Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Paresthesias:
Abnormal sensations, commonly tingling or buzzing; sensations felt when a
limb “goes to sleep.”
Paroxysmal tachycardia:
An abnormal cardiac rhythm characterized by a heartbeat that
is quite fast but entirely regular.
Pathogenic:
Producing disease.
Penicillinase:
An enzyme produced by some bacteria that inactivates penicillin and pro-
duces resistance to that drug.
Peptic ulcer:
A crater in the mucosa of the stomach or duodenum produced by the com-
bined digestive action of gastric acid and digestive enzymes.
Peritonitis:
Inflammation of the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity that results
from infection or irritation by intestinal contents or blood.
Pharyngitis:
Inflammation of the pharynx, the space behind the mouth and nose; a “sore
throat.”
Pleurisy:
Inflammation of the pleura, the thin membrane that covers the lung and the
chest wall.
Pneumonia:
Infection of the lung.
Pneumothorax:
Air in the pleural space.
Polycythemia:
An increased number of red blood cells in the blood.
Prognosis:
A prediction or conclusion regarding the course and termination of a disease
or injury.
Prone:
Lying flat in a face-down position.
Prophylaxis:
Preventive treatment for disease.
Proteinuria:
Protein in the urine.
Pulmonary:
Of or pertaining to the lungs.
Puncture wound:
A wound, usually produced by an object such as a nail or thorn, that is
deep but has a narrow, constricted opening.
Purulent:
Consisting of or containing pus.
Pustule:
A pimple or small boil.
Pyelonephritis:
An infection of the kidney.
Radial pulse:
Pulse felt at the wrist on the thumb side routinely used to determine heart
rate.
Radiation of pain:
Diverging or spreading of pain from a central point.
Rebound tenderness:
Pain produced by releasing pressure with the fingers on the abdo-
men and allowing the abdominal wall to rebound; almost always an indication of an
intraabdominal condition that requires surgical treatment.
Referred pain:
Sensation of pain experienced in an area other than the anatomical site of
the injury or disease where it is produced.
Renal:
Pertaining to the kidneys.
Resorb:
To reabsorb.
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