Chapter 1

abnormal (abn)

a condition that is considered to be not normal

abscess

localized collection of pus

acute

sudden, sharp, sever; describes a disease that has a sudden onset, severe symptoms, and short course

adhesion

process of being stuck together

ambulatory

condition of being able to walk, not confines to bed

antidote

substance given to counteract poisons and their effects

antipyretic

an agent that is used to lower and elevated body temp

antiseptic

an agent that works against sepsis

antitussive

an agent that works against coughing

asepsis

without decay; sterile, free from all living microorganisms

biopsy

surgical removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic exam

cachexia

condition of ill health, malnutrition, and wasting

chemotherapy

the use of chemical agents in the treatment of disease

chronic

denotes a disease with little change or of slow progression

diagnosis

identifying a disease or disorder

diaphoresis

profuse sweating

disease

An abnormal state in which the body is not functioning normally

etiology

study of the causes of diseases

excision

process of cutting out; surgical removal

febrile

pertaining to a fever

illness

state of being sick

incision

cutting into

malaise

a general feeling of discomfort, uneasiness

malignant

pertaining to the spreading process of cancer

necrosis

abnormal condition of tissue death

oncology

the study and treatment of tumors

pallor

lack of color, pale

paracentesis

surgical puncture of a body cavity for fluid removal

prognosis

prediction of the course of a disease and the recovery rate

prophylactic

preventing or protection against disease or pregnancy

pyrogenic

a fever

radiology

study of x-rays and other imaging modalities

syndrome

a group of signs and symptoms occurring together that characterizes a specific disease of pathological condition

thermometer

an instrument used to measure degree of heat

triage

a system of prioritizing and classifying patient injuries to determine priority of need and treatment

Bx

biopsy

Derm

dermatology

Dx

diagnosis

ENT

ear, nose, throat

FP

family practice

Gyn or Gyne

gynecology

Neuro

neurology

OB

obstetrics

Path

pathology

Peds

pediatrics

Psych

psychiatry, psychology

Anesthesiology

Specialty of anesthesia for partial or complete loss of sensation

Bariatrics

branch that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity

Cardiology

study of the heart

Dermatology

study of the skin

Endocrinology

study of the endocrine system

Epidemiology

the branch which deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases

Family Practice

provides care for all members of a family

Gastroenterology

study of the stomach and intestines

Gerontology

study of elderly

Gynecology

study of the female reproductive system and its diseases

Hematology

study of blood

Infection Disease

manages complex infections

Internist

cares for adults or older teens

Nephrology

study of the kidney

Neurology

study of the nervous system

Obstetrics

branch of medicine that pertains to the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period

Oncology

study of tumors

Ophthalmology

study of the eye

Orthopedic surgery

study of surgery of the bones and locomotor structures of the body

Otorhinolaryngology

the study of the ears, nose, and throat

Pathology

the science of the causes and effects of diseases

Pediatrics

study of care and treatment of children

Physical medicine and rehabilitation

aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairment or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons

Psychiatry

the branch of medicine that deals the study, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders

Pulmonology

the study of pulmonary diseases

Radiology

branch of medicine concerned with imaging

Rheumatology

study and treatment of rheumatic diseases

Urology

study of the urinary system