Terms and abbreviations, dictionary style, as well as go-to clinical content.
Everything be alphabetical here.
Just a compilation of understandable information all in the same place for easy access. Comment for any requests to be added. I am also...
AAA First part of aorta. Aneurysms here can have catastrophic consequences, and therefore should probably have a resus plan (ARP).
Abdominoperineal Resection with Stoma Surgery to remove the anus, the rectum, and part of the sigmoid colon through an incision made in the abdomen. The end of the intestine is formed into a stoma. Anus is stitched shut. Patient cannot sit or lay on back for minimum of 7 days.
Ablation Destruction
Abscess vs Cyst Cyst = abnormal cells growing around the outer layer of the sac, may be hollow, a hard lump, or fluid filled. Abscess = pus-filled purulent cavity occurring through organisms, bacteria, and fungi.
ACDF Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion.
ACR Albumin-creatinine ratio
Addison Disease Adrenal glands don't make enough of certain hormones.
Adenoids Fleshy lumps of tissue out of sight at the back of the inside of the nose & the top of the throat. With the tonsils, they trap and destroy germs that enter the child's mouth and nose.
Adenovirus Infection Commonly causes respiratory symptoms illnesses, but can cause various other illnesses/presentations, depending on infecting serotype.
ADF Anterior decompression & Fusion.
Adhesiolysis A procedure to break up and remove adhesions. Minimally invasive procedure also called Lysis of Adhesions (thick or thin bands of scar tissue adjoining organs and structures).
ADL Activity of Daily Living.
Akathisia Subjective feeling if motor restlessness manifested by a compelling need to be in constant movement.
AKI - Acute Kidney Injury (POST COVID) AKI has been noted to be a consequence of COVID-19 infections, however we only have theories on what may cause this. HTN commonly causes kidney issues by damaging blood vessels of the kidney and affecting their ability to filter blood. Over time, this can cause kidney failure. Theories on the patho: ☞ Coronavirus targeting kidney cells ☞↓ O2 causes kidney malfunction ☞ Cytokine storms can destroy kidney tissue ☞ Cod19 causing clots, that can clog the kidneys
Aldactone See Spiralactone. Potassium sparing Diuretic.
Alopecia Areata Round patches of hair loss..
Alopecia Totalia (AT) Complete hair loss on scalp.
Amlodipine Calcium Channel Blocker for lowering BP (relaxing vessels)
Anarthria Speechlessness due to sever loss of neuromuscular control over the speech musculature.
Angioma A benign growth comprising of small blood vessels, appearing anywhere in the body.
Angioplasty Using a balloon to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Autoimmune blood disorder wherein disorder where immune system attacks the normal proteins in the blood.
ANTT Aseptic Non-Touch Technique
Aortic Root Dilation An aortic root that has expanded through an aneurysm.
Aperients Medication for constipation.
Apixiban Anticoagulant ☞ brand name 'Eliquis.' To treat and prevent blood clots & prevent stroke in people with non-valvular AF through directly inhibiting factor Xa.
ARIF - Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation "Arthroscopic reduction" meaning surgery using arthroscope, and "internal fixation" meaning bones held together weight metal pins, plates, rods, screws, or other hardware internally.
Aromasin Breast Cancer medication
ARP Acute Resuscitation Plan.
Arthroplasty Surgical Reconstruction of replacement of a joint.
Ascites Collection of fluid (can be even 22 litres) within the abdomen, and can prevent movement. Very uncomfortable, sometimes painful, can make breathing difficult, and can be a precursor for infection within the abdomen. Note, fluid may potentially move up into chest and surround lungs, including causing collapsed lungs. Drained out in combination with Albumin infusions to prevent hypovolaemic shock.
ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder
Atonic Bladder Flaccid/a-contractileㅁ bladder. A bladder where muscles do not fully contract, making it difficult to urinate.
ATOR At time of report
Atorvastatin (lipitor) Statin. Works by slowing cholesterol production to reduce cholesterol build up on artery walls.
(Breast) Augmentation Mastopexy Surgical procedure to lift breasts to a higher position on chest walls to augment breast shape and volume.
Augmentin Duo Combo Antibiotic for bacterial infections. ☞ Amoxicillin ☞ Clavulante / clavulanic acid
AUR ☞ Acute Urinary Retention
Autologous Graft Autologous - same individual. A graft taken from another area of the patient's own body.
Autologous Cells or tissues obtained from the same individual. Eg., autologous bone marrow transplants.
Axilla The anatomical region under the shoulder joint where the arm connects to the shoulder, containing a variety of neurovascular structures, including the axillary artery, axillary vein, brachial plexus, and lymph nodes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547723/
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