroid megavitamins That dosage far in excess of nor-

glands. Mucocutaneous stigmata may be noted mal daily vitamin requirements. This excess will

on the face. Gastrointestinal ganglioneuromato- be excreted.

sis may include the entire alimentary system. melagra Muscle spasms in the extremities.

medullitis Myelitis — infection within the bone melancholia A lay term for depression, dyspho-

marrow. ria.

medulloblastoma A malignant tumor of the cere- melanedema Anthracosis — pulmonary

bellum and ventricles — which eventually melanosis.

invades the meninges. melanoameloblastoma A neuroectodermal.

medulloepithelioma Neuroepithelioma, glioma melanotic neoplasm.

— that malignant tumor of the retina and neu- melanocytoma A rare, benign, pigmented tumor

roepithelium. Enucleation is the treatment of of the optic disk.

choice. melanodermatitis Those skin manifestations

Mees lines Those transverse, opaque marks revealing excessive melanin.

which appear on the nails following arsenic melanoleukoderma colli That mottled skin of

exposure. the neck, occasionally noted in syphilis.

megabladder Megalocystitis — permanent blad- melanoma Melanoepithelioma — the pigmented

der distention. tumor of the skin/mucous membranes — which

megacardia Cardiomegaly, megalocardia — the is highly malignant. The ABCD Rules for

enlarged heart. Assessment of Melanoma: Asymmetry of the

megacephalia Macrocephalus, macroen- skin lesion; Border irregularities and notching;

cephalus, megacephalic, megalocephalia — an Coloring black, brown, white, gray, red, blue;

enlarged cranium. Diameter greater than 6mm. Nodular

megalencephaly A pathologically enlarged brain, melanomas are the most lethal — they metasta-

often accompanied by mental retardation. size vertically instead of horizontally, and may

megalgia Extreme pain. not appear to be changing size/shape.The

megalocephaly Macrocephaly. a hypertrophied examination of patients at risk for melanoma

head. Leontiasis ossea, hyperostosis of the cra- must include a regularly scheduled body survey

nium. of all skin surfaces including palms, soles, and

megalocornea Macrocornea — that develop- beneath the nails. Punch biopsies must never be

mental anomaly of an enlarged cornea(e). done — the specimen is to be submitted fully

megaloesophagus Megaesophagus— hypertro- intact. When diagnosed and treated early,

phied esophagus. melanoma is curable by extirpation.

megalomania A psychosis characterized by melanomatosis The formation of multiple

expansive delusions of grandeur, grandiosity, melanomas.

and/or over-evaluation of wealth — which are melanonychia Black pigmentation involving the

inconsistent with fact. nails (not traumatic hemorrhage). Be alert to

megalomelia Macromelia — abnormally large pigmentation extending under the nail along the

extremities. cuticle, streaking in the nail, bleeding, or any

217

pigment change in a nail. with/without an alkalating agent vs. intense
melanosarcoma Carcinoma as pigmented con- immunosuppresive regimens vs. no therapy at
all.
nective tissue. Mendel's reflex Dorsiflexion of toes 2-5 when
melanosis Melanism — pigmented areas which the dorsum of the foot is percussed.
Mendenhall's syndrome Marked resistance to
may be a lighter shade, but darker than the sur- insulin.
rounding skin. Menetrier's disease Diffuse, giant hypertrophic
pseudomelanosis That cyanotic coloring of the gastritis.
dead. Meniere's syndrome Labyrinthitis, endolymphat-
melanosis lenticularis Kaposi's disease, xero- ic hydrops — (an acute form with deafness),
derma pigmentosus, xanthelasmoidea, urticaria nausea with emesis, tinnitus, and/or incapacitat-
pigmentosa — a rare pediatric condition charac- ing vertigo.
terized by atrophy of skin and muscle, dissemi- meningeorrhaphy The suturing of brain/spinal
nated pigmentation, ulceration, premature cord membranes.
demise. meningioma A tumor which originates in arach-
melanuria Dark urine. noidal tissue and grows slowly.
melatonin A hormone of the pineal gland. Since meningiomatosis The growth/presence of multi-
this is not marketed in the United States as a ple meningiomatosis.
drug, but as a food supplement, it has neither meningitis Cerebrospinal fever with variations in
approval nor regulation. form.
melena Melenorrhagia, melenorrhea — tarry acute aseptic meningitis Usually caused by a
stools. viral infection, this nonpurulent form may run a
melena neonatorum Meconium stools of the benign course before the patient recovers.
newborn, which contain free blood. basilar meningitis Caused by tuberculosis, this
melioidosis An acute/chronic disease which can meningeal infection is located at the base of the
cause multiple abscesses,septicemia, pneumo- brain.
nia, death. cerebral meningitis Involving the spinal
melitis An infected cheek. meninges, this infection may be acute/chronic.
melituria Glucosuria. Sugar "spilled" in the listeria meningitis Listeriosis contracted from
urine. animal vectors, carries a high mortality rate for
melomelus That congenital malformation of a neonates.
rudimentary limb attached to a normal extremi- pneumococcal meningitis The more common
pediatric form of this disease.
ty. pseudomeningitis Meningeal symptomatology
melonoplasty Plastic revision of the cheek. without inflammatory lesions.
meloplasty Reconstruction of the extremity(s). serosa circumscriptameningitis That accom-
panied by cystic formations in the form of
Plastic revision of the face. tumors.
melorheostosis A rare, extremely painful pedi- serous meningitis Cerebral ventricles which
take on a serous exudate in this form.
atric condition in which sclerosis appears in the sterile meningitis That without infectious
bones of an extremity. organisms — caused by the spinal injection of
melosalgia Pain in the legs. contrast medium.
meloschisis That congenital cleft of a cheek. traumatic meningitis The form caused by
melotia A congenital displacement of the ear injury/trauma.
onto the cheek. tuberculous meningitis An acute pediatric
membranectomy The surgical excision of any form. Symptomatology includes convulsions,
membrane. delirium, emesis, fever in the evenings, insom-
membraneous nephropathy Associated with pro-
teinuria, this may induce a full nephrotic syn-
drome in the middle-aged patient. Renal failure
frequently follows. Treatment protocols may be
controversial — methylprednisolone regimens

218

nia, irritability, severe headaches, gradual weak- meningotyphoid The comorbidity of meningitis
ening, weight loss, restlessness, optic neuritis. with typhoid fever.
meningocele Congenital herniation of the
meninges through the spinal column or skull. meniscectomy Excision of the patellar cartilage.
meningococcal meningitis Caused by meningo-
cocci in the nasopharyngeal secretions, this meniscitis Inflammation of the interarticular car-
infection spreads to cerebral tissues, leading to tilage.
engorgement of cerebral vessels, edema, and
subarachnoid areas. This increased intracranial meniscus That curve (concave of water and
pressure presents the risk of brain damage. most fluids, convex of mercury), produced by
Isolation technique with seizure precautions the surface tension of contained liquids. When
must be strictly observed. Antimicrobial therapy reading a gauge, the center of the meniscus is
will be initiated immediately, as soon as the the point to be read, at eye level.
cerebrospinal fluid is obtained via spinal punc-
ture. The recovering patient needs to be menix A membrane.
assessed for deafness, blindness, behavioral Menkes' trichopoliodystrophy An infantile disor-
problems, and mental deterioration. (Asplenic
children are at increased risk of developing der of copper transport. Copper replacement
meningococcal disease, experiencing infectious enables the hepatic level to return to normal,
processes in severe forms.) but this rare pathology progresses.
meningococcemia Meningococci in the circula- menometrorrhagia Excessive/irregular menses.
tion. menomic device Mental scaffolding which
fulminant meningococcemia These patients assists learning.
may present in severe abdominal pain with menopause The climacteric — permanent cessa-
fever, hypotension, tachycardia. The characteris- tion of menstrual functioning, between ± 35-58
tic petechial rash may involve ankle(s), flank(s), years. Accompanying symptoms vary from apa-
and/or wrist(s), coalescing to form purpuric thy, depression, dizziness, excitability, fatigue,
lesions. emotionality, frequency of voiding, gastrointesti-
meningoencephalitis Bacterial infection of the nal disorders, headache, flushing, incontinence,
cerebral meninges and brain. insomnia, myalgia, nervousness, palpitations,
meningoencephalocele Herniation of paresthesias, tearfulness, temperature intoler-
brain/meninges through a deformity in the cra-
nial vault.
meningoencephalomyelitis Inflammation of the
brain, extending to the spinal cord and involved
meninges.
meningomalacia Softening of the cerebral/spinal
cord membranes.
meningomyelitis Spinal cord inflammation
extending to the arachnoid, pia mater, dura
mater layers.
meningomyelocele Herniation of the spinal cord
and meninges through a vertebral defect.
meningomyeloradiculitis Infection of the brain,
meninges, spinal cord roots.
meningorrhagia Hemorrhage of cerebral/spinal
meninges.
meningorrhea Hemorrhagic effusion between
meningeal layers.

219

ance, vasomotor instability. Hormonal replace- be genetic. I Q Classification of Mental

ment is common. Retardation (as established by Wechsler): Mild

artificial menopause That caused by intrauter- — IQ: 50 to 70; Moderate — IQ: 35 to 55;

ine radium implantation, irradiation. Severe — IQ: 20 to 40; Profound — IQ: below

postmenopause The period extending from 1 25. Mental retardation may be specified when

year following the woman's final menstrual peri- evidence indicates, but IQ is unmeasurable.

od to the end of life. mental status The psychiatric presentation as

premature menopause Artificial/natural determined by appearance, behavior, judgment,

menopause occurring prior to age 35 years. memory, responsivenessto stimuli, social skills,

Vicarious menopause. speech.

surgical menopause That which follows bilat- mentation Mental functioning.

eral oophrectomy, pan hysterectomy in thepre- mentorship The classic mentor-protege relation-

menopausal patient. ship in which a senior professional guides a

menorrhagia Menorrhea, hypermenorrhea — selected junior in their common profession. The

excessive menstrual flow and/or length of protege interacts with his/her mentor, as the lat-

menses. The causes may be related to those of ter demonstrates, by example and critique, the

cervical conditions, endocrine disturbances, definitive practice.

general systemic disease, pelvic inflammation, meralgia paresthetica Hyperesthesia/pain from

uterine malpositioning/hyperplasia. a neural lesion at the femoral area.

menostasis Suppression of catamenia, menstru- mercurialism Chronic toxicity from mercury —

ation. usually occcupationally inhaled. Signs/symp-

menostaxis Prolonged menses. toms include diarrhea, gum disease,increased

menoxenia Abnormal menses. salivation, loosening of teeth, mercurial palsy.

menstrual epilepsy Seizureswhich occur only Mercury poisoning, hydrargyria.

during menstruation. mercuric chloride poisoning Severe gastroin-

menstruation Cyclical periods which occur in 4 testinal symptoms with pharyngeal constriction

phases: proliferative phase; secretory/luteal may be noted, with a metallic taste. Coagulation

phase; ischemic/premenstrual phase; discharge leaves a white residue. Unless aggressive inter-

of blood/tissue debris in the female ages ± vention ensues, this poisoning will present with

10-35. hemorrhagic vomitus and diarrhea, severe

anovulatory menstruation That occurring with- abdominal pain, syncope, oliguria, seizures,and

out ovulation. coma leading to death.

pseudomenstruation Uterine hemorrhage in the mercy Compassionate care of the patient'smen-

absence of endometrial change(s). tal anguish, physical pain, somatic distress.

retrograde menstruation Menstrual flow which merinthophobia The exaggeratedfear of being

enters the peritoneal cavity via the fallopian restrained.

tubes. meristic Symmetrical.

suppressed menstruation Failure of the meroacrania That congenital absence of part of

menses to occur cyclically. the cranial vault.

vicarious menstruation Menses occurring on merocele Femoral herniation.

time, but from another site than the uterus. merocoxalgia Painful pathology of the hip and

mental age The chronological age adjusted to thigh.

intellectual development. meroergasia Those symptoms of emotional

mental hygiene The prevention of psychiatric ill- instability, secondary to a psychiatric disorder.

ness through the cultivation of a healthy emo- meromelia Partial absence of an extremity.

tional and psychiatric support system. meromicrosomia The abnormal miniaturization

mental retardation Intellectual functioning below of a structure/body part.

average, which results in social maladjustment, meropia Incomplete blindness.

impaired learning. The etiology may or may not merorrhachischisis The partially fissured spinal

220

cord. metallic tinkling That ringing auscultated over

merosmia That inability to identify odors. large pulmonary cavities during pneumothorax.

mesaortitis Inflammation of the middle aortic metameric Isomeric.

lining. metamorphism Ophthalmologic distortion of

mesenteric occlusion A postoperative complica- visual input.

tion following aortic reconstruction, in the metamorphosis A degenerative transformation.

patient with atherosclerosis or thromboem- A structural change.

bolism. metaphrenia That psychological status of per-

mesenteriorrhaphy Mesorrhaphy, mesenteric mitting occupational interests to supersede fam-

suturing. ily needs and other allegiances.

mesenteritis Mesenteric inflammation. metaphysitis Inflammation of the metaphysis

mesentery Mesenterium — that peritoneal tissue (growing portion of the bone).

expanse which covers the small intestine, serv- metaplasia That conversion of tissue into an

ing as the connection to the posterior abdominal abnormal form.

wall. myeloid metaplasia The development of bone

mesial drift Physiological tooth movement in a marrow at abnormal sites.

central direction to maintain tight spacing. metapneumonic That which is secondary to

mesmerism Hypnotherapy. pneumonitis.

mesocardia That midline position of the heart metapsychology Unverifiable mental concepts

within the thorax (normal in the fetus, abnormal which cannot be discredited by reasoning.

in the neonate). metastasis That secondary growth of primary

mesocolopexy Mesocoloplication — stabilization carcinoma to an unrelated site (often specific to

of the mesocolon by suturing it in shortened the origin of the malignancy). This spread is

positions; This technique also repairs colonic accomplished by the circulatory/lymphatic sys-

ptosis/mobility. tem(s). Uncommonly used, this term may apply

mesopulmonum Pulmonary mesentery. to benign cells'/bacterial migation in pathology.

mesoropter That normal position of the eyes at metatarsalgia A severe cramping pain in the

rest. anterior foot.

mesothelioma A rare, malignant neoplasm metatarsectomy Excision of a bone(s) within the

involving the serous membranes of the peri- arch of the foot.

toneum, pericardium, pleura(e). metatarsus varus The "clubfoot" type congenital

metabolic failure Cessation of mental/physical deformity.

functioning resulting in death. metathesis That forced relocation of a disease

metabolism All transformation, chemical/physi- process to a more accessiblesite — where it

cal changes which evolve within the organism. will be more vulnerable and accessible to thera-

metacarpectomy Surgical resection/excision of a py.

wrist bone(s). metatrophia Cachexia,syntexis — loss of

metachromatic leukodystrophy A fatal enzymatic weight/body tissue due to malnutrition.

deficiency leading to death in infancy. This con- meteoropathy Climate-caused illness.

dition involves those deposits of metachromatic methadone hydrochloride That synthetic anal-

material in the brain, kidney, liver, nerves, urine. gesic with weaker narcotic action than morphine

Specific therapy is unknown — nursing care is and other opium derivatives, but equipotent to

primarily symptomatic and palliative. these agents. Methadone is also habituating,

metacyesis Extrauterine implantation of the and must be closely supervised. Early in thera-

embryo (where it cannot survive). py, the pharmacist administers each dose to

metainfective That secondary infective process outpatients.

following a primary infection. methemoglobinemia Cyanosis due to that inabil-

metal fume fever An occupational syndrome ity of hemoglobin to transport oxygen (0). This

caused by inhalation of metallic oxide fumes. condition may be congenital, attributed to an

221

inherited deficiency of NADH-diaphorase. centimeter (cm.) = 0.394 inch (in.); 1 kilometer

methodology That scientific procedure/tech- (km.) = 0.621 mile; 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters; 1

nique/manner of performing treatment, surgery, kilogram (kg.) = 2.2 pounds (Ibs.); 1 pound =

testing, or other modality. The principles, proce- 454 grams (Gms.); 1 liter (I.) = 1.06 quarts

dures, failures, and results are all recorded for (qts.); 1 quart = 946 milliliters (ml.). To safe-

the scrutiny of the profession. guard the serious difference in medicating with

methomania The pathological craving for intoxi- grains and grams, the former is abbreviated

cants. (gr.), and the latter capitalized (Gm.). This also

methyl alcohol poisoning This symptomatology protects against a transcription error when mil-

differs from that of intoxication, and may ligrams (mg.) have been ordered.

resemble that of a cerebral vascular accident metritis Uterine inflammation.

(CVA). Abdominal cramping, coma, convulsions, endometritis Septic involvement of the

depression, diaphoresis, dyspnea, headache, endometrium.

nausea, and weakness may be followed by per- myometritis Septic involvement of the

manent blindness. Gastric lavage (or induced myometrium.

emesis) is effective only within two hours of metrocarcinoma Malignancy of the uterus.

ingestion of this poisonous alcohol. Intravenous metrocele Herniation of the uterus.

alkali infused at a high rate, supportive mea- metrocystosis The formation of cysts in the

sures, and administration of ethanol will be uterus.

required — as may be hemodialysis. metromalacia Metromalacosis — uterine soften-

methylmalonic acidemia That hereditary meta- ing.

bolic acidosis, mental retardation, failure to metronome A mechanism which records and

thrive/grow. In anticipation that this pediatric marks intervals of time.

form of disease is the only form which responds metroparalysis Uterine paresis during parturi-

to vitamin B therapy, this may be administered tion, or immediately thereafter.

in utero or maternally, prior to delivery. metropathia hemorrhagica That syndrome of

metonymy Mental confusion in which the person ovarian cystic disease, hypertrophy of the uter-

approximates the correct words in conversation. ine mucosae, and uterine hemorrhage.

metopagus Conjoined twins whose site of fusion metroperitonitis Inflammation of the uterus/peri-

is the forehead. toneum.

metopodynia Frontal headache. metrophlebitis Inflammation of the uterine vas-

metralgia Metrodynia — uterine pain. culature.

metratome Metrotome — the scalpel used to metroplasty Plastic surgery of the uterus.

incise the uterus. metroptosis Uterine prolapse.

metratomy Hysterotomy, metrotomy — a surgi- metrorrhagia Nonmenstrual uterine bleeding

cal incision into the uterus. which may be caused by cervical lesions.

metratonia Postpartum uterine atony. Carcinoma should be ruled out.

metratrophia Atrophy of the nongravid uterus. metrorrhexis That life-threatening surgical emer-

metrectasia Distention/dilation of the nongravid gency of a ruptured uterus. Patients with com-

uterus. promised integrity of the uterine wall are at risk,

metrectopia Uterine displacement. and must be responsibly monitored when per-

metria Inflammation of the pregnant uterus. mitted a trial of labor.

metric system That universal schedule of metrosalpingitis Inflammation of the uterus and

weights and measures based on units of length, fallopian tubes.

weight, and time. The metric system is a deci- metrostenosis Constriction of the uterus.

mal system. The nurse may be required to use metrourethrotome A measurement device which

its many rules of conversion from time to time. develops a calculated incision of the urethra.

These are readily available in various reference mication A sudden, brief movement.

books. Equivalent English and Metric Units: 1 micracusia An epileptic aura/auditory illusion in

222

which remote sounds may be perceived. microleukoblast A myeloblast — an immature
micrencephaly Microcephaly, microencephaly, bone marrow cell.

cretinism — that anomaly of a small brain and microlithiasis That formation of miniscule cal-
skull. culi.
microangiopathy That disease process afflicting pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis Pulmonary
smaller blood vessels. deposits of microscopic granules of bone.
thrombotic microangiopathy Thrombus forma-
tion in those small vessels. micromazia Micromastia — abnormally small
microbalance A measuring device which deter- breasts.
mines minute, metric weight differences.
microblepharism Microblephary — eyelids micromelia Abnormally short/small extremities.
which are abnormally small. micromyelia An abnormally small spinal cord.
microbrachius That fetal anomaly of proportion- micronychia Abnormally small nails.
ately small arms. microphallus Microcaulia, micropenis.
microcardia An abnormally small heart. microphonia That weak, inaudible voice.
microcheilia Abnormally small lips. microphthalmia Nanophthalmos — unusually
microcheiria The anomaly of small hands.
microcirculatory problems Acrocyanosis, burn- small eyes.
ing palms/soles, dizziness, erythromalgia, micropodia Unusually small feet.
headache. Arteriolar thrombi with distal
ischemia account for this syndrome. microprosopia An abnormally small face.
micrococcus A spherical microorganism. micropsia Micropia — that visual misperception
microcolon The large intestine which is abnor-
mally small. of miniaturization as seen in choroiditis, retini-
microcoria The pupil which is unusually small. tis, paralysis of accommodation.
microcornea An abnormally small cornea. microrhinia An abnormally small nose.
microcythemia Erythrocytes smaller than nor- microscelous One with short legs.
mal. microsomia An abnormally small body.
microcytosis The pathological presence of microsphygmia An imperceptible pulse.
microcytes in the circulation. microsplanchnic That abnormally small abdomi-
microdactylia Abnormally small digits. nal cavity.
microdontism An abnormally small tooth/teeth.
microgastria That markedly diminished size of microsplenia An abnormally small spleen.
the stomach. microsporosis Ringworm infestation.
microgenitalism Abnormally small genitalia. microstomia An abnormally small mouth.
microsurgery Micrurgy — surgical dissection of
microglossia An exceptionally small tongue.
micrognathia Abnormally small jaws, especially tissues with the aid of a microscope.
microthelia Abnormally small nipples.
the mandible. microtia Possessing unusually small ears.
microgonioscope That device used in determin- microtome That slicing instrument which pre-

ing the angles of the anterior chamber of the pares frozen sections for microscopic study.
eye — indicated in the diagnosis/assessment of micturition Voiding, urination.
glaucoma. micturition syncope The rare fainting of a male
microgyria Miniaturization of cerebral convolu-
tions. who arises from sleep to void. The
microhepatia An abnormally small liver. etiology/pathophysiology are unknown, and
microinvasion That invasion of cells adjacent to these men recover without intervention, unless
carcinoma in situ. injured.
microlentia An abnormally small crystalline lens, middle lobe syndrome Compression of the right
microphakia. middle lobe bronchus may result in atelectasis,
bronchiectasis, pneumonitis of that lobe.
midstream specimen In order to culture urine
with minimal contamination, the patient is
instructed to disinfect the genitalia, interrupt the
stream of urine, collect the specimen, then fin-
ish voiding into the toilet.

223

midwifery That advanced practice of obstetrics assurance, personal autonomy, support, trust.
in which registered nurses become prepared In reality, this is rarely the case.
and licensed in the delivery of prenatal, parturi- milk intolerance Persistent diarrhea coupled
tion, and postpartum care. Unless she compli- with inability to digest milk. Especially prevalent
cates, the mother will be delivered by the mid- among those of Mediterranean and African
wife. descent, most of these infants/children have
been found able to tolerate yogurt.
migration Cells changing position/direction. Milkman's syndrome Osseous demineralization
descensus testis Testicular descent into the productive of pseudofractures, due to failed
scrotum. reabsorption of phosphate by the renal tubules.
diapedesis Migration of leukocytes via the cap- Miller-Abbott tube That double-lumen intestinal
illary walls. tube passed to confirm/relieve bowel obstruc-
internal migration of ovum Ova travel through tion.
the fallopian tubes into the uterus. Miller-Fisher's syndrome Cranial nerve involve-
ment characterized by areflexia, ataxia, ophthal-
Mikulicz' drain That formed by gauze packing moplegia. Motor function may be intact, and
deep into the wound/cavity/defect. cerebrospinal fluid unremarkable. These patients
are at risk for aspiration and obstruction of the
Mikulicz' pad That large gauze sponge used in airway. Plasmapheresis has helped.
abdominal surgery to pack off the viscera, and milphosis Loss of the eyebrows/eyelashes.
to absorb bleeding. Of whatever size, all Milroy's disease Elephantiasis, dependent lym-
sponges admitted into U.S. operating rooms phedema.
have radiopacity, and must be counted at desig- Milwaukee brace A leather/steel back brace pre-
nated times and following the procedure. If the scribed for the correction of idiopathic adoles-
postoperative count cannot be reconciled, cent scoliosis. This appliance extends from the
portable X-ray is brought in to confirm that no pelvis to the chin, and must be worn constantly
sponges have been left in the surgical field. Only except for bathing.
then may the surgical wound be closed. The Milwaukee shoulder An uncommon crystal-
final sponge count or discrepancy is officially induced arthropathy.
documented. mimesis Hysterical conditions which simulate
organic pathology. Symptoms which imitate
Mikulicz' syndrome That painless infiltration other diseases.
with edema of lacrimal/salivary glands. This Minamata disease That neurological illness with
may be seen as a second case of mumps. These poor prognosis which is caused by organic mer-
findings may also accompany Hodgkin's dis- cury present in fish of Japan. Ataxia, dysarthria,
ease, leukemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, mental disturbance, loss of peripheral vision,
tuberculosis, et al. profuse diaphoresis, sialorrhea, and tremor may
occur prior to death.
miliaria A vesicular eruption arising from mind The integration of cerebral functioning
obstructed sweat gland ducts — which will which enables the person to intelligently
cause inflammation if obstruction persists. This process information, to have the capacity to
may be seen in obese infants and adults. imagine, to emote, to will, to perceive the env,-
ronment.
miliaria crystallina Sudamen which hasescaped minimal brain dysfunction That poorly defined
into the stratum corneum. concept which is not a diagnosis.
minimal dose The least amount of a medication
miliaria profunda A painless, non-pruritic form which still proves to be effective.
seen in the tropics. minimum lethal dose The least amount of a
drug which is capable of causing death.
miliaria rubra Papulovesicular eruption accom-
panying inflammation.

miliary fever That vesicular, erythematous der-
matitis which follows a sudden, diaphoretic
fever.

milieu therapy The environment within a psychi-
atric facility which provides the patients interac-
tion with each other. The goal is development of

224

minor A person who has not reached legal mitosis That continuous process of cell division
chronological age. Parental consent is required by which the organism grows. (Rapidly dividing
for marriage, medical/dental/surgical proce- cells are at high risk for mutation.)
dures, military enlistment, and other legal per-
mits — which age may vary from state to state, mitral commissurotomy Surgical repair of a con-
country to country. stricted mitral valve — secondary to mitral
emancipated minor That young person under stenosis.
legal age who is married, in the military service,
a mother of whatever marital status, left the mitral valve prolapse Barlow's syndrome —
parental home, and/or who is financially inde- although common and sometimes
pendent. In the United States, these minors benign/asymptomatic, this condition can be
have the legal rights of adults. serious. The valvular obstruction and resultant
hypertrophy lead to conduction anomalies. Non-
Minot-Murphy diet A diet abundant in liver, pre- anginal chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue, and/or pal-
pitations may occur — as well as exercise-relat-
scribed for patients with pernicious anemia. ed sudden death syndrome. Panic disorder is
miocardia That lowered cardiac volume occur- sometimes related. Hypertension must be treat-
ed. Echocardiographic evaluation will reveal
ring during systolic contractions. whether the mitral valve must be replaced.
miodidymus The conjoined fetus whose 2 heads Antibiotic prophylaxis will precede all
medical/dental invasive procedures (for life) to
are fused at the occiput. guard against bacterial endocarditis.
mioplasmia A pathological deficiency in the
Mittelschmerz Ovarian pain occurring midcycle.
amount of blood plasma. mixoscopia That perverted form of sexual gratifi-
miopragia Decreased functioning.
miopus Conjoined twins — one of whom pos- cation which is achieved by observing the
coition of others.
sesses vestigial, undeveloped facial features. mnemasthenia Poor recall not attributable to
miosis Abnormal pupillary contraction. That pathology.
mnemonics Mental "scaffolding" — aids to
stage of an illness in which signs/symptoms memory retrieval.
improve. mobile arm support That wheelchair support
miotic That myotic which causes pupillary con- which suspends the paralyzed arm(s) in a posi-
striction. tion of function.
miryachit Salutory spasm — Siberian "jumping mobility Facility of movement.
disorder" elicited by an attempt to stand. mobility training Teachingthe blind to
misanthropia Hatred of humanity. move/travel safely and independently in his/her
miscegenation Coitus between persons of differ- environment. It is necessary for those receiving
ing races. a guide dog to enter residential training with
miscible Mixable. his/her dog. By law, they must be admitted to
mislogia An aversion to cognition, mental work. every establishment their owners' wish, in the
misocainia Misoneism — that aversion to United States.
change. mobilization Freeing an organ, immoveable joint,
misogamy An exaggeratedaversion to marriage. a fixed part, et al.
misogyny An intense dislike for females. stapes mobilization Surgical restoration of
misopedia A dislike of youth. movement to the stapes, in the treatment of
Mitchell's disease Erythromelalgia — rodonal- deafness.
gia. Mb'bius' disease Oculomotor paresis accompa-
mitella A sling. nying migraine headache.
mithridatism Presumed immunity to a toxin, as Mobius' sign That convergence of one eye with
demonstrated by doses of increasing incre- divergence of the other. This may be seen when
ments. This is a risky presumption. a patient with Graves' disease looks at his/her
mitigated Allayed, diminished in severity, moder-
ated.
mitis Mild.

225

nose. must have been discontinued (DC'd) for 2
modality Any specific sensory stimulus. The weeks, prior to the trial of another antidepres-
sant.
employment of a physical agent or therapeutic monoblepsia Monochromatic color blindness,
protocol. which allows only one color to be seen. Visual
modeling A representative example of appropri- refraction in which the precision of the eyes dif-
ate behavior, response, emotion, etc. fers, is recorded. These patients will close the
modification A custom alteration in character, weaker eye when they need to sharpen their
shape, structure. visual acuity.
modulation An adjustment in physical/chemical monobrachius The fetal anomaly in which one
environment, change in function. arm is absent. The status of having one arm.
modus operandi A method or motive. monocardium A congenital cardiac defect con-
Moebius' syndrome That inability to control the sisting of only one ventricle and one auricle.
facial nerves — which innervate smiling, frown- monocephalus Syncephalus — that congenital
ing, pursing of the lips. (The inability to smile deformity of the head, in which all features are
presents a multitude of psychological/social duplicated.
problems.) The surgical reconstruction is per- monochorea Involuntary movements affecting
formed in stages, and followed by rehabilitation. only one limb or part.
Motis' chemosurgery technique Complete exci- monocular Referring to one eye, or to an instru-
sion of basal cell epithelioma. ment to be used by one eye.
molding The natural adaptive shaping of the fetal monoculus Monophthalmus, monops, cyclops
head to fit the maternal pelvic inlet. — a rare, congenital anomaly in which there is
molecular lesion The absence/defect of a basic only one eye. An eye shield.
organic molecule, that is sufficient to cause dis- monocyesis A single pregnancy.
ease. monodactylism That congenital anomaly in
Mollart's meningitis A rare and idiopathic dis- which there appears only one digit on a
ease with brief and self-limiting episodes of foot/hand.
aseptic meningitis (etiology unknown). If tran- monodiplopia Double vision occurring in only
sient neurologic findings appear, they disappear one eye.
following exacerbation. (The cerebrospinal fluid monoecious Functioning gonads of both sexes in
then cultures no infectious virus.) These attacks the same person.
remit spontaneously and fully for monogamy Monogyny — marriage to one per-
weeks/months. This diagnosis should not be son at one time.
assigned until recurrent lymphocytic meningitis monoideism Monoideaism — preoccupation
has been ruled out. with only one theme.
momentum Impetus. monomania Monopsychosis — thought distor-
Mondonesi's reflex Bulbomimic reflex, facial tion involving a single idea/subject.
reflex. In coma, pressure on the eye elicits con- monomelic That which affects one limb, only.
tractions of the facial muscle. monomyoplegia Monoparesis, monoplegia —
Mondor's disease Thrombosis with sclerosis of paralysis of a single muscle.
the mammary venous system, affecting male monomyositis Inflammation of only one muscle.
and female. This is a benign, self-limiting dis- mononeuritis Inflammation of a single nerve.
ease. mononeuritis multiplex Inflammation of single
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) A group- nerves in various locations of the body.
ing of drugs, effective in the treatment of mononoea Mental fixation on a single theme.
intractable depression. MAOIs have an unclear mononucleosis Pfeiffer's disease — acute infec-
mode of action, and should be used with cau- tious process which affects lymphoid tissue.
tion, because of their toxic potential. Patients Associated with the Epstein-Barr virus, the het-
are placed on a tyramine-free diet because of erophile agglutination will be elevated. Other
the risk of hypertensive crisis. This category

226

than cortisone therapy for serious complica- of lightning flashes seen in dim/no lighting.
tions, there is no specific treatment. These vertical lights on a lateral visual field, may
monoparesthesia Tingling/numbness of a single be accompanied by dark spots. This geriatric
area/part.
monophagia That custom of eating only one phenomenon is not considered to indicate oph-
meal daily. Appetite for only one food. thalmic pathology.
monophobia The exaggerated fear of being morbid Diseased. Preoccupied with frightening,
alone. terrorizing, gory themes.
monopodia Congenital fusion of the feet togeth- morbidity A state of illness. Statistics are kept
er. The absence of one foot. for state/health departments.
monorhinic The possession of only one nose by morbus Pathology, disease.
conjoined twins. That single nasal cavity which morbus caeruleus Congenital cyanosis.
is fused. morbus miseriae Any condition caused by
monospasm A painful contraction of a single neglect.
part. morcellation Morcellment — that extraction, in
monostic Referring to one bone. segments, of an organ, tumor, undelivered
monosymptomatic Presentation of one dominant
symptom. expired fetus.
monothermia Stable body temperature through- mores Social ethics, habits, customs — essen-
out the day.
monotocous The birth of a single infant. tial to the well-being and survival of society.
monozygotic Identical twins who evolved from a Morgagni's hyperostosis Involving the frontal
single ovum. They are of the same sex and
share genetic characteristics. bones of the cranium, this abnormal bony
monstriparity The delivery of a monster, mon- growth is related to amenorrhea, diabetes,
strosity. (This medical terminology for the headache, multiple endocrine abnormalities,
severely, congenitally deformed infant is never obesity, neuropsychiatric problems.
used outside the profession.) morgue Necropsy, mortuary — that place where
Monteggia's fracture A break in the upper ulna expired bodies are held for confirmation of iden-
accompanied by a dislocated head of the radius. tity, the harvesting of organs, autopsy, direct
Montgomery straps Long, backedadhesive burial, and/or transfer as per directives of fami-
strips which secure large abdominal dressings ly, austhorities, et al.
and tie with gauze or shoestrings. Becausethey moria Mild dementia.
adhere to the abdomen and not the dressings, moribund The final stages of expiration,
they can be untied to change multiple high- approaching death.
drainage dressings. morioplasty Surgical restoration of body tissue
mood That pervasive affect, emotion, intense lost to disease/trauma/surgery.
feeling. Moro reflex The innate startle/embrace response
mood disorders Bipolar disorders (bipolar disor- of the neonate, to sudden percussion within
der and cyclothymia) and depressive disorders his/her immediate environment.
(major depression and dysthymia). morphine poisoning The patients may present
mood reactivity The capacity of the depressive with any of the following — cold, clammy skin,
patient to brighten, in the presence of positive coma, constricted pupils, diaphoresis, dilated
events significant to the patient. pupils, diminished reflexes, erratic, bounding
"moon face" That side effect of Cushing's syn- heart beat, fatigue, hypothermia, lethargy, loss
drome — seen in patients on prolonged, high of consciousness, muscle relaxation, pallor,
doses of adrenal cortical hormone — an obese, sedation, wide mood swings, and/or death.
fully-round face. morphinism Morbidity caused by morphine
Moore's lightning streaks Subjective sensations abuse.
morphinomania Morphiomania — insanity
caused by morphine (MS) habituation. A morbid
craving for this narcotic.
Morquio's syndrome Mucopolysaccharidosis IV

227

— an inherited disorder characterized by of arms, to laboriously perform functions.
enzyme deficiency. Clinically, cardiac/coarse Mozart effect The IQ is increased after listening
lesions, dwarfism, hepatosplenomegaly, joint
hypermobility, kyphoscoliosis, and/or thora- to the music of Mozart.
columbar gibbus ("hunchback") may be noted. mucocele A cystic disease of the cranial air cavi-
morrhuate sodium That injectable, sclerosing
agent which is administered for the purpose of ty which causes osseous erosion.
obliterating varicosities. mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome
mors Death.
mors putative Death which is apparent. Kawasaki disease — an acute, febrile, pediatric
mors subita A sudden death. illness which mimics scarlet fever. Years later,
mortal Human — one who is capable of dying. these children may suddenly expire from coro-
mortality Humanity. The death ratio/rate. nary artery disease.
mortification Death/gangrene/necrosis of a tis- mucodermal Mucocutaneous — involving the
sue, organ, part. mucous membranes and dermal layers.
Morton's disease Morton's foot syndrome, mucoenteritis Inflammation of intestinal
Morton's neuralgia, Morton's metatarsalgia — mucosa(e).
metatarsal shortening, hypertrophy, with pain in mucolytics Agents which break down mucous.
the arch. Widely used, aerosolized expectants and
Morvan's disease That form of syringomyelia in mucolytics are not advised. Since children (and
which lesions accompany trophic changes of others) may overuse these products, massive
the extremities. hemoptyses and/or right heart failure could fol-
mosquito instruments Miniaturized surgical low.
instruments, used in technically-precise proce- mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) Inherited,
dures. These specialized instruments may be enzyme-deficient disorders.
custom-made for the surgeon, may not be auto- mucopolysacchariduria Urinary mucopolysac-
claved, and may arrive/leave with the surgeon. charides.
motility The capacity for spontaneous move- mucopurulent A discharge composed of mucus
ment. and pus.
mucoriferous That which is covered with mold.
motivation Impetus arising out of human goals. mucormycosis Zygomycosis.
motor aphasia A neurological impairment in mucosanguinous Drainage of blood and mucus.
mucosedative A demulcent which soothes the
which patients comprehend but cannot speak in mucosa(e).
meaningful communication. mucositis Inflammation of the mucous mem-
motoricity The capacity for movement. branes.
motor neuron disease Progressive neurological mucoviscidosis Cystic fibrosis.
conditions, occurring predominantly in the male: mulatto A person of both African and Caucasian
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive bul- parentage.
bar palsy/muscular atrophy. muliebria Female genitalia.
mountain sickness A chronic syndrome seen in muliebrity Femininity. That assumption of female
those subjected to rarefied atmosphere — apa- characteristics.
thy, exertional dyspnea, cyanosis, fatigue, multiarticular Polyarticular (with many joints).
headache may come over these climbers. multifactorial Many-featured.
Affected mountaineers may lose their judgment multifamilial Spanning many generations.
to come down off the mountain, requiring res- multiform Polymorphous, polymorphic, of many
cue. This hypobaropathy also presents as shapes.
euphoria, cerebral disorders, tachycardia, multi-infection A mixed illness with multiple
tachypnea due to the oxygen (02) tension. organisms.
mouthstick A dental mouthpiece attached to an multilocular Plurilocular — multicellular.
extension, which enables the patient without use multipara Multigravida — one who has been
pregnant more than once, whether or not she

228

was delivered of live infants. Multiparas deliver involvement with multiple sclerotic symptoma-
more rapidly than primiparas. tology (but without the lesions).
grand multipara A multigravid woman who has multiple systems organ failure (MSOF) The crit-
delivered 7 or more times. ical failure of at least 2 organ systems at once,
multiparity Multigravity, multiparous, multiple evolving in the failure of the organ(s) involved.
births from one pregnancy. (It is the organ system which causes its
multiple drug resistance Chemotherapeutic organ(s) to fail, rather than the organ itself.)
immunity to unrelated medications, following a Patients suffering from profound sepsis, over-
resistant episode to a single agent. whelming inflammatory states, and perfusion
multiple evanescent white dot syndrome A new deficits must be under constant nursing super-
diagnosis, of which the etiology remains vision. The complications of MSOF are myriad,
unknown. Following a viral illness, lesions differ, and require early assessment for intervention to
and bilateral involvement has been documented. be successful. This lethal syndrome carries a
This condition has a predilection for young high (90%) mortality rate.
women. Cases have been described in Belgium, mumps Parotitis — that communicabledisease
Spain, Finland, The Netherlands, China, Japan. involving systemic inflammation of the
Cases of acute idiopathic blind spot enlargement parotid/salivary glands. If unilateral involvement
associated with disorders, including presumed occurs, the patient will not be immune to subse-
ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, and acute quent disease on the opposite side. Significant
macular neuroretinopathy have been seen.Disc complications include adult orchitis (unilateral)
edema, central visual loss, dyschromatopsia join with sterility (rare), sensorineural deafness,
other optic nerve visual field defects. meningoencephalitis.
multiple myeloma Myelomatosis — neoplastic Munchausen syndrome A fictitious disorder with
disease which forms tumor masses in blood- elaborate and dramatic symptomatology — a
producing tissue. More common in males 60+ malingering state in which stigmata are created
years of age, this progressive malignancy car- by self-mutilation, in intentional exacerbationof
ries a high mortality rate — which may be the on-going condition (which symptoms/sys-
caused by marked bone marrow fibrosis, and/or tem may be changed mid-course). A significant
severe pancytopenia. risk lies in those invasive diagnostic proce-
multiple personality disorder Dissociative iden- dures/interventions to which the patient may be
tity disorder, in which the patient adopts more submitted (conscientiously ordered by the new
than one persona. There may be 2 or more per- and unfamiliar physicians to whom this patient
sonality states, which control the patient's traditionally presents him-/herself).
actions. Characteristically,these patients have a Compounding this picture may be the comor-
poor recall of extensive personal data. When bidity of a legitimate problem. In the psychiatric
seen in some cases of schizophrenia/hysteria, patient's attempts to be hospitalized, a plethora
these personalities may arise intermittently, of complaints may be offered — limited only by
aware/unaware of the other(s). his/her medical information, and imagination. As
multiple sclerosis(MS) That demyelinating an inpatient, s/he may create havoc by noncom-
inflammation of the central nervous system pliance with hospital policy, excessive demands,
(CNS) which may strike young adults. (This has and manipulation of instruments, medications,
been known as "the young crippler".) The IV rates, et al. Having depleted their friends and
signs/symptoms include neurological dysfunc- family, these patients receive few (if any) visi-
tioning, affective changes, nystagmus, neuritis, tors/mail. This finding alerts nursing personnel
blindness, paresthesia(s), weakness, hyperac- to their unique patient. When confronted by the
tive reflexes, and death. Neurological exacerba- physician with their malingering, and/or referred
tions/remissions are characteristic of the course for psychiatric consultation, it is common for
of this disease. these patients (usually women) to terminate
pseudosclerosis Central nervous system (CNS) treatment/hospitalization to seek another physi-

229

cian and hospital — especially one in which myasthenia gravis, myopathies caused by
abdominal surgery will be performed. Typically, endocrine anomalies, myotonic dystrophies,
this search will be successful, and the charade peripheral nerve pathology, et al.
will be repeated. musicogenic epilepsy Seizures triggered by
Munchausen syndromeby proxy Factitious music.
symptomatology in the pediatric patient — usu- musicomania A pathological attraction to music.
ally feigned by the mother. The parents present musophobia An exaggerated fear of mice.
as overly cooperative and knowledgeable about Musset's sign de Musset's sign — That seen in
the child's problems. Of concern is the fact that advanced aortic aneurysmal/aortic insufficiency.
the mother is anxious (and allowed) to give the Repetitive movements of the patient's head/neck
child's care. Excessively solicitous of staff will synchronize with his/her ventricular contrac-
approval, mother may envision herself as a tions.
member of the nursing staff, presenting gifts for mussitation Inaudible movements of the uncon-
the physicians and nurses, even as the child's scious patient.
condition deteriorates. One of the intangible mustard gas Used in warfare, that which
rewards for the parent(s) is outwitting an MD. burns/destroys human tissue externally and
They "win" when their child goes on to die. internally.
These families must be closely observed, prefer- mutagenicity Genetic mutation. Alterations in
ably by hidden camera — that clues to this child transmittable genes.
abuse will not be missed. A Court order may mutation That trait by which an organism copies
have to be obtained to achieve the patient's sur- itself, but with variations.
vival. This may evolve to placement of the child mutilation Disfigurement/destruction of a body
and/or psychiatric services to this family. part(s). This may occur traumatically or surgi-
murine typhus A tick-borne illness which pre- cally.
sents with macular rash, chills, fever, mutism A state of inability to speak — whatever
nausea/vomiting. the etiology.
murmur Characteristic, auscultated sounds akinetic mutism That accompanied by loss of
resulting from circulatory vibrations. These feeling and physical movement.
extraneous sounds may signal an incompetent hysterical mutism A temporary state caused by
valve(s), major vessel irregularity, aneurysm, shock and/or terror.
stenosis, or absent pathology. There is a multi- myalgia Myodynia — muscular discomfort.
tude of different heart murmurs. myasis Myiasis — infestation by maggots. This
Murphy's sign In the patient with abdominal may also be given as a therapeutic (and ancient)
pain, while pressing below the ribs, ask the treatment for infection resistant to all other
patient to breathe deeply. If the patient suddenly modalities.
reacts, this is due to severe pain in the gallblad- myasthenia Profound weakness of the muscles.
der. angiosclerotic myasthenia Excessive muscular
muscae volitantes Translucent floaters which fatigue, caused by vascular changes.
drift across the visual field. Although this benign myasthenia cordis Amyocardia — weaknessof
phenomenon is common, dark floaters must the cardiac musculature.
receive immediate attention. myasthenia gastrica Loss of the muscle tone
muscle cramping Painful, spontaneous contrac- within the stomach.
tions due to electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, myasthenia gravis Exaggeratedmuscule weak-
muscle ischemia. ness accompanied by progressive fatigability in
muscular dystrophy Included in this category are the absence of atrophy. Strength is briefly
40 neuromuscular diseases— Charcot-Marie- restored by rest. Ptosis and absence of facial
Tooth disease, fascioscapulohumeral amy- expression may be noted. Bed rest, gavage
otrophic lateral sclerosis, inflammatory feedings, and/or thymectomy may be required.
myopathies, metabolic muscular diseases, Immunosuppression alternated daily with corti-

230

costeroids and plasmapheresis may be neces- sion.
sary to rescue these patients. Remissions and alternating mydriasis That involving each eye
exacerbations may be seen. Respiratory arrest sequentially.
may rapidly appear, if cardiac/respiratory mus- paralytic mydriasis That caused by paresis of
cles become involved. the oculomotor nerve.
myasthenic crisis An escalation of myasthenia spastic mydriasis That due to hyperactivity of
gravis, (with increased heart rate) — similar to the dilator muscle of the iris, or its sympathetic
cholinergic crisis (with decreased heart rate). innervation.
These patients are at risk for respiratory arrest spinal mydriasis That resulting from
and aspiration. Assistance must be summoned irritation/lesion of the central spinal cord.
STAT, and the physician notified. Suction the myectomy Partial excision of a muscle.
patient and administer 100% oxygen via an oral myectopia Dislocation of a muscle.
airway. Do not leave him/her alone, as fear will myelalgia Spinal cord pain.
exacerbate the symptoms. Following intubation myelanalosis Gradual atrophy of the spinal cord
(if warranted), ventilation is started, and transfer — myelatrophy.
to acute care accomplished. Edrophonium may myelapoplexy Hemorrhage into the spinal cord.
be administered as a differential test. If the myelasthenia Spinal cord neurasthenia.
symptoms are caused by myasthenia gravis, the myelatelia Developmental anomaly(s) of the
profound weakness will improve. (If in choliner- spinal cord.
gic crisis, no change in vital signs nor strength myelauxe Abnormal hypertrophy of the spinal
will be noted.) These patients should be advised cord.
to avoid narcotics and aminoglycosides. myelemia Myelocythemia, myelocytosis — an
myatonia Deficient muscle tone. abnormal number of bone marrow cells in the
myatonia congenita Amyotonia congenita, circulation.
Oppenheim's disease — that absence of muscle myelitis Spinal cord inflammation. Bone marrow
development, first seen in the legs. inflammation. Signs/symptoms include: anorex-
myatrophy Wasting of the muscles, atrophy. ia, back pain radiating down the extremities,
mycethemia Mycohemia — fungal infection in constriction (girdle distribution of pain), decubi-
the blood. tus, fecal constipation/incontinence/retention,
mycetism Mycetismus — fungal poisoning/poi-
sonous mushroom toxicity. paralysis, paresthesias, death. Spontaneous
mycobacteriosis A disease resembling, (but not arrest of symptomatology may be followed by
caused by), tuberculosis. prolonged recovery in need of rehabilitation.
mycodermatitis Any skin disease caused by acute ascending myelitis Progressive involve-
mold, fungus, yeast. ment travelling up the spinal cord.
mycophthalmia A fungal infection of the eye. acute myelitis A sudden onset secondary to
mycosis Any condition caused by fungi. trauma.
superficial mycosis Dermatomycosis — a fun- bulbar myelitis That which includes the medul-
gal dermatitits. la oblongata.
systemic mycosis A deep, regional, systemic, central myelitis That involving the bone mar-
fungal infection. row or spinal cord.
mycosis fungoides A rare malignancy which compression myelitis That caused by pressure
appears to resemble eczema or psoriasis. on the spinal cord from a tumor or hemorrhage.
mycterophonia Nasal intonation of the voice. descending myelitis That involvement affecting
mydriasis Pronounced pupillary dilation caused innervation travelling down the spinal cord.
by anesthesia (first and third stages), botulism, disseminated myelitis Multiple sites of inflam-
coma, drug ingestion, emotion, fear, hysteria, mation along the spinal cord.
irritation of a cervical sympathetic nerve. focal myelitis Small areas of myelopathy as
Prescribed mydriatrics prevent pupillary adhe- noted over the spinal cord.
hemorrhagic myelitis Pathology which

231

includes myeloencephalic bleeding. ascending myelopathy That disease which pro-
sclerosing myelitis Disease accompanied by gresses up the spinal cord.
the hardening of tissue. descending myelopathy That disease which
transverse myelitis That involvement through- progresses down the spinal cord.
out the entire thickness of the spinal cord. focal myelopathy Only small patches of
acute transverse myelitis That form of spinal involvement are noted.
cord inflammation which is secondary to spinal sclerosing myelopathy That disease in which
cord injury. the spinal cord becomes fibrotic.
traumatic myelitis That caused by injury to the transverse myelopathy Lateral involvement of
spinal cord. the spinal cord.
myeloblastemia The presence of immature bone traumatic myelopathy That caused by injury to
marrow cells/leukocytes in the circulation. the spinal cord.
myeloblastoma A tumor seen in myelogenic myelophthisic anemia That caused by idiopathic
leukemia. myelofibrosis or disseminated granulomatous
myeloblastosis Excessiveproduction and circu- disease.
lation of myeloblasts. myelophthisis Myelanalosis — replacement of
myelocystomeningocele The presence of both marrow by neoplastic growth. Spinal cord atro-
myelocystocele and meningocele. phy.
myelodiastasis Destruction/disintegration of the myeloplaxoma A tumor comprised of mega-
loblasts.
spinal cord. myeloplegia Paralysis originating in the spine.
myelodysplasia Developmental anomaly(s) of myeloproliferative syndromes Agnogenic
myeloid metaplasia, chronic myelogenous
the spinal cord. leukemia, essential thrombocytopenia, poly-
myeloencephalic That relating to the brain/spinal cythemia vera — all of which cause thrombocy-
tosis.
cord. myeloradiculodysplasia Congenital anomalies of
myelofibrosis Replacement of marrow by scle- the spinal cord and nerve roots.
myelorrhagia Hemorrhage into the spinal canal.
rotic tissue. myelosarcoma Osteosarcoma — that malignan-
myelography X-ray survey of the spinal cord, cy composed of bone marrow cells/tissue.
myelosarcomatosis Disseminated myelosarco-
following the intrathecal infusion of contrast ma.
medium. myeloschisis A cleft spinal cord.
air myelography Air and/or oxygen (0 ) is myelosclerosis Spinal cord fibrosis.
administered as the contrast medium. This must myelosis That formation of a medullary
be used for patients (pts) who cannot tolerate tumor/myeloma.
radiopaque dye. erythemic myelosis Malignancy of erythropoi-
myelolymphangioma Elephantiasis, pachyder- etic (red blood cell-producing) tissue.
matosis. Signs/symptoms include abnormal blood work,
myelomalacia Softening of the spinal cord. anemia, fever, hemorrhaging,
myelomatosis Multiple myeloma — that neo- hepatosplenomegaly.
plastic disease in which bone/marrow is infiltrat- myelosuppression Inhibited bone marrow func-
ed by multiple tumor masses. Progressive and tioning.
terminal, intravenous pyelography is contrain- myelosyphilis Luetic involvement of the spinal
dicted for these patients — lest this induce cord.
renal failure. myelosyringosis Syringomyelia.
myelomeningitis Spinal meningitis. myelotome That instrument used for spinal cord
myelomeningocele Spina bifida, accompanied dissection.
by the herniation of spinal cord and meninges.
myelomyces Encephaloma— a malignant brain
tumor.
myeloneuritis Multiple myelitis/neuritis.
myelopathy Spinal cord pathology.

232

myelotomy Surgical ligation of spinal cord nerve tion of the cardiac muscle, secondary to suppu-

fibers. rative endocarditis, pericarditis, et al.

myelotoxin That which destroys bone marrow, chronic myocarditis Cardiac insufficiency with

spinal cord cells. tachycardia — which does not recover, follow-

myenteric reflex Relaxation below, intestinal ing exercise. Cyanosis with systolic murmur

contraction above, the point of abdominal stim- may be present.

ulation. indurative myocarditis Chronic episodes caus-

Myerson's sign Parkinsonian inability to arrest ing sclerosis of the myocardium.

blinking in response to tapping of the maxilla, myocardium The central layer of the heart wall

bridge of the nose, and/or the nose. — that composed of cardiac muscle.

myesthesia Muscular sensation(s). hibernating myocardium That persistently

myiasis Myiosis — infestation of a body cavity impaired function of viable heart muscle, which

by maggots. reduces its cardiac output. Revascularizationis

myoatrophy Muscle wasting. indicated.

myoblastoma A tumor comprised of immature stunned myocardium The delayed cardiac func-

muscle fiber cells. tion which follows reperfusion or revasculariza-

myocardial infarction "Heart attack." The sensa- tion, and its rehabilitation.

tion of an occluded coronary artery(s) is charac- myocardosis Those non-inflammatory, degenera-

teristically described as "It feels as if an ele- tive conditions of the heart muscle (excluding

phant were sitting on my chest!" This pain/pres- myofibrosis).

sure may radiate to the arm, jaw, neck, and/or myocele Herniation of a muscle through its

teeth, accompanied by diaphoresis, dyspnea, sheath.

nausea. (Most deaths occur in the early hours myocelialgia Abdominal pain which is muscular

post-infarction.) Pressure indicates pain (even in source.

when the patient denies this), and indicates an myocelitis Abdominal myositis.

ischemic status. Alert emergency care STAT! myoclonus That intermittent contraction of a

(No one will present as a textbook case.) In the muscle(s).

absence of early signs and symptoms, the intu- nocturnal myoclonus That present in sleep.

itive nurse will perceive an impending event, myoclonus multiplex Paramyoclonus multiplex

even though it cannot yet be defined. Vigilant — continuous/persistent spasms in ungrouped

anticipation will best serve the patient and the muscles.

nurse. myodiastasis Muscle dissection/division/hernia-

myocardial insufficiency Inadequatecardiac tion.

functioning leading to cardiac arrest. myodynamia That strength/force within a mus-

myocardial ischemia A fixed obstruction to cle.

coronary blood flow. Silent myocardial ischemic myodystonia Disordered muscle tone.

events are not perceived by the patient — even myodystrophy Muscular dystrophy.

with extensive damage. Nursing goals/concerns myoedema Myoidema — That mounding in an

are the same as for those with symptomatic atrophied muscle, when percussed.

involvement. myoelectric prosthesis Electrically-powered arti-

myocardiosis Non-inflammatory pathology of the ficial limbs which are activated by muscular

myocardium. electrodes.

myocarditis Inflammation of the heart muscle — myoendocarditis Inflammed myocardium/endo-

which may be noted in carbon monoxide toxici- cardium.

ty, heat stroke, nephritis, severe burns, massive myofibroma That tumor comprised of

infection. This inflammation may also compli- muscular/fibrous tissue.

cate diphtheria, rheumatic fever, and less fre- myofibrosis Muscular degeneration with

quently, viral infection. increased fibrous/connective tissue.

acute septic myocarditis A suppurative infec- myofibrositis Perimysial inflammation.

233

myoglobinuria Myohemoglobin present in the myopachynsis Abnormal hypertrophy of muscu-
urine as a result of deficient phosphorylase, lar tissue.
trauma, or muscular hyperactivity.
myopalmus That irritability of muscle tissue.
myognathus That malformed fetus with a rudi- myoparalysis Muscular paresis.
mentary twin which is conjoined. myopathic Descriptive of a muscle disease or its

myohysterectomy Subtotal hysterectomy in victim.
which the cervix is left intact. myopathic facies That expression seen during

myoischemia Deficient blood supply in localized relaxation of the facial muscles.
muscle tissue. myopathy Myonosus — the pathology of muscu-

myokerosis Myocerosis — waxy degeneration of lar tissue.
muscle cells. centronuclear myopathy Muscle fibers noted to
be immature, with halos encircling each nucle-
myokinesis Surgical dissection of muscle fibers. us. Myotubular myopathy.
Muscular activity. cortisone myopathy That caused by a high and
prolonged regimen of corticosteroids. This is
myokymia Kymatism — that twitching of muscle reversible when the drug is lowered/discontin-
fibers seen in paresis and organic affections. ued.
This may also be functional. distal myopathy Involvement of the hands
and/or feet.
myoma That tumor composed of muscle cells. facial myopathy Pursed lips, distorted smile,
nonstriated myoma Leiomyoma — that tumor bilateral ptosis, inability to whistle, and/or inabil-
composed of muscle tissue, without striae. ity to inflate the cheeks.
metabolic myopathy That caused by enzymatic
myoma striocellulare Rhabdomyoma — a fibro- anomalies.
ma with striated muscle tissue. nemaline myopathy Congenital, proximal
weakness.
myoma telangiectodes Angiomyoma — a blood ocular myopathy Inherited dystrophy of
vessel tumor(s) in muscle tissue. extraocular muscles — which may progress to
paresis.
myoma uteri A fibroid uterine tumor. thyrotoxic myopathy Progressive muscular
myomalacia The softening of muscle tissue. atrophy, weakness resulting from the toxicity of
myomalacia cordis Involvement (softening) of hyperthyroidism.
myopericarditis Inflammation of the cardiac
the myocardium. muscle and pericardium.
myomatosis The formation of multiple myomata. myopia Nearsightedness.
myomectomy Laparomyomectomy, myomotomy malignant myopia Pernicious myopia — that
condition which may progress from retinal
— excision of muscle tissue. Also, that excision detatchment to blindness.
of a myomatous tumor(s) while leaving the transient myopia That seen during the accom-
uterus intact. modation spasms of iridocyclitis, acute iritis.
myomelanosis Muscle tissue pigmentation myoplasty Plastic surgery of the muscle(s).
which is pathologic. myopsychopathy Comorbidity of muscular dys-
myometer That apparatus which measures mus- function with mental pathology.
cle contractions. myorrhaphy Myosuturing — that repair by sutur-
myometritis Mesometritis — inflammation of the ing of muscle tissue.
uterine wall. myorrhexis Herniation of muscle tissue.
myomohysterectomy Total excision of a myoma- myosalgia Myalgia, myodynia — muscular dis-
tous uterus. comfort/pain.
myonarcosis Numbness of muscular tissue. myosarcoma A malignant tumor of muscle cells.
myonecrosis Death of muscle tissue.
myonephropexy Fixation of a movable kidney(s)
by suturing it to muscle.
myoneuralgia Muscle pain.
myoneurasthenia Neural atonia of the muscular
system.
myoneuroma That tumor composed of mixed
muscle/nerve cells.

234

myosclerosis That condition in which muscles vesicular infection of the middle ear.

become fibrotic. myringoplasty Plastic repair of the tympanum.

myoseism Erratic muscle spasms. myringoscope That instrument used to examine

myositis Sarcitis, myitis — muscle inflammation the tympanum.

caused by parasitic infestation, diathesis. myringotomy That minor surgical procedure

Trauma/infection also predisposes patients to which involves the insertion of small myringoto-

this condition. my tubes through the tympanic membrane(s).

epidemic myositis Epidemic pleurodynia. This permits equalization of pressure on both

multiple myositis Polymyositis. sides of the tympanum, thereby allowing

myositis purulenta That suppurative infection, drainage of frequent otitis media. This treatment

formative of abscesses, caused by bacteria(e). makes a real difference in the suffering of chil-

myositis trichinosa That infestation caused by dren and also of adults.

trichinae. Trichinous myositis. mysophilia An erotic preoccupation with excreta.

myospasm Myoclonic contraction. mysophobia Molysmophobia — heightened

myosteoma Osseoustissue present in myogenic aversion to contamination, dirt.

tissue. mythomania Attraction to exaggeration, prefabri-

myosthenometer That apparatus which calcu- cation.

lates muscle strength. mythophobia An exaggerated concern about

myosuria Myosinuria. inadvertent falsehoods.

myosynizesis Muscular adhesion(s). myxadenitis Mucous gland inflammation.

myotasis Muscle stretching. myxadenitis labialis Cheilitis glandulitis.

myotenontoplasty Tenontomyoplasty, tenomy- myxadenoma Myxoadenoma — a glandular

oplasty — plastic surgery of muscles/tendons. tumor with mucous features.

myotenositis Muscle/tendon inflammation. myxangitis Infected mucous gland ducts.

myotenotomy Dissection of a muscle tendon. myxasthenia Deficient secretion of mucus.

myotility Muscular contraction. myxedema Myxoedema — hypofunction of the

myotome Myomere — a scalpel which incises thyroid resulting in cold intolerance, lethargy,

muscle tissue. mental apathy, epidermal coarseness/dryness,

myotomy Surgical dissection of muscle tissue. alopecia, facial edema, slowed speech/function-

myotonia Myotony, tonic spasms which follow ing, enlarged tongue, decreased protein-bound

the contraction of a muscle. iodine (PBI), reduced metabolism, myxematous

myotonia congenita Oppenheim'sdisease, facies, anemia. Thyroxin replacement is the

Thomsen's disease. Although benign, this condi- treatment of choice.

tion is incurable. childhood myxedema Appearance of this dis-

myotonia dystrophica Myotonia atrophica, ease prior to puberty.

Steinert's disease — inherited muscular operative myxedema Cachexia strumipriva —

spasms, atrophy, cataract formation, which are the disease appears post-thyroidectomy.

incurable. pituitary myxedema That occurring secondary

myotonometer That apparatus which calculates to hypofunction of the anterior pituitary.

muscle tone. myxemia Mucinemia.

myotonus Temporary muscular rigidity following myxochondrofibrosarcoma That malignant

a tonic muscle spasm. tumor composed of chondromatous, fibrous,

myotrophy That nourishment of muscle cells. myxomatous, and sarcomatous cells.

myringa The tympanic membrane. myxoenchondroma That cartilagenous tumor

myringectomy Myringodectomy — total/partial which has undergone mucous degeneration.

excision of the tympanic membrane. myxofibroma Myxoinoma — a tumorous combi-

myringitis Inflammation of the tympanic mem- nation of fibrous/mucoid cells.

brane. myxoglioma A tumor of gliomatous/myxomatous

myringitis bullosa Hemorrhagic/serous blebs, cells.

235

myxolipoma Lipomyxoma — that mucous tumor
with fatty cells.

myxoma A mixed tumor.
cardiac myxoma The most common benign
cardiac neoplasm — most of which arise from
the atrial septum. Symptoms include anemia,
fatigue, fever, elevated erythrocyte sedimenta-
tion rate (ESR), general malaise, hyperglobuline-
mia. These mixed tumors may mimic thrombi.
Malignant tumors may resemble intracardiac
clots/tumors.
cartilagenous myxoma Chrondromyxoma.
cystic myxoma A fluid-filled tumor.
enchondromatous myxoma A tumor with hya-
line cartilage nodules.
fibrous myxoma Fibromyxoma.
odontogenic myxoma Tumor of the jaw arising
from mesenchymal cells.

myxomatosis Myxomatous degeneration — that
formation of multiple myxomata.

myxomyoma A muscle cell tumor in which the
mucous cells have undergone degeneration.

myxoneuroma That tumor composed of neuro-
/mucous cells.

myxopoiesis That production of mucus.
myxorrhea Blennorrhea — a copious discharge

of mucus.
myxorrhea gastrica Hypersecretion of gastric

mucus.
myxorrhea intestinalis Hypersecretion of mucus

(by the bowel) in the neurotic patient under
stress.
myxosarcoma That mixed tumor of myxomatous
and sarcomatous cells, partially degenerated.
myzesis A sucking motion.

N

Naegele's obliquity Anterior asynclitism — an awakened.) Many of these patients (pts) will

anterior parietal (fetal) presentation. also experience catalepsy.

Naegele's pelvis That which was obliquely con- narcosis Narcotism — narcotic loss ofcon-

tracted by pathology in infancy. sciousness.

Naegele's rule A numerical system by which the basal narcosis Preoperative sedation.

estimated date of confinement may be predict- medullary narcosis Spinal/lumbar anesthesia.

ed. narcotic blockade Partial/total inhibition byopi-

nail Unguis — the epidermal layer of stratified ates.

cornified cells. A permanent internal pin which narcotic poisoning Bradycardia, bradypnea,

holds fragments of fractured bone, by place- coma leading to death — in the presence of an

ment through the shaft. addictive drug/controlled substance (illicit or

intermedullary nail That rod which is surgical- prescribed).

ly implanted into the intermedullary canal of a narcotism Narcosis — narcotic addiction. Ofpri-

long bone. mary importance is hospitalization, during

Smith-Petersen nail A flanged pin used in the which the adoption of an alternative philosophy

open reduction of the neck of the femur. of life is mandatory. Narcotics Anonymous may

nanocephalism An abnormally small head. offer an essential support system in this rehabil-

nanocormia An abnormally small body/thorax. itation.

nanomelus A fetus with congenital hypoplasia of narcotize To administer a habit-forming, central

the extremities. nervous system (CNS) depressant.

nanophthalmos Microphthalmia — hypoplastic nasal cannula A frequently used form of oxygen

eyes. administration.

nanosomia Dwarfism, nanosoma, nanism. nasal reflex Sneezing in reaction to irritation of

symptomatic nanosomia That which is accom- the nasal mucosa.

panied by deficient dentition, ossification, sexual nascent Newly born. A beginning.

development. nasoantritis Inflammation of the antrum of

narcissism Autophilia — self-admiration/self- Highmore and of the nose.

love. nasogastric tube That tube which enters the

narcissistic object choice The selection of a love nose, nasopharynx, and esophagus into the

object which is similar to the self. stomach for the purposes of decompensation,

narcissistic personality disorder Grandiosity gavage, lavage, and/or obtaining specimens.

lacking in empathy, a superior self-regardeven When connected to a Gomco pump, aspiration

though lacking in credentials. Preoccupied with of stomach contents is maintained.

his/her beauty, brilliance, power, and/or suc- nasomental reflex Percussion to the lateral nose

cess, believing in his/her status. S/he requires elicits wrinkling of the chin accompanied by ele-

continual admiration despite entitlement, and vation of the lower lip.

may be consumed by arrogance and jealousy. natality Birthrate, ratio.

narcoanalysis Narcosynthesis — that branch of natant Swimming, floating.

psychoanalysis in which intravenous barbitu- natimortality That stillbirth ratio to live births.

rates are administered to achieve light anesthe- native One who is indigenous to the area.

sia. This should enable a patient with significant natremia Excess sodium in the circulation.

blocking to become aware of repressedissues, natriuresis Urinary excretion of sodium in abnor-

to work through in psychotherapy. mal amounts.

narcoanesthesia That state induced by narcosis, natriuretic A diuretic which expels sodium (Na).

accompanied by anesthesia stand-by. natural That which is neither artificial nor abnor-

narcohypnia Post-sleep paresthesia. mal.

narcohypnosis A hypnotic trance. natural killer cells Those lymphocytes which kill

narcolepsy Recurrent attacks of sleep, in the viruses by excreting cytotoxic molecules.

presence of a normal EEG. (The patient is easily nature versus nurture The ongoing controversy

237

— whether genetic makeup or environment necrectomy Surgical excision of gangrenous tis-
yields the more superior qualities/characteris- sue.
tics.
nausea Gastric distress with/without emesis. necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum Dermatitis
hyperemesis gravidarum The "morning sick- common to diabetics, which is characterized by
ness" experienced by many pregnant women. discoloration and degenerative changes in elas-
nausea navalis Mal de mer, seasickness. tic/connective tissues.
nauseant That which provokes nausea.
near-death phenomenon Near death experience necrocytosis Cellular decomposition/death.
— that euphoric sensation (free of bodily func- necrolysis Tissue dissolution/death.
tions and pain, accompanied by overwhelming necromania An obsessive preoccupation with all
joy) which is perceived by several dying
patients. As described by Ralph A. Moody, MD, aspects encompassing death.
these patients may be able to see/hear their own necrometer That apparatus used to measure
resuscitations, and later, to describe the precise
order of events, relating objective facts beyond organs at autopsy/necropsy.
normal recall. If patients cannot, the subject necromimesis The delusionary personal belief
should not be pursued. Subjectively, those who
find themselves experiencing a near-death phe- that oneself has expired. One's behaving and
nomenon may be aware of an all-encompassing acting as though s/he were dead.
sound. They may find themselves looking down necrophilia Preoccupation with the dead. That
(as a spectator) on their life-threatening events psychiatric paraphilia in which coitus is perpe-
with passive detachment. They may find them- trated with a cadaver.
selves floating and at peace. Without need for necrophobia Thanatophobia — an exaggerated
verbalization, they may discover their knowledge aversion to death.
has become enhanced in the presence of an illu- necropneumonia Pulmonary gangrene.
minating light — who expresses loving, forgiv- necropsy Necroscopy — a postmortem exam,
ing concern about their lives. Without judgment, autopsy.
a panoramic replay of their lives is shown them. necrosis Gangrene,tissue death.
These patients must now decide whether to anemic necrosis That caused by
return to their bodies. It must be realized that insufficient/interrupted circulation to the site.
near-death experiences may include all, some, aseptic necrosis That occurring in the absence
or none of these features, in any order. It is up of infection.
to the interpretation of the patient whether or Balser's fatty necrosis Pancreatitis with gan-
not spiritual features have been included. The grenous areas within adipose tissue.
nurse should enter a "suspension of disbelief", caseous necrosis That noted in tuberculosis or
with respect for the patient's remarkable recov- syphilis.
ery from apparent demise — which the patient colliquative necrosis Liquefactive cell death
will be reluctant to describe for fear of redicule. secondary to autolysis or bacterial putrefaction.
Taking no position on interpretation nor judg- embolic necrosis Death of cells which evolved
ment, the nurse should simply facilitate the from circulatory obstruction, as embolic debris
patient's account of this vital experience, validat- traveled to a crucial impasse.
ing its uniqueness and value to the patient (pt). fibrinous necrosis The ischemic death of tissue
nearthrosis Abnormal articulation, neoarthrosis. which occurs in infarction. Coagulation necro-
nebulization Aerosolization of a liquid. sis.
neck That constricted portion of a body. focal necrosis That seen in infections.
Madelung's neck Diffuse lipoma within the postpartum pituitary necrosis The cause of
neck. Sheehan's syndrome, postpartum hypopitu-
webbed neck A broad neck. itarism.
putrefactive necrosis That caused by bacterial
decomposition.
subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn An
inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology.
There may be a history of forceps instrumenta-

238

tion. negative That numerically less than zero. The

total necrosis The death of an organ, a part. absence of positive findings.

ustilaginea necrosis That caused by ergot toxi- negative culture That specimen which fails to

city. Dry necrosis. grow a pathogenic organism.

Zenker's necrosis Zenkerism, Zenker's degen- negativism Performance contrary to that which

eration — hyaline decomposition of skeletal is appropriate or suggested. The impetus may

muscles in an acute infectious pathology. be one of fear, retardation, bipolar state(s), et al.

necrospermia Absent viability/motility of active negativism Oppositional affect.

sperm. passive negativism Failure to follow through

necrotic angina Acute pharyngitis as noted in as requested/instructed.

diphtheria or scarlet fever — in which gan- negligence Conduct/judgment which falls

grenous areas appear on the mucosa of the air- beneath the legal standard held as minimal.

way. When a malpractice situation arises, the

necrotizing fasciitis That fulminating, invasive patient/family is devastated by an intolerable

infection of the fascia, rapidly leading to necro- outcome, which was compounded by treatment

sis. The ensuing sepsis accelerates within regarded by them to be unfeeling. This is the

hours, causes thrombosis, then gangrene.The scenario for the majority of malpractice suits.

isolation is strict, in hyperbaric oxygen. neogenesis Regeneration/neoformation/new

Aggressive intervention is mandatory! The mas- growth.

sive, mutilative surgical debridement will be left neolalism The schizophrenic use of neologisms

open. Amputation may be the only option. in speech.

Psychosocial support is required. The patient neologism That psychotic invention of new

may go on to die from septic shock. words, distortions of words, or idiosyncratic

necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis A recurrent meanings.

infection of the gums, which may progress to neonatal The newborn period from birth to 6

periodontitis. The dental treatment is extensive. weeks.

necrotomy Dissection of necrotic tissue, or a neonatal asepsis Bacterial septicemia, which

cadaver. may demonstrate only a few nonspecific

necrotoxin That poison which induces tissue signs/symptoms at the outset, then cause the

death. neonate to rapidly deteriorate. Findings may

needle That instrument/sharp usually used to reveal apnea, coagulopathies, cyanosis, "floppi-

suture or administer medications. ness", meningitis, pallor, tachypnea. Prompt

aspirating needle That used to suction fluids diagnosis, aggressive life-support measures,

from a body cavity. and antibiotic therapy are essential for survival.

atraumatic needle That smaller than the suture neonaticide Infanticide — the criminal destruc-

material, in order to cause minimal tissue dam- tion of an infant. That lethal, ultimate child

age. abuse. All infants suffering an untimely/sudden

discission needle A cataract needle used to demise must be autopsied.

develop multiple incisions in the crystalline lens. neophrenia Pediatric mental deterioration.

Hagedorn needle A cutting edge is located at neoplasia The formation of a tumor.

the end of this curved, flattened instrument. neoplasm A tumor which is new growth (nor-

obturator needle That center of an angio- mal/abnormal).

catheter which occludes the lumen during benign neoplasm Tissue growth which is free

venipuncture. of malignancy.

Reverdin's needle A suturing instrument which histoid neoplasm That tumor which resembles

features a lever. adjacent tissue(s).

needle stop A flange at the shank end limits the malignant neoplasm Carcinoma — a tumor

depth of this needle's insertion. which may infiltrate, metastasize, recur.

negation Denial. pseudoneoplasm A false tumor.

239

neoplasty Surgical restoration. Unless treated aggressively, these children go
nephradenoma A renal tumor of glandular on to die.
nephrocalcinosis Calcium phosphate deposits
epithelium. present in the renal tubules.
nephralgia Renal pain — symptomatic of nephrocapsectomy Decapsulation of the kidneys.
nephrocele Renal herniation.
obstruction, this symptomatology requires a dif- nephrocolic Exquisite ureteral pain which is
ferential diagnostic survey. experienced during passage of a calculus.
nephrapostasis A prurulent kidney infection, nephrocolopexy Surgical suspension of the
renal abscess. colon and kidney with suturing.
nephrectasia Nephrectasis, nephrectasy — renal nephrocystanastomosis That surgical manage-
distension. ment of permanent ureteral obstruction —
nephrectomize To surgically excise a kidney. establishment of a duct between the bladder and
nephrectomy Surgical excision of the kidney. The the kidney.
most significant complications are secondary nephrocystitis Inflammation of the bladder and
hemorrhage and spontaneous hemothorax. The kidney(s).
solitary kidney will increase in size and double nephroerysipelas The erysipelas complication of
in functioning. acute nephritis.
abdominal nephrectomy Laparonephrectomy. nephrohydrosis Hydronephrosis, nephrydrosis
paraperitoneal nephrectomy Resection via an — obstructed renal pelves/calyces with accu-
experitoneal incision. mulated urine.
nephrelcus An ulcer of renal tissue. nephrohypertrophy An enlarged kidney(s).
nephremia Renal congestion. nephrolithiasis Renal calculus, calculi.
nephremphraxis Obstruction of a renal vessel. nephrolithotomy Surgical extraction of a calcu-
nephritis Degenerative or inflammatory renal dis- lus/calculi by incision into the kidney.
ease characterized by edema, hematuria, hyper- nephrolysine That toxic agent by which renal tis-
tension, nitrogen retention, proteinuria. sue can be destroyed.
acute nephritis Degenerative, diffuse, hemor- nephroma A tumor of the kidney.
rhagic, parenchymatous, suppurative forms. nephromalacia Pathological softening of renal
chronic nephritis When varieties of this pro- tissue.
gressive disease merge, the nephritis is consid- nephromegaly Marked hypertrophy of the kid-
ered to be diffuse. ney(s).
glomerulonephritis Acute/chronic/subacute nephroncus That tumor comprised of renal tis-
severity of lesions involving the glomeruli. sue.
interstitial nephritis Serious renal impairment nephroparalysis Absent renal function.
which may be caused by toxic agents. nephropathy Kidney diseases, anomalies, disor-
scarlatinal nephritis Scarlet fever which has ders.
been complicated by acute glomerulonephritis. analgesic nephropathy Renal damage caused
suppurative nephritis That complicated by a by excessiveamounts of ASA (aspirin).
renal abscess(es). degenerative nephropathy Altered/diminished
Thorn's syndrome Salt-losing nephritis — a renal functioning as seen in nephrosis.
rare form associated with abnormal hypona- hypercalcemic nephropathy Permanent dam-
tremia of unknown etiology. This may progress age to the renal tubules from excess calcium in
to azotemia, shock, renal failure, death. the blood — as caused by excessive alkali
transfusion nephritis Renal failure caused by and/or milk ingestion, hyperparathyroidism,
the transfusion of incompatible blood. This is an immobilization, malignant disease, multiple
iatrogenic and fatal incident. (Immediately dis- myeloma, Paget's disease, sarcoidosis, vitamin
continue the transfusion and notify the physi- D intake to excess. Alleviation of the primary
cian and supervisor STAT.) condition is mandatory if kidney damage is to
nephroblastoma Wilms' tumor, embryonal carci-
nosarcoma, nephroblastoma of childhood.

240

be prevented. must be closely monitored with the daily weight.

hypokalemic nephropathy That kidney damage idiopathic nephrotic syndrome That in which

caused by potassium depletion — irregardless known causes of this condition have been ruled

of the etiology. This inability to concentrate out, but the clinical presentation remains.

urine can be reversed, if the hypokalemia is suc- Hematuria may be seen. Renal dialysis/trans-

cessfully treated. plantation may finally be required.

membraneous nephropathy That glomerular nephrotomy A surgical incision into the kidney.

disease of which the etiology is unknown. nephrotoxin That agent which damages renal tis-

sclerotic nephropathy Arteriosclerotic lesions sue.

of the kidney(s). nephrotuberculosis Renal tissue which has been

nephropexy Surgical fixation of a moveable infected by the tuberculosis bacillus.

("floating") kidney. nephroureterectomy Surgical excision into the

nephrophthisis Atrophic suppurative nephritis. kidney and ureter.

Renal tuberculosis accompanied by caseous nerve block Regional anesthesia which prevents

degeneration. pain impulses from reaching the level of con-

nephroptosis Caudad displacement/prolapse of sciousness.

the kidney(s). nervous Excitable, anxious.

nephropyelitis Pyelonephritis — inflammation of nervous breakdown An inaccurate, non-clinical

the renal pelvis/parenchyma. term for any acute mental illness.

nephropyeloplasty Plastic surgery of the renal nervous debility Neurasthenia, nervous prostra-

pelvis/kidney. tion.

nephropyosis Suppurative involvement of the nest That mass of cells which is alien to the sur-

kidney(s). rounding tissue.

nephrorrhagia Hemorrhage into the renal cancer nest A mass of malignant cells extend-

pelvis/tubule(s). ing from a common center.

nephrorrhaphy Renal suturing. nesteostomy Jejunostomy — the surgical cre-

nephrosclerosis Fibrosis of renal tissue. ation of an opening into the jejunum of the

arterial nephrosclerosis Ischemia, parenchy- small intestine.

mal atrophy, renal fibrosis secondary to renal nestiatria Medical therapy which includes fast-

arteriosclerosis. ing.

arteriolar nephrosclerosis Those changes seen neuragenesis Nerve regeneration.

in essential hypertension — ischemic necrosis, neuralgia Neurodynia — Sharp pain which fol-

fibrosis, glomerular degeneration/failure. lows the nerve path.

malignant nephrosclerosis That fulminating cardiac neuralgia Angina pectoris.

fibrosis which is seen in severe hypertension. degenerative neuralgia That caused by geri-

nephrosis Chronic renal pathology which is pro- atric nerve deterioration.

ductive of hypoproteinemia/edema. (A degener- facialis vera neuralgia Hunt's neuralgia, genic-

ative renal state in the absence of inflamma- ulate neuralgia — herpes zoster of the facial

tion.) nerve.

nephrosonephritis Kidney disease characteristic glossopharyngeal neuralgia Severe pain along

of both nephrosis and nephritis. the path of this cranial nerve.

nephrostomy That surgical creation of a fistula hallucinatory neuralgia Perception of sharp,

from the renal pelvis which excretes into a col- neural pain without involvement of the nerve.

lection bag, worn externally on the lower back. idiopathic neuralgia That with neither evidence

nephrotic syndrome (NS) Hypoproteinurea lead- of pressure from a lesion, nor presence of a

ing to edema and hypoalbuminemia, infections, structured lesion.

biochemical defects, immunologic disorders, intercostal neuralgia Pleuraplegia which may

metabolic anomalies, multisystem pathology, be associated with herpes zoster.

neoplasm, vascular pathology. Intake and output mammary neuralgia Mastodynia.

241

Morton's neuralgia Metatarsalgia. toxic neuritis That caused by metallic poisons.
occipital neuralgia That involving the upper traumatic neuritis That secondary to injury.
cervical nerves. neuroacanthocytosis Choreoacanthocytosis
otic neuralgia Geniculate otalgia. which resembles Huntington's disease. There
reminiscent neuralgia Continued perception of are many types of psychopathological changes,
pain after the causative stimulus hasceased. including chorea, tics, peripheral neuropathy.
sphenopalatine neuralgia Severe unilateral These patients may experience dysphagia,
facial pain radiating to the neck/shoulders. The dementia, lability, personality changes, and/or
prognosis is good. obsessive/compulsive disorder (OCD).
trigeminal neuralgia Tic douloureux, neuroanastomosis The surgical union of severed
Fothergill's neuralgia, facial neuralgia — violent nerve endings.
spasms of the trigeminal nerve. It may be nec- neuroarthropathy Combined central nervous sys-
essary to inject this nerve, or to section it. tem/joint pathology.
neurasthenia Dysthymia, depressive neurosis. neuroastrocytoma The central nervous system
neuratrophy Neuratrophia — deficient nutrition (CNS) tumor containing glial cells and neurons.
with atrophy of the nervous system. neuroblastoma Pediatric carcinomatous/hemor-
neurectasia Neurectasy, neurectasis, neuroten- rhagic tumor(s) located primarily in retroperi-
sion — surgical stretching of the nerve(s). toneal/mediastinal tissues.
neurectomy Total/partial nerve resection (exci- neurochorioretinitis Optic neuritis in conjunction
sion). with choroid/retinal inflammation.
neuriatry Neurology. neurocirculatory asthenia Circulatory/nervous
neurilemmoma Peripheral glioma, schwannoma, dysfunctioning accompanied by precordial
neurofibroma, neurinoma, neurilemoma — an pain/fatigue.
encapsulated tumor of peripheral nerve fibers. neurocysticercosis An infection of the central
neuritis Inflammatory process involving the nervous system (CNS), caused by tapeworm
nerve. infestation.
adventitial neuritis An inflamed neural sheath. neurocytolysis The dissolution of nerve cells.
degenerative neuritis The rapid degeneration neurocytoma Neuroma — a tumor of nervous
of nerve cells. cells.
dietetic neuritis Endemic neuritis, beriberi. neurodealgia Exquisite retinal pain.
diphtheritic neuritis That secondary to this neurodermatitis Dermatoneurosis — those emo-
communicable disease. tionally-enhanced skin conditions.
disseminated neuritis Neural inflammation disseminated neurodermatitis Atopic dermati-
over a large, scattered area. tis — a familial cutaneous problem which often
interstitial neuritis Connective tissue involve- begins in infancy.
ment. neurodermatosis Phacomatosis — that skin
intraocular neuritis That involving the retinal pathology which originates in nervous tissue.
fibers. Sturge-Weber-Dimitri syndrome
multiple neuritis Polyneuritis. Encephalotrigeminal syndrome.
parenchymatous neuritis Involvement of neural tuberous sclerosis Bourneville's disease.
fibers. von Hippel-Lindau's disease Cerebelloretinal
retrobulbar neuritis Inflammation of the optic hemangioblastomatosis.
nerve causing acute blindness with exquisite von Recklinghausen's disease
pain. This may be attributed to multiple sclero- Neurofibromatosis. Severe cases have tumors
sis. upon tumors, and tumors of all the organs.
senile neuritis That appearing in the geriatric Those cases are fatal. The condition is familial.
patient. neurodynia Neuralgia.
tabetic neuritis Seen in locomotor ataxia. neuroencephalomyelopathy Pathology of the
Syphilis is the usual etiology. nervous system.

242

neurofibroma Pseudoneuroma — a connective cardia, elevated/labile leukocytosis, rhabdomyol-

tissue tumor. ysis. Differential diagnosis must be made

neurofibromatosis von Recklinghausen's dis- between neuroleptic malignant syndrome and

ease, a chromosomal disorder. These patients psychosis, functional catatonia, heat stroke,

may present with neuromata/fibromata — any central nervous system infections, malignant

of which may invade major organs and/or hyperthermia. Death may ensue due to respira-

become malignant. Axillary freckling, optic tory/renal failure.

glioma, and Lisch nodules are definitive symp- neurolymphomatosis Malignant lymphoma

toms of this problem. Proliferation and over- invading the central nervous system.

growth of these neoplasms give the patient a neurolysis Destruction/disintegration of neural

grotesque appearance. Mental retardation is tissue.

common to these families. Excision of sympto- neuromalacia Pathological softening of neural

matic tumors is often limited by organic prob- cells and tissues.

lems, because coverage of the body is so exten- neuromatosis Multiple tumors of nerve cells/tis-

sive. Death ensues when vital organs become sues.

invaded by malignant tumors. On her deathbed, neurometrics A sophisticated form of electroen-

one young woman reassured her family, "Now cephalography (EEG).

they won't stare at me anymore." neuromimesis Neurotic/hysterical manifestation

neurofibrositis Inflammation of sensory/neural of organic symptomatology.

fibers in muscle disease processes. neuromyasthenia An emotional disorder causing

neurogangliitis Inflammation of nervous tissue muscular weakness.

masses. neuromyelitis A central nervous system inflam-

neurogliomatosis That formation of multiple mation.

glioma in the nervous system. neuromyelitis optica The cause of demyeliniza-

neuroleptanesthesia Intravenous administration tion of the optic chiasma, optic nerves, and/or

of analgesia, with a neuroleptic drug as the gen- spinal cord. The etiology is unclear.

eral anesthetic. neuromyositis Inflammation of adjacent

neuroleptic An antipsychotic. nerves/muscles. Neuritis.

neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD) neuronitis Degeneration/inflammation of nerve

Athetotic, choreiform, and/or stereotypical cells.

movements. Recent withdrawal from neuroleptic neuro-optic The central nervous system involve-

medications may be the etiology. ment of the eye.

neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) neuropacemaker That device which stimulates

Stauder's catatonia — a rare, underdiagnosed, the spinal tract to inhibit the perception of pain.

potentially fatal complication of neuroleptic ther- neuroparalysis Paresis caused by neuropathy.

apy. This may occur in hours or years following neuropathy Pathology of the central nervous

exposure to high-potency antipsychotic medi- system.

cation. This syndrome may be stimulated by hypertrophic mononeuropathy That associated

medications which are not neuroleptics, such as with tenderness and enlargement of the head

tricyclic antidepressants, antiemetics, and neck nerves. This may be inaccurately diag-

monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), et al. nosed as a neurofibroma, prior to confirmation

Symptoms vary widely — rapid onset of "lead by biopsy.

pipe" rigidity, catatonic rigidity with akinesia, neurophonia Audible tics/speech spasms.

deterioration of consciousness, unstable vital neurophthisis Nervous tissue atrophy.

signs, and may progress to stupor and/or coma. neuroplasty Restorative surgery of the nerves.

Autonomic dysregulation may include diaphore- neuropsychiatry A medical specialty in neu-

sis, oculogyric crisis, dysphagia, tremors, ropathology and psychiatry.

increased diastolic pressure, incontinence, myo- neuropsychopathy Psychiatric and neurological

globinuria, sialorrhea, tremors, mutism, tachy- disease.

243

neuroretinitis Neuroretinopathy — inflammation which affects the vasculature and meningeal
of both the retina and optic nerve. structures in the central nervous system (CNS).
paretic neurosyphilis Dementia paralytica.
neurorrhaphy Neurosuture — stitching asevered tabetic neurosyphilis Tabes dorsalis.
nerve. neurotherapy Neurotherapeutics — treatment of
neurological disorders.
neurosclerosis Fibrotic nervous tissue. neurotic disorder Chronic symptomatology
neurosis An ambiguous, controversial term which is egodystonic and recognized by the
patient as being alien to the psyche. Reality test-
which also refers to anxiety/somatoform disor- ing remains intact, as does the social behavior.
ders. neurotization Surgical implantation of a nerve
anxiety neurosis That in which vague appre- into a paralyzed muscle. The regeneration of a
hension may interfere with daily functioning. divided nerve.
association neurosis Obsessive mental neurotmesis Complete loss of nerve functioning,
rehearsal/repetition of the anxiety-provoking in the absenceof significant anatomic insult —
event. secondary to trauma.
cardiac neurosis Neurocirculatory asthenia. neurotology Otoneurology. Neurologic otology.
compensation neurosis That which follows an neurotome A scalpel which dissects nerves.
accident from which the patient believes s/he neurotoxic effects acute — Parkinsonism (rigidi-
might receive liability by maintaining symptoma- ty, pill-rolling tremor, bradykinesia); akathisia—
tology. subjective/objective motor restlessness (to the
compulsion neurosis Featuring that overpower- point of torment, for some); dvstonia —
ing impulse to act against one's judgment and intense, uncontrollable muscular contractions;
will. tardive dvskinesia (TD) — a serious extrapyra-
expectation neurosis Signal anxiety — the midal side effect to an antipsychotic, which may
environment reminds the patient of a previous, be irreversible.
anxiety-provoking event. neurotoxin Neurolysin — that substance which
fatigue neurosis Neurasthenia, a chronic is lethal to nerve cells.
fatigue state. neurotrauma Neurotrosis — insult/injury to
obsessional neurosis That which dominates nerve cells.
the patient's thoughts and actions. neurotripsy The surgical crushing of a nerve(s).
sexual neurosis That which involves and neurotrophasthenia Malnutrition of the entire
affects the patient's mental and sexual behavior. nervous system.
traumatic neurosis That initiated by an acci- neurovascular Reference to both innervation/cir-
dent, tragedy, injury. culation. To determine neurovascular impair-
war neurosis Seen in servicemen following ment, assess the 5 Ps: Pain — determine loca-
combat conditions with which they could not tion, quality, and radiation of the pain; Pallor—
cope. note capillary refill, color, and temperature of
neuroskeletal All tissues, functions, innervations the area; Paralysis — check the range of motion
relating to the cranium and spinal column. (ROM). Paresthesia— note hypersensation,
neurospasm Neuropathic symptom(s) of uncon- numbness, tingling, using the opposide site as
trollable neuromuscular movements and/or the norm; Pulses — assess those in the unin-
vocal outbursts. Spasmodic muscular clonus jured limb first, then compare.
caused by a nervous disorder. neurovisceral Neurosplanchnic — involving both
neurosurgery Surgical intervention into the ner- the cerebrospinal/sympathetic nervous systems.
vous system. neutral Neither positive nor negative, acidic nor
neurosyphilis Syphilis affecting the nervous sys- alkaline.
tem. neutralization The counteraction of an effect.
asymptomatic neurosyphilis That symptom- The chemical destruction of property.
free period which is diagnosed by cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF) findings.
meningovascular neurosyphilis The form