Notes for Chapters 1-4: Introduction, Protocols, Prevention, and Conclusion

Key vocabulary terms and definitions derived from the notes, covering abdominal anatomy, imaging tests, disease processes, and medical practices.

Abdominal Quadrants

The four sections of the abdomen used to localize pain or disease: right upper (RUQ), left upper (LUQ), right lower (RLQ), and left lower (LLQ).

HIDA Scan

A nuclear medicine test (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan) used to evaluate gallbladder function and to rule out acute cholecystitis.

Acute Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones.

Myocardial Ischemia

A condition in which heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen due to reduced blood flow, potentially leading to a heart attack.

Prophylaxis

A preventive measure taken to prevent disease or prevent complications.

Mammography

Imaging test for breast cancer screening or diagnosis; commonly referred to as a mammogram.

Radiology

The medical specialty that uses imaging techniques to diagnose and treat disease.

Protocol

A written set of instructions detailing how to perform a procedure and why it is done.

Evidence-Based

Practice that is grounded in systematic research and clinical evidence rather than guesswork.

Adduction

Movement of a limb toward the midline of the body.

Abduction

Movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.

Complication

An unintended adverse event or problem arising from disease or treatment.

Invasive

Involving entry into the body or its cavities; often requires breaking the skin or mucosa.

Iatrogenic

A disease or complication unintentionally caused by medical treatment or intervention.

Secondary Prevention

Measures to detect and treat disease early to prevent progression to more serious disease.

Tertiary Prevention

Interventions aimed at reducing the damage or complications of an established disease to improve long-term outcomes.