HOSA Pathophysiology Assessment Practice Guide Terminology

Key medical, psychological, and pathophysiological vocabulary covered in the HOSA Pathophysiology Assessment Sample Study Guide.

Glomerulosclerosis

Hardening or scarring of the renal glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys, which can impair waste filtration and lead to kidney dysfunction.

Projection

A major defense mechanism associated with paranoid personality disorder that involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives onto another person.

Paranoid Personality Disorder

A mental health condition characterized by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, frequently involving projection to displace internal conflicts onto those around them.

Analgesia

Pain relief; a state in which an individual does not feel pain.

Prostatectomy

The surgical removal of the prostate gland, which commonly results in alterations in urination such as increased frequency, urgency, incontinence, or difficulty starting urine flow.

Periodontitis

A severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth and can advance into the bloodstream to cause systemic infection if untreated.

Systemic Infection

An infection that spreads beyond its localized site into the bloodstream, impacting various organs and systems throughout the body.

Psychosexual

A term referring to the relationship and interplay between psychological and emotional factors and sexual behavior and identity.

Dysuria

Painful, difficult, discomfort and/or a burning sensation during urination.

Dyspepsia

Discomfort in the upper abdomen, presenting with symptoms such as bloating and nausea.

Dyspareunia

Pain experienced during sexual intercourse.

Acute Pain

Severe pain occurring with great intensity and a sudden onset, typically sharp and indicating a specific injury, trauma, or condition requiring immediate attention.

Fulminant

A medical term describing a rapid and severe onset of a disease rather than pain itself.

Cardiomyopathy

A condition characterized by a defect in the heart muscle, where the heart becomes enlarged, thickened, or rigid, impairing its blood-pumping capacity.

Ischemia

Insufficient blood flow to a specific area of the heart or tissue.

Hypovolemia

An abnormal decrease in blood volume.

Hypoxia

A deficiency or lack of oxygen reaching the bodily tissues.

Hemoptysis

The spitting up or expectoration of blood originating from the respiratory tract.

Aphonia

The loss of voice.

Dysphonia

Difficulty in speaking or an abnormal voice quality.

Anthracosis

A respiratory condition caused by the accumulation of coal dust in the lungs, typically associated with chronic lung exposure.

Ascites

an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the abdominal cavity, commonly associated with liver disease, heart failure, malignancies, and infections.

Hydrocephalus

an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricular system, primarily affecting the head and cranial cavity.

Paresis

partial paralysis affecting a body part, weakness or partial loss of muscle strength and function.

Paraplegia

paralysis of the lower half of the body, typically affecting both legs.

Orthopnea

a condition where breathing becomes easier in an upright position, typically occurs in individuals who experience difficulty breathing when lying flat, often associated with heart failure or certain lung diseases.

Dyspnea

general sensation of shortness of breath and does not specifically pertain to body position.

Chorea

describes the ceaseless occurrence of involuntary muscular movements of the limbs or facial muscles

Prophylaxis

actions taken to prevent the onset of disease rather than treating an existing condition, essential in preventing illnesses before they occur, such as vaccinations or administering medications to prevent infections in at-risk population

Meibomian gland

sebaceous gland located on the posterior margin of each eyelid, play a critical role in maintaining eye health by secreting an oily substance called meibum, which forms part of the tear film

Affect

external expression of emotions, which can be observed in a person's posture, facial expressions, and tone of voice

Exudate

a lesion characterized by fluid accumulation and inflammation in tissues, typically the result of inflammation, which leads to the leakage of fluid, proteins, and sometimes cells from blood vessels into surrounding tissues

Cluster A

cluster of personality disorders that is characterized by pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others

Calcitonin

a hormone produced by the C-cells (or parafollicular cells) of the thyroid gland, vital for regulating calcium levels in the bloodstream. It functions primarily through its ability to decrease serum calcium levels

Purpura

red-purple discoloration of the skin caused by multiple minute hemorrhages