Pathology Key Terms (Disease)

Acute

A disease that is short term

Chronic

a disease that persists for a long time

Auscultation

Using a stethoscope to listen to body cavities and organs

Nosocomial

a disease acquired from the hospital environment

Diagnosis

the identification or naming of a disease

Etiology

The study of cause or the cause of a disease

Exacerbation

A time when symptoms flare up or become worse

Iatrogenic

a problem arising due to or related to a prescribed treatment

Idiopathic

an unknown cause of disease

Homeostasis

the state of sameness or normalcy that the body strives to maintain

Complication

the onset of a second disease or disorder in an individual who is already affected with a disease

Palpation

feeling lightly or by pressing firmly on internal organs or structure

Palliative

something that is directed toward relief of symptoms

Prognosis

the predicted or expectant outcome of the disease

Percussion

tapping over various body areas to produce a vibrating sound

Disorder

a derangement or abnormality of function

Remission

a time when symptoms are diminished or temporarily resolved

sign

observable or measureable factors used to determine a diagnosis

prevalent

occuring more often

symptom

what patients report as their problem or problems.