Category: S

Posture used instead of lying supine, by patients who are short of breath, e.g., because of heart failure.  

The middle range of the subtalar joint with no pronation or supination measured. It is usually one third of the way from the fully everted position.  

Radiography of the splenic and portal veins after injection of a contrast medium into the splenic artery.  

An opening in the skin through which a surgical instrument (e.g., a fiberoptic scope) may be placed.  

Polycythemia resulting from some physiological condition that stimulates erythropoiesis, such as lowered oxygen tension in blood. Secondary polycythemia occurs when an excessive amount of red blood cells is caused by a condition other than polycythemia vera. An illustration of this is when decreased levels of oxygen in the bloodstream stimulate the bone marrow to generate…

Injury sustained from contact with, or ingestion of, sulfuric acid (e.g., in laboratories, agriculture, or weapons manufacturing).  

Toxicity produced by ingestion of strychnine. Strychnine is a toxic compound present in the seeds of Strychnos species, a collection of tropical trees and shrubs. Its primary application is in certain rodent poisons. The majority of strychnine poisoning instances involve children who unintentionally consume these poisons. The signs, which commence shortly after consuming the poison,…

Accidental or intentional intoxication with the dried leaves of Datura stramonium, a powerful anticholinergic agent (containing belladonna alkaloids) that produces atropine-like effects. Common signs and symptoms include delirium and hallucinations, tachycardia and hypertension, fever, pupillary dilation, and, sometimes, seizures, coma, cardiac rhythm disturbances, or death.  

Poisoning by food containing any one of several heat stable enterotoxins produced by certain strains of staphylococci. When ingested, the toxin causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal cramps, and, in severe cases, prostration and shock. The attack usually lasts less than a day. Fatalities are rare. Hygienic preparation techniques can prevent this form of food poisoning.…

A reaction to exposure to a toxic dose of sodium fluoride, which is normally used in dentistry or in fluoridating water supplies. Symptoms include conjunctivitis, nausea, vomiting, kidney disturbances, and interference with blood coagulation.