Category: Ia-In

The process by which a patient learns about and understands the purpose, benefits, and potential risks of a medical or surgical intervention, including clinical trials, and then agrees to receive the treatment or participate in the trial. Informed consent generally requires the patient or responsible party to sign a statement confirming that they understand the risks and…

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses Most people who get the influenza recover completely in 1 to 2 weeks, but some people develop serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia. Much of the illness and death caused by influenza can be prevented by annual influenza vaccination.

A fundamental type of response by the body to disease and injury, a response characterized by the classical signs of “dolor, calor, rubor, and tumor” — pain, heat (localized warmth), redness, and swelling. Innumerable insults (a mosquito bite, a splinter, a virus infection, a bruise, a broken bone) can trigger an inflammatory response and dispatch cells and chemicals to the…

A localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a result of infection, irritation, or injury. Inflammation can be external or internal.

To penetrate. For example, a cancer may grow into, or infiltrate, surrounding tissues.

Below and to one side. Both inferior and lateral. In anatomy, there are many such compound terms.

A large vein that receives blood from the lower extremities, pelvis and abdomen and delivers it to the right atrium of the heart.

In anatomy, below or toward the feet. As opposed to superior. The liver is inferior to the lungs.

An infection in the urinary system that begins when microorganisms cling to the opening of the urethra (the canal from the bladder) and begin to multiply. Most UTIs are due to one type of bacteria, E. (Escherichia) coli, a normal denizen of the colon. An infection in the urethra leads to inflammation called urethritis. From there bacteria may move up,…

An infection caught while hospitalized. The medical term for a hospital-acquired infection is nosocomial. Most nosocomial infections are due to bacteria. Since antibiotics are frequently used within hospitals, the types of bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics is different than bacteria outside of the hospital. Nosocomial infections can be serious and difficult to treat. A nosocomial infection is strictly and specifically an infection…