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

244

neutral point pH: 7.0. in low intensity lighting. A decrease in oxyhe-

neutral warmth Neutralizing the body's heat to moglobin (as among smokers or respiratory

normalize muscle tone — a neuromuscular cripples) diminishes this acute vision.

rehabilitation technique. nihilism That delusion that nothing really exists.

neutrocytosis Neutrophilia. Disbelief in the efficacy of medical science, as

neutropenia Neutrocytopenia — insufficient neu- well as in reputable institutions.

trophils in the circulation. Nikolsky's sign Seen in pemphigus, the epider-

neutrophilia Increased neutrophil leukocytes, in mis will be rubbed off under light friction/trac-

circulation. tion of the skin. These patients present a major

nevocarcinoma A malignant melanoma. challenge for good nursing, skin care.

nevolipoma Nevus lipomatodes — that with niphotyphlosis Niphablepsia — snow blindness.

excessive blood vessels, adipose tissue — a nitremia Azotemia, hyperazotemia — elevated

rare finding. blood urea.

nevoxanthoendothelioma A juvenile xanthogran- nitric acid poisoning Heralded by burning, pain,

uloma. shock, thirst, vomiting, these emergencies

nevus A congenital, pigmented, circumscribed, require STAT neutralization of the acid. Gastric

vascular skin tumor. Suspicious, malignant lavage and emetics are contraindicated because

lesions require a wide, surgical excision, never a of the danger of esophageal/gastric perforation.

punch biopsy. nitritoid crisis That reactive syndrome which

Newcastle disease Pneumoencephalitis — a could follow the parenteral administration of

viral infection, acquired from fowl/birds. arsphenamine (in the treatment of syphilis).

Nicholas-Favre disease Lymphogranuloma nitrituria Urinary nitrites.

venereum — a sexually transmitted disease nitrogen (N) Azote — that component of all pro-

(STD) by the exudate from inguinal lymph node tein — essential for growth.

lesions. nitrogen mustard A gas used in chemical war-

nicotine poisoning Acute toxicity may include fare. Alkylating agents which interrupt cell

convulsions, respiratory arrest (from paralysis growth — thereby destroying lymphoid tissue in

of the breathing muscles), shock, and/or death. Hodgkin's disease.These agents are also used

Small children who chew tobacco in any form, to treat giant follicular lymphoblastoma, chronic

or play with tobacco transdermal patches are at lymphoid myeloid leukemia, lymphosarcoma,

definite risk. nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis.

nictitation Nictation — involuntary winking. nitrogen narcosis That euphoric condition with

Niemann-Pick disease Lipid histiocytosis — diminished coordination, judgment, motor skills,

that metabolic disorder characterizedby anemia, as occurs in those suffering from dangerously

hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, physi- elevated air pressure.

cal/mental deterioration. Appearing early in nitrogen washout The entire eradication of nitro-

infancy, this progressive disease is fatal by age gen from the tissues following administration of

3 years. 100% oxygen (or helium with oxygen) for 12

night sweats Diaphoresis occurring during sleep. hours.

This significant sign should be given a full med- nitrous oxide "Laughing gas" — a general anes-

ical work-up. thetic which can cause bone marrow depres-

night terrors Pavor nocturnus — pediatric night- sion, asphyxiation, death. Hyperbaric oxygena-

mares which terrorize and alarm the parents of tion is the rescue of choice.

these screaming children. Eventually, these chil- nocardiosis A form of progressing pulmonary

dren seem to have suffered only minimal/neglig- infection — which seeds abscesses and/or

ble psychiatric effects from this phenomenon, tumors in many areas.

with no recall of the dramatic intrusion. Of nociassociation That spontaneous releaseof

course, the parents will not be so furtunate. nervous energy during surgical shock or follow-

night vision Scotopic vision — that ability to see ing traumatic injury.

245

noclalbuminuria Nyctalbuminuria — excessive obscure the accurate recording of the cardio-
albumin voided during the night. This is a cycli- gram.
cal finding. white noise Artificially-produced sound waves
which do not emit noise, but which obscure
noctambulation Somnambulism — sleepwalk- voices from others' hearing, to enhance confi-
ing. dentiality.
noma Cancrum oris — progressive gangrene of
noctiphobia Scotophobia, nyctophobia — an undernourished, debilitated children. This gan-
exaggerated fear of the darkness and/or night. grenous stomatitis spreads from the oral
mucosa to the facial epidermis.
nocturia Nycturia — excessive voiding during nomenclature Terminology —the classification
the night. of scientific/technical terms.
noncompliance Failure of the patient to heed the
nocturnal That occurring during the night. physician's/nurse's instructions. This may be
nocturnal emission The involuntary discharge of due to escalated pharmacy charges, drug side
effects, inadequate patient teaching, or innumer-
semen while asleep. able obstacles.
nocturnal enuresis Urinary incontinence during non compos mentis "Not of sound mind." A ref-
erence to mental incompetence.
the night when the child of 5+ years is asleep. noninvasive That which does not puncture the
These children are usually continent when skin nor enter the body. This may be a medica-
awake, and suffer humiliation with each acci- tion, procedure, etc. That tumor which is not
dent. This problem may also provoke loss of metastatic.
parental self-control. Imipramine has assisted nonspecific The absence of an identified
these children in achieving 24-hour continence causative agent/organism.
under the supervision of a physician specialist. nonspecific urethritis A urinary infection which
nocturnal myoclonus Near-suffocation events in cannot be attributed to a specific bacteria/virus.
which compromised air flow progresses to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
sleep apnea, with diminished arterial oxygena- Ibuprofen, which possesses analgesic/antipyret-
tion. Disturbances in the patient's affect and ic properties. Well tolerated for many condi-
cognition are common. Blood pressure, cardiac tions, anaphylaxis can occur. The renal risk fac-
rate, and intracranial pressure rise — perhaps tors include cirrhosis, intensive diuresis, pre-
with arrhythmias. If the person awakens suffi- existing renal impairment, reduced circulatory
ciently, the respirations are restored. Upon volume secondary to congestive heart failure.
returning to sleep, the cycle resumes — repeat- Gastrointestinal risk factors include peptic ulcer
edly throughout the night. Patients are unaware disease, conjunctive corticosteroid therapy.
of this unless informed, and do not consider it nontoxic Those materials which are not poi-
problematical. (Their wives are fully aware, and sonous — even if ingested.
should be interviewed.) nonunion The failure of a fracture to fuse/knit.
nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) That study nonviable An organism/fetus which cannot sur-
which determines whether a man's impotence is vive.
psychogenic — in which case erections occur nookleptia The obsessive delusion that others
during sleep. are stealing one's thoughts. Thought withdrawal.
nodal rhythm The cardiac rhythm which origi- Noonan's syndrome Pulmonary stenosis, low-set
nates at the atrioventricular node. ears, severe mental retardation, accompanied by
nodding Nutation. a webbed neck.
nodding spasm Salaam convulsion(s) caused by normal That which is the norm, ideal, standard.
a sternomastoideus spasm(s). That which is natural, neither treated nor dis-
nodosity The presence of nodi (nodes). eased, of average intelligence/growth/develop-
nodular lymphoid hyperplasia That predisposi-
tion which may cause hemorrhage and/or con-
version to malignant lymphoma.
noise Confused, harsh, loud, senseless sounds.
EKG noise The 60-cycle hum, fogging, quan-
tum mottle, scattered radiation which may

246

ment. Chemically, 1 litre of solution in which 1 cholera, diphtheria, plague, poliomyelitis, human

gram of solute has been dissolved. Still, "nor- rabies, rubella, rubeola, smallpox, yellow fever,

mal" may be a relative, subjective designation. any public outbreak; By correspondence —

normalization Modification to the norm. amebiasis, anthrax, botulism, brucellosis,

normo-orthocytosis An elevation of leukocytes in campylobacteriosis, carcinoma, diphtheria,

the presence of normal differential. encephalitis, histoplasmosis, influenza,

normosthenuria A urinalysis within normal lim- Legionnaire's disease, leprosy (Hansen's dis-

its. ease), leptospirosis, malaria, meningitis,

normotensive One whose blood pressure is mumps, pertussis, psittacosis, Reye's syn-

within normal limits. drome, salmonellosis, shigellosis, tetanus, toxic

normothermic One whose temperature is within shock syndrome, trichinosis, tuberculosis,

normal limits. tularemia, typhoid fever, all venereal diseases.

Nome's disease That rare, inherited blindness The laws of each state may vary.

accompanied by microphthalmia, peripheral notomelus That fetal anomaly which presents

vascular pathology, retinal anomaly(s), and vit- with an accessory extremity(s) projecting from

reous opacity. Some victims may also suffer its back.

from deafness and/or mental retardation. noumenon Knowledge which has not been per-

nosocomial That which occurs within the hospi- ceived by sensory input, but by intellectual per-

tal. ception.

nosocomial infection That acquired during the nourishment Sustenance, nutrition.

hospital stay. noxious Harmful to the health of the organism.

nosogenesis Nosogeny — disease progress. nubecula Cloudy urine/cornea(e).

nosonomy Nosology, nosotaxy — The classifica- nuchal Pertaining to the neck.

tion of disease. nuchal rigidity Neck stiffness resulting from cen-

nosophilia The pathological wish to be symp- tral nervous system (CNS) inflammation.

tomatic. nuclear The vital center of an organic cell.

nosopoietic That causing/producing illness. nuclear family That unit composed of parents

nosotoxicosis Symptomatology produced by tox- and their offspring.

ins. nuclear magnetic resonanceimaging (NMRI)

nostalgia Homesickness. Longing for that which That diagnostic modality by which soft tissue

no longer is. may be surveyed without exposure to contrast

nostomania Nostalgia carried to the point of media nor radiation. This presents a problem for

insanity. patients unable to remain still for a prolonged

nostrum A quack, patent, "secret" remedy. period of time. NMRI is contraindicated in

notal Dorsal, back. patients with aneurysmal clips or pacemakers,

notalgia Dorsalgia — a painful back condition. et al.

notanencephalia That congenital absence of the nuclear medicine The diagnostic, therapeutic,

cerebellum. investigative use of radionuclides (those atoms

notch Incisura — an anatomic indentation at the which disintegrate by emission of electromag-

edge of various tissue structures. netic radiation).

note blindness That inability of a musician to nudism A cult practice of living unclothed —

decode a musical manuscript — caused by a legally permitted when practiced in a secluded,

brain lesion. designated community. Psychiatrically, the mor-

notencephalus A malformed fetus with evangina- bid impulse to undress in public.

tion of cerebral tissue through a defect in the nulligravida A woman who has never conceived.

occiput (notencephalocele). numbness Loss of sensation, insensibility.

notifiable diseases Diseases which U.S. law nunnation An abnormal use/pronunciation of "N"

requires to be reported to the State Department sounds.

of Health: Immediately by phone — botulism, nurse A licensed caregiver who participates in a

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multitude of patient care/management responsi- nyctophonia Hysterical aphonia which occurs
bilities in a variety of specialties — in or out of only during the day.
the hospital setting. An RN or LPN/LVN. A "pro-
fessional nurse" refers to an RN. nympholepsy Frenzied,erotic ectasy. An unat-
nurse practitioner An advanced, Masters-pre- tainable obsession.
pared RN who has special training in the provi-
sion of primary health care. Qualified to diag- nymphomania Lascivia — furor femininus.
nose/prescribe, these nursing specialists work Excessive libido in a female.
under designated physicians. Each practitioner
is accountable to the State Board of Nursing. nystagmus Nystaxis — constant, cyclical, invol-
nursing The profession which embraces the untary movement of the eye(s), in any direction.
treatment of human responses to health prob- These abnormal findings may be consistent with
lems. Lactation. congenital blindness, drug toxicity, inflammation
nursing assessment That compiled during a his- of the inner ear, or an insult to the central ner-
tory and physical examination. vous system (CNS).
nursing diagnosis A specialized definition which aural nystagmus Spasmodic movements of the
directs the nursing action of patient care. This eyes due to labyrinthine disorders.
differs from medical terminology. Cheyne's nystagmus Rhythmic movements of
nursing history That cumulative information of the eyes which increase/decrease in speed,
the patient's medical past regarding allergies, alternately.
surgical procedures, illnesses, psychiatric dissociated nystagmus Involvement of only
events, diagnoses, et al. one eye, out of synchrony with the other.
nursing intervention The establishment of a valid fixation nystagmus That which is noted only
care plan which incorporates assessment and when the eyes arefocused.
planning stages. Those areas to be addressed labyrinthine nystagmus Dyskinesia due to
include environmental control, activities of daily pathology of the labyrinthine vestibular appara-
living, mental/physical homeostasis, hygiene, tus.
nutrition, patient teaching, nutrition, elimination, latent nystagmus That which occurs only when
patient (pt) education. an eye is occluded.
nursing process That protocol which coordinates lateral nystagmus Dyskinesia which occurs on
the patient's needs with comprehensive care. a horizontal plane.
This is achieved through assessment, planning, opticokinetic nystagmus That which occurs
intervention, and evaluation — employing when studying objects which are constantly
unique nomenclature. moving.
nutrient That which supplies nourishment. rotatory nystagmus Eye movement which
nutrition All the digestive processes— inges- rotates around the visual axis.
tion, absorption, metabolism, assimilation, vertical nystagmus Ocular movement which is
nutrients, diets, maintenance of adequacy for up and down.
the individual patient's needs, and other nutritive vestibular nystagmus Etiology attributed to otic
concerns related to digestion. pathology.
nyctalgia Pain experienced during the night.
nyctalopia Night blindness — impaired vision at
night, seen in choroidoretinitis, retinitis pigmen-
tosa. Tobacco abuse exacerbates these and
other symptoms.
nyctophilia Scotophilia — an abnormal aversion
to the dark/night.
nyctophobia Scotophobia — that pathological
fear of darkness/night.

0

oarialgia Ovaralgia, oophoralgia — ovarian pain. manifested by recurrent, intrusive thoughts, rit-

oasis That area of healthy tissue encircled by uals, and impulses which are egodystonic. The

diseased cells. theme is often related to excreta, safety, sex.

obcecation Partial blindness. Resisting these compulsions causes a mounting

obdormition Numbness within an extremity — tension which is relieved only by yielding to the

caused by pressure on a nerve. Paresthesia fol- irrational act (such as cleaning or checking ritu-

lows. als). OCD may evolve into a disabling illness,

obduction Autopsy, necropsy, postmortem exam- with no sense of completion.

ination to determine the etiology of death. obsolescence That which is obsolete, outdated.

obesity Adiposity, hyperadiposity, lipomatosis, obstetrics The management of pregnancy, partu-

liposis, lipotrophy. rition, puerperium by the physician/obstetri-

androgenic obesity Abdominal accumulation of cian/midwife.

fat. obstruction That which impedes, blocks,

central obesity The patient presenting with obstructs, occludes.

obese trunk and relatively thin extremities, may obstruent The cause of an obstruction.

have diabetes mellitus. obtunded That consciousness which has been

endogenous obesity That caused by a metabol- dulled (by pathology/injury) to insensitivity.

ic disorder. obturator That which closes/obstructs an open-

exogenous obesity That due to excessive ing. The bridge which occludes the opening in a

intake. cleft palate. That instrument which is used to

gynecoid obesity Distribution of fat mediated occlude a tracheotomy in tracheostomy care.

by X chromosomes. obturator sign A positive test suggests acute

hypothalamic obesity That infrequently due to appendicitis.

pathology involving the hypothalamus. obtuse Dull mentality. Non-acute. Blunt.

morbid obesity An excess of 100 pounds occasional Episodic.

above ideal body weight. occlusion Imperforation, closure, dental align-

obfuscation Mental confusion. ment.

objective Apparent to others. Unemotional. abnormal occlusion Dental malocclusion.

objective sign That finding(s) which can be aus- adjusted occlusion That achieved through

cultated, measured, palpated, seen, smelled, orthodonture.

heard. coronary occlusion Coronary thrombosis by

objective symptom That readily apparent upon spasm or vascular obstruction.

diagnostic examination. traumatic occlusion That pathology which

oblique Obliquus — diagonal. causes the injured patient to chew abnormally.

obliteration Extinction/occlusion bydegenera- Orthognathic surgery may be required to restore

tion, exenteration, pathology, surgical excision. the patient's jaws/face.

Oblomov syndrome The refusal to return to nor- occult Obscure, hidden, concealed.

malcy following recovery. occult blood Hidden — not apparent to the

obmutescence Aphonia. unaided eye.

obscure Indistinct, hidden, occult. occupational neurosis That functional disorder

obsession That persistent and undesired which may be inherent in some types of

impulse/idea which cannot be eradicated by rea- work/persons.

son nor logic. These themes (haunting adults occupational therapy Therapeutic use of self

and children) include fear of multiple concerns, care, play, and work to gain independent func-

contamination, harm to oneself/a loved one. tioning, enhance development, and prevent dis-

This marked distress may interfere with occupa- ability. Adaptation of the patient's environ-

tional (school) functioning, relationships, and/or ment/work may be necessaryto achieve inde-

responsibilities. pendence and to enhance his/her quality of life.

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) That ochlesis Any condition/disease attributed to

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overcrowding. odontalgia Odontodynia, odontia — toothache.
octan That which recurs every 8th day. odontatrophy Malformation of the teeth.
octigravida A mother who has been through 8 odontectomy A surgical extraction.
odonterism Chilling with the teeth.
pregnancies. odontitis An inflamed tooth/teeth.
octogenarian One who is between 80 and 89 odontoclasis Fracture of a tooth/teeth.
odontoid Bearing resemblance to a tooth.
years of age. odontologist An oral surgeon.
oculinium That botulin-derived drug used to odontoma A tumor of dental tissue.

treat strabismus and blepharospasm, because coronary odontoma The bony neoplasm at the
of its abilities to alter the innervation of oph- crown of a tooth.
thalmic muscles. follicular odontoma A dentigerous cyst in
oculocardiac reflex Aschner's phenomenon — which there is crepitation to pressure.
bradycardia which occurs when pressure is radicular odontoma A tumor at the root of the
applied to the globes or carotid sinuses (as an teeth.
emergency measure to treat tachycardiac condi- odontonecrosis Extensive tooth decay.
tions on the field). odontoprisis Bruxism (grinding the teeth).
oculocephalogyric reflex Spontaneous move- odynacusis That condition in which noise causes
ments of the body, eyes, and/or head which otodynia.
occur in conjunction with the focusing of vision. odynophagia The presence of pain upon swal-
oculocerebrorenal syndrome That sex-linked, lowing.
hereditary, congenital disorder which presents odynophobia An exaggerated fear of pain.
with aminoaciduria, cataracts, hydrophthalmia, Oedipus complex That abnormal intensity of a
impaired production of renal ammonia, mental child's love for the parent of the opposite sex —
retardation, rickets. These patients are vitamin when carried into adulthood.
D-resistant. Ogilvie's syndrome Intestinal pseudo-obstruc-
oculocutaneous Referring to the eyes and skin. tion, which is acute. These patients may suffer
oculofacial Referring to the face/eyes. major complicating medical conditions or surgi-
oculogyria Extreme rotation of the eyes. cal procedures.
oculogyric Ophthalmogyric, oculomotor move- Oguchi's disease Inherited night-blindness, seen
ments. in Japan.
oculogyric crisis Dystonic spasms of the eyes. oikofugic That compulsion to leave home.
This involuntary deviation is usually upward, ointment A medicated, suspended emulsion
lasting briefly or for hours. The phenomenon intended for topical application.
may appear with neuroleptic malignant syn- olecranal Referring to the elbow.
drome (NMS), encephalitis lethargica, posten- olecranarthropathy Any disorder/disease of the
cephalitic parkinsonism. elbow.
oculomycosis Any fungal eye condition. olegranuloma Oleoma — that granular tumor
oculonasal That involving the eyes and nose. found at those sites which are in frequent
oculoreaction Ophalmoreaction, ophthalmic (occupational?) contact with oil.
reaction — that diagnostic response to the olfactory esthesioneuroma That tumor of the
instillation of tuberculosis/typhoid toxins into nasal fossa which is malignant.
the conjunctival space(s). oligochylia Deficient gastric secretions.
oculus The eye (including the optic nerve). oligochymia Insufficient production of chyme.
oculus dexter Right eye (OD). oligodactylia A congenital deficiency of digits.
oculus sinister Left eye (OS). oligodendroglioma Of unknown etiology, that
oculus uterque Each eye (both eyes) (OU). malignant tumor of the cerebrum which may be
odaxesmus The epileptic biting of the mouth calcified.
during a grand mal seizure. oligodipsia A pathologic absence of thirst.
odaxetic The production of pruritus or stinging.
odditis The inflamed sphincter of Oddi.

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oligodontia An inherited pattern for fewer teeth omentofixation Omentopexy — that suturing of
than normal. the omentum to an organ/the abdominal wall.

oligogalactia Inadequate secretion of milk in the omentopexy That reconstructive surgery which
lactating mother. provides a dead space with a lymphatic net-
work. Drains are unneeded. Following debride-
oligohemia Oligemia — an insufficient quantity ment of base cartilage/bone, all surgical gloves
of blood. and instruments are changed. The omentum is
placed, molded, and sutured. A split-thickness
oligohydramnios Oligoamnios — an abnormally skin graft is applied to the omentum. This surgi-
diminished amount of amniotic fluid associated cal effort is protected in intensive care.
with postmaturity or fetal renal agenesis. Cord
compression may result in fetal hypoxia. If the omentorrhaphy Repair of the omentum by sutur-
fetus(es) survive, it may deliver prematurely ing.
with congenital anomalies.
omentosplenopexy Fixation of the spleen to the
oligoleukocythemia Leukopenia — a drop in the omentum. Splenopexy combined with omen-
leukocyte count. topexy.

oligomenorrhea Infrequent and/or scanty omentotomy An incision into omenta/omentum.
menses. omentovolvulus Twisting, torsion of the omen-

oligophrenia Developmental mental retardation. tum.
oligopnea Respirations which are abnormally omitis Inflammation of the shoulder.
Ommaya reservoir That device which is implant-
deep, shallow, or slow — accompanied by
bradycardia. This phenomenon may be seen in ed into a lateral ventricle through a burr hole
cases of brain abscessformation, brain trauma, into the frontal skull. Through this entry, cere-
cerebellar/cerebral tumor, cranial osteoma, con- brospinal fluid (CSF) samples may be aspirated,
stitutional disease, drug poisoning, increased pressure measured, and intrathecal medications
intracranial pressure (IICP), meningeal/pontine administered.
hemorrhage, meningitis, profound shock. omnidirectional That capable of extension in
oligoposy Inadequate fluid intake. 180° (degrees).
oligosialia Oligoptyalism — inadequate produc- omnipotence of thought That immaturity by
tion of saliva. which one demands instant gratification of
oligospermia Oligozoospermatism, oligo- his/her every wish. This is a basis for impulse
zoospermia — that insufficient production of buying.
viable, motile sperm. This condition may be per- omodynia Pain in the shoulder.
manent or temporary, or under treatment. omophagia The practice of eating raw meat.
oligotrichia Congenially thin hair. omphalectomy Surgical excision of the umbili-
oligotrophy Inadequate nutrition. cus.
oliguria Hypourocrinia — diminished urine for- omphaloangiopagus Conjoined twins united by
mation seen following central nervous system the omphalic vessels of the peritoneum, umbili-
(CNS) pathology, deep coma, drug toxicity, diar- cus.
rhea, hemorrhage, prostatic hypertrophy, pro- omphalocele Congenital umbilical herniation.
fuse diaphoresis, renal failure. omphaloncus Umbilical edema or tumor.
Ollier's disease Chondrodysplasia, dyschon- omphalopagus Conjoinedtwins fused at the
droplasia — inherited growth disorders. abdomen.
Ollier-Thiersch graft A very thin split-thickness omphalorrhexis Herniation of the umbilicus.
skin graft. omphalosite The underdevelopedtwin of
olophonia That speech impediment resulting omphaloangiopagus gestation.
from an anomaly(s) of the speech organs. omphalotomy Dissection of the umbilical cord at
omagra Gout which affects the shoulder(s). delivery.
omentectomy Partial surgical excision of the omphalotripsy Crushing the umbilical cord to
omentum. sever it.
omentitis Inflammation of the omentum.

251

onanism Coitus interruptus. mal splitting of nails, which may be followed by

onchyphagia Childhood nail biting — which may their loss.

become physically disfiguring. onychotomy Surgical incision of a nail.

oncocytoma A benign adenoma of the parathy- onyx Hypopyon — suppuration between corneal

roid and salivary glands. layers. A nail.

oncogenesis Neoplastic formation and develop- onyxis An ingrown nail.

ment. oocyesis An ovarian ectopic pregnancy.

oncolysis The dissolution of neoplastic cells. oogenesis Ovigenesis— ovum formation/devel-

oncometry The measurement of internal organs. opment.

oncosis A tumor. The development of neo- oophoralgia Oarialgia, ovarialgia — ovarian pain.

plasms. oophorectomy Ovariectomy — an excision into

oncotomy Incision into a tumor. the ovary.

oncovirus That virus which causes a malignant oophoritis Ovaritis — ovarian inflammation.

tumor(s). oophorocystectomy That surgical excision of an

Ondine's curse Loss of automatic respiratory ovarian cyst.

function caused by a cervical spinal cord lesion. oophorohysterectomy Ovariohysterectomy,

Primary alveolar hypoventilation. oothecohysterectomy, pan hysterectomy — sur-

oneirism A hallucination experienced while gical excision of the ovaries and uterus.

awake. oophoroma A malignant tumor of the ovary.

oneirodynia Nightmares. oophoron Ootheca — an ovary.

onlay A surface graft which may be applied to a oophoropexy Oophoropeliopexy — fixation of a

bone or tooth. displaced ovary to the wall of the pelvis.

onomatopoiesis Nonsense sounds and words oophorosalpingectomy Ovariosalpingectomy —

created and voiced by some psychotic patients. an excision of the fallopian tube and its ovary.

Ono's sign/symptom Immediate coughing upon oophorrhagia Symptomatic ovulatory hemor-

attempts to swallow. This suggests thepresence rhage.

of a bronchoesophagealfistula. opacification The process of rendering transpar-

ontogeny Ontogenesis— the history of man's ent matter visibly opaque.

development. opaque Visually impenetrable to light. Dense.

onychalgia Painful nails. open Exposed, interrupted, punctured, revealed,

onychectomy Surgical excision of any nail. unlocked, uncovered.

onychia Matrixitis, onychitis, onyxitis — suppu- open heart surgery That surgical procedure

rative inflammation of the nailbed, with atten- which repairs the intracardiac structures —

dant loss of the nail. requiring a heart-lung machine to take over per-

onychia lateralis Paronychia, infection around fusion while these organs are nonfunctioning.

the nail. open reduction That orthopedic realignment of a

onychocryptosis Ingrown toenails. fracture requiring surgical intervention. Pinning,

onychoma Tumor of the nail. skeletal traction, wiring, or other methods may

onychomadesis Total loss of a nail(s). be required. If oozing is noted on the cast post-

onycho-osteodysplasia Nail-patella syndrome — operatively, it should be monitored by outlining

a hereditary disease in which joints and bones its edges in ink. If bleeding exceeds this ink

are affected, and in which there may be no perimeter, the physician should be informed.

patellae/nails. operant conditioning Reinforcement, behavior

onychopagy The habit of nail biting as an adult. modification — rewarding positive behavior

onychophyma Hypertrophy of the nails with with tangible/ intangible incentives which

painful degeneration. encourage the child/patient to improve problem

onychoptosis That condition in which the nail(s) behavior patterns.

falls off. operation Any surgical procedure.

onychorrhexis Fragilitas unguium — the abnor- operative That which is active, effective, surgical.

252

operative dentistry Oral surgery, restorative den- ophthalmiatrics The treatmentof eye pathology.

tistry. ophthalmic reaction Calmette's reaction, oph-

ophidiasis Ophidism — snake bite toxicity. thalmoreaction, oculoreaction.

ophritis Ophryitis — inflammation of the eye- ophthalmitis Inflammation of the eye(s).

brow(s). ophthalmoblennorrhea Purulent, ophthalmic

ophryosis Spasm of the eyebrow(s). inflammation of the eye(s), predominently due

ophthalmagra Abrupt eye pain which is acute. to gonococcal contamination.

ophthalmalgia Ophthalmodynia — pain within ophthalmocele Exophthalmos — abnormal

the eye. prominence of the globes (often due to a thyroid

ophthalmatropy Atrophy of the globe. imbalance).

ophthalmectomy Surgical excision of the eye. ophthalmocopia Asthenopia — eye strain, ocular

ophthalmencephalon That apparatus of vision. fatigue.

ophthalmia Severe ophthalmic infection(s). ophthalmodesmitis Tendonitis of the eye(s).

catarrhal ophthalmia Purulent conjunctivitis. ophthalmodonesis Eye tremors, oscillations.

Egyptian ophthalmia Trachoma. Severe, puru- ophthalmodynia Ophthalmalgia — painful

lent, granular conjunctivitis. eye(s).

electric ophthalmia Following prolonged expo- opnthalmolith A lacrimal duct stone.

sure to intense light, lacrimation and pain ophthalmomycosis Any fungal pathology involv-

accompany light intolerance. ing the eye.

gonorrheal ophthalmia Severe, gonococcal, ophthalmomytis Ophthalmomyositis — inflam-

purulent conjunctivitis. (Purulent ophthalmic mation of ophthalmic muscle(s).

infections are usually gonococcal in origin). ophthalmoneuritis Optic nerve inflammation.

metastatic ophthalmia Sympathetic infection ophthalmophlebotomy The surgical treatment of

of the choroid from metastasis or pyemia. Each conjunctival congestion by incision of the

eye should have its own eye tray. Immaculate eye(s).

technique must be used — scrubbing and ophthalmophthisis Ophthalmomalacia.

regloving between each eye. ophthalmoplasty Ocular plastic surgery.

neuroparalytic ophthalmia That due to dis- ophthalmoplegia Ocular paralysis.

ease/ injury to the trigeminal nerve. Parinaud's ophthalmoplegia Paresis of conju-

phlyctenular ophthalmia Scrofulous oph- gate gaze due to a midbrain lesion.

thalmia — vesicular formations on the cornea ophthalmoplegia externa Paralysis of the

or conjunctiva. extraocular musculature.

sympathetic ophthalmia The rare, bilateral ophthalmoplegia interna Paralysis of the ciliary

inflammation which occurs in the uninjured eye muscle and the iris.

following pervasive infection of the injured eye. ophthalmoplegia progressiva Deterioration of all

Blurred vision, corneal deposits, tenderness of ocular muscles, as well as the motor nerve

the globe, lacrimation, pain, photophobia, pupil- nuclei.

lary exudate, seclusio pupillae, and/or blindness ophthalmoplegia totalis External and internal

with secondary atrophy may be seen. For this forms of muscular paresis within the eye.

reason, patients receiving bilateral ophthalmic ophthalmoptosis Ocular exophthalmos.

treatments must have a well-labelled tray for ophthalmoreaction Diagnostic oculoreaction,

each eye — which should be treated as though ophthalmic reaction, Calmette's reaction — that

each were a separate patient. response to one drop (gtt i) of typhoid/tuber-

varicose ophthalmia That observed in conjunc- culin toxin instilled into the eye of patients (pts)

tival varicose veins. with either disease.

ophthalmia neonatorum Severe,gonococcal ophthalmorrhagia Hemorrhage within the eye(s).

conjunctivitis of the newborn when 1% silver ophthalmorrhea Ocular discharge.

nitrate has not been instilled in the eyes prophy- ophthalmoscope That instrument which illumi-

lactically, at birth. nates the retina.

253

ophthalmoscopy Study/examination of the interi- organs.
or eye. Oppenheim's disease Thomsen's disease —
medical ophthalmoscopy That used to diag-
nose systemic pathology. myotonia congenita with tonic muscular
metric ophthalmoscopy That by which refrac- spasms, induced by voluntary movements. This
tive errors are determined. condition appears early in childhood, is incur-
able, but may show improvement if obesity is
ophthalmospasm Painful ocular contraction(s). avoided.
ophthalmostasis Ocular fixation during eye Oppenheim's gait That walk with a wide-based,
swinging stride of the head, body, and extremi-
surgery. ties.
ophthalmostat That instrument which secures opponens splint An appliance which keeps the
thumb in opposition to the fingers.
immobility of the globe during ocular surgery. opportunistic infection Those pathogens which
ophthalmosynchysis Effusion into an ocular cav- take hold when the physiologic status of the
patient is altered and rendered vulnerable to fur-
ity. ther illness.
ophthalmotomy Surgical incision developed into oppositional defiant disorder That hostile, nega-
tivistic, defiant behavior which causes clinically
the orbit. significant impairment in functioning.
ophthalmotonometer Tenometer — that instru- opsialgia Neuralgic facial pain.
opsiuria Voiding is slower postprandially than
ment which determines the tension within the after fasting.
eye. With this, glaucoma is monitored/ruled out. opsoclonus Erratic ocular movements which may
ophthalmotoxin Any agent which is toxic to the be noted in comatose patients with brain stem
eye. lesions.
ophthalmoxyster That instrument used in curre- optesthesia Visual sensitivity and perception.
tage of the conjunctiva(e). optic Referring to the eye and its sense of sight.
opiate abstinencesyndrome Withdrawal symp- optic neuritis This inflammation of the optic
toms — autonomic malfunctioning, chills, nerve may be an early sign of multiple sclerosis.
depression, diarrhea, emotional reactions, nau- Warning signs are narrowing of the visual field,
sea with vomiting, and/or restlessness — which sudden blindness.
appear when an addicted patient's drug habit is optic neuropathy Neurological/vascular and
interrupted. pathological abnormalities which are usually
opiate poisoning The toxic reaction to an over- unilateral. The etiology encompasses many fac-
dose of agents in this category — acute toxicity tors: demyelination, infiltrative, neoplasmic,
with bradycardia, euphoria, flushing, hypoten- nutritional, ischemic conditions.
sion, hypothermia, lethargy, miosis, pruritus, optimum Those ideal conditions which are
respiratory depression leading to death. essential to development, growth, and healing.
opioid A synthetic analgesic which is not opium- optometrist A doctor of optometry (OD) who is
derived. This agent decreasesthe perception of licensed to test visual acuity, and to issue cor-
pain by its action on the brain. rection lenses. S/he does not prescribe medica-
opisthognathism An abnormal skull in which the tions.
mandible recedes. Orthognathic surgery may be optomyometer That instrument which calculates
required. the strength of ocular muscles.
opisthoporeia Backward ambulation due to optophone That apparatus used by the blind,
uncontrolled motor responses. which converts light energy into sound waves.
opisthotonos Tetanic spasms, in which the body orad Toward the oral region, the mouth.
is rigidly arched in hyperextension — as may be oral contraceptives (OCs) In addition to prevent-
seen in cases of epilepsy, hysteria, meningitis, ing conception, these medications may be
rabies, strychnine poisoning, tetanus, et al.
opocephalus That congenital anomaly in which
the fetus has no mouth/nose.
opodidymus Conjoined twins possessing 2 fused
heads, 1 body, and partially-fused sensory

254

ordered for gynecological management of the epididymus, travel along the vas deferens, and
menses. The lay term "birth control pills" is end in caseous degeneration.
incorrect — it is conception, not birth, which is orderly A male nurses' aide/assistant who is
being controlled. capable of performing male catheterization.
orality The psychosexual stage of development, ordure Excrement.
in which preoccupation lies with placing non- orexia Appetite.
edible items in the mouth to suck/chew — as is orexigenic Enhancing the appetite.
appropriate in infancy. Smoking is often associ- organ A group of tissues (many of which appear
ated with this stage as oral gratification. in pairs) which holds a specific function.
oral rehydrationtherapy (ORT) The electrolyte accessory organ That which assists another.
protocol used in third world countries to treat end organ That receptor which terminates each
the life-threatening dehydration caused by epi- nerve fiber in its specialized sense.
demic diarrhea. This program is endorsed by Golgi's organ Golgi's corpuscle functions as a
the World Health Organization (WHO). proprioceptor between the muscle and tendon.
gustatory organ Organum gustus — that which
orbicular That which is circular. controls the taste sensation.
orbitonometry Determination of the orbital dis- reproductive organs Primary sex organs.
sense organs Those receptors capable of
placement of the globe under pressure. responding to impulses received through the
orbitopagus Conjoined fetal twins in which the central nervous system (CNS).
special sense organs Those of hearing, sight,
smaller is fused to the orbit of the more viable smell, taste.
fetus. target organ That enacted upon by a hor-
orchichorea Involuntary testicular contractions. mone/chemical.
orchidoncus Orchioncus — testicular vestigial organ That which is rudimentary,
neoplasm/tumor. non-functioning in humans.
vomernasal organ The organ of Jacobson.
orchidoplasty Surgery to repair an undescended Weber's organ That residual prostatic pouch.
testicle(s). organ of Corti Organum spirale — the hearing
apparatus within the cochlea.
orchiectomy Orchidectomy, orchectomy — sur- organ of Ruffini Ruffini's corpuscles — sensory
gical excision of the testis. receptors at the fingertips which perceive
warmth.
orchiepididymitis That inflammation of the testi- organs of Zuckerkandl Corpora paraaortica —
cle/epididymus by which sperm may be ren- an embryonic pair of organs which secretes epi-
dered infertile. nephrine.
organelle That specialized cell(s) which accom-
orchilytic Orchitolytic — that which is damaging plishes a specific function.
to testicular cells. organic That which is living (as opposed to inor-
ganic), containing carbon. An organism.
orchiocele Orchidocele, orchioscheocele — a organic brain syndrome Chronic/acute mental
testicular tumor, scrotal herniation. disorder(s) which involves brain damage — as
evidenced by impaired cerebration, conscious-
orchiopexy Orchidopexy, orchiorrhaphy — that ness, intellect, insight, judgment, memory, ori-
repair by suturing an undescended testicle in entation, thought content.
the scrotal sac. organic disease That in which cellular/tissue
alterations can be objectively measured.
orchioplasty Plastic surgery of the testis/testes. organicism The theoretical premise that all ill-
orchitis Orchiditis — That testicular inflamma- ness originates from organic pathology.

tion of which the etiology may be due to sys-
temic infection (other than pelvic), metastasized
carcinoma (CA), mumps, trauma. These patients
may present with chilling, delirium, edema,
emesis, fever, gangrene, genital atrophy.
gonorrheal orchitis The causative organism is
gonococcal.
metastatic orchitis Pathogens may be in the
circulation, causing toxicity.
tuberculous orchitis This form may arise in the

255

organic psychosis That induced by structural fever, lymphadenopathy, severe anemia.
brain transformation. Change in orphan drug That medication which is not prof-
personality/character may be evident in the
patient's behavior, disposition, disinhibition, itable to manufacture because of the rarity of
emotional instability, and/or impulse control. the orphan disease for which it is the drug of
choice. Federal funding often makes the differ-
organization A systematized, orderly arrange- ence whether a drug continues to remain in pro-
ment. duction.
orthodontia That dental specialty which treats
organogenesis Organogeny — evolution from malocclusion of teeth. Orthodonture, orthodon-
embryologic stages. tics.
orthognathic surgery Orthodontia combined with
organomegaly Hypertrophy of the viscera. corrective adjustment of skeletal deformities —
organopexy That surgical fixation, by suturing, of whether congenital or traumatic. In addition to
supporting dentition, the maxilla forms the
a dislocated organ. upper face, and the mandible, the lower face.
organoscopy Endoscopic examination of abdom- orthokinetics Tactile stimulation employed in
rehabilitation.
inal organs. orthomolecular psychiatry That theoretical
organ perfusion system That mechanical appara- school of thought which teaches that mental ill-
ness will respond to mega-vitamin therapy.
tus which keeps cadaver/donor organs viable for orthopedics Orthopedia — That medical/surgical
transplantation. specialty which concentrates on structural/loco-
organs of Zuckerkandl Corpora paraaortica — motor disorders. The spelling "orthopaedics"
an embryonic pair which secrete epinephrine. remains in use.
orgasm That ascending, heightened climax to orthopercussion Determination of fluid density
coitus, which is accompanied by the ejaculation by tapping the examiner's finger (while posi-
of semen. tioned on the patient) with the opposite finger.
Oriental sore Cutaneous leishmaniasis — a orthophoria Normal muscle equilibrium.
chronic, infectious, nodular, tropical, ulcerative orthophrenia An appropriate social life.
skin lesion, prevalent in the Orient. orthopnea Platypnea — severe dyspnea which
orientation The adjustment and equilibrium of a requires that the patient remain in orthopneic
person to four spheres — person, place, time position with pillows under the head and each
(hour/day/month/year), and situation. arm. (This may be designated as "3 pillow
orienting reflex Attending to subtle lighting, orthopnea", et al.) Forced expirations with use
sounds, touches, and other qualities within the of accessory chest muscles may be evident. If
environment. tachypneic, the patient may cooperate with
orifice Any body opening — internal or external. pursed-lips expirations to regulate and maximize
Ormond's disease Ureteral obstruction of his/her efforts to breathe efficiently. Note that
retroperitoneal fibrotic etiology. the patient is not readjusting the oxygen litre
ornithosis Psittacosis, parrot fever — that acute flow, out of desperation.
and generalized infectious disease presenting orthopraxis That surgical/orthopedic revision of
with anorexia, headache, myalgia, nausea with deformities.
emesis, pharyngitis, rigor. This is transmitted by orthopsychiatry That philosophy utilized in men-
birds/fowl to humans (not human to human). tal hygiene and child psychiatry, to enhance
orofaciodigital syndrome The combined symp- emotional/mental development.
toms of facial, digital, oral deformities, accom- orthosis Orthotics — The art of producing ortho-
panied by mental retardation. pedic appliances as per the physician's orders.
oromeningitis Orrhomeningitis. These are crafted by an orthotist.
orotic aciduria That hereditary disorder in which orthostatic The referenceto an erect
children demonstrate leukopenia, megaloblastic
anemia, and growth retardation.
Oroya fever Carrion's disease, bartonellosis. This
acutely infectious South American disease pre-
sents with bone and joint pain, intermittent

256

posture/position. growth center of the pediatric tibial tuberosity.

orthostatic hypotension Postural syncope, pos- Osteochondritis of the tibial epiphysis.

tural hypotension — that faintness experienced Osier's disease Vaquez' disease,Osler's-Vaquez'

when a compromised patient rises from a disease, polycythemia vera, erythemia —

recumbent position to stand. Blood pressures splenomegaly accompanied by polycythemia.

should be taken on these patients while lying in Osier's maneuver Determination of sclerosis of

bed, then dangling, then standing. They should the artery, by momentary occlusion of the radial

be taught to change positions slowly, waiting to artery. Sclerosis is confirmed when the radial

adjust to one change before initiating another. pulse (P) can still be palpated.

Orthostasis may also point to a significant blood Osier's nodes Areas of infected cardiac emboli in

loss. Orthostatic hypotension is one of the most the digits — seen in bacterial endocarditis.

problematic and frequent side effects of antide- Osier's sign Palpable radial artery in the pres-

pressants — especially among those whose ence of a sphygmomanometer cuff pressure

blood pressure regulation has already been which exceeds the patient's systolic pressure.

compromised by antihypertensives, congestive This positive sign may indicate pseudohyperten-

heart failure, diuresis, etc. If severe,this insta- sion or overtreatment of hypertension.

bility may lead to falls, fractures, and other seri- Osler-Weber-Rendu disease Hereditary hemor-

ous complications. When secondary to antide- rhagic telangiectasia, in which epistaxis is the

pressants, this side effect will be seen early in primary symptom.

treatment and is unlikely to be accommodated. osmatic The possession of an acute olfactory

At sub-therapeutic levels, the hypotension may sense.

maximize, (but not rise), when the dosage is osmesis Olfaction.

increased. Management of these patients osmidrosis Bromidrosis — offensively malodor-

includes evaluation of medication, hydration, ous perspiration.

diet, activity, et al. osmodysphoria That abnormal/deep-seated

orthostatism The fully erect position. abhorrence of scents and odors.

orthotonos Orthotonus — that rigid, tetanic osmolagnia Osphresiolagnia— an erotic

spasm involving the entire body. response stimulated by body odors.

orthotopic That which is in its appropriate osmolality Osmolarity — osmotic concentration.

anatomic position. osmology The science of scents and odors —

orthropsia A normal characteristic in which osmics.

vision is more acute in less than full sunlight. osphretic Olfactory.

orthuria The normal frequency of voiding. osphyalgia Hip pain.

os Mouth, opening. osphyitis Lumbar inflammation.

osceitis Oschitis, oscheitis — the inflamed scro- osphyomyelitis Inflammation of the lumbar

tum. spinal cord.

oschelephantiasis Scrotal elephantiasis. osseous Bony.

oscheocele Oscheoma — scrotal herniation ossicle A small bone, ossicula.

which has accumulated fluid. auditory ossicles Those miniature bones com-

oscheoplasty Plastic surgery on the scrotum. prising the inner ear — incus, malleus, stapes.

oscillation Fluctuating, swinging movements. ossiculectomy That surgical excision of a small

oscitation Yawning — which creates a positive bone.

end expiratory phase (PEEP) in the lung, forcing ossiculotomy Surgical incision of a bone(s) with-

expansion of the alveoli and thereby, more effi- in the ear.

cient respirations. Extreme yawning may be a ossification Osteogenesis— That formation of

side effect of psychotropic medication, a sign of tissue into bone.

air hunger. endochondral ossification Conversion of carti-

osculation Kissing. lagenous cells/tissue into bone cellsAissues.

Osgood-Schlatter disease Sterile necrosis of the intramembraneous ossification That formation

257

of bone tissue beneath/within a fibrinous/fibrous depressed blood phosphorous.
membrane. osteitis fragilitans Lobstein's disease, osteogen-
pathological ossification Abnormal develop-
ment of bone tissue. The formation of osseous esis imperfecta — that inherited connective tis-
tissue in abnormal sites. sue disorder in which multiple fractures occur
periosteal ossification Subperiosteal conver- without trauma, even in utero! There is no
sion — stratification of bony, cartilagenous, cel- known cure.
lular, fibrous layers. ostembryon Lithopedion, osteopedion — a calci-
ossifluence Osteomalacia — softening of bone fied/ossified fetus.
tissue, osteolysis. ostemia Circulatory congestion within the
ossiform Osteoid — that similar to bone. bone(s).
ossify Conversion into bone cells/tissue. osteoanesthesia Unusual insensitivity of bone
ostalgia Persistent bone discomfort/pain — tissue.
osteodynia. osteoaneurysm Within the bone, vessel dilation
osteanagenesis Bone reformation/regeneration. by coagulated blood.
ostearthrotomy Osteoarthrotomy — That surgi- osteoarthritis (OA) Degenerative arthritis — a
cal excision of a bone at the articular end. chronic inflammatory joint disease. Nursing care
ostectomy Osteectomy — partial/total excision requires evaluation of life styles and practices,
of bone. with patient education toward palliation. Creative
osteectopia Bone displacement. comfort measures make the difference.
osteitis Bone inflammation/infection, ostitis. osteoarthropathy All severely, painful disease
condensing osteitis Sclerosing osteitis — bone processes which involve the bones/joints.
marrow tissue which becomes osseous, and the hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy
surrounding bone more dense. Enlargement of phalanges with curving of the
Carre's osteitis That post-operative complica- nails longitudinally. This deformity may also
tion of dental surgery in which the mandible involve the jaw, fibula, tibia, wrist. These
and/or maxilla become infected. anomalies may be noted in patients with
gummatous osteitis The chronic bone inflam- bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, congenital
mation associated with syphilitic gummata. heart pathology, pulmonary tuberculosis.
rarefying osteitis Osteoporosis— that honey- osteoblastoma A large, benign tumor of the
comb transformation of bone tissue which spine, appearing inadolescence.
yields to deformity and/or fracture. osteocampsia Curvature of the bones.
osteitis deformans Paget's disease— This osteocarcinoma Malignancy of bone tissue.
painful, chronic, geriatric diseasefeatures defor- osteocartilaginous exostosis Single, multiple,
mity and hypertrophy of the bones, especially of benign, malignant bone tumor(s), occurring in
the tibia. The onset is insidious and gradual with the young patient, 10-20 years of age. This may
frequent fractures, waddling gait, and shortened be a familial trait.
stature. The hypertrophied skull makes the face osteocephaloma Encephaloma— a malignant
appear triangular and smaller, as though the tumor within bone tissue, which mimics brain
head were projected forward. No treatment cells.
should be given asymptomatic patients. That osteochondritis Inflamed cartilage/bone tissue.
treatment which is given is for the palliation of osteochondritis deformans juvenilis
pain. Waldenstrom's disease — a chronic pediatric
osteitis fibrosa cysticageneralistata inflammation of the head of the femur(s), result-
Hyperparathyroidism resulting in metabolic dis- ing in atrophy and deformity.
turbances of phosphorous (decreased) and cal- osteochondritis dissecans Osteochondrolysis —
cium (elevated). Nephrolithiasis, osteomalacia, detachment of cartilage with underlying bone
decalcification are characteristic findings, in the from the articular surface of the joint.
presence of elevated serum calcium, and osteochondrodystrophy Morquio's syndrome —
that hereditary skeletal malformation, resulting

258

in dwarfism. Joint laxity produces instability of the joints. The

familial osteochondrodystrophy cycle of fracturing (fracture-cast-fracture) can

Mucopolysaccharidosis IV, Morquio's syndrome. be vicious. Fractures can recur in these victims,

osteochondroma A neoplasm composed of even within their casts! (These have amounted

bone/cartilage cells. to 70 in one patient.) Strollers and wheelchairs

osteochondromatosis That condition in which may require custom contouring, to fit the child,

the patient presents with multiple osteochondro- maintaining joints at 90° flexion in optimal pos-

mata. turing/positioning. Spinal bracing has not

osteochondrosis Osseous degeneration of the proven effective in the prevention of spinal cur-

epiphyseal centers of ossification. Aseptic/avas- vatures. Clam shell bracing is therapeutic for

cular necrosis follows, during which weight some young patients, beginning at 8 months for

bearing is forbidden, to protect joints from a few. A standing frame may be required in

deformity. Daily passive range of motion exer- preparation for ambulation. Dental problems

cises are required to prevent contractures. pose a major health risk. Opalescent dentin

osteochondrosis deformans tibiae Aseptic allows for frequent decay. Understandably, den-

necrosis of the tibia(e). tists are reluctant to treat these victims of multi-

osteoclasis Ostioclasia, osteoclasty — absorp- ple fracturing in the presence of conscientious

tion/destruction of bone cells. That surgical care. Some cap emerging teeth. Intramedullary

fracturing of a bone to enhanceepiphyseal rodding is indicated for severe

growth/healing or to revise a deformity. This deformities/repeated fractures, and has been

surgical procedure is an option in the therapy of performed as early as 3 mos. This surgery is

bilateral osteochondrosis of the femurs. tolerated well. Too often, the parents of these

osteoclast The surgical apparatus which per- children are subjectedto child abuse interroga-

forms osteoclasis. tions, allegations from family and society, even

osteoclastoma Giant cell bone tumor. to having parental rights challenged, until the

osteocope Exquisite bone pain (often syphilitic). diagnosis is established. Diapering, turning, car-

osteocystoma Cystic bone tumor. rying, lifting — all manipulations of these

osteodiastasis Separation of adjacent bones. infants create monumental concern. The treat-

osteodystrophy Osteodystrophia — defective ment is palliative and supportive — there is no

development of bone tissue. known cure.

renal osteodystrophy Generalizedpathology osteogenesis imperfecta tarda The child whose

with changes in osseous tissue, associated with diagnosis of 01 was established after birth.

renal failure. These patients experiencefewer fractures.

osteoectomy Ostectomy — an excision into osteolipochondroma That cartilagenous tumor

bone tissue. composed of bone and adipose tissue.

osteofibroma Fibro-osteoma — tumor of bone osteoma Osteoncus, exostosis — a benign

or fibrous tissue. tumor of bone tissue.

osteogenesis Ostegeny, ostosis, ossification — osteomalacia Softening of the bones — the

the formation of bone cells. adult form of rickets. The treatment of choice is

osteogenesis imperfecta (0l) congenita Noted vitamin D.

at birth, the neonate may have suffered frac- osteomatosis The formation of multiple osteo-

tures (fx) in utero/during delivery. Additional mata (benign bone cell tumors).

atraumatic fx may occur under exquisite nursery osteomyelitis Infection of bone and/or marrow

care. Many will not survive infancy. Multiple — which is of pathogenic etiology. Symptoms

fractures (many unrecognized) will result in of diaphoresis, erythema, fever, leukocytosis,

deformities and spinal curvatures. Dwarfism is muscle rigidity, pain, and/or suppuration may be

prominent in this population. The head remains present. Immobilization, antibiotic therapy, inci-

normal size, but seems large. Blue sclerae are sion and drainage (I and D), and/or sedation

pathognomonic. Loss of hearing is frequent. may be indicated. These serious infections may

259

be fulminating and resistant, requiring many especially of the vertebrae. Any bone may
courses of varied high-powered antibiotics, hos- become involved. This is more common in
pitalizations. Deformities with severe scarring sedentary women, those of advanced age, and
may be left at involved sites. those who are menopausal (estrogen-deficient).
pneumocystis osteomyelitis Extrapulmonary The Federal Drug Administration, USA has
approved the first non-hormonal treatment to
pneumocystis is extremely rare. This may be fight osteoporosis. In clinical studies, alen-
present in the patient who is free of human dronate has cut in half the number of spinal
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Other fractures among postmenopausal women. (The
sites which may be infected are the bone mar- only optional treatment for this disorder is
row, liver, lymph nodes, spleen. estrogen — which many refuse because of the
osteomyelodysplasia That condition which side effects.)
posttraumatic osteoporosis Loss of bone tis-
includes fever, leukopenia, and increased mar- sue as a result of injury with/without nerve
row cavitation with thinning of the adjacent damage. This may also be associated with
bone tissue. osteoporosis of disuse.
osteonecrosis Chandler's disease — aseptic osteoporosis circumscriptacranii Involvement
necrosis, avascular necrosis, ischemic necrosis of the skull, accompanied by Paget's disease.
— that generalized death of adult bone cells in osteoporosis of disuse That which may be seen
situ. The onset of this disease is nontraumatic, in those who are weightless in space, or inert
by infarction, and is painful and progressive. on prolonged bedrest.
The vascular interruption and necrosis may osteoradionecrosis Bone tissue death secondary
result from embolism, thrombosis, pressure on to irradiation.
a vessel wall, venous occlusion. osteorrhagia Bleeding from the bone(s).
osteoneuralgia Bone pain. osteorrhaphy Osteosuturing — the wiring/sutur-
osteoperiostitis Infection of both bone and ing of bone fragments.
periosteum. osteosarcoma Myelosarcoma — a malignant
osteopetrosis Albers-Schonberg disease — a bone tumor.
rare, inherited disorder in which anemia may osteosclerosis Increased bone weight.
accompany brittle bones and increased bone osteosclerosis congenita Achrondroplasia.
density. osteosclerosis fragilis generalisata
osteophagia Calcium and/or phosphorus defi- Osteopecilia.
ciency(s) as evidenced by the patient's desire to osteoscope That device used to test X-ray
eat bones. machines. (The forearms of staff members are
osteophlebitis An inflammation of osseous used as the standard.)
veins. osteospongioma Osteoma spongiosum — a
osteophone An instrument used by the deaf to matrix tumor of the bone.
achieve hearing through the facial bones' con- osteostixis A diagnostic bone puncture.
duction of sound. osteosynovitis Inflammation of synovial mem-
osteophony That ability of bone to conduct brane with its adjacent bone.
sound. osteosynthesis That surgical repair of a fracture
osteophore Forceps which crush bone. by mechanical fastening of the bone ends.
osteophyma Growth/edema of bone tissue. osteotabes Pediatric atrophy of the marrow, then
osteoplasty Plastic surgery repair/revision of the bone.
bone. osteotelangiectasia Sarcomatous bone tumor
osteopoikilosis That benign, inherited condition marked by dilated vessels.
in which the bones receive excess calcification osteothrombosis That formation of a clot(s)
— as viewed on X-ray. within osseous veins.
osteoporosis The disease process in which the osteotome A bilaterally bevelled surgical chisel
bone mass is diminished. This becomes evident
in the presence of spontaneous fracturing —

260

used to incise bone. canal(s).

osteotomoclasis Surgical revision of a bone cur- otitis labyrinthica Labyrinthitis — inflammation

vature by wedge excision, followed by reshap- of the semicircular canals.

ing. otitis mastoidea Mastoiditis.

osteotomy That surgical incision developed otitis media Tympanitis — (recurrent) infections

through bone tissue. of the middle ear, especially in young children.

cuneiform osteotomy Wedge excision. otitis media with effusion That drainage of

linear osteotomy Lengthwise dissection. serous fluid into the middle ear to equalize pres-

Macewen's osteotomy Supracondylar, femoral sure within the eustachian tube. This fluid

sectioning. may/may not be contaminated. The etiology

subtrochanteric osteotomy Correction of hip may include allergy, hypertrophied adenoidal tis-

ankylosis by femoral dissection. sue, pharyngeal inflammation/tumor. If tympa-

transtrochanteric osteotomy Correction of hip nostomy is ineffective, adenoidectomy/tonsillec-

joint deformities by femoral sectioning. tomy/bilateral myringotomy (any or all) may be

osteotribe A bone saw/rasp. required.

osteotrite That surgical instrument used to otitis mycotica Otomyces — fungal infection of

debride necrotic bone tissue. the ear.

osteotylus That callus at the ends of fractured otitis parasitica Parasitic ear infection.

bones which are healing. otitis sclerotica Fibrotic inner ear structures in

osteotympanic Craniotympanic. the presence of inflammation.

ostomate One who has surgically received a otoantritis Tympanic/mastoid inflammation.

temporary/permanent exit from the otoblennorrhea Otic discharge of mucous.

intestine/bowel which excretes outside the body. otocephaly That congenital anomaly of absent

These patients require intense counselling and maxilla(e), with fusion of the ears onto the ante-

patient education in order to cope with this rior neck.

mutilative surgery. Irrigation technique of the otocleisis Auditory occlusion.

double barrel colostomy should insure that only otodynia Earache, otalgia, otoneuralgia.

the proximal stoma is irrigated. Conscientious otomyasthenia Hearing defects attributable to

periostomal skin care is essential. Only the weakness/paresis of the otic muscles.

physician or enterostomal therapist should otomycosis Mycomyringitis, myringomycosis,

attempt to dilate the stoma(ta). otitis mycotica — fungal infection of the exter-

ostreotoxismus That poisoning attributed to the nal ear.

ingestion of toxic oysters. otoncus Otic neoplasm.

otacoustic A hearing aid. otonephrotoxicity That severe damage to the

otantritis Infection of the mastoid sinus. hearing and the kidneys caused by high-pow-

otectomy Middle ear excision. ered cephalosporin antibiotics. It has been sug-

othelcosis Otic suppuration/ulceration. gested that the patient's kidney function and

othelmatoma Hematoma auris — traumatic effu- hearing be tested prior to, during, and following

sion of the outer ear. such a treatment course.

othemorrhea Hemorrhage from the ear — which otopharyngeal tube Otosalpinx — that eustachi-

could signal a basal skull fracture. Otorrhagia. an tube between the pharynx and the tympanic

otic Referring to the ear. cavity.

oticodinia Gyratory vertigo caused by otic otoplasty Plastic surgery to revise ear deformi-

pathology. ties/anomalies.

otitis Inflammation of the ear. otorrhea Otic inflammation accompanied by

aero-otitis That caused by pressure changes in purulent drainage.

the presence of obstructed eustachian tubes. otosclerosis Chronic, progressive deafness

aviation otitis Barotitis. caused by ankylosis of the stapes. More com-

otitis externa An inflamed external auditory mon in female patients, this may beaggravated

261

by pregnancy, and may be familial. The surgical ovariosalpingectomy That excision of the fallopi-
procedure of stapedectomy/stapes mobilization an tube(s) and the ovary(s) — oophorosal-
may be of benefit to many. pingectomy.
otoscope An instrument with its own source of
light which enables the examiner to assess the ovariotomy An incision into, or excision of, an
ear during otoscopy. ovary/ovarian tumor.
otosis That misunderstanding/mishearing of the
spoken word. ovaritis Oophoritis — acute/chronic ovarian
ototomy An incision within the ear. inflammation.
outflow That neurological transmission of
impulses from the central nervous system ovarium Ovary.
(CNS) to the periphery (outward). overbite That malocclusion which occurs when
outlet That exit via a vent/opening.
outpatient A patient who receives hospital ser- the upper teeth rest anterior to the lower teeth.
vices, but is not kept overnight. overcompensation That tendency which leads to
output That which is ejected,expectorated,
expelled, voided, vomited, or otherwise rejected maladjustment — concealment of, or compen-
from the body/organ. sation for, inadequacy, inferiority, and/or guilt by
cardiac output The heart rate multiplied by the excessive efforts exerted toward substitution of
stroke volume, per minute. an opposite character trait(s).
stroke output That amount of blood which the overdetermination The psychoanalytic theory
heart pumps in a single beat. that each dream/symptom may have multiple
urinary output The amount of voiding in a meanings.
given period of time. overdose (00) That dose of a drug which is
outrigger That hand splint which applies elastic excessive, and may be lethal.
traction/countertraction to each finger. overexertion Abnormal exhaustion, extreme
oval Elliptical (a tall circle). fatique. Hyperactivity to the point of exhaustion.
ovaralgia Ovarialgia, oarialgia, oophoralgia — overgrowth Hypertrophy, hyperplasia.
ovarian pain. overlay That which is superimposed upon anoth-
ovarian cyst Fluid-filled loculi (chambers) within er.
the ovary which may form a benign tumor of psychogenic overlay The emotional feature of
extraordinary weight and size. Surgery may an organic illness.
become indicated. overresponse An abnormal, inappropriate,
ovariectomy Oophorectomy — that total/partial intense reaction. An overreaction.
excision of an ovary. Ovariosteresis. overriding The slippage of fractured bone frag-
ovariocele Ovarian hernia or tumor. ments past each other.
ovariocentesis Incision and drainage of an ovari- overtone A harmonic chord produced by musi-
an cyst — ovariostomy. cal, acoustical sounds — which may be organic.
ovariocyesis An ovarian pregnancy, lethal to overuse symptoms/injuries Musical and com-
mother/fetus. Excision of the ovary will be puterized instruments present specific occupa-
required. tional hazards for each. That complaint which
ovariodysneuria Ovarian neuralgia. seems minor could require intervention to pre-
ovariohysterectomy Oophorohysterectomy, hys- vent dystonias, paresthesias, nerve compres-
terectomy with bilateral oophorectomy, ootheco- sion, pain, weakness, and/or impaired circula-
hysterectomy — excision of the uterus with tion. The specialist should have expertise in the
both ovaries. demands of his/her patient's instrument, to
ovariopexy That surgical fixation in which the understand the articulation needed.
ovaries are sutured to the abdominal wall. overvaluation That treasured, but inaccurate
ovariorrhexis Ovarian rupture. belief system which is maintained with near-
delusional intensity.
ovoid Egg-shaped, oviform.
Owren's disease Parahemophilia.
oxalemia A circulatory excess of oxalic acid
salts.

262

oxalic acid poisoning Oxalism — acute toxicity oxyhydrocephalus A hydrocephalic patient
which occurs from ingestion/inhalation of whose cranium resembles a dome.
ethanedioic acid. Corrosive burns of mucosae,
collapse, excessivethirst, hematemesis, pain, oxyntic That productive of acid.
tetany, and coma may precede death. The emer- oxyopia Exquisitely acute vision.
gency induction of vomiting is contraindicated. oxyosmia Extraordinary olfactory acuity.

oxalosis An inherited metabolic defect of gly- Oxyrhine.
oxylic acid — which affects the kidneys. oxyosphresia Abnormally acute olfactory sense.
oxypathy An acutely sharp capacity of sensory
oxidation That combination of oxygen with
another gas, or with a compound. perception. Oxypathia.
oxyphonia That abnormally shrill quality of voice.
oximeter The photoelectric instrument which cal- oxyrhine The nose which seems to be sharply
culates the oxygen saturation in the blood, by
measuring the amount of light transmitted pointed. An acute olfactory sense.
through the skin of the (third) finger. Pulse oxytocia A precipitant of delivery, parturition.
oximeter. oxytocic A delivery accelerant. That agent which

oxyacusis Hyperacusis — hyperacute hearing. stimulates uterine contractions.
oxybutyria The urinary presence of oxybutyric oxytocin challenge test The contraction stress

acid. test (CST) which determines whether vaginal
oxycephaly The head which is high and may delivery will cause fetal distress in a high-risk
pregnancy about to bedelivered.
appear pointed in shape — turricephaly. oxyuricide That agent which kills enterobiasis.
oxycinesia Pain experiencedupon movement. ozena Offensive atrophy of the nasal turbinates.
oxyecoia Exquisite sensitivity to noise. ozochrotia Bromhidrosis.
oxyesthesia Hyperesthesia, algesia — that acute ozostomia Pronounced halitosis.

sensation which has reached an abnormal level.
oxygen (02) That medical gas which is essential

to life. This element supplies an absolute sup-
port of combustion, and is involved in bowel
obstruction, gas gangrene, peritonitis, sep-
ticemia. Under pressure, hyperbaric oxygen
enhances the treatment of aerobic infection, car-
diac surgery, carbon monoxide poisoning, vas-
cular disorders, tumor irridiation. Oxygen
administration should always be humidified, and
the litre flow appropriate for the means of deliv-
ery — as prescribed.
oxygen debt/deficit That which is required to
oxidize the excess lactic acid, accumulated fol-
lowing strenuous activity.
oxygen therapy The administration of humidified
oxygen by nasal cannula, catheter, hood, mask,
cone, tent, hyperbaric chamber — to treat oxy-
gen deficiency.
oxygen toxicity That respiratory failure which
develops progressively, when pure oxygen is
administered for a prolonged period of time.
oxygeusia An abnormally acute gustatory sense.
oxyhemoglobin Oxygen-bound hemoglobin as
found in arterial blood being transported to the
tissues.

p 263

pacemaker That device which affects the impe- chamber sensed): A - atrium, V - ventricle, 0 -
tus for an activity such as beat/rhythm. The non-applicable, D - dual (both chambers); 3rd
sinoatrial (SA) node is the normal pacemaker Letter (how pulse generator responds): 0 - non-
for the heart. Magnetic resonance imaging applicable, I - inhibited, T - triggered, D - dual
(MRI) is contraindicated for these patients — (inhibited and triggered). If the code on the unit
this would cause the instrument to pace without reads "ODD", both the atrium/ventricle are
sensing. Close monitoring is required in the use paced and sensed, with an inhibited, triggered
of an electrocautery — which also could repro- response — a universal, fully automatic pace-
gram the pacemaker. Radiation could cause fail- maker. If the code reads "VVI", the ventricle is
ure of this instrument — which should be paced, sensed, and inhibited — a demand pace-
shielded by lead. Microwave equipment no maker.
longer causes interference. Postoperative chest pachismus Hypertrophy.
discomfort, dyspnea, hypotension, loss of con- pachyblepharon Hypertrophy of the eyelid bor-
sciousness, or vertigo indicates noncapture/fail- der.
ure of the pacemaker. These patients need com- pachycephaly An abnormally thick cranium.
prehensive follow-up teaching. pachycheilia Hypertrophied lips.
demand pacemaker That which permits the pachycholia Thickened bile.
patient's heart to override it, lessening the risk pachycolpismus Pachyvaginitis.
of pacemaker-inducedventricular fibrillation. pachydactyly Pachydactylia — hypertrophied
ectopic pacemaker All endogenous(except digits.
sinoatrial node) cardiac pacemakers. pachydermatosis Pachyderma, pachydermia —
external pacemaker That artificial pacemaker dermal hypertrophy.
located externally. The stimulating electrodes pachydermatosis circumscripta Pachydermia
may be intravenous. laryngis — that hypertrophy of the laryngeal
fixed rate pacemaker A programmed, artificial mucous membrane which appears in chronic
pacemaker which does not alter its rhythm. laryngitis.
mediastinal pacemaker That device by which pachydermatosis lymphangiectatica Dermal
the artificial pacing is conducted through medi- hypertrophy caused by abnormal lymphatic
astinal electrodes. drainage.
permanent pacemaker That cardiac instrument pachydermatosis vesicae That hypertrophied
implanted within the body. mucous membrane of the bladder.
programmable pacemaker An electronic device pachydermoperiostosis A inherited, self-limiting
is used to externally adjust this permanent pace- adolescent form of osteoarthropathy. Epidermal
maker. hypertrophy will be noted on the
temporary pacemaker That external unit which extremities/face.
is connected to transvenous pacing electrodes. pachyemia Pachyhematous — increased blood
transthoracic pacemaker Emergency pacing viscosity.
via the chest wall. pachyglossia That tongue which is abnormally
transvenous pacemaker For temporary/perma- thick.
ment use, the pacing electrode is threaded intra- pachygnathous A hypertrophied jaw.
venously into the cardiac chamber(s). pachyleptomeningitis Cerebrospinal inflamma-
wandering pacemaker That shift in cardiac tion of the dura/pia mater.
stimulation caused by migration of the pacer's pachylosis Xerosis — chronic hypertrophied,
stimulus. This will produce a cardiac arrhyth- dry skin.
mia^). pachymeningitis Perimeningitis, duritis — that
inflammatory disease of the brain membranes
pacemaker coding Pacing code: 3 or 5 letters on with suppurative effusion into the ventricles.
the unit reveal its programming. 1st Letter spinal pachymeningitis Involvement of the
(which chamber paced) A - atrium, V - ventri- dura mater of the spinal cord.
cle, D - dual (both chambers); 2nd Letter (which

264

pachymeningopathy Noninflammatory pathology Paget's disease Osteitis deformans — that

of the dura mater. severe, chronic pathology which may attack

pachymenix The dura mater. other cells asymptomatically. This disease

pachynsis Pathological hypertrophy. occurs more often in Australia, England, New

pachyostosis Benign osseous hypertrophy. Zealand, as well as Eastern/Western Europe.

pachyotia Pathological hypertrophy of the ears. These geriatric patients may present with hyper-

pachypelviperitonitis Peritoneal/pelvic inflamma- trophy and osteomalacia, as well as inflamma-

tion of hypertrophied membranes. tion. Involving any bone, this may be diagnosed

pachypleuritis Inflammation of hypertrophied at the time of fracture. Their pain is enhanced

pleurae. by osteoarthritis (OA). These fractures knit

pachypodous Pathologically hypertrophied feet. poorly, sometimes with deformities and/or

pachyrhinic A flat, hypertrophied nose. impairment. Cardiac failure may be noted. If

pacifier A nipple assembly which the infant bone scanning is ordered, this need not be

sucks to fulfill his/her sucking instinct. The repeated. (The involved skull takes on an

infant's thumb also serves this function. appearance of fuzzy overgrowth.) If the cochlea

pacing Setting a designated rate. suffers fracture, the outcome will include deaf-

pacing code That which designates the ness. Pagetic, "honeycomb" bone cells place the

function/type of a pacemaker. patient at risk of fracture and joint deformity.

pacing wire A pacemaker electrode. Prior to collapse, "ivory vertebra(e)" may

pack A therapeutic wrap or material for packing a become malignant.

wound or body orifice. A wrapped set of sterile Paget's disease of the breast Mammary duct

instruments. carcinoma (CA), mammary Paget's disease —

umbrella pack That inserted into an abdominal rare, intraepithelial metastases may be identified

incision to rescue the patient with arterial hem- by the unilateral positioning of lesions.

orrhaging, post-hysterectomy. Extensions of the Paget's disease of the nipple This involvement

pack are secured through the vagina inferiorly. bears a high incidence of malignancy.

Placement is secured both abdominally and Paget's disease of the penis This rare, dermato-

vaginally. logic carcinoma (CA) may be seen in the uncir-

package insert Product information which is cumcised male with poor hygiene. Metastases

included with prescription drugs. Not usually may require penectomy, lymphadenectomy.

given to the patient, pharmacists will give these Neither chemotherapy nor irradiation has been

to professionals upon request. The text is that found to be significantly therapeutic.

described in the Physicians' Desk Reference. Paget's disease of the vulva(e) That malignant

packed cells Erythrocytes transfused without ulcerative involvement which might require radi-

plasma. This infusion of only cells reduces the cal surgery.

risk of reaction, and prevents vascular over- Paget's extramammary disease Arising from the

hydration. apocrine glands, this rare and characteristic

pad That cushion (material or adipose tissue) malignancy requires an exquisitely precise his-

which supports a body part/organ — which tological survey. These plaques are seen in the

relieves/applies pressure, or which dresses a axillary and/or anogenital areas. Radical surgical

wound. extirpation is mandatory.

dinner pad That positioned at the epigastrium pain Paralgesia, paralgia — a potential/actual tis-

before the application of a body cast. When sue injury associated with an emotional and/or

casting is completed, the pad is removed — sensory experience. Included are the perception

thereby allowing space for epigastric distention and its response. Pain can be therapeutic inso-

following meals. far that it is the motivation for medical attention;

fat pad The sucking pad in each cheek of the it can cause patient compliance with orders; it

term neonate. These remain as long as the child can halt forbidden activity, et al. Its quality may

nurses. be aching, acute, agonizing, boring, burning,

265

causalgic, chronic, constricting, cramping, dull, stimulus — suggestive of an occipital brain
extraordinary, false, fulgurant, intense, lesion.
intractable, lancinating, mental, migrating, neu- pallanesthesia Apallesthesia — the inability to
ralgic, phantom, piercing, psychic, psychogenic, sense vibrations.
psychomotor, referred, remittent, shifting, sub- pallescence Pallor.
jective, sympathetic, tenesmic, tenebrant, ther- pallesthesia The perception of vibrations.
malgesic, throbbing, wandering in character. palliative Comfort measures which relieve
cancer pain Chronic pain which is unrelenting, pain/distress without curing the cause/disease.
and will not become lighter in time. It is essen- pallidectomy Chemical, cryogenic, surgical obla-
tial that these patients' suffering not be com- tion of inactivation of the globus pallidus, to
pounded by anticipatory pain from being under- treat muscular rigidity or involuntary motions.
dosed by analgesia. They will not become palmar reflex That neonatal grasping reaction
dependent upon narcotics. which disappears after 6 months.
pain disorder The cause of functional impair- palmomental reflex The palm-chin reflex in
ment (which is not intentionally produced). which contracted chin and eye muscles are pro-
Criteria for mental disorders has not been met. duced on the side on which the thenar eminence
painful episode Acute pain affecting one or more is scratched.
sites in the patient with sickle cell disease. palpable That which can be objectively felt.
paint Extensive application of a dermatology pre- palpation An examination/assessment achieved
scription — which literally gets painted. When through the application of hands/fingers upon
children can be trusted not to drink calamine the patient.
lotion, dipping a paint brush into the bottle to palpatopercussion Assessment by palpation with
paint their chicken pox lesions provides a tapping.
remarkable distraction, as well as relief. palpebrate Possessing eyelids. To wink.
Castellani's paint A germicide. palpebritis Blepharitis — inflammation of the
painter's colic That seen in lead poisoning. eyelids.
palatal reflex Stimulation of the soft palate as palpitation Fluttering, rapid, throbbing, intense
the prelude to swallowing. heartbeats.
palatitis Inflammation of the palate. arterial palpitation That sensed within the
palatopharyngoplasty A therapeutic approach to arteries.
chronic snoring. This plastic surgerydecreases palsy Paralysis — The loss of ability to control
the nasopharyngeal passage. movement, to perceive sensation, to move.
palatorrhaphy Staphylorrhaphy, uranoplasty — a Bell's palsy An idiosyncratic paralysis of the
plastic surgery procedure used in the union of a facial nerve (unilateral) — giving the patient a
cleft palate. distorted facial appearance. Most of these cases
palatoschisis A cleft palate. To avoid a speech resolve without intervention.
impediment, this must be repaired before the birth palsy That paresis resulting from trauma
child begins to speak. at delivery.
paleogenesis Ativism, palingenesis, atavism — bulbar palsy Progressive muscular paresis.
inheritance of an unaltered characteristic(s), cerebral palsy Cerebral spastic infantile paraly-
especially anomalies. sis, Little's disease — bilateral, nonprogressive
palikinesia Continuous, repeated motions. paralysis caused by birth trauma or develop-
palilalia Paliphrasia — pathological repetition mental brain defects.
with press of coherent speech. diver's palsy That secondary to decompression
palindromia A relapse. illness/caisson disease.
palingraphia The pathology of repetitious writ- Erb's palsy Congenital paralysis of the arm.
ing. lead palsy Seen in lead poisoning — paresis of
palinopsia That subjective visual afterimage the extremities.
which persists following the cessation of the night palsy Paresthesia with numbness when

266

awakened from a sound sleep. gangrene, hemorrhage, jaundice, nausea/vomit-
panacea An undocumented, unsubstantiated ing, necrosis, singultus, suppuration, umbilical
tenderness/rigidity.
"cure-all". chronic pancreatitis Radiation of the pain to
panangiitis An inflammation of all blood vessel the back, accompanied by diarrhea, emaciation,
weakness. Malfunctioning glands are a cause of
coats. pancreatic scar tissue.
panarteritis That inflammation of all arterial suppurative pancreatitis That complicated by
abscess formation.
coats. pancreatoduodenectomy Surgical excision of
panasthenia Neurasthenia — generalized portions of the pancreas and duodenum.
pancreatolithectomy Pancreatolithotomy, pan-
exhaustion. Weakness in the absenceof organic creolithotomy — that surgical extraction of a
pathology. pancreatic calculus.
pancarditis An inflammation of all cardiac struc- pancreatolysis Pancreolysis — damaged pan-
tures. creatic cells/tissue by pancreatic enzymes.
Pancoast's syndrome Pancoast's tumor. This pancreatoncus A pancreatic neoplasm.
malignant cervical neoplasm produces Homer's pancreoprivic One without a pancreas. This seri-
syndrome (enophthalmos, partial ptosis, pupil- ous condition includes diabetes.
lary contraction). pancytopenia Aplastic anemia — a decreaseof
pancolectomy Surgical exenteration of the colon. all blood cells.
pancolitis Extensive inflammatory disease, for pandemic An epidemic affecting most of the
which colectomy becomes the procedure of population of the area under consideration.
choice. Concurrent outbreaks in different countries.
pancreatectomy Pancreectomy — partial/total pandiculation Yawning and stretching simultane-
resection of the pancreas. These patients are at ously.
risk for diabetes mellitus. Those who have lost panencephalitis Subacute sclerosing panen-
the entire pancreas will be surgical diabetics for cephalitis — a cerebral degenerative disease
life. secondary to the measles virus. A progressive
pancreatemphraxis Pancreatic edema caused by loss of higher cerebral functioning, emotional
obstruction of the pancreatic duct, congestion instability, myoclonic contractions, and/or per-
of the pancreas. sonality changes may be noted in the early
pancreathelcosis That suppurative inflammation, stages, followed by dementia and generalized
ulceration of the pancreas. rigidity. No cure is known for this lethal disease.
pancreatic carcinoma (CA) The etiology of this panendoscope That cystoscopewhich permits a
malignancy is unknown. Of those prominent risk wider survey within the urinary bladder.
factors, tobacco abuse has been firmly estab- panesthesia The sum total of accumulated stim-
lished in the patient with history (hx) of nicotine uli and sensations experienced simultaneously.
abuse. The excruciating pain of end-stage pan- pangenesis That discredited hypothesis that
creatic CA presents an extraordinary nursing every cell is represented in reproduction.
challenge. panglossia Manic press of speech noted in the
pancreatitis Inflammation of the pancreas. psychotic state. When these patients do not
acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis These patients sleep, they may become hoarse from this abuse
may exhibit blood/mucus-tinged emesis, of their voices. They also place their hearts at
cyanosis, delirium, epigastric extension of the risk.
paroxysmal, deep-seated pain as the bleeding panhidrosis Total body perspiration.
involves pancreatic tissue, tympanites, nausea panhyperemia Erythema of the entire body.
with retching, constipation, jaundice, singultus panhysterectomy Total excision of the uterus
(hiccoughs), low-grade fever, umbilical with cervix.
rigidity/tenderness, and/or collapse.
acute pancreatitis That sudden medical crisis
presenting with abdominal/epigastric pain,
bradycardia, collapse, constipation, eructation,

267

panhysterocolpectomy Excision of the entire bid, free-floating fear — which may remain
uterus, cervix, vagina. unnamed, even to the patient. A fear of "every-
thing".
panhystero-oophorectomy Total excision of the panplegia Total paralysis.
uterus including cervix, ovary(s), fallopian pansclerosis That hardening of an entire organ.
tube(s). Surgical menopause will occur. pansinusitis Inflammation of all the sinuses.
pantachromic That entirely void of color.
panic Acute terror/anxiety which is uncontrol- pantaencephaly The total absence of a fetus'
lable and may progress to include somatic brain.
symptomatology. pantalgia Pain experiencedthroughout the body.
pantamorphia Generalized deformity.
panic attack Subjective occasions of sudden pantatrophy Pantatrophia — generalized cachex-
onset of fear, feelings of impending doom, ia with atrophy.
intense apprehension, and/or stark terror. In panthodic The radiation of nervous impulses
addition to somatic symptoms of chest com- throughout the body.
plaints, diaphoresis, dyspnea/hyperventilation, pantoscopic Bifocal views.
nausea, palpitations, overwhelming convictions pantothermia Idiosyncratic variations in body
of choking, smothering, vertigo, losing control, temperature.
or the realization of "going crazy" increase the pantropic Polycytotropic — attracted to multiple
anxiety. organs.
Papanicolaou test Pap smear, Pap test — the
panic disorder An anxiety disorder which may be screening test of choice for cervical carcinoma
familial. This involves an acute phase, anticipa- (CA).
tory phase, phobic avoidance, agoraphobia. papilledema Choked disk, papillitis — inflamma-
Treatment includes psychotherapy in conjunc- tion/edema of the optic nerve/disk due to
tion with psychotropic medication(s). If placed intracranial pressure (often caused by brain
on a benzodiazepinefor its rapid action, the tumor). Blindness may ensue rapidly unless
physician must be willing to see the recovering intervention reverses the damaging pressure
patient through benzodiazepine withdrawal. within the brain.
papillocarcinoma Malignant neoplasm of
panimmunity That general protection against enlarged papillae.
multiple bacterial diseases. papillomatosis Accumulation of a widespread
papillomas.
panmyelophthisis Aplastic anemia — atrophy of pappataci fever Sandfly fever.
the bone marrow. papular fever That low-grade elevation accompa-
nied by rheumatoid pain and maculopapular
panneuritis Generalized neuritis. eruption.
panneuritis epidemica Beriberi, a disease in papuloerythematous Raised eruptions on red-
dened skin.
which vitamin B1 is deficient. papulopustular The presence of raised, suppura-
panniculitis Inflammation of the panniculum (fat tive eruptions.
papulosquamous Raised eruptions among
apron). desquamating cells.
panniculus adiposus Panniculum — The fat papulovesicular Vesicles accompanied by
papules.
apron of the morbidly obese. papyraceous Resembling parchment. That post-
panodic That which radiates 180°. mature fetus which presents with maceration.
panography Pan-oral radiography — panoramic parablepsia Parablepsis — abnormal vision.
parabulia Perverted will power.
X-rays which include an uninterrupted view of
the entire dental arch.
panophthalmia Panophthalmitis — infection
involving the entire eye, placing the vision and
prognosis at risk.
panoptic That which is fully visible.
panoptosis Prolapse of abdominal organs.
panosteitis That infection of all structures of a
bone.
panotitis An infection of all areas of the ear.
panphobia Pantophobia, panophobia — a mor-

268

paracenesthesia Deterioration of one's sense of upon inspiration and inflation on expiration, with

well-being. depression of the diaphragm.

paracentesis Peritoneocentesis — introduction paraequilibrium Pathologic vestibular vertigo

of a trocar into a body cavity to aspirate an which may be accompanied by nausea and nys-

abnormal accumulation of fluid, to relieve pres- tagmus.

sure from fluid, and to conduct an analysis of paragammacism Substitutions of other conso-

this fluid. To avoid complications, this proce- nants for one's inability to pronounce "CH", "G",

dure(s) should be performed under strict asep- "K" sounds.

sis with correctly designedneedles. parageusia Parageusis — That aberration of the

Concomitant administration of plasma volume sense of taste.

expanders may be ordered. paraglossa Congenital hypertrophy of the

abdominal paracentesis Aspiration of ascites tongue.

(after the patient has voided). paragnathus That congenital anomaly of an

pericardiocentesis Paracentesis pericardii — accessory mandible.

aspiration of excessive pericardial fluid as paragonimiasis That infestation by trematode

ordered in cardiac tamponade. worms — with which the patient may

paracentesis capitis Aspiration of fluid within appear/feel well.

the skull. paragrammatism A speech abnormality charac-

paracentesis cordis Aspiration of the heart. terized by the incorrect use of grammar and

paracentesis pulmonis Aspiration of fluid from vocabulary.

the lung(s). paragranuloma A form of Hodgkin's disease

paracentesis thoracis Thoracotomy through the which is benign.

chest wall. paragraphia The writing of that which was not

paracentesis tympani Drainage per a tympanic intended.

membrane. parahemophilia That congenital, idiopathic and

paracentesis vesicae Aspiration through the rare deficiency of coagulation factor V, with

bladder wall. delayed coagulation/prothrombin (PT) times.

paracephalus A placenta), parasitic, micro- parahormone A circulated stimulant which does

cephalic with a rudimentary head. not come from endocrine glands.

parachromatism That incorrect perception of parahypnosis Disordered/abnormal sleep.

colors which is not color blindness. paralalia literalis Stammering/stuttering.

parachromatopsia Color blindness. paralambdacism Substitution for the "L" sound

paracoccidioidomycosis South American blasto- because of an inability to sound this correctly.

mycosis — a granulomatous dermatitis which is paraldehyde poisoning Paraldehydism — symp-

chronic. toms of chloral hydrate toxicity which include

paracrisis Body secretions which are abnormal. anesthesia, cardiac depression, collapse, dizzi-

paracusia Paracousis, paracusis — disordered ness, respiratory depression. The chemical odor

hearing. is so permeating, alcoholic patients on the ward

paracusia acris Exquisitely acute hearing. gather whenever a dose is being dispensed.

paracusia duplicata Diplacusis — the hearing of This scent is distinguishable on the breath of a

sounds is echoed. patient with this toxicity. Tracheotomy with arti-

paracusia loci That inability to determine the ori- ficial ventilation by cuffed endotracheal tube

gin of sounds. may be required to safeguard the airway of the

paracusia willisiana The ability to hear more patient who has overdosed, and to prevent

acutely in the midst of loud noise. asphyxiation during gastric lavage.

paradoxical In conflict, contradictory, but true. paralgesia An abnormal, painful sensation.

paradoxical respirations Ascension of the parallagma That overriding displacement of frac-

diaphragm during inspiration, as noted in paral- tured bone fragments.

ysis of the diaphragm. Pulmonary deflation parallax A sensation of visual

269

displacement/movement caused by binocular hand will be spared.)
vision. exhaustion paralysis That due to prolonged
binocular parallax Stereoscopic vision which is motor movements which have fatigued the
essential to depth perception. nerve center(s).
heteronymous parallax Viewed objects appear familial periodic paralysis A rare attack in
to advance toward the eye which closes. which flaccid paresis occurs upon awakening.
homonymous parallax Viewed objects appear flaccid paralysis That due to a lower central
to advance toward the unoccluded eye. nervous system (CNS) lesion(s).
paralogy Paralogia — disordered mentation. generalized paralysis Paresis which progres-
benign paralogy Disordered thinking with sively goes on to dementia and/or death.
impaired communication of thought. Bizarre glossolabial paralysis That of the lips and
mentation, delusions, hallucinations, and/or tongue — occurring in bulbar paresis.
behavioral regression are absent. Psychosis Gubler's paralysis A brain stem lesion causes
may be ruled out. this alternate hemiplegia involving paresis of
paralysis Paresis — temporary/permanent loss one side of the body and affecting the cranial
of motor/sensory function. nerves on the other side.
acoustic paralysis Deafness. histrionic paralysis Paresis of facial muscles.
acute ascendingspinal paralysis That which This produces a fixed, emotional expression to
may result from a number of diseases. Flaccid the face.
paresis ascends from the legs to involve the hysteric paralysis That loss of movement for
trunk, arms, and then the respiratory muscula- which no pathological findings can be elicited.
ture. immunological paralysis Inability of the
arsenical paralysis That which follows arsenic immune system to form antibodies, following
toxicity. considerable exposure to the antigen.
asthenic bulbar paralysis Myasthenia gravis. infantile paralysis Acute atrophic paralysis,
atrophic spinal paralysis That caused by acute acute infectious paralysis, anterior spinal paraly-
poliomyelitis. sis, acute anterior poliomyelitis. That pediatric
Bell's paralysis Bell's palsy — unilateral facial motor paralysis of an atrophied muscle group(s)
paralysis, which usually resolves. which is secondary to an infectious disease
bulbar paralysis Duchenne's paralysis. transmitted by a filtrable virus.
Changes occurring in the oblongata motor cen- infantile bulbar paralysis Pseudorabies.
ter within the brain stem are the contributing infantile cerebral ataxic paralysis Pediatric
factors. cerebral palsy.
central paralysis That caused by a spinal infantile spinal paralysis That caused by acute
cord/brain lesion. poliomyelitis.
compression paralysis Crutch paralysis, decu- ischemic paralysis Volkmann's contracture —
bitus paralysis — the result of pressure on a that resulting from impaired circulation by a
nerve(s), as in improperly fitting crutches or cast which was too tight. In the USA, patients
inadequate positioning. usually win these malpractice cases of nursing
diphtheritic paralysis That loss of sensations neglect.
of the diaphragm, eyes, intercostal musculature, Klumpke's paralysis Atrophied paresis of the
limbs, palate — following an exacerbation of hands/arms, following a birth injury.
diphtheria. Landry's paralysis Kussmaul's paralysis —
diver's paralysis Bends, caisson disease — Flaccid paresis of the legs — which rapidly
that which follows increased atmospheric expo- ascends.
sure. Hyperbaric oxygenation is the therapy of lead paralysis That caused by lead poisoning.
choice. phonetic paralysis Paresis of the vocal cords.
Duchenne-Erb paralysis Following injury to the Pott's paralysis Pott's disease — Paresis of the
brachial plexus, an arm may be paralyzed. (The legs caused by spinal tuberculosis.

270

primary periodic paralysis Seen intermittently material which never occurred.

with weakness following rest, not following paramusia Musician's aphasia — the advanced

activity. These young patients remain alert. This ability to decode, interpret, and to perform has

thyrotoxicosis-related disorder includes abnor- been lost. Of little concern to non-musicians,

mal potassium levels. this monumental loss to musical patients will

pseudohypertrophic muscular paralysis confront them at every turn, seriously under-

Pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy. mining their will(s) to recover/live. It would be

radial paralysis Musculospiral paresis due to appropriate for music therapists to work with all

prolonged ischemia from compression. patients, first determining their capabilities and

spastic paralysis That involving groups of preferences. The family may be able to supply

muscles in which excessivetone, muscular therapeutic choices which hold significance to

spasticity, exaggerated reflexes compete with the patient and his/her musical expertise.

lost reflexes. The etiology is due to lesions of paramyoclonus multiplex Frequent and sudden,

upper motor neurons/cerebrum. shocking contractions of trunk/leg muscles.

spinal paralysis That due to pathology/injury paramyotonia Abnormal muscular tonicity

of the central nervous system. accompanied by spasms.

Todd's paralysis A brief paresis which follows symptomatic paramyotonia Muscular rigidity

an epileptic seizure in its post-ictal stage. experienced when the patient first attempts to

vasomotor paralysis That affecting vascular ambulate.

lack of dilatation and tone. paramyotonia ataxia Intention

paralysis agitans Parkinson's disease, ataxia/paresis/spasm upon movement.

Parkinsonism — that progressive geriatric con- paramyotonia congenita Eulenburg'sdisease,

dition characterized by bradykinesia, delayed Thomsen's disease. Tonic spasms caused by

motion, festinating gait, frozen face, hypsokine- exposure to cold.

sis, muscular contractions, pill-rolling tremor, paramyxoviruses That subgroup which differs

rigidity, tremulousness, weakness. Of unknown pathogenetically, even though all members are

etiology, the term "paralysis" is inaccurate. mixoviruses biologically, chemically, and physi-

paralysis periodica paramyotonia Periodic pare- cally — mumps, measles, Newcastle disease,

sis which may appear spontaneously, or may be respiratory syncytial virus.

induced by cold. paranalgesia That which relieves pain in the

paralytic dementia Progressive paresis accom- lower body.

panied by mental deterioration and possible loss paraneoplastic syndrome Those indirect effects

of skills/functioning. of tumors which may be more severe than the

paralytic ileus Enteroplegia, hypoperistalsis. tumors themselves, and which may be the virtu-

Paralysis of the bowel, accompanied by acute al cause of death.

obstruction and distention. Psychotropic drugs paranoia That pervasive, delusional and persecu-

or general anesthesia can cause this life-threat- tory affect which may provoke an unstable

ening condition. patient to violent activity.

paramania That emotional gratification derived litigious paranoia The extent of suspicion

from chronic complaining and irritability. which drives the patient to bring legal action

paramastitis Inflammation at the periphery of against those who disappointed him/her — the

the breast(s). doctor, hospital staff, et al.

paramedic One with technical training, who paranoid personality disorder Pervasive suspi-

assists licensed medical personnel. cion, fearing harm inflicted by others. These

paramenia Abnormal/difficult/irregular menses. patients are preoccupied with doubts of others'

parametritis Pelvic cellulitis. loyalty, and are disinclined to enter into reveal-

paramnesia The use of meaningless words. ing psychotherapy.

Distorted memory defects in which facts are paranomia That form of aphasia in which objects

combined with imaginary input. That recall of cannot be named.

271

paranormal An event which lies without the parapleuritis Pleurodynia, pleuritis, pleural
range of normal experience/that which annot be inflammation/pain.
scientifically explained.
parapraxia Parapraxis — minor inaccuracies due
paraphasia The form of aphasia in which words to impaired mental processes — forgetfulness,
and word combinations are misspoken — ren- inaccuracy, misplacing items, errors in speaking
dering speech unintelligible. and/or writing.

paraphemia That disordered misuse/mispronun- parapsia Parapsis, paraphia — a disordered tac-
ciation of words. tile sense.

paraphia Parapsia, parapsis — a disorder of the parapsoriasis A chronic erythematous, desqua-
sense of touch. mating dermatitis.

paraphilia An erotic response to non-human, parapsoriasis en plaque That form which may
sexually deviating urges/fantasies, as well as be the precursor of mucosis fungoides.
bizarre, humiliating situations which inflict suf-
fering, or to children and/or nonconsenting parapsoriasis lichenoides chronica That which
adults. Sexual dysfunction, personality distur- forms widespread involvement over the trunk
bance, emotional immaturity may be present — and extremities.
as well as impairment in the capacity for warm,
reciprocal interaction. Because paraphilic behav- parapsychology That metapsychic phenomena of
ior has a highly repetitive nature, much of the clairvoyance, extrasensory perception, psy-
population has been victimized by those with chokinesia, mental telepathy, et al.
this psychosocial disorder.
pararhotacism Excessive and inappropriate use
paraphonia puberum The voice change of puber- of the "R" sound in speech.
tal males.
pararrhythmia That dysrhythmia caused by two
paraplegia Paralysis of the lower body caused pacemakers.
by a spinal cord lesion.
alcoholic paraplegia That due to alcohol pararthria Aphasic difficulty in expressing
abuse. sounds.
cerebral paraplegia That caused by a bilateral
brain lesion. parasecretion Abnormal secretion(s).
congenital spastic paraplegia Infantile spastic parasexuality An act(s) which is sexually
paralysis due to an injury at birth.
peripheral paraplegia That caused by injury, deviant.
disease to, or pressure on, peripheral nerves. parasigmatism Lisping.
Pott's paraplegia That associated with spinal parasitemia Circulatory parasites.
tuberculosis. parasiticide That agent which is lethal to para-
primary spastic paraplegia That caused by
degenerated pyramidal tracts. sites.
senile paraplegia That due to inadequate cir- parasomnias Sleep disorders.
culation to the spinal cord, caused by arterial paraspadia A congenital anomaly in which the
sclerosis.
spastic paraplegia Tetanoid paraplegia seen in urethra opens on the side of the penis.
conditions affecting the pyramidal tract. Reconstructive surgery is necessary, but unable
Accentuated tendon reflexes and increased mus- to bring the urethra through the glans penis.
cular tone are pathognomonic. parasthenia That disorder characterized by
superior paraplegia Bilateral paresis of the abnormal organic functioning.
arms. parasuicide Self-destructive, sublethal, suicidal
gestures calculated to coerce, manipulate, influ-
paraplegia dolorosa Exquisitely painful paresis ence those whom the psychiatric patient choos-
due to tumor pressure on the spinal es to control, punish, or from whom s/he wish-
cord/nerves. es to elicit guilt. This mechanism may be seen
in borderline personality disorder.
parasympathicotonia An imbalance in autonomic
nervous functioning over sympathetic innerva-
tion. Vagotonia.
parasympatholytic The blocking/destruction of
sympathetic nerve fibers.

272

parasympathomimetic The production of effects thesia — if needed in the future.)
comparable to those caused by stimulating the paratonsillar abscess A life-threatening pharyn-
parasympathetic nervous system.
geal suppuration, at risk of rupture. These
parasynovitis Inflammation of synovia! tissues. patients need to be supervised in intensive care.
parasystole The ectopic cardiac rhythm sponta- A tracheotomy tray must remain in this patient's
room.
neously independent of normal sinus rhythm. paratrophy Atrophy caused by nutritional, meta-
parataxic distortion That defense against anxi- bolic defect.
parectropia Apraxia — that inability to carry out
ety, in which distortions in judgment/perception intended movements.
are made. parencephalia A congenital brain defect.
paratereseomania The irrational drive to find parencephalocele Cerebellar tissue evanginated
new scenes and subjects. through a defect in the cranial vault.
parathion poisoning Accidental ingestion/inhala- parenchyma The functioning portion of an
tion of this pesticide as revealed by the blurring organ.
of vision, convulsions, diaphoresis, diarrhea, parenchymatitis Parenchymatous inflammation
dyspnea, headache, lacrimation, twitching, of an organ.
myoclonus, salivation, and/or vomiting. parenteral All physiological routes except the
parathormone The parathyroid hormone which gastrointestinal route. (Access to these routes is
acts to regulate the metabolism of phosphorous invasive.)
and calcium. An endocrine imbalance of these parenting Producing/raising/nurturing children.
elements may elicit bone pain, bone resorption, surrogate parenting Contracting with a preg-
hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, nant woman that, upon delivery, the neonate will
brown tumors, carpopedal spasm, fractures, be relinquished. (The United States does not
lassitude, mood swings, muscle spasms, pan- permit the exchange of money for a child,
creatitis, peptic ulceration, rales, renal damage, except to reimburse the birth mother for docu-
tetany, and/or urinary frequency. mented needs.) A female who is artificially
parathyroid carcinoma(CA) This rare malignan- inseminated with sperm which is/is not herhus-
cy elicits hypercalcemia, renal problems, bone band's, or which may be mixed. The surrogate
pain, a mass in the neck, weak muscles, vomit- female may be impregnated with the couple's in
ing. Surgical extirpation, chemotherapy, radia- vitro zygote. The pregnancy is then carried to
tion, internal radiation are among the therapeu- term. Litigation has intervened in a number of
these situations. Counseling is advised for each
tic modalities of choice. participant and spouse.
parathyroidectomy The surgical procedure of parepithymia An abnormal craving, desire.
paresis An imprecise term medically exchanged
choice for hyperparathyroidism. In the virgin with "paralysis".
neck (which has not been surgically violated), adynamic ileus Paralytic ileus due to mechani-
preoperative localization studies need not be cal/metabolic insult(s).
conducted. Postoperatively, loss of bone density general paresis Dementia paralytica — syphilis
will return to normal. In the pregnant patient, of the central nervous system (CNS).
surgery should be performed in the second juvenile paresis Dementia paralytica in the
trimester — during which the risk of inadvertent child with congenital syphilis.
abortion is lessened. This surgical excision of partial paresis "Incomplete" paralysis — that
the parathyroid glands must beconducted of organs, certain muscles, et al.
under general anesthesia. If the parathyroid paresthesia Heightenedsensitivity, numbness,
glands cannot be located, the patient will be tingling, tactile sensations — which may behal-
returned to the operating room the next day — lucinatory, or a manifestation of neurological
to undergo a mediastinal search for these disease.
ectopic glands. (Some surgeons recommend
that a portion of parathyroid tissue be auto-
transplanted into a muscle, in order to adjust
residual hypo-/hypercalcemia under local anes-

273

Berger's paresthesia That affecting the legs of scent or abnormal positioning.
young people.
dysthesia Abnormal sensations of the skin parorchis Epididymis.
(burning, numbness, tingling). parorexia An abnormal perversion(s) of taste.
parietal A wall. parosmia Parosphresia, parosphresis — disor-
Parinaud's ophthalmoplegia syndrome That
brain lesion which causes a palsied vertical dered olfactory sensation. Misperception of
gaze. offensive odors as pleasant and of pleasant
pari passu Simultaneous, side-by-side, occurring scents as offensive. A false perception of non-
at the same time/rate. existent odors.
parity Similarity, equality. Pregnancy carried to parosteitis Parostitis — infection of the perios-
viability (20 weeks gestation). teum.
parkinsonism Paralysis agitans, Parkinson's dis- parosteosis Parostosis — the development of
ease — that chronic, progressive, geriatric con- bone tissue in abnormal sites.
dition, marked by a pill-rolling tremor, festinat- parotic Located near the ear.
ing gait, frozen facies, and/or muscular weak- parotidectomy Surgical excision of the parotid
ness/rigidity. Retropulsion (the tendency to fall gland.
backwards) may replace festination (a propul- parotidoscirrhus Carcinoma of the parotid
sive gait, with the risk of falling forward). region.
Mentation remains intact, but recovery is unlike- parotitis Parotiditis, mumps — epidemic parotid
ly. Brain surgery has met with success. gland inflammation. Sterility secondary to
Parkinson's mask/facies The face which is void mumps may occur in the adult male who incurs
of expression, except for raised eyebrows. this disease.
Immobile facial muscles appear to be frozen, parous Parturient — having recently given birth.
unsmiling, without animation. This syndrome paroxysm Exacerbation of a periodic attack. Any
may also be noted in post-encephalitic states. convulsion or spasm.
parodontitis Inflammation of tissues surrounding paroxysmal nocturnalhemoglobinuria That
a tooth (teeth). blood dyscrasia characterized by bone marrow
parodynia Dystocia — abnormal labor/birth. aplasia, anemia, blood in the urine, infection,
parodynia perversa Transverse fetal presenta- thrombosis, anemia, pallor, macrocytosis,
tion. thrombocytopenia, peripheral pancytopenia,
Parogoff's amputation Excision of the foot at the bruising, bleeding. These children/adolescents
ankle. are at higher risk for bone marrow failure than
paroniria Sleep terrors, usually seen in pedi- are adults with this disorder. Because of this
atrics. Although frightening also to the parents, higher morbidity/mortality in pediatric cases,
this phenomena is considered to be psychiatri- bone marrow transplantation should be consid-
cally undamaging to the child. ered.
paroniria ambulans Sleepwalking. paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia(PSVT)
paroniria salax Restless sleep with lascivious This prevalent cardioarrhythmia may present
dreams, nocturnal emissions. with an apical pulse up to 270/minute, abnormal
paronychia Infection circumscribing a nail. EKG/ECG, hypotension, myocardial infarction
paronychia tendinosa An inflamed tendon (Ml), palpitations, vertigo, dyspnea, pallor, syn-
sheath — caused by sepsis. cope, acute heart failure, and/or shock. The
paronychomycosis Fungal infection of the nails Valsalva maneuver, carotid sinus massage, IV
— which may cause loss of nails. antiarrhythmic, or cardioversion is indicated.
paronychosis Abnormal position of nail tissue Parrot's disease Genetic dwarfism.
growth. Osteochondritis occurring in syphilitic neonates.
paroophoritis Inflamed ovarian tissue. Parrot's pseudoparalysis That false paralysis
parorchidium Ectopia testis — testicular nonde- caused by luetic osteochondritis.
Parrot's sign Parrot's nodes — cranial nodules
present on the skulls of syphilitic neonates.

274

Parrot's ulcers The lesions of stomatitis, thrush. ing of the heart fails to close at birth.

Parry's disease Hyperthyroidism. paternal Of the father.

pars planitis Inflamed retinal cells of young paternity test Legal information which can only

patients — which may lead to blindness. exclude the possibility of paternity, not prove it.

parthenogenesis Non-human, unisexual repro- pathema Disease, pathology.

duction. pathergasia Personality maladjustment with

parthenophobia An exaggerated fear of girls, vir- functional, organic, and/or structural changes.

gins. pathetic That which elicits emotions of pity, sym-

parturifacient A labor accelerant. pathy, tenderness.

parturiphobia An acute fear of childbirth. pathetism Hypnotism, mesmerism — overcom-

parturition Childbirth. ing another's will with the use of suggestibility.

parulis An abscess of the gum(s). pathoanatomy Anatomical pathology.

paruria Voiding abnormality(s). pathocrine Endocrine pathology.

passion Erotic excitement, zeal, emotion, suffer- pathodixia The urge to display one's injury/ill-

ing. ness.

passive Inactive, submissive. pathogen That microorganism which causes ill-

passive-aggressive personality disorder A per- ness.

vasive conflict of inflexibility and perfectionism. pathogenesis That origin/development of pathol-

These traits include the inability to discard ogy.

worthless items, lack of generosity, constricted pathogenicity That which is productive of a dis-

affect, overconscientiousnessabout values, ease response.

ethics, and morality, excessive devotion to work, pathognomonic Symptoms which are diagnostic

unreasonable demands of others, preoccupation of a specific disease. Signs diagnostic of specif-

to minor details. ic disorders.

passive congestion That caused by venous pathography A first-person account of a condi-

obstruction or myocardial insufficiency. tion, as written by the patient.

passive motion Exerciseaccomplished for the pathologic Diseased,morbid, pathological.

patient without his/her active participation. pathologist An MD who specializes in the analy-

Passive exercise. sis of post-operative/postmortem specimens.

passive smoking Breathing in the presence of pathomimesis Pathomimicry, malingering —

others' smoking. conscious/unconscious imitation of injury/dis-

passivity The psychiatric status of dependency ease.

upon others, with reluctance to be pathophilia Adjustment(s) to those mandatory

responsible/assertive. life-changes required by chronic illness.

past-pointing That neurologic inability to point pathophobia An exaggeratedfear of pathology.

correctly to one's body parts. pathotropism The affinity of drugs for specific

patellapexy Stabilization of the knee with fixation disease cells/tissues.

of the patella to the femur. patient One undergoing medical care for an

patellar reflex That knee-jerk clonic spasm injury/illness. One who remains on a physician's

which is exaggerated in the presence of cerebral patient load when asymptomatic and/or well.

tumor, pyramidal tract lesion(s), central nervous patient advocate The professional who speaks

system sclerosis, et al. This reflex is absent in on the patient's behalf.

atrophic paralysis, infantile paralysis, lesions of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) That proto-

the central nervous system, meningitis, multiple col by which a cooperative patient can give him-

neuritis, pseudohypertrophic paralysis. /herself boluses of intravenous analgesia as pre-

patellectomy Surgical excision of the patella. scribed, per infusion pump. Vital signs should

patency Accessible,patulous, wide open. be monitored following the initial bolus, extra

patent foramen ovale That congenital heart boluses, altered basal rate, delay time, dosage,

defect which occurs when the intraseptal open- volume, as well as during changes in the level

275

of nausea, pain, sedation. Discontinue (D/C) this permanent correction.
infusion immediately if the patient should expe- pavor Dread, anxiety.
rience apneic periods or a respiratory rate below pavor diurnus Pediatric attacks of fear/terror
10. Notify the physician of these findings and
also of inadequate pain control. Unless specifi- during the day.
cally ordered to be given concurrently, all other pavor nocturnus Pediatric night terrors. This
analgesia is to be discontinued during patient-
controlled analgesia. This modality prevents phenomenon may also be noted in the geriatric
theft, overmedication, and records the number patient (pt).
of doses which were administered, as well as peau d'orange Dimpled skin seen in obesity,
the number of attempts during which the patient lymphatic edema, or over mammary carcinomas
was locked out, as per the physician's orders. (CAs).
patient dumping The transfer of indigent, peccant Morbid, pathogenic, productive of dis-
aggressive, behavioral, deteriorated patients to ease.
other hospitals or to the streets without certifi- peccatiphobia An exaggeratedfear of sinning.
cation documenting that the benefits outweigh pectenosis Constriction of the anal canal.
the risks. This is an illegal practice. pectoralgia Neuralgic chest wall pain.
patient skimming This process systematically pectoriloquy That transmission of the patient's
includes/recruits certain patients for specialized (pt's) vocal sounds as auscultated through the
programs, services, treatment. Those patients chest wall. Pectorophony.
who are targeted are potential individuals with aphonic pectoriloquy The patient's (pt's) whis-
less pathology, acute illness, good premorbid pering is auscultated over the site of pleural
functioning, acceptable behaviour, upper educa- effusion or cavitation. Whispering pectoriloquy.
tional/socioeconomic status, motivation toward pectus Thorax, chest.
treatment, private insurance, and/or pectus carinatum An abnormally prominent ster-
affluence/influence. num.
Patrick's test Confirmatory of arthritis of the hip. pectus excavatum Pectus recurvatum — the
patten An orthopedic support beneath the foot as abnormally depressed sternum.
treatment of unequal leg lengths or of hip dis- pedarthrocace Pediatric malacia of the joint(s).
ease. pedatrophy Pediatrophia — maramus — that
patten-bearing brace That prescribed to allow emotional/physiological failure of young children
the leg to "float" when weight bearing is con- to thrive.
traindicated — by transferring the weight to the pederasty Anal abuse by an adult male forced
pelvis via this full-legged brace. onto a male child.
patterning Intensive physiotherapy given brain- pedialgia Foot pain.
damaged children with the (controversial) theo- pediatrics That specialty which cares for children
ry that this will guide the undamaged areas of from the neonate to the adolescent.
the brain to take over the functions of the dam- pediatric sexual abuse Any behavior of a care-
aged areas. taker which may be erotically stimulating to the
patulous Patent, open, distended. adult, producing an emotional/painful/confusing
Paul-Bunnell test Heterophile agglutination to response in the child. In the interview (which
determine the presence of infectious mononu- should be conducted only by a qualified thera-
cleosis. pist), it is critical that the child not be led with
Pavlik harness That support which stabilizes the suggestive questioning — lest the account be
hips of infants with congenital dislocation of the distorted and thereby contaminated for future
hip(s). Sometimes a triple cloth diaper is suffi- legal proceedings.The child may have to be
cient to keep the hips in abduction. If these sedated before a comprehensive examination
methods of immobilization do not achieve heal- can be conducted. Whether or not the abuse is
ing, spica casting may be necessary to obtain acute or nonacute, such assessment of a child
is consideredto be a crisis situation. Sexual
abuse is a serious psychiatric problem. Violated

276

children are at high risk for future abuse and pelade Alopecia areata — that patchy loss of

emotional disorders. All will suffer the inflicted body hair.

scars of their lost innocence. Pel-Ebstein fever The cyclic fevers of Hodgkin's

pedicle flap That tedious plastic surgery tech- disease which alternate from high fevers to afre-

nique which secures a graft from a distant bile subnormal levels.

donor site, and cultivates its circulation as it is Pelger-Ebstein fever An inherited abnormality of

transported step-by-step to the final grafting the granulocytes. This does not cause signifi-

site. To protect the circulation when the posi- cant problems.

tioning is extreme, the area may have to be peliosis Purpura — a blood dyscrasia.

casted. Hemorrhagic areas may be accompanied by

pediculosis Phthiriasis — infestation by lice. In ecchymoses, joint pain, fever, pharyngitis,

treating these patients (pts), all household urticaria, et al.

members, as well as school and hospital staffs Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease Sudanophilic

(who have to come in contact with these pts leukodystrophy — a rare, sex-linked pediatric

and/or their environments) must be treated — disorder which is a form of cerebral degenera-

even if asymptomatic. tion. This orphan disease leaves its patients with

pediculosis capitis Infestation of the head. mental/physical disabilities, retinitis pigmentosa,

pediculosis corporis Infestation of the body. spastic paraparesis, speech defects, upper

pediculosis month September (when most of the extremity/facial chorea. Because this diagnosis

school cases are seen). is confirmed on brain biopsy, this information is

pediculosis palpebrarum Infestation of facial not known until the child's premature death.

hair. (Brain biopsies cannot be done on the living.)

pediculosis pubis Infestation of the entire body. pellagra That deficiency syndrome characterized

pediculosis vestimenti Infestation by the cloth- by cutaneous, gastrointestinal, mucosal, neuro-

ing of an infected patient. logic, and/or psychiatric symptomatology. This

pedionalgia Neuralgic pain of the soles of the condition may occur secondary to

feet. alcoholism/gastrointestinal pathology. If high-

pediophobia That exaggered fear of dolls or of potency vitamins are not absorbed nor tolerat-

young children. ed, they should be administered parenterally.

pedomorphism The retention of immature/juve- pellagra sine pellagra That form of pellagra,

nile traits by an adult. free of the diagnostic, erythematous dermatitis.

pedophilia Intense, recurrent, sexual Pellegrini's disease Pellegrini-Stieda disease —

fantasies/urges toward a prepubescent ossification of a patellar ligament following trau-

child(ren). These acts may vary from gentle ma.

exploration to forceful violation — and are ratio- pellucid Transparent, translucent, clear.

nalized as having "educational value for the pelvicephalography with pelvicephalometry X-

child" by the perpetrator, age > 15 years. rays with measurements of the pelvic outlet and

pedunculated Pediculated — banded tissue in fetal head, to determine cephalopelvic dispro-

the form of a peduncle, stalk. portion. If this is questionable, a trial of labor

pedunculotomy Cerebral sectioning performed to may be allowed. In the case of a deformed

treat involuntary movement disorders. fetus, the data will be essential.

"peek-a-boo diagnosis" The assignation refer- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) That ascend-

ring to a medical impression made without ing infection from the cervix/vagina to the

examination of the patient's body. uterus, fallopian tubes, or broad ligaments.

peer One whose status with another is equal in Differential diagnosis must be made to rule out

age, education, occupation, situation (all are appendicitis and ectopic pregnancy. Medical

patients), et al. cure is confirmed by viaginal/cervical culturing.

peer review The evaluation of one's work by pelvifemoral muscular dystrophy Leyden-

another in his/her unit/area of work. Mb'bius muscular dystrophy.

277

Pelvic inflammatory disease risk factors pemphigus acutus That course with severe sys-
temic symptoms, bullae as large as 10cm —
Demographic which may be serum/blood-filled. These patients
often go on to die.
Lower socioeconomic status
pemphigus foliaceus A rare form with open,
Unmarried women ruptured bullae which weep and emit seropuru-
lent fluid with an offensive odor.
Younger patients
pemphigus neonatorum Impetigo bullosa of the
Behavioral infant.

Frequent coitus pemphigus vegetans, Hallopeau type Pustules
are present, but not bullae. The prognosis is
Multiple sexual partners good.

Increase in new partners pemphigus vegetans, Neumann type The
lesions fail to heal, decomposing with an offen-
Substance abuse sive odor.

Use of an intrauterine device pemphigus vulgaris That uncomplicated form
with poorly healing lesions. This is fatal without
pelvifixation That surgical stabilization of the use of corticosteroids.
relaxed, prolapsed pelvic organs.
pen-allergic The patient is allergic to penicillin.
pelviolithotomy Nephrolithotomy, pyelolithotomy penetrating wound That which enters a
— surgical excision of a calculus from the renal
pelvis. cavity/organ.
penile prosthesis An implanted device which
pelvimetry Those manual and/or X-ray measure-
ments of the gravid pelvis to rule out (R/0) assists the impotent male to achieve a quasi-
cephalopelvic disproportion. physiologic erection.
penischisis The fissured penis as seen in
pelvioplasty Pelviotomy, pubiotomy, symphys- hypospadias, epispadias, paraspadias.
iotomy. Plastic surgery of the renal pelvis. Prior penitis Inflammation of penile tissue.
to delivery, expansion of the pelvic outlet. penniform That which is in the shape of a feath-
er.
pelviperitonitis That inflamed peritoneum which pentadactyl Possessing 5 digits on every
lines the pelvic cavity. extremity.
peotillomania The nervous habit of handling the
pelvospondylitis Inflammation of the pelvic genitalia.
spine. peotomy That surgical excision of the penis.
peptic Regarding pepsin digestion.
pelvospondylitis ossificans Rheumatoid peptic ulceration Occurring in the duodenum,
spondylitis. stomach, lower esophagus, this ulcer yields a
characteristic "gnawing" pain prior to meals and
pemphigus That autoimmune phenomenon in during the night. This epigastric discomfort is
which idiopathic, pruritic bullae appear and dis- aggravated by alcohol, relieved by antacids and
appear. The Nikolsky sign is diagnostic (tangen- food. The Sippy Diet has fallen into general dis-
tial pressure to pigmented, affected areas will use. Alcohol and nicotine abuse must be avoid-
result in desquamation of the epidermis). ed. Anticholinergics may be prescribed in
Meticulous skin care is essential for these increasing amounts until side effects are seen.
patients who may be treated with cytotoxic Intensive psychiatric treatment may be indicat-
agents and/or corticosteroids. This acute/chron- ed. If the patient is compliant with the medical
ic disease may be fatal if left untreated. regimen, surgery is rarely necessary. Vagotomy
erythematous pemphigus Desquamatous, ery- with partial pylorogastrectomy is the recom-
thematous blebs/macules of the trunk and head mended surgical procedure for a duodenal ulcer,
may be noted. This form is suggestive both of
pemphigus vulgaris and of lupus erythemato-
sus.
ocular pemphigus The conjunctivae show
involvement with benign pemphigoid lesions.

278

and an antrectomy with gastroduodenal anasta- confirm it is not migrating. The patient should

mosis the operation of choice for gastric ulcera- always be fed in a semi-Fowler's position, to

tion. Peptic ulcer disease (PUD). prevent gastroesophageal reflux and subsequent

peracephalus That parasitic twin of the placenta aspiration. Never give pulverized medicines

— in which the thorax is deformed and through the tube — only liquid preparations.

arms/head absent. percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

peracidity Acidity to the highest valence. (PICA) Ligation of stenotic arteries. Acute

peracuity That which is extremely serious. restenosis may occur — for which female

peranum Anally. patients are at higher risk. (They are also more

perarticulation Diarthrosis. likely to succumb from acute arterial stenosis.)

peratodynia Epigastric distress. Hypotension frequently heralds this event.

percept That mental image of an objective vision. percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy That pulver-

perception Consciousness in the reception of ization of renal calculi or cholelithiasis, via ultra-

sensory impressions, and their elaborations. sound.

The ideational association completing, defining, perfectionism A form of neurosis, in which

and modifying the primary stimulus/impression. excessive goals of performance/behavior are

Impaired association occurs in depressed/con- sought. These persons often acknowledge guilt

fused states. because they fail their unrealistic goals. If they

extrasensory perception (ESP) That under- weren't frustrated perfectionists, the realization

standing gained without input of the sense(s). of their inability to be totally perfect would drive

stereognostic perception Recognition of them to become emotionally/mentally ill.

objects through tactile sensation alone. perflation Insufflation.

perception depth That evaluation of three-dimen- perforation That which has been drilled with

sional visual functioning. Although binocular holes, or pierced.

vision is essential for dimensional acuity, some Bezold's perforation That which is on the inte-

with monocular vision learn to accurately judge rior surface of the mastoideus.

depth. intestinal/gastric perforation An abdominal cri-

perceptivity The power to receive sensory stim- sis in which the onset is accompanied by acute

uli. pain, anxious facies, diaphoresis, nausea with

percolation Filtration/extraction. emesis, tachycardia, tachypnea. The fever

per contiguum That which is touching, adjacent. drops, only to spike with peritonitis — unless

per continuum That which is continuous. emergency surgical intervention occurs.

percussion The elicitation of sound, vibration, or perforator An instrument used to pierce bones.

resistance by a tapping assessment. This may tympanum perforator That instrument used to

be auscultory, bimanual, deep, by perforate the tympanic membrane, to prevent its

Goldscheider's technique, immediate, indirect, rupture.

and/or palpation. performance One's functional capability —

percussor A percussion hammer. his/her physical/intellectual functioning.

percutaneous That assimilation via the dermis, performance anxiety The deterioration of one's

whether by ointment, injection, et al. efforts in the presence of an audience. Inderal is

percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy the drug of choice for this indication — when

Permanent/temporary placement of a feeding the decision is made to medicate the patient.

tube into the jejunum/stomach. Easily placed perfrication Inunction — thorough massage of

under intravenous/local anesthetic, this proce- ointment into the skin.

dure may also be done under generalanesthe- perfusion The pouring of liquid. Supplying nutri-

sia. Radiography confirms the placement of all ents/oxygen to tissues by arterial

tubes. In feeding the patient, flush the tube transfusion/infusion.

before and after feedings. Some orders call for a perfusionist The physician's assistant in all fea-

continuous drip. Tape a mark on the tubing to tures of extracorporeal circulation — who may

279

also administer hypothermia. um to enhance cardiac blood supply.
periadenitis Inflammation of tissue adjacent to a pericardiorrhaphy The surgical suturing of a

gland(s). pericardial wound.
periadenitis mucosa necrotica recurrens pericardiostomy Pericardial drainage.
pericardiosymphysis Pericardial adhesions.
Recurrent ulcerative/necrotic pharyngeal/buccal pericardiotomy Pericardiostomy, pericardotomy
lesions. These may be related to Behget's syn-
— an incision into the pericardium, to achieve
drome. drainage.
perianal Near/around the rectum. pericarditis An infection within the myocardium,
periangiitis Perivasculitis — tissue inflammation which carries an extremely grave prognosis in
the fibrinous/purulent stages. Absolute bedrest
encircling a vessel. is mandatory.
periaortic Encircling the aorta. acute fibrinous pericarditis That disease char-
periaortitis Inflamed tissues surrounding the acterized by fibrous exudation and diastolic col-
lapse of jugular veins.
aorta. constrictive pericarditis Adhesive inflammation
periappendicitis Inflammation of the vermiform of the pericardium, between the parietal/visceral
layers.
appendix and adjacent tissues. idiopathic pericarditis Of unknown etiology,
periappendicitis decidualis The peritoneal pres- this acute, nonspecific disease appears follow-
ing an upper respiratory infection (URI).
ence of decidual cells secondary to adhesions of ischemic pericarditis That which is secondary
an ectopic pregnancy. to myocardial infarction.
periarteritis Inflamed external coat of an artery. neoplastic pericarditis Metastatic invasion of
periarteritis nodosa Kussmaul's disease, pol- the lining around the heart.
yarteritis nodosa. uremic pericarditis That secondary to uremia.
periarthric Encompassing a joint, periarticular, pericarditis obliterans Obliteration of the peri-
circumarticular. cardial space due to adhesions.
periatrial Surrounding the pericecitis Pericecal inflammation.
auricle(s)/atrium(atria). pericholangitis Periangiocholitis — inflamma-
periauricular Encircling the ear. tion of tissues encircling the bile duct.
periaxillary Encompassing the axilla(e). perichondritis Inflammation of tissues surround-
peribronchial Surrounding the bronchus. ing cartilagenous connective tissue, the peri-
peribronchiolitis Inflammation of bronchiolar tis- chondrium.
sues. pericolitis Pericolonitis, serocolitis — an inflam-
pericardia! Pericardiac, referring to the pericardi- mation of intestinal tissue.
um. pericorneal That encircling the cornea(e).
pericardial friction rub That sound auscultated pericranial Reference to the cranial periosteum.
when inflamed pericardiac surfaces contact pericranitis Infection of the cranial periosteum
each other. (the pericranium).
pericardial tamponade Cardiac tamponade — pericystic That which surrounds a cyst.
life-threatening accumulation of fluid in the peri- periduodenitis Duodenal inflammation involving
cardium. This procedure may have to be adjacent tissues — which may include peri-
relieved by pericardiocentesis. toneal adhesions.
pericardiectomy Partial or total excision of the periencephalitis Inflammation of cerebral sur-
sac enclosing the heart, the pericardium. faces.
pericardiocentesis Pericardicentesis — surgical periencephalomeningitis Inflammation of the
aspiration of the pericardium. cerebral cortex/meninges.
pericardiolysis Severing adhesions between the periendothelioma That tumor arising from
parietal/visceral pericardia.
pericardiomediastinitis That simultaneous
inflammation of the pericardium and also the
mediastinum.
pericardiopexy Surgical fixation of the pericardi-

280

endothelial lymphatic/vessel layer. perinatal That period encompassing the 28th
perienteric Encircling the intestines. prenatal week through the 28th day postpartum.
perienteritis Inflamed peritoneum.
perienteron Embryonic peritoneum. perineal body Perineum — those tissues
periesophagitis Inflammation of esophageal tis- between the pelvic/genitalia and the rectum.

sues. perineocele Herniation through the perineum.
perifistular That surrounding a fistula(e). perineocolporectomyomectomy That surgical
perifolliculitis The inflammation encircling an
excision of a tumor of muscle tissue through
infected follicle(s). incision of the perineum, rectum, and vagina.
perigastritis Inflammation of the gastric peri- perineoplasty Surgical repair of the perineum.
perineorrhaphy The suturing of an episiotomy or
toneum. perineal trauma.
periglandulitis Infected tissues encircling a perinephric abscess That suppurative formation
within the peritoneal membrane encompassing
gland(s). the kidney.
periglottic That which surrounds the epiglottis perinephritis Paranephritis of inflamed peritoneal
membranes encompassing the kidney.
and base of the tongue. perineural That which encircles a nerve.
perihepatitis Inflammation of the hepatic peri- periocular Circumocular, periophthalmic, around
the eye.
toneum. periodicity That state of intermittent regularity.
perihernial That surrounding a herniation. periodontitis Riggs' disease, pyorrhea alveolaris
perijejunitis Inflammation of jejuna! tissues. — degeneration/inflammation of dental tissue
perikeratic Pericorneal. with suppuration and loss of alveolar bone. This
perilabyrinthitis Inflamed tissues adjacent to the may continue as long as the teeth survive.
periodontium That support structure which
labyrinthine structures. cushions the impact of mastication, and secures
perilaryngitis Inflammation of those tissues the teeth.
periodontoclasia Peridentitis, periodontosis —
encircling the larynx. retrogressive and degenerative changes of the
perilenticular That circumference of the crys- dental support system, the periodontium.
periontogenic Environmentally-caused patholo-
talline lens.
periligamentous Encircling a ligament(s). gy-
perilymph Perilympha — that fluid within the perionychia Perionyxis — infection around a

internal ear. nail.
perilymphangitis Inflamed tissues surrounding a perioophoritis Perioothecitis, periovaritis —

lymphatic vessel. inflamed ovarian surface membranes.
perimastitis Inflammation of the fibrotic tissues perioophorosalpingitis Perioothecosalpingitis,

within the breast. perisalpingoovaritis, perisalpingitis — inflam-
perimeningitis Pachymeningitis — inflammation mation of tissues surrounding the ovary(s) and
fallopian tube(s).
of the dura mater. perioperative period That time frame encom-
perimeter Periphery, perimetry — the edge. passing the preoperative, operative, and postop-
perimetric That encircling the uterus. That which erative stages.
perioral Circumoral — encompassing the
concerns perimetry. mouth. A significant cardiovascular sign is cir-
perimetritis The inflamed uterine peritoneum — cumoral pallor — that cyanotic ring encircling
the mouth.
sometimes involved with parametritis. periorbital Circumorbital — 180°around the
perimyelitis Leptomeningitis — that inflamma- eye(s). Circumorbital edema is a symptom

tion of the arachnoid/pia mater of the central
nervous system. An inflamed endosteum.
perimyoendocarditis Inflammation of the cardiac
muscle, endothelium, pericardium.
perimyositis Inflamed muscular connective tis-
sue.
perimysiitis Infected perimysium internum of the
muscle sheath.

281

which needs to be documented. the central circulation, a stylet may be used —
periorbititis Inflammation of the orbital connec- but not in children. This modality may be cho-
sen for the purposes of antibiotic therapy
tive tissue. beyond one week, chemotherapy, difficult veins
periorchitis Inflamed testicular coat. to access, continuous narcotic infusions, hyper-
periorchitis hemorrhagica Chronic hematocele alimentation, hyperosmolar solutions, long-term
rehydration. There is less risk of infiltration, vein
of the external tissues of the testis/testes. complications, pneumothorax, air embolism,
periosteal Periosteous — referring to the perios- hemothorax. Complications include cardiac
decompensation, catheter embolism, malposi-
teum. tion, migration of the tip, cellulitis, infection,
periosteoedema Swelling of the periosteum. infiltration, respiratory distress, phlebitis, sep-
periosteoma A neoplasm of the periosteum. sis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis. Many
periosteomyelitis Periostomedullitis — inflam- patients find PIC catheters to be more trouble-
free and more comfortable.
mation throughout the bone (including the peripheral occlusivevascular disease In
periosteum and the bone marrow). pathology caused by arteriosclerosis obliterans,
periosteophyte Periostoma — a bone tumor intermittent claudication is the presenting symp-
arising from the periosteum. tom. This disease category includes vascular
periosteorrhaphy Repair of severed periosteum. abnormalities of the extremities. Peripheral neu-
periosteotome An instrument used to operate on ropathy involves the pathology of nerve endings
periosteum. — which association with human immunodefi-
periosteotomy Periostotomy — a periostea! inci- ciency virus (HIV) is well established. Invasive
sion. procedures of surgical bypass grafting,
periosteum That vascular connective tissue endarterectomy, and percutaneous transluminal
which covers the bones. coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are indicated for
periostitis Periosteitis — an inflammation of the limb-threatening ischemic events. Exercise regi-
periosteum. Osteoperiosteitis. mens increase patients' tolerance of ambulation.
diffuse periostitis Involvement of long bones. Tobacco is absolutely forbidden! Conservative
hemorrhagic periostitis Extravasation beneath measures have decreasedthe number of ampu-
the inflamed periosteum. tations.
periotic Around the internal ear. peripherophose The perception of color/light-
peripachymeningitis Inflammation of the con- ness originating pathologically in the peripheral
nective tissue between the bony structure of the optic organs.
central nervous system (CNS), and the dura periphery That which is distant from the center.
mater. periphlebitis Inflammation of an external vascu-
peripancreatitis Inflamed pancreatic tissues. lar coat.
peripenial Encircling the penis. periphoria Cyclophoria — weakened oblique
periphacitis Inflammation of the periphakus muscles which cause deviation of the ocular
(crystalline lens capsule). axis.
peripharyngeal Surrounding the pharynx. periphrastic The use of superfluous words in
peripheral At the edges. speech and in writing — sometimes noted in
peripherally inserted central catheter An alter- schizophrenia.
native to central access, the PIC catheter is periphrenitis Inflammation of diaphragmatic
inserted into a vein in the arm, and advanced structures.
until it rests in the brachiocephalic, axillary, or peripleural Encompassing the pleura(e).
superior vena cava. X-ray confirmation is peripleuritis That connective tissue inflammation
required for advancement beyond the axillary between the chest wall and the pleura(e).
vein. These catheters are more flexible than oth- periporitis Seen as a complication of pediatric
ers, and may be inserted only by certified RNs
(and MDs). Their longer dwell time permits their
use over months and in home care. Becausea
flexible catheter is more complicated to place in

282

malaria — multiple abscesses encircling sweat poisoning/renal failure. This risky procedure

glands. may become lethal if the balance between the

periproctic Perianal, perirectal. electrolyte balance and body fluid are not kept

periproctitis Perirectitis — inflamed anal tissues. precise.

periprostatis That inflammation of prostatic tis- continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

sues. (CARD) Maintenance therapy by which the

peripylephlebitis Inflamed portal vein tissues. patient may dialyze him-/herself with a dwell

peripyloric Encompassing the pylorus. time of 2 hours — thereby living a more nor-

periradicular Encircling a root. mal, independent life, free of hospitalization.

perirenal Circumrenal, perinephric — encom- peritonealgia Serous/visceral/abdominal pain.

passing a kidney. peritoneal lavage That critical modality in the

perirhizoclasia Destructive inflammation of den- evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma.

tal roots. Hemoperitoneum can neither be ruled out nor

perish To die/disintegrate — often by mass confirmed by assessment of physical

tragedy. signs/symptoms. Peritoneal lavage is exception-

perisigmoiditis Inflammation of peritoneal tissue ally sensitive in identifying peritoneal hemor-

in the area of the sigmoid bowel. rhage. Recovery of free intraperitoneal blood

perisinusitis Inflamed sinuses of any type. indicates the need for STAT laparotomy in that

perispermatitis serosa The spermatic cord patient with unresolved shock. Peritoneoclysis.

hydrocele. peritonealize Peritonize — That covering of an

perisplanchnic Extending around viscera. organ with peritoneum during abdominal

perisplanchnitis Perivisceritis — inflammation surgery.

around visceral organs. peritoneocentesis Paracentesis, withdrawing

perisplenic Around/near the spleen. ascitic fluid from the abdomen.

perispondylitis Inflammation encircling the ver- peritoneopexy Uterine fixation via a vaginal

tebra^). approach.

perissodactylous Imparidigitate — possessing peritonitis Celitis — a critical infection transmit-

an uneven number of fingers and/or toes. ted from abdominal stabbing, broken surgical

peristalsis Progressive, reflexive, intestinal con- technique, the genital tract of the female, perfo-

tractions/relaxations. ration, rupture, surgical incision(s), via the peri-

reverse peristalsis Antipenstalsis, enterocine- toneum.

sia, enterokinesia — a critical syndrome. Fecal acute diffuse peritonitis Generalized peritonitis

emesis may be noted. — that systemic abdominal infection with a

peristomatous Encircling the mouth, circumoral. guarded prognosis. The patient may present

peristrumitis Perithyroiditis — inflammation of with abdominal distention, constipation, inhibit-

tissue surrounding a goiter. ed respirations/movements, nausea with eme-

perisynovial That tissue encapsulating a struc- sis, rigor, singultus. His/her anxiety may be pal-

ture with joint fluid. pable. Absolute bedrest, analgesia, antibiotic

perisystole Presystole. therapy, intravenous infusion/transfusion thera-

peritectomy Peridectomy — peritomy, syndecto- py, nasogastric evacuation, and/or surgical

my. Surgical excision of a conjunctival ring intervention may be required.

encircling the cornea, to treat pannus. adhesive peritonitis Adhesions cause the peri-

peritendinitis Peritenonitis, tenosynovitis — toneal/visceral surfaces to adhere to each other.

inflamed tendon sheath. aseptic peritonitis That due to noninfective

perithoracic That encircling the chest wall. causes — chemicals, irradiation, trauma.

perithyroiditis Inflamed tissues encapsulating benign paroxysmalperitonitis Familial parox-

the thyroid. Peristrumitis. ysmal polyserositis.

peritoneal dialysis Perfusion through the ascitic chemical peritonitis That caused by organic

fluid to remove toxic substances in secretions or chemicals within the systemic

283

abdominal cavity. be risky/lethal, but is not.
chronic peritonitis That which may be due to pernicious A severe status which may be life-
carcinoma (CA) or tuberculosis (TB).
Paracentesis and/or exploratory laparotomy may threatening.
be indicated. Cachexia is noted. The prognosis pernicious anemia That progressive decline in
is guarded.
circumscribed peritonitis That which is local- erythrocytes accompanied by neural/gastroin-
ized. testinal disturbance and muscular weakness.
diaphragmatic peritonitis The peritoneal sur- pernicious trend That psychiatric departure from
face of the diaphragm is involved. appropriate ideas/social interests.
puerperal peritonitis That which develops in perobrachius One with congenital deformities of
the postpartum period. the hands/arms.
secondary peritonitis An infectious state perocephalus One with a congenital deformity of
extending from trauma/abscess formation. the head.
septic peritonitis That caused by pyogenic bac- perochirus One whose hands are congenially
teria. abnormal.
silent peritonitis Symptom-free disease. perocormus One with a congenital deformity(s)
talcum peritonitis That caused by powder con- of the trunk.
tamination of the abdominal cavity — from sur- perodactylia One with congenially defective fin-
gical gloves. gers/toes.
peritonitis deformans Intestinal peromelia Peromelus — congenital
contraction/retraction resulting from chronic deformity/absence of an extremity(s).
disease. peroneal sign In the tetanic patient, dorsiflex-
peritonitis meconium Seen in the neonate due to ion/eversion of the foot will be caused by tap-
gastrointestinal perforation in utero. Intestinal ping the fibular area over the peroneal nerve.
obstruction, or in male infants a scrotal peronia Abnormality, malformation, anomaly.
mass/hydrocele, may be noted. peropus One with congenital deformities of the
peritonsillar That surrounding a tonsil(s). feet.
peritonsillar abscess An acute, life-threatening perosomus One whose body is congenially
emergency which requires intensive care with a deformed.
tracheotomy tray in the room. perosplanchnia Congenially abnormal viscera.
peritracheal That surrounding the trachea. perosseous Via bone tissue.
periureteritis Inflamed tissue encompassing the perplication A technique to arrest arterial hemor-
ureter. rhage in surgery — the severed end of the
periurethritis Inflammation surrounding the ure- artery is inserted through an incision in the wall
thra. of that vessel.
perivaginitis Pericolpitis. perseveration Constant repetition of irrelevant,
perivasculitis Periangitis. meaningless words/phrases as seen in many
perixenitis Perialienitis — inflammation encir- psychotic disorders.
cling a foreign body. persistent disease Those reccurent, preoperative
perleche That dietary disorder in which desqua- symptoms which continue postoperatively.
mation and fissures develop at the corners of persona That person whom one strives to be.
the mouth — symptoms of riboflavin/nutritional personality The organization of one's mentation,
deficiency. behavior, spirituality, traits. These may have
perlingual Via the tongue. been disordered in adolescence. Prominent
permeation The distribution, penetration aspects of personality do not qualify as patholo-
throughout liquid, gas, cellular matter.
permutation A total transformation. gy-
perniciosiform That condition which appears to personality disorder Severe maladaptation/

inflexibility which causes significant impairment
in subjective distress/adaptive functioning.
antisocial personality disorder Irresponsible

284

behavior is the prominent feature. This causes activities, occupational functioning, normal rou-

an inability to sustain consistent work habits. tine — by internal drives/compulsive ritual. (If

These patients may fail to conform to not yielded to, the stress mounts.) This causes

societal/cultural norms, to honor financial oblig- marked distress to the patient and others.

ations, to parent responsibly, to sustain a paranoid delusional disorder The presence of

monogamous relationship for over a year. a persistent distorted belief, not due to another

Pervasive signs of distress may include the disorder. Hallucinations are not prominent.

inability to tolerate boredom, peer pressure, the Those themes which are commonly seen are

realization that they are disliked and avoided, to erotomania, grandiosity, jealousy, persecutory,

sustain close, warm relationships, or to feel somatic symptomatology.

apologetic. These manipulative psychopaths are passive-aggressive personality disorder These

at risk for premature deaths by violence. patients demonstrate their resistance indirectly,

borderline personality disorder This pervasive which results in persistent and pervasive occu-

instability of mood, self-image, and interperson- pational/social impotence because of covert

al relationships affects most life issues for these aggression. Mechanisms such as dawdling, for-

patients. Inappropriate, intense, uncontrolled getfulness, intentional inefficiency, procrastina-

anger is prominent. Splitting of staff is pathog- tion, stubbornness stand in the way of these

nomonic! These patients experience a chronic patients' occupational success. They may be

emptiness and boredom. Interpersonal relation- argumentative, unreasonably critical, complain-

ships will be intense and chaotic — rapidly vac- ing, and resentful of suggestions, with little

illating between devaluation and overidealization insight into their self-defeating behaviors. Their

of others. Affective instability is evidencedby affect may feign respectful compliance.

wide mood swings, impulsivity, self-mutilation, schizoid personalitydisorder A pervasive

depersonalization, and/or suicidal threats/ges- indifference to others may be evident with a

tures. constricted affect. Male patients rarely marry.

histrionic personality disorder A pervasive These patients may be unable to define any

pattern of attention-seeking excess emotionality goals, self-absorbed, and/or highly distractible.

which may include a constant search for If they are capable of employment, it may have

approval, sexual seduction, emotional exaggera- to be in a sheltered environment which realizes

tion, discomfort when not the center of atten- their indifference to criticism/praise.

tion, self-centered immediate gratification, perspiration Excretion through the sweat glands.

and/or impressionistic speech. Impatient with insensible perspiration Evaporation of perspi-

organized routine, the productivity of these ration which is not visible on the skin.

patients may be disregarded by others. sensible perspiration That which forms as

inadequate personality That chronic inability to moisture on the skin.

cope with normal life stressors. Physical/emo- perturbation A state of uneasiness,agitation,

tional instability, ineffective personality, passive distress.

affect may be prominent. pertussis Whooping cough — that acute com-

multiple personalitydisorder An existenceof 2 municable disease which has 3 stages —

or more personality states within the individual. catarrhal, paroxysmal, and decline.

The transition may by elicited by amobarbital Erythromycin is the drug of choice for this dis-

interview, hypnosis, conflict, psychosocial ease which could be fatal.

stress, and/or cues to the patient. Amnestic pervasive That which is diffused in and through

periods and discrepancy between personality another quality/feature/medium.

states may be present. The different personali- perversion Deviation from one's goals, mores,

ties may have differing IQs, responsesto the affect, conscience, the norm, et al.

same medication, and optometric prescriptions. sexual perversion Paraphilias, grossly abnor-

obsessive-compulsive personality disorder mal erotic behavior, pedophilia.

That significant interference with relationships, pervious Permeable, penetrable.

285

pes Foot. petrositis Inflammation of the petrosal region of
pes abductus Talipes valgus — clubfoot in which the temporal bone.

the foot is everted. Peutz-Jeghers' syndrome A hereditary disorder
pes adductus Talipes varus — clubfoot in which consisting of anemia (due to hemorrhagic
intestinal polyps), melanin pigmentosa of the
the foot is inverted. digits, mucosae, and lips.
pes equinovalgus Talipes equinovalgus — the
peyote The cacti from which narcotic mescaline
laterally-turned heel is elevated. is derived. Certain native American tribes are
pes equinovarus The foot is plantar-flexed with permitted to use this substance in their religious
ceremonies. Otherwise, the legal availability of
an adducted heel. this hallucinogen is restricted to research.
pes equinus Talipes equinus — that deformity of
Peyronie's disease That self-limited, fibroid con-
gait in which the heel(s) do not touch the dition in which the penis is painfully distorted.
ground. This is an early/prominent symptom of
cerebral palsy. Pfeiffer's disease Infectious mononucleosis.
pes gigas Macropodia — a hypertrophied foot. phacitis Lintitis, phakitis, phacoiditis — inflam-
pes planus Flatfoot.
pessary A uterine supportive device which is mation of the crystalline lens.
inserted vaginally. phacoanaphylaxis Hypersensitivity to one's own
pessimism That hopeless affect which causes
the person to impart a negative interpretation to lens protein.
all input into his/her daily life. phacocystectomy Surgical therapy for a
therapeutic pessimism That tendency not to
have confidence in medication, diet, others, cataract(s), in which the capsule(s) of the lens
therapy, or other medical/surgical/psychiatric is/are partially excised.
protocol. This produces erosion in patient (pt) phacocystitis An inflamed lens capsule(s).
compliance. phacoemulsification The ultrasonic treatment of
pesticemia The circulatory presence of plague cataracts through their disintegration and aspi-
microorganisms. ration.
pestilence An epidemic communicable disease. phacoerysis Extraction of the crystalline lens by
pestilential Pestiferous — that which causes an erysiphake suction.
epidemic. phacolysis Phakolysis — disintegration/dissolu-
pestis Plague.
pestis fulminans A severe plague.
pestis siderans A plague of septicemia.
pestis variolosa An epidemic of smallpox.
petalling Trimming the edges of plaster casts by
applying 11/2"adhesive petals around all edges,
to prevent excoriation. Placed adjacent to each
other, the straight edges are tucked into the cast
with a thin spatula or table knife. This reduces
the soiling of body casts.
petechiae Tiny, clustered, hemorrhagic spots,
indicative of a clotting anomaly(s).
petit mal epilepsy Absence seizures — that
form of epilepsy in which mild seizure activity
occurs, and briefly ceases.These spells may
occur as often as 100 times daily, and are often
outgrown.
petrified Rigid, turned to stone.
petrissage Kneading massage.

286

tion/dissection with lens extraction. tion should be medicated as though it were pain
phacometachoresis Phacocele— displacement at the surgical site.
phantosmia Perception of odor without external
of the lens into the interior chamber of the eye. stimulation.
phacoplanesis The abnormality of lens mobility.
phacosclerosis A fibrotic condition of the lens. pharmacomania Excessivedesire for medica-
phacoscope Phacoidoscope — that instrument tion.

by which the curvature of the lens is monitored pharmacophobia An abnormal resistance to
during accommodation. and/or fear of taking medication.
phacoscotasmus Clouding of the lens.
Phaedra complex Erotic love between a step- pharmacopsychosis Psychopathy associated

parent and a step-child. with the abuse of alcohol/drugs.
phagocytosis That ingestion of bacteria, cellular pharmacy The science of compounding/dispens-

debris, by phagocytes. ing medications.
phagolysis Phagocytolysis — eradication of pharyngeal reflex Deglutition.
pharyngectomy Subtotal excision of the pharynx.
phagocytes. pharyngemphraxis Obstruction of the pharynx.
phagomania Abnormal, obsessive hunger. pharyngitis Inflammation of the pharynx —
phagopyrism That hypersensitivity to foods
which can be exquisitely painful.
which elicit symptoms of toxicity. gangrenous pharyngitis Angina maligna —
phakoma Phacoma — retinal nerve fibers seen necrotic inflammation of the pharyngeal
mucosae.
in neurofibromatosis. The microscopic retinal pharyngoamygdalitis Inflamed throat and ton-
tumor of tuberous sclerosis. sils.
phalacrosis Alopecia, baldness. pharyngocele Herniation through the wall of the
phalangectomy Amputation of a phalanx/pha- throat.
langes, digit(s). pharyngodynia Pharyngalgia — severe pharyngi-
phalangitis Inflammation of a phalanx/pha- tis.
langes. pharyngoglossal In reference to the
phallectomy Surgical excision of the penis. throat/tongue.
phallic Phalloid — referring to the phallus/penis. pharyngolaryngitis Laryngopharyngitis —
phallitis Penile inflammation. inflammation of the larynx/pharynx.
phallocampsis Painful caudad curvature of the pharyngolysis Paresis of the throat.
erect penis. pharyngomycosis A fungal condition of the
phallocrypsis Penile contraction/retraction throat.
resulting in a penis that is hardly visible. pharyngoparalysis Pharyngoplegia — paralysis
phalloncus Penile neoplasm/tumor. of the throat muscles.
phalloplasty Penile restoration by plastic pharyngoplasty Surgical revision/repair of the
surgery. throat.
phallorrhagia Penile hemorrhage. pharyngorhinitis Nasopharyngeal inflammation.
phanerogenic In reference to disease(s) of pharyngoscope That instrument which aids visu-
known etiology. al assessment of the throat.
phantogeusia A recognizable taste which has not pharyngospasm Pharyngismus — spasmodic
been derived from external stimulation. contractions of the throat muscles.
phantom limb pain That experienced by some pharyngostenosis Pharyngoperistole — a con-
post-operative patients following amputation — striction/narrowing of the throat.
in which they perceive sensory input from sev- pharyngotome That instrument employed in
ered nerves as though the limb were still intact. throat surgery.
This can be distressing to the patient who is try- pharyngotomy An incision of the throat.
ing to adjust to his/her new body image. pharyngotonsillitis An exquisitely painful infec-
Provide reassurance that this response is com- tion of the tonsils and throat.
mon and will not persist. Phantom limb sensa-

287

pharyngoxerosis A dry throat caused by patholo- (PKU). A low phenylalanine diet is mandatory.
gy, nervousness, side effects from medication, pheochromocytoma Pheochromoblastoma, para-
irradiation, et al.
ganglioma — A typically benign tumor of the
phencyclidine intoxication Hostile behavioral sympatho-adrenal system which leads to parox-
changes develop during use of this illegal hallu- ysmal hypertension. These patients may present
cinogen. Nyastagmus, cardiac changes, ataxia, with apprehension, diaphoresis, flushing, nau-
seizures, coma and/or death may ensue. sea with emesis, palpitations, paresthesias.
Surgical excision of the tumor is the treatment
phenolemia The circulatory presence of carbol- of choice.
ic/phenic acid. pheresis That separation of banked blood into
components to fill needs for specialized cells
phenol poisoning This caustic solution can with lower blood volume and reaction risks. In
cause intense burning, anesthesia, then gan- this way, each unit of donated blood can be
grene. Bradycardia, collapse, diaphoresis, used for multiple patients — who won't be
hypothermia, nausea, renal damage, profound given components they don't need.
coma may be noted. philoneism Attraction to novelty/change.
philoprogenitive Prolific.
phenoluria The urinary excretion of phenol. philtrum The median groove on the upper lip.
phenomenon An objective symptom perceived phimosis Constriction of the penile foreskin.
Circumcision is the therapy of choice.
by the senses. phimosis vaginalis Constriction of the vaginal
Bell's phenomenon Superior/lateral ocular orifice.
movements made when the patient with periph- phlebagia Vascular pain.
eral facial paralysis tries to close the affected phlebangioma A venous aneurysm.
eye. phlebarteriectasia Vascular dilation.
phenothiazine A class of organic tranquilizers. In phlebarteriodialysis Arteriovenous aneurysm.
the overdose scenario, ataxia, blurred vision, phlebectomy Partial/total venous excision.
drowsiness, dry mouth, fever, nausea, postural phlebectopia Malpositioned vein(s).
hypotension, paralytic ileus, tachycardia, and/or phlebemphraxis An artificial venous obstruction.
tremor may occur. phlebismus Venous congestion with secondary
phenozygous The face is wider than the skull. dilation.
phenylketonuria (PKU) Phenylpyruvic oligophre- phlebitis Thrombophlebitis — venous inflamma-
nia, phenylalaninemia — a genetic/metabolic/ tion with local pain/tenderness, joint pain, tachy-
biochemical inability of the body to oxidize cardia, discoloration, edema.
phenylalanine to tyrosine. Testing of all infants migrating phlebitis Inflammation which
at birth is mandatory in the USA, in order to resolves and appears elsewhere in the vein.
prevent brain damage with severe mental retar- obliterative phlebitis That in which the lumen
dation. (This error in metabolism is rarely seen becomes occluded permanently.
in African patients, but in those with light hair proliferative phlebitis Adhesive phlebitis, pies-
and eyes.) Affected infants and children may tic phlebitis — that resulting in venous oblitera-
present with convulsions, infantile eczema, tion.
extreme hyperactivity, malodorus excreta, pos- puerperal phlebitis Secondary to parturition,
turing of the hands, psychosis, spasticity, that infectious venous process occurring in the
and/or tremors, in addition to the abovecerebral postpartum period.
anomalies. If the childs fails to receive interven- sclerosing phlebitis That inflammation in
tion prior to age 3 years, treatment will be inef- which the vein becomes fibrotic/obstructed.
fective. The therapeutic diet for this serious dis- sinus phlebitis Venous inflammation in the
order is a low phenylalanine diet begun STAT cerebrum.
and maintained for life. Medications may be suppurative phlebitis That which has become
ordered, but severe neurological deterioration
will not reverse.
phenylpyruvic acid oligophrenia The hereditary
mental condition caused by phenylketonuria

288

infected. bid and/or irrational fear (which the patient may
phlebitis nodularis necrotisans Venous inflam- acknowledge as such) leading to avoidance anx-
iety. Phobias are assigned only when the fears
mation which evolves into ulcerative nodules. are unreasonable, excessive, and interrupt the
phlebolithiasis The intravenous formation of a patient's functioning in daily life. Situational and
phobic stressors, patient insight, and maturity
calcareous concretion(s). enter into the accuracy of a diagnosis of the
phlebometritis Uterine phlebitis. problems.
phlebophlebostomy Vascular surgery which acoustiphobia The fear of loud sounds.
acrophobia The fear of heights (and depths).
incorporates an anastomosis of veins. aerophobia The fear of flying.
phleboplasty Plastic vascular repair. agoraphobia Acute anxiety in, the fear of, situa-
phleborrhagia Venous hemorrhage. tions from which escape might be embarrass-
phleborrhaphy Venous suturing. ing/inaccessible.
phleborrhexis Venous rupture. aichmophobia The fear of pointed objects/of
phlebosclerosis Fibrotic venous walls. being touched by another's fingers.
phlebothrombosis Inflammation and clotting algophobia The fear of pain.
amathophobia The fear of dust.
within the vein. amychophobia The fear of animals' claws/of
phlebotome A lancet used to obtain a blood being clawed.
androphobia The fear of men.
sample from finger pads or infants' heels. anemophobia The fear of wind/drafts.
phlebotomus fever Sandfly fever, a tropical dis- anthophobia The fear of flowers.
aphephobia The fear of being touched.
ease with no cure. apiphobia The fear of bees.
phlebotomy Venesection — that sterile proce- aquaphobia The fear of water (H20).
arachnophobia The fear of spiders/webs.
dure by which blood is aspirated for astraphobia The fear of electrical storms.
diagnostic/therapeutic/donor purposes. The astrophobia The fear of celestial space.
gravid woman who is in her 3rd trimester and ataxophobia The fear of disorder/clutter.
donating blood for autologous transfusion(s) bacillophobia The fear of infection.
should be drawn while resting in the left lateral basiphobia, basophobia The fear of ambula-
recumbent position. tion.
bloodless phlebotomy Phlebostasia, phlebosta- bathophobia The fear of depths (and heights).
sis — compression of peripheral veins to halt batrachophobia The fear of reptiles.
hemorrhage. blennophobia The fear of slime.
phlegm Tenacious mucus. bromidrosiphobia The fear of subjective odors.
phlegmasia Inflammation. brontophobia The fear of thunder.
phlegmasia alba dolens Acute pedal edema due cainotophobia The fear of that which is
to venous thrombosis. This painful postpartum new/novel.
condition may progress rapidly to abscess for- cancerophobia The fear of carcinoma (CA) by
mation. Heat should be applied to this elevated the medically-confirmed well person.
limb. Anticoagulants may be prescribed as pro- carcinomatophobia The fear of metastasis.
phylaxis against the formation of emboli. cardiophobia The fear of cardiopathy by the
Venospasm may be prevented by paracervical medically-confirmed well patient.
block and vasodilators. Absolute bedrest is carnophobia The fear of meat.
mandatory. Anti-embolic stockings are usually catoptrophobia The fear of reflecting sur-
ordered. Educatethe patient regarding the risk faces/mirrors.
of thrombi becoming embolic. cenotophobia The fear of that which is
phlegmasia malabarica Elephantiasis — venous
inflammation accompanied by marked hypertro-
phy, with dermal induration.
phlegmatic Apathetic, dull, sluggish.
phlogogenous Phlogogenic — productive of
inflammation.
phobia An intense, exaggerated, pervasive, mor-

289

novel/new. molysmophobia The fear of contamination/dirt.
cibophobia The fear of food. monophobia The fear of being by oneself.
claustrophobia The fear of confining, enclosed musophobia The fear of mice.
areas. mysophobia The fear of contamination/dirt.
clithrophobia The fear of being locked in. mythophobia The fear of one's inadvertent
crystallophobia The fear of glass. falsehoods.
cyberphobia That signal anxiety caused by necrophobia The fear of death.
stress and tension at the computer. noctiphobia, nyctophobia The feat of dark-
cynophobia The fear of dogs/of contracting ness/night.
rabies. ochlophobia The fear of crowds.
cypridophobia The fear of coitus/venereal dis- odynephobia The fear of pain.
ease. ophidiophobia The fear of snakes.
decidophobia The fear of making a decision. panophobia, panphobia, pantophobia That
defecalgesiophobia The fear of defecation. free-floating fear of "everything". (The patient is
dermatophobia The fear of dermatitis. unable to define the source of his/her fear(s).
dipsophobia The fear of alcohol (ETOH). parthenophobia The fear of virgins.
domatophobia The fear of being alone at home. parturiphobia The fear of childbirth/parturition.
doraphobia The fear of touching animal fur. peccatiphobia The fear of commiting a sin(s).
electrophobia The fear of electricity. pediophobia The fear of children/dolls.
enissophobia The fear of criticism (when in the pharmacophobia The fear of medication.
wrong). phobophobia The fear of intense, exaggerated,
eremophobia The fear of being alone. pervasive, morbid, irrational fears.
febriphobia That fear experienced in a febrile pnigerophobia The fear of smothering.
state. polyphobia The presence of multiple intense,
galeophobia The fear of cats. exaggerated, pervasive, morbid, and/or irrational
gamophobia The fear of marriage. fears.
gatophobia The fear of cats. proteinophobia An aversion to protein.
gephyrophobia The fear of crossing bridges. pyrophobia The fear of fire.
gymnophobia The fear of nudity. rectophobia The fear of carcinoma (CA) in
gynephobia The fear of women. patients with proctopathology.
haphephobia The fear of human touch. scholionophobia "School phobia". (In the pres-
hierophobia The fear of religious ence of truancy, this is not a phobia, but a sepa-
persons/icons. ration anxiety disorder.)
homophobia The fear of homosexual persons. sciophobia The fear of shadows.
hydrophobia The fear of water. scotophobia The fear of darkness.
hydrophobophobia The fear of contracting sitophobia The fear of food.
rabies. spermatophobia The fear of spermatorrhea
hypertrichophobia A repulsion of body hair. (loss of sperm).
hypnophobia The fear of falling asleep. spheksophobia The fear of wasps.
kakorraphiaphobia The fear of failure. taphephobia The fear of being buried alive.
katagelophobia The fear of ridicule. technophobia The fear of technology.
keraunophobia The fear of thunder. thalassophobia Fear of the ocean.
kopophobia The fear of fatigue. thanatopia The fear of death.
lalophobia The fear of making errors in theophobia The irrational fear of God.
speech. topophobia Performance anxiety.
lophobia The fear of poisoning. toxicophobia The fear of being poisoned.
lyssophobia The fear of contracting rabies/of triskaidekaphobia An extreme fear of the num-
dogs. ber 13.
merinthophobia The fear of being restrained. tropophobia The fear of change/of moving.

290

venereophobia The fear of coitus/of venereal phosphopenia A deficiency of phosphorous.

disease. phosphorescence Luminescent afterimages —

vermiphobia The fear of infestation by worms. which follow their source of irradiation.

zoophobia The fear of all animals. phosphorhidrosis Phosphoridrosis — the excre-

phobic desensitization Implosion flooding. The tion of luminous perspiration.

therapist coaches the patient into a stage of phosphorism Chronic phosphorus toxicity.

relaxation, while s/he focuses on the feared situ- phosphorus poisoning Acute gastrointestinal

ation. This is then enacted in controlled actuali- toxicity, followed by marked hematologic

ty, while anxiety/fear is minimized. The patient is changes, accompany acute yellow hepa-

finally exposedto his/her worst possible phobic totrophia. Cardiac failure, abdominal cramping,

scenario — continued until the fear can be man- garlic breath, headache, hematemesis, hemor-

aged alone. rhage, hepatic damage, profound weakness,

phocomelia That congenital absence/deformity renal pathology, and/or neuropathy may be

of the extremities. seen. Following the placement of a cuffed endo-

phonal In referenceto the voice. tracheal tube (required for induced emesis of

phonasthenia Laryngitis caused by overuse of this caustic poison), gastric evacuation is con-

the voice. ducted. A cathartic and charcoal slurry is then

phonation Vocalization. instilled into the stomach prior to withdrawal of

phonendoskiascope An instrument which trans- the stomach tube. These patients must be

mits heart sounds as well as visual cardiac closely monitored over the next 24 hours.

movements. photic driving Neurologic assessment of brain

phoniatrics That speciality of speech, and the waves, elicited by flashing a light into the

treatment of its disorders. patient's eyes during electroencephalography

phonism An auditory sound which might be per- (EEG).

ceived when another sense is stimulated. photic epilepsy Photogenic epilepsy — seizures

phonocatheter A cardiocatheter equipped with a which occur in response to an intermittent light

microphone at the tip. source (of which television is one).

phonological disorder Failure to achieve speech photism Synesthesia — that subjective sensation

production appropriate for age, national origin, of light/color, stimulated by another sense.

et al. Social, academic, occupational communi- photoability Changeability (destruction, inactiva-

cation, and performance suffer from these tion) which is caused by light rays.

errors in phonation. Such deprivation/deficits photocoagulation The use of light rays/laser

may be excessivein the presenceof mental beam, to treat detached/hemorrhagic retina(e).

retardation. photodermatitis Sensitivity of the skin to light.

phonoscope That instrument which records heart photodynamic action The effect of dyes on cer-

sounds. tain biological systems when exposed to light

phose The subjective sensation of color and rays.

light. photodynia Photalgia — pain caused by light.

phosphatemia Circulatory phosphates. photodysphoria Phengophobia, photophobia —

phosphatoptosis That spontaneous urinary pre- extreme light intolerance.

cipitation of phosphates. photoerythema Reddenedskin from exposure to

phosphaturia Phosphoruria, phosphuna — light.

excess urinary phosphates which may precipi- photogene A prolonged retinal afterimage.

tate renal calculi. photokinetic Motion which is stimulated by light.

phosphene That subjective sensation of light — photolysis Disintegration/dissolution caused by

which may be elicited by pressure upon the light.

globe(s). photomania A psychotic craving for light.

phosphonecrosis Death of the tooth sockets, Psychosis induced by prolonged exposure to

which may be seen in phosphorous workers. intense light.

291

photo-ophthalmia Photophthalmia, keratocon- phrenoplegia Diaphragmatic paralysis.
junctivitis — that caused by prolonged exposure phrenoptosis The caudally-displaced diaphragm.
to intense light. phycomycosis An infection which may besevere

photophoresis That therapy option of with central nervous system (CNS) involvement
chemotherapy and irradiation for T cell lym- — as seen among poorly-controlled diabetics.
phoma, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis. Spread upon direct contact, second degree con-
Patients are autovaccinated by their treated tact can also occur in those on broad-spectrum
blood cells. antibiotics, corticosteroids, those suffering from
hepatic failure, severe malnutrition, uremia.
photoptarmosis Photic sneezing (caused by physiatrist A physician specializing in physical
light). medicine.
physical Reference to the body/nature.
photoreceptor Retinal cones/rods which are physical examination Assessment achieved
stimulated by light. through auscultation, inspection, palpation, per-
cussion, scent.
photo refractive keratectomy(PRK) Laser physical sign An abnormal finding.
surgery to correct myopia (nearsightedness). physical therapy Physiotherapy, including thera-
Preoperatively, patients may not wear contact peutic modalities of application — heat, electric-
lenses for 2 months. Some patients may require ity, ultraviolet radiation, et al.
lenses postoperatively. physician One who has completed medical
school, fulfilled the state requirements for licen-
photoretinitis Blindness caused by macular dam- sure, as well as the local regulations for the
age from exposure to extreme light (as an practice of medicine. Board certification is
eclipse, viewed without protective measures). advantageous for one choosing to specialize.
physician's assistant (PA) A registered nurse
photosensitivity Responsiveness to light rays. with advanced training under the state board of
photosensitization That abnormal cutaneous medicine, who works under a physician's super-
vision and authority. S/he is qualified to perform
reactivity to sunlight/ultraviolet rays. designated procedures of accountability beyond
photostable Nonreactivity to light. the RN's expertise.
phototherapy Lucotherapy — therapeutic expo- physiological Organic functioning.
physiological salt solution (PSS) Normal saline
sure to light, such as the bilirubin light, sun- solution — 0.9% sodium chloride in 1 litre dis-
light. tilled water. This isotonic solution is used in top-
photothermal radiation Heat supplied by light. ical/oral/parenteral forms becausethis most
phototoxicity Harmful cutaneous reaction to light closely resembles body fluid in compatibility.
(as a sunburn). physocephaly Abnormal subcutaneous air over
photuria That excretion of phosphorescent urine. the cranium, beneath the scalp.
phren Diaphragm. The mind. physohematometra Distention of the uterus by
phrenalgia Psychalgia — pain of hysteria. blood/air.
Diaphragmatic pain. phytobezoar A gastric mass composed of veg-
phrenectomy Partial resection of the phrenic etable matter.
nerve. Total/partial excision of the diaphragm. phytosis Pathology caused by vegetative para-
phrenemphraxis Phreniclasia, phrenicotripsy — sites.
the therapeutic crushing of the phrenic nerve. pia Soft, tender.
phrenetic Frenzied, maniacal. pianist's spasm The occupational disability of
phreniconeurectomy Phrenicoexeresis — partial cramping muscles due to overuse of the fin-
excision of the phrenic nerve. ger/hand/arm muscles. Musicians' overuse
phrenitis Encephalitis. Diaphragmatic inflamma- injuries require the attention of specialists who
tion.
phrenocolic Reference to the diaphragm, colon.
phrenocolopexy Surgical suturing of the trans-
verse colon to the diaphragm.
phrenodynia Diaphragmatic pain.
phrenopericarditis Adhesions between the
diaphragm and the pericardium.

292

understand the demands of the musician's pigmented villonodular synovitis A monoarticu-

instrument and of competitive music. lar arthropathy which affects the knee, causing

piarachnitis Leptomeningitis — that inflamma- edema, limitation of mobility, and pain.

tion of the pia mater and the arachnoid. piitis Infection of the pia mater.

pica That perverted appetite for inedible sub- pilary That covered with hair.

stances which may appear in chlorosis, pill A pellet to be swallowed or chewed. (Enteric-

helminthiasis, hysteria, pregnancy, psychosis, coated tablets may be time-release preparations,

as well as in emotional disturbances of pedi- and should not be crushed not chewed.)

atrics. pillion A temporary, prosthetic leg which is

Pick's disease Presenile degeneration presenting applied in the operating room at the conclusion

with apathy, deterioration of intellectual func- of the amputation, to facilitate early ambulation

tioning, disorientation, emotional instability, irre- and rehabilitation.

versible memory loss (which is progressive), pillrolling That repetitious sliding of the 5th, 4th,

social maladjustment, speech pathology, et al. 3rd, and 2nd fingers (in this order) over the

— secondary to temporal/frontal apathy. thumb of that hand. This is a prominent sign of

Pickwickian syndrome Decreased pulmonary parkinsonism, and may include both hands and

functioning, morbid obesity, polycythemia, sleep thumbs.

apnea. These patients need to be under a physi- pilocystic A cyst which contains hair.

cian's care. piloerection Cutis anserina, pilomotor —

piedra Tinea nodosa — that fungal scalp disease "gooseflesh", contraction/stimulation of the

which is treated by shaving the head. If done in arrectores pilorum.

the hospital, a permit needs to be signed. pilojection That pneumatic injection of hair into

Pierre Robin syndrome/sequence Congenital a hemorrhaging aneurysm — to induce coagu-

anomalies of postaxial, acrofacial, .dysostosis. lation in crisis.

Prominent are micrognathia with glossoptosis, pilomatrixoma Benign calcifying subcutaneous

cleft palate, and pseudomacroglossia. Because tumor covered by unaffected skin.

the respirations may be compromised, gavage pilonidal cyst A developmental sacrococcygeal

feedings may be ordered. All children with this defect which becomes symptomatic in adult-

diagnosis should receive an otological evalua- hood — when an infected, draining sinus forms.

tion. Surgical closure of the cleft palate needs to The large, deep excision is left unsutured and

be completed before the child developsspeech undressed, to heal by primary intention. The

— to prevent speech defects. The gag reflex patient must remain in the prone position.

may be absent, cyanosis may be present, and/or Piltz' reflex Pupillary reflex — that pupillary

a tracheotomy required. Dental, psychiatric, change which accompanies rapt attention.

orthodontic, surgical, and speech therapy follow pimelitis Inflammation of connective/adipose tis-

up will be required at length. sues.

"pigeon breast" That sternal deformity caused pimeloma Lipoma — a fatty neoplasm.

by pediatric respiratory obstruction and/or rick- pimelopterygium That conjunctiva! neoplasm of

ets. adipose tissue.

pigeon-breeder's disease An occupational dis- pimelorthopnea Piorathopnea — orthopnea

ability caused by reactivity to birds' excreta. (dyspnea requiring that the head be elevated) in

This hypersensitive pneumonia presents with the obese.

chilling, cough, dyspnea, fever, weight loss, pro- pimelosis Obesity. Fatty degeneration of tissue.

gressing to interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. The Conversion into adipose tissue.

patient should be removed from the work place pimeluria Lipuria — the voiding of urinary fat

— despite his/her resistance and withholding of cells.

information. Steroids are effective only during pin A supportive rod/wire of metal or surgical

the acute phase. material.

pigmentation Coloration. endodontic pin That which is threaded beyond

293

the apical root of the tooth, through the alveolar placenta! bruit A blowing sound auscultated

bone via the root canal. from the fetal circulation within the gravid

Steinmann pin A metal rod implanted to uterus — synchronous with the maternal pulse.

achieve internal fixation of a fractured long placental-cell transplant Following high-dosage

bone. chemotherapy/radiation, the child with leukemia

pinealectomy Excision of the pineal gland. is then infused with placenta! and umbilical

pinealism That pineal disorder caused by abnor- blood — regardless of its source. These

mal secretions of this gland. researchers in New York hope to apply these

pinealoma That pineal tumor — which may be concepts to multiple conditions.

implicated in precocious puberty. placenta! souffle The fetal circulation when aus-

pinealopathy Disorders of the pineal body. cultated over the placenta.

pineoblastoma Pinealoblastoma — a tumor of placentitis Inflammation of the placenta.

this gland. placentoma A tumor derived from retained pla-

ping-ponging Repeated reinfections between 2 cental tissue.

persons. Frequently, sexually transmitted dis- plagiocephaly A cranial malformation productive

ease (STD) is at fault. of an asymmetrical, twisted skull — caused by

Pins' sign The disappearance of pleuritic symp- abnormal closure of the sutures.

tomatology in the patient with pericarditis, upon plague A communicable disease, with a high

assuming the genupectoral position. This is fatality rate. The natural infection of rodents and

similar to young children with tetralogy of Fallot, ectoparasites, occurring in much of the world.

who instinctively assume the squatting position This may also be transmitted by infected,

upon sensing cardiovascular demands. domestic pets. Epidemic plagues have striken

piptonychia The condition of shedding nails. countries in Africa, Asia, and South America.

Pirquet's test A pediatric skin test to rule out Pneumonic plague has been reported in con-

(RO) tuberculosis. junction with bubonic plague.Recommended

Pisa syndrome An acute dystonic reaction to antimicrobials include chloramphenicol, strepto-

neuroleptics (antipsychotics), manifested by the mycin, tetracycline.

patient's leaning to one side. plane Planum — a flat surface which serves as

pitting edema Dependent edema which retains point of reference in the body (when in an

the imprint of the examiner's depressedfingers upright, anatomical position). A stage of anes-

on the lower leg. (This is designated as "4+ thesia.

edema", et al.) planned parenthood The concept which enables

pituitarism Pituitary disorders and/or disordered women to control their conception.

functioning. planomania Wandering free of social con-

pituitary Hypophysis cerebri. straints.

pityriasis rosea Desquamating (peeling) viral plantagia Plantar pain.

dermatitis which is incredibly pruritic. plantar fasciitis Intermittent, inflammatory pain

placebo An inert preparation which has no medi- in the heel(s) which makes ambulation difficult

cinal properties. This is prescribed, dispensed, and painful — especially upon arising from

and charted as medication. When presented to bed/chair. Care and taping brings relief. With

the patient, every indication is given that it is the chronicity, the entire course of the plantar

drug the patient requested, employing every aponeurosis may be affected. Conservative ther-

restriction required for the drug the placebo is apy is that of choice. Some patients become

substituting. (Pharmaceutical companies will symptom-free without intervention.

provide inert capsules/tablets in the size/color of planuria Abnormal voiding from other than the

their product.) In double-blind research studies, urethral orifice.

neither clinicians nor patients know who is plaque A lesion on the mucous surface/skin.

receiving the target drug/placebo until the blind atheromatous plaque A deposit of fat on the

is broken. edematous arterial lining.