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I put this list together as a student, so you will see some things in here that are quite simple. You will also see some words with *s/l* beside them. These are sound-alikes. I put them in the list, the way it sounded to me, then in the right column I entered the word the way it should be, or entered a possible alternative. There are prefixes, suffixes, drugs, abbreviations,etc. Some words have definitions, some do not. Please let me know if you run across any errors and I will correct them.
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| Word or Root | Definition |
| p | after *p is with long - over it* |
| P | pulse |
| p.c. | after meals |
| p.m. | after noon |
| p.o. | by mouth |
| p.r.n. | as needed |
| p24 antigen | |
| PA *posterior-anterior* view | |
| PA lateral chest x-ray | |
| pacemaker | device that maintains normal heart rate and rythym |
| pachy | thick |
| pachycephaly | pertaining to thick head |
| pachyderma | |
| pachy-thick | |
| pack years | a measure of cigarette smoking over someone's lifetime, figured as the number of packs per day times the number of years a person has smoked. Ten pack-years could refer to a smoking history of two packs a day for five years, one pack/day for 10 years, or half a pack a day for 20 years. One "pack year" means 7300 cigarettes, or 1460 cigars, or 7.3kg of pipe tobacco. |
| packed cell blood | a preparation of blood cells separated from liquid plasma, often administered in sever anemia to restore adequate levels of hemoglobin and red cells |
| packed red blood cells | |
| packwood edema *s/l* | pachyderma |
| PaCO2 | PaCO2 |
| PaCO2 | partial pressure of carbon dioxide measuring the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood |
| PACO2 or PO2 | Partial Pressure of Oxygen in Blood |
| Paget disease | degenerative disorder of bone |
| palate | structure that forms the roof of the mouth; it is divided into tha hard and the soft palate |
| palatine tonsils | palatine tonsils |
| palliative therapy | therapy designed to relieve intensity of uncomfortable symptoms, but not to cure |
| pallor | an unnatural paleness or absence of color in the skin |
| palmar | palms of the hands |
| palpable | capable of being touched or felt - easily perceptible |
| palpebra *eyelid* | moveable protective fold that opens and closes, covering the eye |
| palpebral | palpebral conjuntiva re: EENT |
| palpitation | uncomfortable sensation in the chest related to cardiac arrhythmias |
| Pamelor | drug s/l camilar, temilor |
| pan- | all |
| panacea | a cure all |
| Pancoast tumor | also known as pulmonary sulcus tumor |
| pancolitis | ulcerative pancolitis |
| pancreas | gland that secretes pancreatic juice into the duodenum, where it mixes with bile to digest food |
| pancreas *islets of Langerhans* | located behind the stomach in front of the first and second lumbar vertebrae, functioning to secrete insulin and glucagon |
| pancreat- | pancreas |
| pancreatectomy | excision of the pancreas |
| pancreatitis | inflammation of the pancreas |
| Panel A | lab test |
| panendoscopy | endoscopic procedure including x-ray fluoroscopy |
| panhypopituitarism | deficiency of all pituitary hormones |
| Panlor DC | drug |
| panniculus | apron of belly when overweight |
| pantamodine *s/l* | pentamidine re: EENT |
| PaO2 | PaO2 |
| PaO2 | partial pressure of oxygen measuring the amount of oxygen in the blood |
| PAO2: arterial oxygen tension | |
| PAP | pulmonary alveolar proteinosis |
| pap smear | capitalize Pap |
| PAP smear | Papanicolaou smear |
| Pap smear | |
| Papanicolaou smear *PAP* | study of cells collected from the cervix to screen for cancer and other abnormalities |
| Papanicolaou test | pap smear |
| papilla | nipple-like elevation |
| papilla, mammary | nipple |
| papillary carcinoma | more than 1/2 of all thyroid cancers are of this type |
| papilledema | |
| papillomas | irregular nodules of the vocal cords which are more common in children |
| papillomavirus, human | virus that causes condylomata of the genetalia |
| papule | a solid mass on the skin up to 0.5 cm in diameter *mole* |
| PAR | postanesthetic recovery |
| para | to bear, a woman who has produced one or more viable *living outside the uterus* offspring |
| para- | along side of or abnormal |
| para 3, 2-0-1-2 | |
| paracentesis | puncture of the abdomen for aspiration of fluid;e.g., fluid accumulated in ascites |
| paracusis | impaired hearing |
| peridium | may also be pyridium (drug) |
| Paraguard rinse *s/l* | PerioGard rinse |
| paralysis | to disable; temporary or permanent loss of motor control |
| paralysis, flaccid | defective *flabby* or absent muscle control caused by a nerve lesion |
| paralysis, spastic | stiff and awkward muscle control caused by a central nervous system disorder |
| paramedic | pertaining to along side of medicine |
| paranasal sinuses | air-containing cavities in the bones around the nose |
| paraplegia | paralysis from the waist down |
| paraspinal | |
| parasympathetic nervous system | division of the ANS that is most active in ordinary conditions; it counterbalances the effects of the sympathetic system by restoring the body to a restful state after a stressful experience |
| parateekial *s/l* ligaments & tendons | periarticular ligaments and tendons |
| parateekial *s/l* musculature | para-articular musculature |
| parathyroid glands | located on the posterior aspect of the thyroid gland in the neck, functioning to secrete parathyroid hormone *PTH* |
| parathyroid hormone *PTH* | regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism |
| parathyroidectomy | excision of parathyroid gland |
| parenchyma | functional tissues of any organ such as the tissues of the bronchioles, alveoli, ducts, and sacs that perform respiration |
| parenchymal distortion | |
| paresis | slight paralysis |
| paresthesia | abnormal sensation of numbness or tingling without objective cause |
| parietal | pertaining to wall |
| parietal area of the skull | |
| parietal layer | lining of the abdominal wall |
| parietal pericardium | outer layer of the heart |
| parietal pleura | membranes lining the thoracic cavity |
| parietal pleural | parietal pleural |
| parispinous | |
| parisplana *s/l* | pars plana |
| pariurethral tear | |
| Parkinson disease | not Parkinson's disease |
| Parkinson disease | slowly progressive degeneration of nerves in the brain characterized by tremor, rigidity of muscles, and slow movements *bradykinesia*, usually occuring later in life |
| parkinsonian | not capitalized |
| parkinsonism | not capitalized |
| paronychia | inflammation of nail fold |
| parotid gland | one of three pairs of exocrine glands in the mouth that secrete saliva: parotid, submandibular *submaxillary*, and sublingual |
| parotiditis *parotitis* | inflammation of the parotid gland; also called mumps |
| parotitis *parotiditis* | inflammation of the parotid gland; also called mumps |
| parovarian cyst | cyst of the fallopian tube |
| paroxymal bursts | |
| paroxysmal | spasmodic |
| paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea *PND* | paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea *PND* |
| pars plana | |
| partial seizure | seizure involving only limited areas of the brain with localized symptoms |
| Partin's Table | used to determine the percent/extent of a cancer in particular areas |
| partum-*parturition* | give birth |
| parturition | giving birth |
| passiflora | herbal medicine |
| passimere valve *s/l* | Passy-Muir tracheostomy speaking valve |
| passion flower | herbal medicine |
| passive immunotherapy | |
| patch | flat discolored area on the skin larger than 1 cm across *vitiligo* |
| patchouly leaf | herbal medicine |
| patchy infiltrates | |
| patell- | knee cap |
| patella | kneecap |
| patella | knee |
| patellar femoral joint *s/l* | patellofemoral joint |
| patellar malalignment syndrome | |
| patellar shaving | |
| patellar tilt | slight patellar tilt |
| patency | openness |
| patent ductus arteriosis | heart defect in newborn which is commonly associated with rubella in the mother, in which blood flows from the aorta to the pulmonary artery |
| patent ductus arteriosus | an abnormal opening between the pulmonary artery and the aorta caused by failure of the fetal ductus ateriosus to close after birth |
| path | disease |
| path- | disease |
| patheledema *s/l* | papilledema |
| pathogenesis | origin of disease |
| pathogenic | pertaining to production of disease |
| Pau d’Arco | herbal medicine |
| paucity | |
| PAWP | PAWP *pulmonary artery wedge pressure* |
| PBMC | PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cells |
| PCO2 *normal range 35 to 45* | PCO2 *normal range 35 to 45* |
| PCO2 35 to 45 mmHg | PCO2 35 to 45 mmHg |
| PCWP | PCWP *pulmonary capillary wedge pressure* |
| PE | physical examination |
| PE | pulmonary embolism |
| PE tubes | pressue equalization tubes *re:ears* |
| PEB chemotherapy | |
| peak expiratory flow rate *PERF* | measure of the fastest flow of exhaled air after a maximal inspiration |
| peak flow meter *PFM* | Peak Flow Meter *PFM* - small device used to measure a person's peak expiratory flow rate. |
| peak flow*PF* | measure of the fastest flow of exhaled air after a maximal inspiration |
| PEAP *positive end-airway pressure* | PEAP *positive end-airway pressure* |
| pearl *s/l* | PERRL |
| pearl *s/l* | pleural |
| pearly gates | medical slang for Denonvilliers fascia |
| peau d'orange | skin appears abnormally dimpled |
| pector- | chest |
| pectoral region | |
| pectus | as in dorsal pectus |
| ped | child or foot |
| pedal | pertaining to the foot |
| pedal pulses | |
| pedia lateral x-ray | PA lateral chest x-ray |
| pediarello *s/l* | try VDRL |
| pedias *s/l* | maybe PDS |
| pediatrics | treatment of children |
| pediculo | louse |
| pediculosis | infestation with lice that causes itching and dermatitis |
| pediculosis capitis | head lice |
| pediculous pubis | lice that generally infect the pubic region, but also eyebrows, lashes, beard or other hairy body surfaces |
| pediculus | louse; also footlike or stemlike part also called pedicle |
| pedius *s/l* | maybe PDS |
| pedophilia | abnormal adult attraction for children |
| PEEP | Patient Education Empowerment Program |
| PEEP | PEEP *positive end-expiratory pressure* |
| PEFR | Peak Expiratory Flow Rate *PEFR* - the fastest speed a person can expel air from the lungs after taking in as big a breath as possible |
| pellagra | vitamin B6 *nicotinic acid* defficiency, cause of dementia |
| pelv- | hip bone or pelvic cavity |
| pelvic adhesions | scarring of tissue within the pelvic cavity as a result of endometriosis, infection, or injury |
| pelvic floor relaxation | relaxation of supportive ligaments of the pelvic organs |
| pelvic inflammatory disease *PID* | inflammation of organs in the pelvic cavity usually including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and endometrium-most often caused by bacteria |
| pelvic junction dysfunction | |
| pelvic ureter | |
| pelvimetry | obstretrical measurement of the pelvis to evaluate proper conditions for vaginal delivery |
| pelvin sonoography | ultrasound imaging of the female pelvis |
| pelviscopic | |
| pelvoscopic *s/l* | |
| PIE syndrome | pulmonary interstitial emphysema |
| penasome *s/l* | pinosome |
| penia-abnormal reduction | |
| penicillin V | |
| penile prosthesis | inmplantatoin of a device designed to provide and erection of the penis-used to treat physical impotence |
| penis | erectile tissue covered with skin that contains the urethra for urination and ducts for the secretion of seminal fluid *semen* |
| pennyroyal | herbal medicine |
| peppermint leaf | herbal medicine |
| peptein | to digest |
| peptic ulcer | a sore on the mucous membrane of the stomach, duodenum, or any other part of the gastrointestinal system exposed to gastric juices |
| per | by or through |
| per os | by mouth |
| percussion | a physical examination method of tapping over the body to elicit vibrations and sounds to estimate the size, border, or fluid content of a cavity such as the chest |
| percussion | percussion |
| percussion note | ex: percussion note is normal throughout the chest |
| percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty | PTCA |
| percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty *PTCA* | a method of treating the narrowing of a coronary artery by inserting a specialized catheter with a baloon attachment; then inflating it to dilate and open the narrowed portion of the vessel and restore blood flow to the myocardium |
| PERF | Peak Expiratory Flow Rate |
| PERF | peak expiratory flow rate |
| perf diskus *s/l* | perforated viscus |
| perfusion | blood flow |
| perfusion deficit | a lack of flow through a blood vessel caused by narrowing, occlusion, etc. |
| perfusion scan | Perfusion Scan - test to determine the status of blood flow to an organ. |
| periareolar | |
| peri-around | |
| peribronchial cuffing | |
| pericardial cavity | fluid-filled cavity between the pericardial layers |
| pericarditis | inflammation of the pericardium |
| pericarditis | inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart |
| pericardium | protective sac enclosing the heart composed of ywo layers with fluid between |
| perihilar | |
| perilymph | fluid that fills the bony labyrinth of the ear |
| perine | perineum |
| perine- | perineum |
| perineum | external region between the scrotum and anus in a male and between the vulva and anus in a female |
| PerioGard rinse | |
| perioperative | |
| periosteum | a fibrous, vascular membrane that covers the bone |
| peripheral edema | |
| peripheral neuropathy | |
| peripheral nervous system | consists of 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves |
| peripheral nervous system *PNS* | nerves that branch from the central nervous system, including nerves of the brain *cranial nerves* and spinal cord *spinal nerves* |
| peripheral neuropathy | |
| peripheral vascular disease | blockage of vessels in the lower extremities |
| perirectal | |
| peristalsis | the movement that propels from the esophagus to the stomach |
| peritone- | peritoneum |
| peritoneal cavity | space between the parietal and visceral peritoneum |
| peritoneal dialysis | method of removing impurities using the peritoneum as the filter; catheter insertion in the peritoneal cavity is required to deliver cleansing fluid *dialysate* that is washed in and out in cycles |
| peritoneoscopy | examination of the peritoneal cavity with a peritoneoscope; often performed to examine the liver and obtain a biopsy specimen |
| peritoneum | membrane surrounding the entire abdominal cavity consisting of parietal layer *lining of the abdominal wall* and visceral layer *covering each organ in the abdomin* |
| peritonitis | inflammation of the peritoneum |
| peritrochanteric | |
| permacort infusion *s/l* | maybe Primacor *heart patient w/COPD* |
| pernicious anemia | vitamin B12 deficiency, cause of dementia |
| PERRL | pupils equal, round, react to light |
| PERRLA | pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accomodation |
| Persantin | drug |
| pertrochanteric *s/l* | peritrochanteric |
| pertussis | infection of pharynx and trachea caused by Bordetella |
| PET scan | positron emission tomography |
| petariasis *s/l* | pityriasis *skin disease* |
| petechia | (plural petechiae) minute purplish, reddish spot containing blood that appears in skin or mucous membranes, especially in some infectious disease *typhoid fever* |
| petit mal seizure | absence seizure |
| petosplenomegaly *s/l* | hepatosplenomegaly |
| Peyronie's disease | disorder characterized by the induration *hardness* of the corpus cavernosum in the penis |
| PF | pulmonary fibrosis |
| Pfannensteil incision | incision often used for abdominal hysterectomy, made horizontally just above the symphysis with the convexity curving downward |
| PFM | peak flow meter |
| PFT | Pulmonary Function Test |
| pH | a measure of blood acidity or alkalinity |
| pH | Correct spelling is pH - NOT PH or ph |
| pH *normal range 7.35 to 7.45* | pH *normal range 7.35 to 7.45* |
| phac- | lens |
| phaceomulsification | |
| phacoemulsification | use of ultrasound to shatter and break up a cataract with aspiration and removal |
| phag- | eat or swallow |
| phak- | lens |
| phalango- | pertaining to the bones of fingers and toes |
| phalanx | term given to any one of the bones of the fingers and toes. |
| pharocecals *s/l* | maybe Ferro-Sequels *OTC iron supplement* |
| pharyng- | pharynx *throat* |
| pharyngeal | pharyngeal |
| pharyngeal tonsils | adenoids |
| pharyngitis | inflammation of the pharynx |
| pharynx | throat; passageway for food to the esophagus and air to the larynx |
| phas- | speech |
| Phen/fen | Phentermine & fenfluramine Phen-fen *banned diet drug* |
| phenomenon | phenomena = plural |
| pheochromocytoma | tumor of adrenal medulla |
| phimosis | constriction of the penile prepuce |
| phinoplasty | nose, plastic surgery procedure |
| phleb- | vein |
| phlebitis | inflammation of a vein |
| phlegm | Phlegm - thick, gluey, stringy mucus secreted in the respiratory passages usually as a result of inflammation, iritation or infection of the airways, and discharged through the mouth. *often synonymous with mucus, this word is no longer widely used* |
| phob | exaggerated fear or sensitivity |
| phob*ia* | fear |
| phon | voice or speech |
| phorectomy *s/l* | oophorectomy |
| phot- | light |
| photic stimulation | |
| photocoagulaton, laser | treatment for diabetic retinopathy |
| photon absorptiometry | procedure by which rays are passed through bones and a machine measures how well the rays penetrate the bones |
| photophobia | extreme sensitivity to, and discomfort from light |
| phototherapy (one word) | used in infants with hyperbilirubinemia |
| phren- | diaphragm *also mind* |
| phrenic nerve | phrenic nerve |
| phrenohepatic | phrenohepatic |
| phychiatry | treatment of the mind |
| phymeeta *s/l* | maybe fine-needle |
| physi | physical |
| physical therapy *PT* | treatment to rehabilitate patients disabled by illness or injury |
| physicians resume | curriculum vitae |
| physis | generation or formation |
| physo- | growing |
| phyto | plant |
| PI | present illness |
| PI | pulmonary insufficiency |
| PICC | peripherally inserted central catheter or PIC - peripherally inserted catheter |
| pick mine management *s/l* | PICC line management or PIC line management |
| PID | pelvic inflammatory disease |
| pifithrin | new drug to reduce side effects of chemotherapy |
| pigweed | allergen |
| PIH | preeclampsia pregnancy-induced hypertension *PIH* |
| pilo | hair |
| pineal gland | located in the center of the brain, functioning to secrete melatonin and serotonin |
| pink puffer | term describing the COPD or emphysematic patient whose symptoms are breathlessness, hyperinflation, mild hypoxemia and a low PCO2 . Compare with Blue Bloater. Term is rarely used anymore. |
| pinna | auricle *little ear*; projected part of the external ear |
| pinprick | one word |
| pioglitazona *maybe piglitazone* | for Type II diabetes |
| pioglitazone hydrochloride *Actose* | drug for type 2 diabetes |
| PIPIDA scan | PIPIDA hepatobiliary scan in acute cholecystitis, para-isopropyliminodiacetic acid* scan |
| Pitocin | Pitocin induction of labor |
| Pitocin augmentation | |
| pituitar- | pituitary |
| pituitary dwarfism | condition of congenital hyposecretion of growth hormone slowing growth and causing a short yet proportionate stature *not affecting intelligence* - often treated during childhood with growth hormone |
| pituitary giantism | condition of hypersecretion of growth hormone before puberty that leads to an abnormal overgrowth of the bones, especially the long bones |
| pituitary gland | located at the base of the brain, the anterior pituitary secretes thyroid stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, melanocyte-stimulating hormone, growth hormone, and prolactin; the posterior pituitary releases antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin |
| placenta | vascular organ that develops in the uterine wall during pregnancy that provides nourishment for the fetus |
| placenta previa | displaced attachment of the placenta in the lower region of the uterine cavity |
| placental hormone | human chorionic gonadotropin |
| placental lake | valley of fluid |
| plaintain leaf | herbal medicine |
| Plan B | gen=levonogestrel *to prevent pregnancy* |
| plant- | pertaining to the sole of the foot |
| plantain | allergen |
| plantar | sole of the feet |
| plantar flexion | bending of the sole of the foot by curling the toes toward the ground |
| plaque | a solid mass greater than 1 cm limited to the skin's surface |
| plaque | a solid mass greater that 1 cm indiameter, limited to the surface of the skin |
| plaquing | carotid artery plaquing *plaque* |
| plas | formation |
| plasia | formation |
| plasia-faulty formation | |
| plasma | |
| plasma renin | enzyme that affects blood pressure. Normal readings for adult plasma renin upright are 2.9 to 10.8 ng/ml/hr. |
| plasty | surgical repair or reconstruction |
| plasty-surgical repair or reconstruction | |
| platelets | |
| platoosma *s/l* | platysma |
| Platts wire *s/l* | Amplatz wire |
| platysma | |
| platysmal | |
| platysmaplasty | neck, plastic surgery procedure |
| PLB | pursed lip breathing |
| pledgets | tiny pieces of felt used along a suture line to reinforce an anastomosis |
| plegia | paralysis |
| pleocytosis | Presence of more cells than normal, often denoting leukocytosis and especially lymphocytosis or round cell infiltration; originally applied to the lymphocytosis of the cerebrospinal fluid present in syphilis of the central nervous system |
| pleomorphs *s/l* | pleomorphic cells |
| Pletal *cilostazol* | drug for intermittent claudication |
| plethysmography | Plethysmography or Body Box - an airtight chamber with clear doors where one sits to have lung volumes measured. Breathing is accomplished through a mouthpiece. [JHEncy] |
| pleura | Pleura - either of a pair of two-walled sacs of serous membrane that covers and protect the lung. |
| pleural cavity | potential space between visceral and parietal layers of the pleura |
| pleural density | |
| pleural effusion | accumulation of fluid within the pleural cavity |
| pleural effusion | ex: right pleural effusion *not occlusion* |
| pleural friction rub | |
| pleural rub | sound made by frictionbetween pleural surfaces |
| pleural space | the fluid-filled "space" between the two pleural walls *visceral and parietal pleura*. |
| pleurisy | inflammation of the pleura with or without diffusion of an exudate into the pleural cavity |
| pleurisy root | herbal medicine |
| pleuritis | inflammation of the pleura |
| pleuritis | pleuritis |
| pleurodesis | pleurodesis |
| pleurodynia | pleura and pain |
| plexus | a large interlacing network of nerves |
| plexuses | plural of plexus |
| plicatic acid | allergen |
| PLIF | posterior lumbar interbody fusion with PLIF spacers |
| PMH | past medical history |
| PMI | point of maximum impulse |
| poy differentiated *s/l* | poorly differentiated |
| PMO lateral x-ray *s/l* | PA lateral chest x-ray |
| PND | post nasal drainage |
| PND | post nasal drip |
| pnea *suffix* | breathing *dsypnea* |
| pneomonectomy | removal of an entire lung |
| pneum- | air or lung |
| pneumatic tourniquet | |
| pneumocele | pneumocele |
| pneumococcus | pneumococcus |
| pneumoconiosis | chronic restrictive pulmonary disease resulting from prolonged inhalation of fine dusts such as coal, asbestos *asbestosis*, or silicone *silicosis* |
| Pneumocystis carinii | |
| pneumocystis pneumonia | pneumonia caused by the "Pneumocystis carinii" organism-a common opportunistic infection seen in those with positive human immunodefficiency virus |
| pneumoencephalography | injection of air into subarachnoid space with x-rays taken to delineate structures |
| pneumohemothorax | air and blood in the pleural cavity |
| pneumon- | air or lung |
| pneumonectomy | pneumonectomy |
| pneumonia | infection of the lung caused primarily by bacteria, viruses, or chemicals |
| pneumonitis | inflammation of the lung caused by hypersensitivity to chemicals or dust |
| pneumonitis | pneumonitis |
| pneumonotomy | pneumonotomy |
| pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosi | black lung disease |
| pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis | a lung disease caused by the inhalation of very fine silicate or quartz dust and occurring especially in miners. |
| pneumopathy | |
| pneumophilia | condition that has an attraction for the lungs |
| pneumoscope | |
| pneumothorax | air in the pleural cavity by a puncture of the lung or chest wall |
| pneumothorax *PTX* | presence of air in the pleural cavity, caused by by rupture of the plural membrane or by trauma through the chest wall; often referred to as a collapsed lung. Compare to Spontaneous Pneumothorax [JHEncy] |
| Pneumovax | Pneumovax |
| PNS | peripheral nervous system |
| PO2 *normal range 80 to 100 mm Hg* | PO2 *normal range 80 to 100 mm Hg* |
| PO2 80 to 98 mmHg | PO2 80 to 98 mmHg |
| pod | foot |
| poiesis-formation | formation |
| poison ivy *Toxicodendron* | allergen |
| polarization | resting; resting state of a myocardial cell |
| poliomyelitis | inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord caused by a virus, often resulting in spinal and muscle deformity and paralysis |
| poly | many |
| Polycythemia | Too many red blood cells. The condition exists when the hemoglobin, red blood cell *RBC* count, and total RBC volume are all above normal. |
| polydipsia | excessive thirst |
| polyhydramnios | excessive amniotic fluid |
| poly-many | |
| polymastia | presence of more than two breasts |
| polyneuritis | inflammation involving two or more nerves, often owing to a nutritional deficiency such as lack of thiamine |
| polyp | tumor on a stalk |
| polypectomy | excison of polps |
| polyphagia | excessive eating |
| polypharmacy | |
| polyphobia | condition of many fears |
| polyposis | multiple polyps in the intestine and rectum with a high malignancy potential |
| polysomnography *PSG* | test/procedure for nervous system |
| polythelia | presence of more than one nipple on a breast |
| polyuria | excessive urine production |
| Pomeroy | a common tubal ligation procedure |
| POMR | problem oriented medical record |
| pons | the function of the pons is to bridge cerrebellum and cerebrum with the rest of the brain |
| pontene infarction *s/l* | pontine |
| ponto- | referring to the pons |
| Pontocaine | |
| popliteal | measured from the popliteal site |
| popliteal flexion crease | |
| pop-off | suture separated from the needle with a gentle tug |
| poppy seed blue | herbal medicine |
| porborigamy *s/l* | borborygami (s), borborygmus (pl) |
| porcine prsthetic heart valves | taken from pigs |
| pores | tiny openings on the surface of the skin |
| porrosis | passage |
| portacaval shunt | anastomosis of the portal vein to the vena cava to treat portal hypertension |
| portal hypertension | |
| portal vein | |
| Positive Airway Pressure *PAP* | Positive airway pressure adjuncts are used to mobilize secretions and treat conditions such as atelectasis, or to keep airways open and unobstructed in patients with sleep apnea. They include continuous positive airway pressure *CPAP*, positive expiratory pressure *PEP*, expiratory positive airway pressure *EPAP*. and bilevel positive airway pressure *BiPAP* |
| positive end-airway pressure *PEAP* | positive end-airway pressure *PEAP* |
| positive end-expiratory pressure *PEEP* | positive end-expiratory pressure *PEEP* |
| positive pressure ventilation *PPV* | process of forcing gases down a patient's trachea using either a manual control technique or using an automatic ventilator. PPV can be done using a manual resuscitator or the rebreathing bag on the anesthesia machine; for long term use an automatic ventilator is usually prescribed. |
| positron emission tomography *PET* | use of nuclear isotopes and computed tomography to produce perfusion *blood flow* images and study the cellular metabolism of the heart |
| posity *s/l* | paucity |
| post- | after, behind |
| post nasal discharge *PND* | the sensation of mucus accumulation in the throat or a feeling that mucus is dripping downward from the back of the nose into the throat. Also called Post Nasal Drip [patient informational brochure on PND] |
| postauricular | |
| posterior | toward the back of the body |
| posterior chamber | space between the back of the iris and the front of vitreous filled with aqueous fluid |
| posterior drawer sign | |
| posterior pituitary | neurohypophysis |
| posterior pole | curvature of the back of the eye |
| posterior repair | repair of a rectocele |
| posteroanterior | back and front |
| postile *s/l* | pulsatile |
| postop | postoperative *after* |
| postoperative | after operation-surgery |
| postpartum | period of time following delivery of a baby |
| postprandial blood sugar *PPBS* | measurement of blood sugar after a meal, commonly after 2 hours |
| postprandial pain | experienced after eating |
| post tussive | two words |
| post tussive rhonchi | |
| postural hypotension | |
| potis | able |
| Pott disease | bone disease caused by tuberculosis |
| pouch of Douglas | cul-de-sac |
| poverty of movement | |
| PPBS | postprandial blood sugar |
| PPD skin test | PPD skin test |
| PPH | Primary Pulmonary Hypertension |
| PPV | positive pressure ventilation |
| PR | Pulmonary Rehabilitation |
| PR | pulmonary rehabilitation |
| PR | through rectum |
| PRA | Percent of Reactive Antibodies |
| pract | to practice |
| pramatic vein *s/l* | maybe spermatic vein |
| prandial | relating to a meal |
| prandial, postprandial | after a meal |
| prattien | to do |
| pre-before | |
| precordial | |
| preeclampsia | |
| preeclampsia pregnancy-induced hypertension *PIH* | toxemia of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure,albuminuria, edema of the legs and feet, and puffiness of the face, without convulsion or coma |
| preexisting | |
| prematory symptoms *s/l* | precursery symptom, premonitory symptom *a signal sympton* |
| premature | before ripe |
| premature ventricular contraction *PVC* | a ventricular contraction preceding the normal impulse initiated by the SA Node *pacemaker* |
| preop | preoperative *before* |
| preptococcal *s/l* | cryptococcal |
| prepuce | a fold of skin *foreskin on penis* |
| prepuce | foreskin; loose casing covering the glans penis - removed by circumcision |
| presacral | |
| presby- | old age |
| presbyacusis | hearing impairment in the old age |
| presbyopia | inpaired vision owing to old age loss of accommodation |
| pretibial edema | |
| previal aceatemia *s/l* | prerenal azotemia |
| prickley ash bark | herbal medicine |
| primary algarheumatica *s/l* | polymyalgia rheumatica |
| Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia *PCD* | Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia *PCD* - condition where cilia in the body fail to beat effectively causing mucus to become trapped in various parts of the respiratory system. |
| Primary Immunodeficiency *PIDS* | Primary immune deficiency diseases are inherited disorders in which part of the body's immune system is missing or fails to function properly. Often presenting as 'common' infections or conditions *such as asthma or sinusitus*, PIDs can go undetected for many years resulting in permanent damage to organs, and even the patient's death. [Jeffrey Modell Foundation] [Int'l Patient Org for Primary Immunodeficiencies *IPOPI*] |
| primary lesions | lesions arising from previously normal skin |
| primary pulmonary hypertension *PPH* | PPH, or primary pulmonary hypertension, exists when its cause is unknown. This condition is extremely rare. |
| primigravida | first pregnancy |
| primipara | first delivery |
| Prince’s Pine | herbal medicine |
| prinural fluid *s/l* | parenteral fluid |
| pro time | prothrombin time |
| pro-before | |
| proct- | rectum |
| proctitis | inflammation of the rectum and anus |
| proctoplasty | repair of the rectum |
| proctoscopy | examination of the rectum and anus using a proctoscope |
| proctosis *s/l* | in eye exam = proptosis - bulging or forward protrusion of the eyeball |
| productive cough | Productive Cough - a cough in which mucus or phlegm is dislodged, enabling a person to clear the lungs. |
| products of conception | |
| Produra | specially compounded, micronized progesterone |
| proffered" anus *s/l* | Imperforate anus. |
| progesterone | |
| prognosis | before knowing-prediction of outcome |
| progressive | the advance of a condition as signs and symptoms increase |
| prolactin | hormone that promotes milk secretion |
| prolactin *lactogenic hormone* | stimulates breast development and milk production during pregnancy |
| prolapse | descent of the uterus down the vaginal canal |
| Proleukin *aldesleukin* | |
| promocriptine *s/l* | bromocriptine |
| pronation | turning downward or backward of the palmer surface or plantar surface |
| pronator teres | |
| prone position | lying face down and flat |
| prontocaine *s/l* | Pontocaine re: EENT |
| prophylaxis | a process or measure that prevents disease |
| propoxyphene purin *s/l* | propoxyphene aspirin |
| prostate cancer | malignancy of the prostate gland |
| prostate gland | trilobular gland that encircles the urethra just below the bladder-secretes an alkaline fluid into the semen |
| prostatectomy | excision of the prostate gland |
| prostate-specific antigen | blood test used to screen for prostate cancer; an elevated level of the antigen indicates the possible presence of a tumor |
| prostatitis | inflammation of the prostate |
| Prostigmin test | |
| protatitis | inflammation of the prostate |
| protease inhibitors | drugs used to treat patients w/ HIV infection *Crixiva *ritonvir, Norvir *saquinavir*, Fortovase* |
| proteinuria | presence of albumin in the urine; occurs in renal disease or in normal urine after heavy exercise |
| prothesis | an artificial replacement for a missing body part or a device used to improve body function such as an artificial limb, hip, joint, etc |
| Proventil | drug |
| Proventil: albuterol | |
| proximal | toward the midline |
| pruritis | itching |
| pruritis | severe itching |
| PSA test | to screen for prostate cancer |
| pseudoaneurysm | |
| pseudocyesis | false pregnancy |
| Pseudomonas | a genus of gram-negative bacteria that include several free-living species in soil and water and some opportunistic pathogens |
| pseudo-obstruction | false *apparent more than actual* obstruction |
| pseudophakia | an eye in which the natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens implant |
| pesudotumor | |
| pseudotumor cerebri | |
| PSG | polysomnography; sleep study |
| psoriasis | an itching; chronic recurrent skin disease marked by silver-gray scales covering red patches |
| psych | mind |
| psychometric testing | |
| psyllium *Cillium* | drug for constipation |
| psyllium seed | herbal medicine |
| pt | patient |
| PT | Physical Therapy |
| PTCA | balloon angioplasty |
| PTCA | percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty |
| pterygium | a fibrous growth of the conjunctival tissue that extends onto the cornea |
| pterygoid | has to do with CT scan of mandible |
| PTFE | polytetrafluoroethylene *mat'l used for grafting* |
| PTH | parathyroid hormone |
| PTLD | Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease |
| ptosis | |
| ptotic | |
| PTT *s/l* | might be GTT |
| PTU | |
| PTX | pneumothorax |
| ptysis- | to spit |
| pubic symphysis | area of fusion of two pubic bones |
| pubis | groin |
| pubovaginal sling | |
| pudenal anesthetic | |
| puerperium | period during complete involution of the uterus |
| puffers | Puffers - slang term for aerosol metered dose inhalers |
| Pulmo-Aide | drug for respiratory problems |
| Pulmo-Aide nebulizer | |
| pulmon- | lung |
| pulmonary | pertaining to the lungs |
| pulmonary abscess | collection of pus in the lungs |
| pulmonary alveolar proteinosis *PAP* | a rare condition characterized by a disturbance in surfactant turnover which causes the alveoli to fill with eosinophilic, proteinaceous material closely resembling surfactant. Treatment consists of bronchoalveolar lavages |
| pulmonary angiography | x-ray of the blood vessels of lungs after injection of contrast material |
| Pulmonary Artery *PA* | blood vessel that delivers oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to the lungs |
| pulmonary artery wedge pressure *PAWP* | pulmonary artery wedge pressure *PAWP* |
| pulmonary circulation | circulation of blood from the pulomnary artery through the vessels of the lungs and back to the heart via the pulmonary vein, providing for the exchange of gases |
| Pulmonary Edema *PE* | condition *usually acute, but sometimes chronic* that occurs when too much fluid accumulates in the lungs, blocking transport of oxygen into the blood. |
| pulmonary embolism | occlusion of the pulmonary circulation, most often caused by a blood clot |
| pulmonary fibrosis *PF* | condition characterized by deposition of scar tissue in the lung. See Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis |
| pulmonary function testing *PFT* | direct and indirect measurement of lung volumes and capacities |
| pulmonary hypertension *PH* | occurs when blood pressure in the pulmonary artery is too high. Increased pressure within the lung causes the right ventricle of the heart to become enlarged and may result in shortness of breath, syncope *fainting*, dizzy spells and heart failure. [PH Assn] [PPH Cure Foundation] |
| pulmonary infarction | area of necrotic tissue in lung |
| pulmonary infiltrate | density on an x-ray representing solid material within the air spaces of the lungs, usually indicating inflammatory changes |
| pulmonary insufficiency *PI* | Chronic impairment of gas exchange due to clinically documented pulmonary disease . |
| pulmonary overexpansion | |
| pulmonary parenchyma | pulmonary parenchyma |
| pulmonary rehabilitation *PR* | a personalized program which incorporates therapy, support and education in attempting to assist the patient achieve the maxium obtainable functional capacity allowed by his handicap. |
| pulmonary semilunar valve | heart valve opening from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery |
| pulmonary sulcus tumor | also known as Pancoast tumor |
| pulmonary toilet | |
| pulmonary tuberculosis | disease caused by the presence of "Mycobacterium tuberculosis" in the lungs characterized by the formation of tubercles, inflammation, and necrotizing caseous lesions |
| pulmonary valve resection | surgical correction of congenital pulmonary valve stenosis |
| Pulmonary Ventilation/Perfusion Scan | test using small amounts of radioactive material to measure ventilation and perfusion in all lung areas. Also called Nuclear Scan. |
| Pulmozyme | |
| pulp | soft tissue within a tooth |
| pulse ox *s/l* | short for pulse oximeter |
| pulsatile | |
| pulsatile abdoninal mass | |
| pulse oximeter | pulse oximeter |
| pulse oximetry | pulse oximetry |
| pulse pack *s/l* | see Sporanox Pulsepak |
| pulse, head | alternative site to measure the pulse and it is the temporal pulse point on the head; at 130-very high-normal 60-80 |
| pulses | radial, dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial pulses |
| pulses, dorsalis pedis | |
| pulses, popliteals | |
| pulses, posterior tibial | |
| punikullis *s/l* | see panniculis or pediculus |
| pupil | black circular opening in the center of the iris through which light passes as it enters the eye |
| pupillary | |
| puratusani *s/l* | pruritus ani = intense chronic itching in the anal region |
| purin *s/l* | try aspirin |
| Purkinje fibers | found in the myocardium of the ventricles |
| Purkinje fibers *network* | fibers in the ventricles that transmit impulses to the right and left ventricles, causing them to contract |
| purple coneflower | herbal medicine |
| purpur | purple |
| purpura | purpura; lesions as a result of hemorrhages into the skin |
| purpuric lesions | purpura; lesions as a result of hemorrhages into the skin |
| pursed lip breathing *PLB* | technique used to slow breathing to maintain even lung pressure and control shortness of breath [Better Ways to Breathe] |
| pursestring | suture used to close a rounded wound |
| purulent | purulent-appearing leukorrhea |
| pus | pimple |
| pustule | pus filled sac |
| pustule | small pimple |
| PV | through vagina |
| PWA | PWA: person with AIDS or people with AIDS |
| PWARC | PWARC: person with ARC or people with ARC |
| Px | physical examination |
| py - | pus |
| pyel- | basin |
| pyelonephritis | inflammation of the renal pelvis |
| pyeloplasty | surgical reconstruction of the renal pelvis |
| pylor- | pylorous *gatekeeper* |
| pyloric sphincter | opening of the stomach into the duodenum |
| pyloric stenosis | a narrowed condition of the pylorous |
| pyloric, prepyloric | |
| pyloromyotomy | performed for pyloric stenosis |
| pyorrhea | severe inflammation with pus pockets of the gums |
| pyothorax | accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity |
| pyriform sinuses | also vallecula sinuses |
| pyuria | presence of white blood cells in the urine; usually indicating infection |