Glossary P's
pulmonary artery catheter
Definition:flexible tube inserted into the pulmonary artery to assess pulmonary artery pressures and performance of the heart; also called Swan Ganz catheter, right heart catheter, or heart monitoring catheter
pulmonary artery catheterization
Definition:procedure performed to provide information regarding blood circulation, specifically, the pressure and amount of fluid or blood in the circulation and an assessment of the pumping action of the heart
Physician's Assistant (PA)
Definition:see physician's assistant
pacemaker
Definition:small electronic device, often surgically implanted in a pocket made under the skin, to stimulate the heart muscle to provide a normal heartbeat
palate
Definition:roof of the mouth
palliative treatment
Definition:treatment that relieves the symptoms of a disorder without curing it
pallor
Definition:abnormally pale skin; usually refers to the skin of the face
palpation
Definition:use of the hands to feel parts of the body to check for any abnormalities
palpitation
Definition:abnormally rapid and strong heartbeat
palsy
Definition:loss of sensation or ability to move
pancreas
Definition:long gland located behind the stomach that produces enzymes that help to break down food and hormones (insulin and glucagon) that help to regulate glucose levels in the blood
pancreatitis
Definition:inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gall stones or alcohol abuse
panic disorder
Definition:emotional disorder characterized by attacks of anxiety that have no apparent or rational causes; usually made worse by stress
pap smear
Definition:test in which a sample of cells is scraped from the cervix and examined for abnormalities; also used to diagnose viral infections such as herpes simplex and for detection of cervical cancer
paracentesis
Definition:insertion of a needle into a body cavity to relieve pressure, inject a drug, or remove a sample for analysis
paralysis
Definition:inability to use a muscle because of injury to or disease of the nerves leading to the muscle
paranoia
Definition:disorder in which a person becomes overly suspicious and emotionally sensitive
paraplegia
Definition:complete or partial loss of sensation and movement of the legs
parasite
Definition:organism that lives on or in other organisms, from which it obtains nutrients
parasympathetic nervous system
Definition:he part of the autonomic nervous system that is stimulated during times of relaxation
paresthesia
Definition:numbness or tingling in the skin; commonly referred to as pins and needles
parathyroid hormone
Definition:ormone released by the parathyroid glands that plays a role in controlling calcium levels in the blood
parathyroid glands
Definition:small glands located in the neck that produce parathyroid hormone
parathyroidectomy
Definition:surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands
parenteral nutrition
Definition:method of delivering nutrition or other substances directly into a vein
parenteral
Definition:introduction of a substance into the body by any route other than the digestive tract, such as through a vein or muscle
paresis
Definition:partial paralysis
parietal
Definition:pertaining to the walls of a cavity; also, pertaining to the parietal bone
paroxysm
Definition:sudden attack or worsening of a disease's symptoms
partial mastectomy
Definition:treatment for breast cancer in which a tumor is removed, along with the skin covering it and some of the surrounding tissues and muscles
partial seizure
Definition:abnormal electrical discharge in a certain area of the brain, affecting only certain functions
pastoral care
Definition:ounseling provided by members of the clergy
patella
Definition:medical term for the kneecap
patent
Definition:not obstructed; open
pathogen
Definition:any substance capable of causing a disease; usually refers to a disease-causing microorganism
pathogenesis
Definition:the origin and development of a disease or disorder
pathology
Definition:branch of medicine dealing with study of disease, its structure and functional effects on the body
patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
Definition:system for administering pain killing drugs in which the amount of drug delivered is controlled by the patient
peak flow measurement
Definition:maximum speed that air is exhaled from the lungs; used to diagnose asthma or to determine the effectiveness of asthma medications
pectoral muscles
Definition:muscles of the upper part of the chest that move the arm across the body, raise some of the ribs, and move the shoulders
pectoral
Definition:pertaining to the chest
pediatrics
Definition:branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders in children
peer review
Definition:scrutiny by one's peers or equals; peer-reviewed articles in medical journals have been reviewed by members of the medical community prior to publication; in health care, the review by practicing doctors or other health care professionals of the quality and efficiency of patient care of other doctors
pelvic examination
Definition:examination of a woman's reproductive organs
pelvis
Definition:group of bones in the lower part of the trunk that support the upper body and protect the abdominal organs
penis
Definition:external male reproductive organ, which passes urine and semen out of the body
peptic ulcer
Definition:erosion in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine, usually caused in part by the corrosive action of gastric acid
percutaneous
Definition:through the skin; describes a procedure that is performed through the skin, such as an injection
perforation
Definition:hole in an organ or body structure caused by disease or injury
pericardial effusion
Definition:fluid buildup inside of the pericardium, affecting the performance of the heart
pericarditis
Definition:inflammation of the membranous sac that covers the heart, causing chest pain and fever
pericardium
Definition:membranous sac that covers the heart and the base of the blood vessels that are attached to the heart
peripheral nervous system
Definition:the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body
peripheral
Definition:descriptive of being situated away from the center
peristalsis
Definition:wavelike movement of smooth muscle containing tubes, such as the digestive tract
peritoneal dialysis
Definition:type of dialysis in which the body's waste products are removed via a tube placed into the peritoneum
peritoneum
Definition:membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs
percussion
Definition:tapping the surface of the body to learn the condition of underlying parts by the sound emitted or sensation felt by the fingers
peritonitis
Definition:inflammation of the peritoneum
PET scan
Definition:see positron emission tomography scan
petit mal
Definition:seizure characterized by loss of awareness for brief periods
positron emission tomography scan (PET scan)
Definition:an imaging method in which substances emitting positrons (positively charged particles) are introduced into the body, and detectors connected to a computer are used to form images of the tissues
pH
Definition:measure of the acidic or basic character of a substance
pharmacology
Definition:branch of medical science that deals with the discovery, chemistry, effects, uses and manufacturing of drugs
pharyngitis
Definition:inflammation of the throat (pharynx), causing sore throat, fever, earache, and swollen glands
pharynx
Definition:the throat; the tube connecting the back of the mouth and nose to the esophagus and windpipe
phenothiazines
Definition:group of drugs used as antipsychotics, antihistamines, and antiemetics
pheochromocytoma
Definition:noncancerous tumor of cells that produce epinephrine and norepinephrine, causing higher levels of these hormones in the blood and an increase in blood pressure
phlebitis
Definition:inflammation of a vein
phlebothrombosis
Definition:formation of a blood clot in a vein
phlegm
Definition:mucus and other material produced by the lining of the respiratory tract; also called sputum
phobia
Definition:persisting fear of and desire to avoid something
phosphorus
Definition:mineral that is an important part of structures such as bones, teeth, and membranes in the body; also involved in numerous other chemical reactions
Pickwickian syndrome
Definition:extreme obesity along with shallow breathing, sleep apnea, excessive sleepiness, and heart failure
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Definition:inflammation of a woman's internal reproductive organs, usually as a result of a bacterial infection; one of the most common causes of pelvic pain and infertility in women
pituitary gland
Definition:small, round gland located at the base of the brain that releases hormones that control other glands and body processes
placebo effect
Definition:positive or negative response to a drug that is caused by a person's expectations of a drug rather than the drug itself
placebo
Definition:chemically inactive substance given in place of a drug to test how much of a drug's effectiveness can be attributed to a patient's expectations that the drug will have a positive effect; an inert compound, identical in appearance with material being tested in experimental research
placenta previa
Definition:disorder in which the placenta develops at the lower section of the uterus, close to or covering the cervix; varies in severity, from no effect on a pregnancy to vaginal bleeding and danger to the mother and the fetus
placenta
Definition:organ formed in the uterus during pregnancy that links the blood of the mother to the blood of the fetus; provides the fetus with nutrients and removes waste
placental abruption
Definition:separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus before childbirth, which causes severe bleeding that threatens the life of the mother and the fetus
placental insufficiency
Definition:disorder occurring during pregnancy in which the placenta does not function properly, causing the fetus to be deprived of nutrients
plantar reflex
Definition:normal curling of the toes downward when the sole of the foot is stroked
plaque
Definition:area of buildup of fat deposits in an artery, causing narrowing of the artery and possibly heart disease
plasma cell
Definition:white blood cell that makes antibodies
plasma
Definition:liquid part of the blood, containing substances such as nutrients, salts, and proteins
plasmapheresis
Definition:procedure for removing unwanted substances from the blood; during the procedure, blood is removed from the body, plasma is separated and replaced, and the cleansed blood is returned to the body
platelet
Definition:smallest particle found in the blood, which plays a major role in forming blood clots
pleura
Definition:two connected membranes that line the lungs and chest cavity
pleural cavity
Definition:the space surrounding the lungs, between the two membranes of the pleura
pleural effusion
Definition:buildup of fluid in the pleural cavity; causes compression of the lungs, which leads to breathing difficulty
pleural rub
Definition:rubbing sound produced by inflamed pleural membranes that can be heard when breathing
pleural space
Definition:the space between the two layers of the pleura
pleurisy
Definition:inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, usually caused by a lung infection; characterized by sharp chest pain
pneumoconiosis
Definition:respiratory disease caused by dust inhalation
pneumocystis pneumonia
Definition:opportunistic infection of the lungs caused by a single-celled parasite
pituitary adenoma
Definition:noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland
pneumonectomy
Definition:surgical removal of a lung
pneumonia
Definition:inflammation of the lungs due to a bacterial or viral infection, which causes fever, shortness of breath, and the coughing up of phlegm
power of attorney
Definition:a legal instrument authorizing one to act as the agent of the grantor
poliomyelitis
Definition:infectious disease caused by a virus; usually causes only mild symptoms but in rare cases can attack the brain and spinal cord and cause paralysis or death; commonly called polio
polyarthritis
Definition:arthritis occurring in more than one joint
polycystic kidney disease
Definition:condition in which there are multiple, slow-growing cysts on both kidneys
polycythemia
Definition:increased amount of red blood cells in the blood
polydipsia
Definition:condition of excessive thirst
polymyalgia rheumatica
Definition:rare disease of the elderly, characterized by muscle stiffness and pain in the hips, thighs, shoulders, and neck
polymyositis
Definition:autoimmune disease of connective tissue in which muscles weaken and become inflamed
polyp
Definition:growth that occurs on mucous membranes such as those in the nose and intestine; bleeds easily and can become cancerous
polysaccharides
Definition:complex carbohydrate composed of three or more simple carbohydrate molecules joined together
polyunsaturated fat
Definition:fat or oil that contains well below the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible; thought to reduce the risk of heart disease
polyuria
Definition:excessive production of urine; can be a symptom of various diseases, most notably diabetes mellitus
portal hypertension
Definition:increased blood pressure in the portal vein
portal vein
Definition:vein connecting the stomach, intestines, and spleen to the liver
postmyocardial infarction syndrome
Definition:condition that occurs following a heart attack or heart surgery; characterized by fever, chest pain, pericarditis, and pleurisy
post-mortem examination
Definition:examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death; commonly called an autopsy
postpartum
Definition:term that describes something that occurs after childbirth, usually to the mother
postural drainage
Definition:drainage of mucus from specific areas of the lungs by placing the body in a specific position
polycystic ovary syndrome
Definition:hereditary disease characterized by multiple cysts on the ovaries, obesity, excessive hairiness, infertility, and irregular menstruation
posterior
Definition:descriptive of being located in or relating to the back of the body
postural hypotension
Definition:unusually low blood pressure that occurs after suddenly standing or sitting up
potassium
Definition:mineral that plays an important role in the body, helping to maintain water balance, normal heart rhythm, conduction of nerve impulses, and muscle contraction
precancerous
Definition:describes a condition from which cancer is likely to develop
predisposition
Definition:susceptibility to disease which may be activated under certain conditions
preeclampsia
Definition:serious disorder that occurs in the second half of pregnancy, in which a woman experiences high blood pressure, fluid retention, nausea, and headaches; if not treated it can lead to eclampsia
premedication
Definition:drugs, usually painkillers, taken one to two hours before surgery
premenopausal
Definition:term that describes the period of a few years in a woman's life just before menopause
prenatal
Definition:with regard to the fetus, existing or occurring before birth
preoperative
Definition:preceding an operation
pressure sore
Definition:ulcer (erosion) on the skin as a result of constant pressure and the consequent poor circulation of blood to the affected area; in the case of someone with sores on the buttocks as a result of being bedridden, those pressure sores are commonly called bedsores
proctitis
Definition:inflammation of the rectum, which causes soreness and sometimes mucus and/or pus in the stool
proctoscopy
Definition:examination of the rectum using a viewing instrument
productive cough
Definition:cough that brings up phlegm, which is the body's natural way of clearing blocked airways
product name
Definition:trade name used to market a drug (i.e., Celebrex is Monsanto's brand name for a drug with the generic name Celecoxib); also called brand name
postoperative
Definition:occurring after a surgical operation
prognosis
Definition:doctor's probable forecast of the effects and outcome of a disease
prolapse
Definition:displacement of an organ from its normal position to a new one
prophylactic
Definition:anything used to prevent disease
prostate gland
Definition:organ located under the bladder that produces a large part of the semen
prostatectomy
Definition:partial or complete surgical removal of the prostate gland
prostatism
Definition:symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland, including difficulty with urination
prostatitis
Definition:inflammation of the prostate gland, usually due to a bacterial infection spread from the urethra
prosthesis
Definition:artificial replacement for a missing part of the body
prostration
Definition:complete physical or mental exhaustion
proteins
Definition:large molecules made up of amino acids that play many major roles in the body, including forming the basis of body structures such as skin and hair, and important chemicals such as enzymes and hormones
protocol
Definition:standardized procedure or sequential combination of procedures
primary
Definition:a disease that began in the affected location
protozoan
Definition:simple, single-celled organism
proximal
Definition:descriptive of being located nearer to or relating to a central point of reference on the body, such as the trunk
pseudomembranous enterocolitis
Definition:severe inflammation of the colon as a result of antibiotic use by an immunocompromised individual
private duty nurse
Definition:a registered or licensed nurse who is paid to care for a specific patient in a health care facility or in the home
psychiatric
Definition:pertaining to psychiatry
psychiatry
Definition:branch of medicine dealing with diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness
psychogenic
Definition:resulting from psychological or emotional disorders
psychological
Definition:relating to the mind and the processes of the mind
psychology
Definition:branch of science dealing with the mind and the processes of the mind
psychosis
Definition:mental disorder in which a serious inability to think, perceive, and judge clearly causes loss of touch with reality
psychotherapy
Definition:treatment of mental and emotional disorders using psychological methods, such as counseling, instead of physical means
psychosomatic
Definition:descriptive of a physical condition that is influenced by psychological or emotional factors
psychotic
Definition:relating to psychosis
psychotropic drug
Definition:drug that has a psychological effect
Patient Bill of Responsibilities
Definition:generally accepted responsibilities of patients; less widely agreed upon than Patient Bill of Rights
Patient Bill of Rights
Definition:generally, but not universally, agreed upon rights of patients pertaining to quality of care, informed consent, confidentiality, etc.; widely adhered to on a voluntary basis by many hospitals and other medical facilities
physical therapy
Definition:the treatment of injuries or disorders using physical methods, such as exercise, massage, or the application of heat
prothrombin time
Definition:time it takes for a sample of blood to clot after substances that speed clotting time have been added; used to measure state of the coagulation process and the effect of anticoagulant drugs
pneumothorax
Definition:condition in which air enters the space between the chest wall and the lungs, causing chest pain and shortness of breath; may occur spontaneously or be the result of a disease or an accident
pulmonary artery
Definition:artery that supplies the lungs with blood from the heart
pulmonary arteriogram
Definition:contrast X-ray procedure of the arteries that go to the lungs, often performed when it is suspected that blood clots may have traveled from another site, such as the legs, and settled in the lungs
pulmonary edema
Definition:buildup of fluid in lung tissue, which is usually caused by heart failure
pulmonary embolism
Definition:blockage of the pulmonary artery by a floating mass in the blood
pulmonary fibrosis
Definition:condition in which the tissue of the lungs has become thick and scarred, usually because of inflammation caused by lung conditions such as pneumonia or tuberculosis
pulmonic heart valve
Definition:heart valve that stops blood pumped to the lungs from leaking back into the heart
pulmonary hypertension
Definition:increased blood pressure in the arteries supplying blood to the lungs; caused by increased resistance to blood flow in the lungs, usually a result of a lung disease
pulmonic insufficiency
Definition:rare defect in the pulmonary heart valve in which it fails to close properly after each muscle contraction, allowing blood to leak back into the heart; weakens the heart's pumping ability
ptosis
Definition:drooping of the upper eyelid
pulmonic stenosis
Definition:obstruction of the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs
pulmonary
Definition:pertaining to the lungs
pulmonic
Definition:pertaining to the pulmonic heart valve
pulse
Definition:expansion and contraction of a blood vessel due to the blood pumped though it; determined as the number of expansions per minute
pupil
Definition:opening at the center of the iris in the eye that constricts (contracts) and dilates (widens) in response to light
pus
Definition:thick, yellowish or greenish fluid that contains dead white blood cells, tissues, and bacteria; occurs at the site of a bacterial infection
pustule
Definition:small blister containing pus
peripheral vascular disease
Definition:narrowing of blood vessels in the legs or arms, causing pain and possibly tissue death (gangrene) as a result of a reduced flow of blood to areas supplied by the narrowed vessels
pyelolithotomy
Definition:surgical removal of a kidney stone
pyelonephritis
Definition:inflammation of the kidney, usually due to a bacterial infection
pyloroplasty
Definition:surgical widening of the outlet between the stomach and small intestine
pyrexia
Definition:body temperature of above 98.6¦ F in the mouth or 99.8¦ F in the rectum
pyrogen
Definition:any substance that causes a fever
pyloric stenosis
Definition:narrowing of the outlet located at the junction of the stomach and small intestine
pyuria
Definition:presence of white blood cells in the urine; usually an indication of kidney or urinary tract infection