ICU-USA

ventricular fibrillation

Definition:rapid, irregular contractions of the heart

vaccination

Definition:form of immunization in which killed or weakened microorganisms are placed into the body, where antibodies against them are developed; if the same types of microorganisms enter the body again, they will be destroyed by the antibodies

vaginitis

Definition:inflammation of the vagina, which can be the result of infection, aging, a hormone deficiency, or a foreign object (such as a tampon)

valve

Definition:a structure that allows fluid to flow in only one direction

varices

Definition:enlarged or twisted blood or vessels

vascular

Definition:pertaining to blood vessels

vasculitis

Definition:inflammation of blood vessels

vasodilation

Definition:widening of blood vessels

vasoconstriction

Definition:narrowing of blood vessels

vasodilators

Definition:group of drugs that help blood vessels relax and open; used to lower blood pressure and to improve blood flow to the heart muscle

vasopressors

Definition:group of very powerful drugs that cause blood vessels to get smaller and tighter, thereby raising blood pressure

vasovagal attack

Definition:a sudden slowing of the heart, causing fainting

venography

Definition:contrast X-ray procedure in which a contrast material is injected into a vein to image the vein on a X

venous dialysis

Definition:a type of hemodialysis

ventilation

Definition:process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the lungs and the air; also refers to the use of a machine to carry out this process in someone who cannot breath on his or her own

vaccine

Definition:preparation of weakened microorganisms given to create resistance to a certain disease

vagina

Definition:muscular passage connecting the uterus with the outside genitals; a component of the female reproductive system

valvotomy

Definition:surgical correction of a narrowed heart valve

valvuloplasty

Definition:reconstruction or repair of a narrowed heart valve

vein

Definition:a blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart

venipuncture

Definition:piercing of a vein with a hollow needle to inject fluid or withdraw blood

venogram

Definition:contrast X-ray of a vein resulting from venography

venom

Definition:poisonous substance produced by certain animals

ventilator tubing

Definition:flexible, corrugated tubing which connects the breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) to the patient's breathing tube (endotracheal tube) or tracheostomy tube; also called breathing machine tubing

ventilator

Definition:machine used to assist a person to breathe or breathe for the person when the person has lost partial or total ability to breathe; also called mechanical ventilator, respirator, or breathing machine

ventricle

Definition:small cavity or chamber; there are four ventricles in the brain that circulate cerebrospinal fluid through it and two in the heart that pump blood throughout the body

ventricular

Definition:pertaining to a ventricle

venule

Definition:small blood vessel which collects blood from the capillary and joins with other venules to form a vein

vertebrae

Definition:any one of the thirty-three bones that make up the spine

vertebrobasilar insufficiency

Definition:episodes of dizziness and weakness caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain

vertigo

Definition:the feeling that one or one's surroundings are spinning

vesicle

Definition:small skin blister, or any sac in the body, that contains fluid

viral

Definition:descriptive of being related to or caused by a virus

viremia

Definition:presence of viruses in the blood

virulence

Definition:relative ability of an organism to cause disease

virus

Definition:smallest known disease-causing microorganism; viruses are very simple in structure and can only multiply when they are inside the cell of another organism

vital signs

Definition:pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure

vitamins

Definition:group of complex substances that are necessary in small amounts to maintain health and ensure proper development and functioning of the body

vocal cords

Definition:two strips of tissue in the voice box that have the ability to produce sound when air passing through them causes the tissues to vibrate

volvulus

Definition:twisting and obstruction of an area of intestine

ventricular septal defect

Definition:hole in the wall that separates the two lower chambers of the heart (ventricles)

vulva

Definition:outer, visible portion of the female genitals

vulvitis

Definition:inflammation of the vulva

vulvovaginitis

Definition:inflammation of the vulva and vagina