Category: P

A screening test in which a small piece of material containing the allergy-causing substance is placed on the skin; redness or edema indicates a positive reaction. A skin test in which small pieces of filter paper or linen soaked in a solution or covered with ointment are applied directly to the skin. A test for…

A measure of the coagulation sequence of plasma and screen for platelet abnormalities. A blood test to screen for coagulation (clotting) disorders such as hemophilia, or to monitor anticoagulant medication. The time needed for plasma to clot after the addition of partial thromboplastin; used to test for defects of the clotting system. A diagnostic examination…

A condition in which the entire pituitary gland ceases to function and is not producing any pituitary hormones. Condition where all or most of the normal function of the pituitary gland is abnormally low or absent. Defective or absent function of the entire pituitary gland.  

Pus in the urine. Presence of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the urine, usually a sign of urinary tract infection. Presence of high numbers of white blood cells in the urine, often attributable to infection of the bladder and urethra. The presence of white blood cells or pus in the urine. Pyuria is usually the…

Any acute, pus-causing, inflammatory skin disease. An eruption of pus in the skin. Any disease of the skin that produces pus. Any infected skin disease in which pus is produced.  

Electronic device usually attached to the tip of a finger to determine oxygen concentration in the arterial blood. A method of measuring the oxygen content of arterial blood. Measurement of oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in a blood sample using a non-invasive device called a spectrophotometer. It is an important guide to the adequacy of breathing…

Death of a localized area of lung tissue resulting from an interruption of blood flow to that area. Generally caused by a pulmonary embolism. The death of lung tissue from an insufficient blood supply to a part of the lungs. Pulmonary infarction may be associated with pulmonary embolism. The disorder can also be caused by…

Woman during her first pregnancy.  

Before birth. During the period between conception and childbirth. Occurring or existing before birth; used in reference to the pregnant woman or the growth and development of the fetus; also called antenatal. A term that refers to the fetus (baby) before birth, and also to the period of pregnancy before delivery, as in “the prenatal…

Therapeutic technique in which a client is directed to assume a variety of positions that facilitate the drainage of secretions in the lobes of the lungs or the bronchial passages. A procedure for removing matter from infected lungs by making the person lie down with the head lower than the feet, so that he or…