Collin College Nursing Vocabulary 1125 Ilana Kovach

1. Vocabulary Study Guide
RNSG 1125- Professional Nursing
Concepts I
Ilana Kovach

2. The language
of Medicine

3. Abduction
A movement of a
body part away
from the median
plane.

4. Adduction
Move toward the midline.

5. Don
to put on (clothing)

6. Doff
to take off (clothing)

7. Supine
With the back or dorsal
surface downward. A
person who is supine is
lying face up.

8. Prone
With the front (or ventral)
surface downward. To lie prone
is to lie face downward. Prone
is as opposed to supine.

9. Lateral
In anatomy, the side
of the body or a
body part that is
farther from the
middle or center of
the body.

10. Medial
Pertaining to the middle; in
or toward the middle;
nearer the middle of the
body.

11. Proximal
toward the beginning, the nearer of
two (or more) items.

12. Distal
the more (or most) distant of two
(or more) things.

13. Epigastric
The epigastric region (Upper, medial
location) it is a zone of activity where
the actions of the rectus abdominus and
the diaphragm produce an outward
bulging of the upper abdominal wall. It
is also the spot where the Heimlich
Maneuver is able to produce a rapid
and forceful exhalation of breath.

14. Fissure
A cleft or groove. A fissure can be
normal or abnormal.

15. Apex
the apex is the tip of a pyramidal or
rounded structure, such as the lung
or the heart.

16. Circumduction
Circular Movement
of Limb or Eye

17. Flexion
The process of bending, or
the state of being bent. For
example, flexion of the
fingers results in a clenched
fist.

18. Gross
In medicine, the study of human
structures that can be seen with the
naked eye. Known among medical
students studying human anatomy
simply as 'gross.'

19. Congenital
existing since birth

20. Umbilicus
The vestige left behind on a
newborn's belly when the
umbilical cord is cut. Also
called the navel or belly button.

21. Opthalmic
Pertaining to the
eye. For example,
an ophthalmic
ointment is
designed for the
eye.

22. Dorsal
of, relating to, or
situated at the back, or
dorsum

23. Buccal
pertaining to or
directed toward the
cheek.

24. Sclera
The tough white outer coat
over the eyeball that covers
approximately the posterior
five-sixths of its surface. The
sclera is continuous in the
front of the eye with the
cornea and in the back of the
eye with the external sheath
of the optic nerve.

25. Canthus
the angle or corner
on each side of the
eye, formed by the
junction of the upper
and lower lids

26. Genitourinary
Pertaining to the genital and
urinary systems.

27. Gastrointestinal
referring collectively
to the stomach and
small and large
intestines.

28. Axillary
of or pertaining to the armpit.

29. Extremity
The limbs of the Body
include the arms and legs.

30. Anus
the opening at the lower
end of the alimentary
canal, through which
the solid refuse of
digestion is excreted.

31. Enteral
within, by way of, or
pertaining to the
intestine. Enteral
nutrition is called tube
feeding.

32. Lumen A luminous term
referring to the
channel within a tube
such as a blood vessel
or to the cavity within
a hollow organ such as
the intestine.

33. Orifice
An opening. For example,
the mouth is an orifice.

34. Atresia
absence or closure of a
natural passage of the
body

35. Auditory
Pertaining to hearing, to the
sense of hearing, or to the
organs of hearing.

36. Acute
having a sudden onset,
sharp rise, of any
regarded infection and
short course

37. Chronic
continuing or occurring
again and again for a
long time

38. Vital Signs
Vital signs reflect essential body
functions, including your heartbeat,
Respiratory rate, temperature, and
blood pressure.
(HR, RR, BT, BP)
•Blood pressure: 90/60 mm/Hg to 120/80 mm/Hg
•Breathing: 12 to 18 breaths per minute
•Pulse: 60 to 100 beats per minute
•Temperature: 97.8°F to 99.1°F (36.5°C to 37.3°C)/average
98.6°F (37°C)

39. Assessment
Evaluation of the patient using
selected skills of history-taking;
physical examination, laboratory,
imaging, and social evaluation, to
achieve a specific goal.

40. Auscultation
the act of listening, either directly
or through a stethoscope or other
instrument, to sounds within the
body as a method of diagnosis

41. Murmur
A sound due to vibrations from the
flow of blood through the heart or
great vessels. A murmur may be
innocent and be of no significance.
Or it may be pathologic and reflect
disease. A murmur is usually heard
with a stethoscope.

42. Bruit A sound heard over an artery or
vascular channel, reflecting
turbulence of flow. Most commonly,
a bruit is caused by abnormal
narrowing of an artery. Listening for
a bruit in the neck with a stethoscope
is a simple way to screen for
narrowing (stenosis) of the carotid
artery, which can be a result of
cholesterol plaque accumulation.

43. Palpation
the act of feeling with the hand; the
application of the fingers with light
pressure to the surface of the body
for the purpose of determining the
condition of the parts beneath in
physical diagnosis.

44. Pulse
The rhythmic dilation of an
artery that results from beating
of the heart. Pulse is often
measured by feeling the arteries
of the wrist or neck.

45. Antipyretic
something that
reduces fever or quells
it.

46. Febrile
Feverish.

47. Allergic Reaction
The hypersensitive response of
the immune system of an
allergic individual to a
substance. Immune system
overreacts to a allergen by
producing antibodies (IgE) they
travel to cells that creates a
chemical called Histamine
which contribute to the
symptoms of allergies.

48. Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis refers to a
rapidly developing and
serious allergic reaction that
affects a number of different
body systems at one time.

49. Hygiene
The science of preventive
medicine and the
preservation of health. Also
commonly used as a
euphemism for cleanliness
and proper sanitation.

50. Flora
The population of microbes
inhabiting the outside or inside
surfaces of people.

51. Antiseptic
Something that discourages the
growth microorganisms.

52. Asepsis
The human Body/Wound is Free
from disease Causing Contaminants
such as (bacteria, fungi & parasites)

53. Aseptic
Characteristics of an environment
or procedure that is free of
contamination by pathogens.

54. Nosocomial
Originating or taking
place in a hospital,
acquired in a hospital,
especially in reference to
an infection.

55. Debride
to clean (a wound) by debridement.
*Divorce “Clean marriage”

56. Drainage
systematic withdrawal of
fluids and discharges from a
wound, sore, or cavity.

57. Droplet Precautions
Before Entering
• Wash hands
• DON mask and Eye protection
• Don Gown then gloves
Patient Transport
• Pt must perform hand hygiene
• Pt must wear surgical or procedure mask and clean gown
• For direct contact with pt nurse or care provider should wear a gown and gloves
• Notify receiving area
Before leaving patient rooms
• Remove gloves then gown
• Wash hands
• Remove eye protection and mask
• Wash hands
Example: Pneumonia

58. Contact Precautions
Before Entering:
• Wash hands
• DON gown then gloves
Transporting
• PT should perform hand hygiene and wear a clean gown
• For direct contact with pt, nurse or care provider should wear a gown and
gloves
• Notify receiving area
Before Leaving
• Remove Gloves then gown
• Wash hands
Example: Clostridium difficile

59. Standard Precautions
These are the safety
measures that should be
taken with ALL patients
1. Wash your hands *MOST important step in
infection control, prevents nosocomial
infections!!
2. Don gloves (before coming in contact with
anything wet, i.e., broken skin, mucous
membranes, blood, bodily fluids, soiled
instruments, contaminated waste materials )
3. Wash hands again upon removal of gloves
and between patients.

60. Expectorate
to eject from the throat
or lungs by coughing
or hawking and
spitting.

61. Gait
A manner of walking.
Observation of gait can
provide early diagnostic
clues for a number of
disorders.

62. Fracture
A break in bone or cartilage.
Although usually a result of
trauma, a fracture can be the
result of an acquired disease
of bone, such as
osteoporosis.

63. Crepitus A clinical sign in medicine that is
characterized by a peculiar
crackling, crinkly, or grating feeling
or sound under the skin, around the
lungs, or in the joints. Crepitus in
soft tissues is often due to gas, most
often air, that has penetrated and
infiltrated an area where it should
not normally be (for example, in the
soft tissues beneath the skin).
Crepitus in a joint can indicate
cartilage wear in the joint space.

64. Sputum
Mucous material from the lungs
that is produced (brought up) by
coughing.

65. Diaphoresis
perspiration, especially
when artificially induced.

66. Epistaxis
Medical term for nosebleed. The
nose is a part of the body that is
very rich in blood vessels (vascular)
and is situated in a vulnerable
position on the face.

67. Emesis
Vomiting.

68. Vomitus
Matter from the
stomach that has come
up into and may be
ejected beyond the
mouth, due to the act of
vomiting.

69. Alopecia
Refers to
Baldness or
receding hair

70. Vertigo
vertigo is a feeling that you
are dizzily turning around or
that things are dizzily turning
about you. Vertigo is usually
due to a problem with the
inner ear. Vertigo can also be
caused by vision problems.

71. Sterile
incapable of producing
offspring; not producing
offspring.

72. Pallor
paleness, as of the skin.

73. Flatus Gas in the intestinal tract or gas
passed through the anus. Intestinal
gas contains numerous gases
including oxygen, nitrogen,
hydrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen
sulfide, ammonia, and methane.
The foul smell usually is caused by
small traces of gases such as
hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and
methane.

74. Exudate
A fluid rich in protein and
cellular elements that oozes out
of blood vessels due to
inflammation and is deposited in
nearby tissues. The altered
permeability of blood vessels
permits the passage of large
molecules and solid matter
through their walls.

75. Stoma
An opening into the body
from the outside that is
created by a surgeon.

76. Colostomy
An artificial exit from the colon
created to divert waste through a
hole in the colon and through the
wall of the abdomen.

77. Ileostomy
An opening into the ileum, part of
the small intestine, from the outside
of the body. An ileostomy provides
a new path for waste material to
leave the body after part of the
intestine has been removed.

78. Urostomy
Surgical construction of an
artificial excretory opening
from the urinary tract.

79. Gastrostomy
A surgical opening into the
stomach. A gastrostomy may
be used for feeding, usually
via a feeding tube called a
gastrostomy tube.

80. Cystectomy
Cystectomy is a surgical
procedure to remove the
bladder.

81. Fistula
An abnormal passageway between
TWO organs in the body or an
organ and the exterior of the body.
This can occur because a disease
condition such as underdeveloped
areas congenital disorder where the
vagina is connected to the urinary
bladder)or done surgically such as
dialysis connecting a vein & artery.

82. Cannula
a metal tube for
insertion into the
body to draw off
fluid or to introduce
medication. More
often introduce
Medication.

83. Catheter
a tubular, flexible
instrument, passed
through body channels
for withdrawal of fluids
from (or introduction of
fluids into) a body
cavity.

84. Otoscope
An instrument for looking in the ear.

85. Oximetry
measurement of oxygen saturation
of the blood using an OXIMETER.

86. Nebulizer
A device for administering a
medication by spraying a fine
mist. Also known as atomizer.

87. Parenteral
Not delivered via the
intestinal tract. For
example, parenteral
nutrition is feeding that is
delivered intravenously.

88. Intradermal
In the skin. For example, an
intradermal injection is given into
the skin

89. Intramuscular
An IM medication is given
by needle into the muscle.

90. Intravenous
Into a vein. Intravenous (IV)
medications are a solutions
administered directly into the
venous circulation.

91. Ampule
a small bottle that contains a drug
(especially a sealed sterile container
for injection by needle)

92. Polypharmacy Polypharmacy refers to
the use of a large number
of medications,
commonly considered to
be the use of five or more.
Since polypharmacy is a
consequence of having
several underlying
medical conditions, it is
much more common
in elderly patients.

93. Narcotic
A drug that relieves pain
Examples: Opioids, Morphine

94. Adverse Reaction
• Adverse reactions undesirable
• Adverse reactions can be
expected or unexpected
• They can be due to allergy to the
drug or non allergic process.
• The reaction could be mild or
severe
• Variable different in everyone
• Some can be due to reaction with
another drug.

95. Idiosyncratic Reaction
Unpredictable, unexpected and
undesirable Adverse reactions. an
uncommon response to a drug
because of a genetic
predisposition. only effects very
few individuals.

96. Paradoxical Reaction
A paradoxical effect is a
reaction that a patient has to
the administration of a
medication that is the
opposite of what was
intended by the physician.

97. Gynecomastia
Excessive development of the
male breasts. Temporary
enlargement of the breasts is
not unusual or abnormal in
boys during adolescence or
during recovery from
malnutrition.

98. Hyperplasia
An increase in the number of
normal cells in a tissue or an organ.
Hyperplasia can represent a
precancerous condition.

99. Carcinoma
Cancer arising in the
epithelial tissue of the skin
or the lining of internal
organs.

100. Benign
Not malignant.

101. Malignant
Tending to be severe and become
progressively worse.

102. Ascites
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in
the abdomen.

103. Edema
the swelling of soft tissues as a
result of excess fluid accumulation.
Edema is often most prominent in
the lower legs and feet toward the
end of the day because fluid pools
while people maintain an upright
position.

104. Cyst
Cysts are abnormal, closed sac-like
structures within a tissue that
contain a liquid, gaseous, or
semisolid substance. Cysts can
occur anywhere in the body and can
vary in size. The outer, or capsular,
portion of a cyst is termed the cyst
wall

105. Purulent
pertaining to pus. Containing
or composed of pus. The term
"purulent" is often used in
regard to drainage. For
example, gonorrhea in men
usually causes a purulent
discharge from the penis.

106. Pus
A thick, whitish-yellow fluid that
results from the accumulation of
white blood cells, liquefied tissue,
and cellular debris. Pus is
commonly a sign of infection or
foreign material in the body.

107. Serous
Pertaining to or
resembling serum.
Producing or
containing serum.
Clear watery fluid like
substance.

108. Pulse Pressure
the pressure that is
characteristic of the arterial
pulse and represents the
difference between
Systolic & Diastolic blood
pressures of the heart cycle
Pulse Pressure = Systolic – Diastolic

109. Diastolic Pressure
Referring to the time when the
heart is in a period of relaxation
and dilatation (expansion) during
the time the ventricles fill with
blood. Bottom #

110. Pulse deficit
Fewer pulses in the
arteries than there are
heartbeats.

111. Hypotension
Any blood pressure that is below
the normal expected for an
individual in a given environment.

112. Hypertension
High blood pressure, defined as a
repeatedly elevated blood pressure
exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a
systolic pressure above 140 or a
diastolic pressure above 90.
For diagnosis, there is no substitute
for measurement of blood pressure.

113. Orthostatic Hypotension
A temporary lowering of blood pressure,
usually related to suddenly standing up.
Healthy people may experience orthostatic
hypotension if they rise quickly from a seated
position. The change in position causes a
temporary reduction in blood flow and
therefore a shortage of oxygen to the brain.
This leads to lightheadedness, dizziness, and,
sometimes, a temporary loss of consciousness.
Tilt-table testing can be used to confirm a
diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension.

114. Stenosis
A narrowing. For
example, aortic stenosis
is a narrowing of the
aortic valve in the heart.

115. Bradycardia
A slow heart rate,
usually defined as
less than 60 beats
per minute.

116. Tachycardia
A rapid heart rate,
usually defined as
greater than 100
beats per minute.

117. Phlebotomy
Obtaining blood from a vein.
In the old days, this was done by incising (cutting) a vein and
just letting the blood flow into a container. Today phlebotomy
is done more neatly by puncturing a vein with a needle.
Phlebotomy may be done in order to obtain blood for
diagnostic tests or to remove blood for treatment purposes
(to relieve the iron overload in hemochromatosis).

118. Phlebitis
Inflammation of a vein.
With phlebitis, there is infiltration of
the walls of the vein and, usually, the
formation of a clot (thrombus) in the
vein (thrombophlebitis). Phlebitis in a
leg, for example, causes the leg to
swell with fluid (edema). Phlebitis can
be superficial and not very serious, or it
can be deep and carry the potential for
dislodging blood clots to the lungs

119. Thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of
a vein that
occurs when a
blood clot
forms.

120. Septicemia
Septicemia is a serious
bloodstream infection.
It’s also known as bacteremia, or blood
poisoning. Septicemia occurs when a bacterial
infection elsewhere in the body, such as in the
lungs or skin, enters the bloodstream. This is
dangerous because the bacteria and their toxins
can be carried through the bloodstream to your
entire body. If it’s left untreated, septicemia can
progress to sepsis.

121. Sepsis
The inflammatory
Response to the presence
of bacteria.

122. Aneurysm
an excessive localized
enlargement of an artery
caused by a weakening of the
artery wall

123. Transfusion
The transfer of blood or blood
products from one person (the
donor) into the bloodstream of
another person (the recipient).

124. Anemia
is a medical condition in
which the red blood cell count
or hemoglobin is less than
normal.

125. Oxygen Saturation
the amount of oxygen bound to
hemoglobin in the blood, expressed
as a percentage of the maximal
binding capacity.

126. Hypoxemia
abnormally low levels of oxygen in
the blood. Hypoxemia may be mild
to severe and leads to shortness of
breath. Breathing at high altitudes
can also cause hypoxemia.

127. Hypoxia
Very Critical-Inadequate O2 supply
to Tissue. Insufficient O2 to meet
metabolic need.

128. Hypercapnia
A greater than normal level of
carbon dioxide in the blood.

129. Alkalosis
Relatively too much base in the
blood and body, an abnormal
condition resulting from the
accumulation of base or the
depletion of acid. Too low of CO2
or too High of Bicarbonate.
Hyperventilation
Carbon
Dioxide: Too
low
Bicarbonate: Too
High
Losing Hydrogen Ions = more alkaline

130. Cyanosis
A bluish color of the skin and the
mucous membranes due to
insufficient oxygen in the blood.
Cyanosis can be present at birth, as
in a 'blue baby,' an infant with a
malformation of the heart that
permits into the arterial system
blood that is not fully oxygenated

131. Patent
Open, unobstructed,
affording free passage.
Thus, for example, the
bowel may be patent (as
opposed to obstructed).

132. Embolus
undissolved material carried by the
blood and impacted in some part of
the vascular system, as thrombi or
fragments of thrombi, tissue
fragments, clumps of bacteria,
protozoan parasites, fat globules, or
gas bubbles.

133. Stasis
A stoppage or slowdown in the flow
of blood or other body fluid, such
as lymph.

134. Respirations
act or process of
respiring; breathing;
inhaling and exhaling
air.

135. Apnea
Temporary Stoppage of Breathing.

136. Bradypnea
respirations that are regular
in rhythm but slower than
normal in rate. This is
normal during sleep;
otherwise it is associated
with disturbance in the
brain's respiratory control
center.

137. Tachypnea
Abnormally fast breathing.

138. Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing;
shortness of breath. Dyspnea is a
sign of serious disease of the
airway, lungs, or heart. The onset of
dyspnea should not be ignored; it is
reason to seek medical attention.

139. orthopnea
The inability to breathe
easily except when sitting up
straight or standing erect.

140. Eupnea
Easy, free respiration;
the type observed in a
normal person under
resting conditions.

141. Atelectasis
a complete or partial collapse
of a lung or lobe of a lung

142. Atrophy
A wasting away or diminution.
Muscle atrophy is a decrease in
muscle mass, often due to extended
immobility.

143. Hypertrophy
Enlargement or overgrowth of an
organ or part of the body due to the
increased size of the constituent
cells.

144. Contracture
a condition of shortening and
hardening of muscles, tendons, or
other tissue, often leading to
deformity and rigidity of joints.

145. Bolus
soft, roundish mass or
lump, especially of chewed
food.

146. Peristalsis
The rippling motion of
muscles in the digestive
tract. In the stomach, this
motion mixes food with
gastric juices, turning it
into a thin liquid.

147. Defecation
The action of eliminating wastes
and undigested food, as feces, from
the rectum

148. Feces
The excrement
discharged from the
'intestines.

149. Stool
The solid matter that is
discharged in a bowel
movement.

150. Enema
a procedure in which liquid is
forced into the intestines through
the anus in order to make solid
waste pass from the body

151. Neuropathy
Any disease or
malfunction of the
nerves.

152. Ataxia
an inability to coordinate voluntary
muscular movements that is
symptomatic of some central
nervous system disorders and
injuries and not due to muscle
weakness —called also
incoordination

153. Aphagia
inability or refusal to swallow.

154. Contractalateral
Of or pertaining to the other side.
For example, a stroke involving the
right side of the brain may cause
contralateral paralysis of the left
leg.

155. Micturition
Urination; the act of urinating.

156. Void
To urinate. The term void is also
sometimes used to indicate the
elimination of solid waste

157. Proteinuria
Excess protein in the urine. Some
protein is normal in the urine. Too
much means protein is leaking
through the kidney, most often
through the glomeruli. The main
protein in human blood and the key
to the regulation of the osmotic
pressure of blood is albumin.
Proteinuria is synonymous with
albuminuria.

158. Glycosuria
The presence
of glucose in
the Urine.

159. Hematuria
Blood in the urine.

160. Nocturia
excessive urinating at night.
Nocturia can be normal and more
common with aging. Nocturia can
also be a sign of an underlying
condition, such as diabetes or
urinary infection.

161. Anuria
Absence or defective
excretion of Urine

162. Oliguria
Less urination than normal.

163. Polyuria
The excessive passage of urine (at
least 2.5 liters per day for an adult)
resulting in profuse urination and
urinary frequency (the need to
urinate frequently). Polyuria is a
classic sign of diabetes mellitus that
is under poor control or is not yet
under treatment.

164. Diuresis
The increased
formation of
urine by the
kidneys.

165. Incontinence
The unintentional loss of urine.
Inability to hold urine in the bladder
due to loss of voluntary control
over the urinary sphincters resulting
in the involuntary passage of urine.

166. Guaiac
a test for blood in urine
or feces using a reagent
containing guaiacum
that yields a blue color
when blood is present

167. Integument
In anatomy, the integument of
humans and vertebrates is the
largest organ of the body. It
performs many vital functions that
include protection against thermal,
chemical, abrasive injuries and
pathogens, sensation, secretion,
vitamin D synthesis, insulation and
thermoregulation.

168. Papule small solid rounded bumps rising
from the skin. The term "papule" is
derived from Latin from "papula," a
pimple. Dermatologists call any
small solid circumscribed bump in
the skin a papule, as opposed to a
vesicle which contains fluid or a
macule which is flat and even with
the surrounding skin.

169. Pruritis
An uncomfortable
sensation in the skin that
feels as if something is
crawling on the skin and
makes the person want to
scratch the affected area.
Itching is medically
known as pruritis;
something that is itchy is
pruritic.

170. Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a general term for skin
inflammation. The skin will
typically appear dry, swollen, and
red.

171. Eczema
Eczema is a common skin condition
marked itchy and inflamed patches
of skin. It is also known as atopic
dermatitis. It occurs on the faces of
infants, as well as inside the elbows
and behind the knees of children,
teenagers, and adults. It is caused
by an overactive immune system.

172. Uriticaria Another name for hives. Raised,
itchy areas of skin that are usually a
sign of an allergic reaction. Hives
can be rounded or flat-topped but
are always elevated above the
surrounding skin. They reflect
circumscribed dermal edema (local
swelling of the skin). The hives are
usually well circumscribed but may
be coalescent and will blanch with
pressure.

173. Psoriasis chronic, non-contagious disease
characterized by inflamed lesions
covered with silvery-white scabs of
dead skin. Normal skin cells mature
and replace dead skin every 28-30
days. Psoriasis causes skin cells to
mature in less than a week. Because
the body can't shed old skin as
rapidly as new cells are rising to the
surface, raised patches of dead skin
develop
*Frosted
Flakes
Cereal

174. Friction
The act of rubbing
the surface of an
object against that
of another.

175. Abrasion
the rubbing or scraping
of the surface layer of
cells or tissue from an
area of the skin or
mucous membrane

176. Laceration
A cut.

177. Excoriation
A scratch mark; a linear
break in the skin surface,
usually covered with
blood or serous crusts.

178. Abscess
A localized collection of
pus surrounded by
inflamed tissue

179. Melanoma
a cancer of the melanocyte, the cell
that produces pigment in the skin.
Melanoma is considered the most
dangerous form of skin cancer,
Melanoma is most common in people
with fair skin, but can occur in people
with all skin colors. Most melanomas
present as a dark, mole-like spot that
spreads and, unlike a mole, has an
irregular border.

180. Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a
bacterial infection of
the skin and tissues
beneath the skin.

181. Eschar
The scab formed when a wound or
skin is sealed by the heat of cautery
or burning. Also the dark crusted
ulcer (tache noire) at the site of the
chigger (mite larva) bite in scrub
typhus.

182. Bullae
More than one bulla, a bulla
being a blister more than 5 mm
(about 3/16 inch) in diameter
with thin walls that is full of
fluid.

183. keloid A scar that rises quite abruptly above
the rest of the skin. It is irregularly
shaped, usually pink to red in color,
tends to enlarge progressively, and may
be harder than the surrounding skin.
Keloids are a response to trauma, such
as a cut to the skin. In creating a
normal scar, connective tissue in the
skin is repaired by the formation of
collagen. Keloids arise when extra
collagen forms. Susceptibility to
keloids is genetic.

184. Necrosis
The death of living cells or tissues.
Necrosis can be due, for example,
to ischemia (lack of blood flow)

185. Maceration
the softening of a solid by soaking.

186. Erythema
Redness of the skin that results
from capillary congestion.
Erythema can occur with
inflammation, as in sunburn and
allergic reactions to drugs

187. Ecchymosis
Nonraised skin discoloration caused
by the escape of blood into the
tissues from ruptured blood vessels.
Ecchymoses can occur in mucous
membranes (for example, in the
mouth).

188. Contusion
is caused when blood vessels are
damaged or broken as the result of a
blow to the skin (be it bumping
against something or hitting
yourself with a hammer). The raised
area of a bump or bruise results
from blood leaking from these
injured blood vessels into the
tissues as well as from the body's
response to the injury.

189. Petechiae Pinpoint flat round red spots under
the skin surface caused by
intradermal hemorrhage (bleeding
into the skin). Petechiae are red
because they contain red blood
that has leaked from the
capillaries into the skin. Petechiae
are quite tiny (less than 3
millimeters in diameter) and do
not blanch when pressed upon.

190. Hematoma A localized swelling that is filled with
blood caused by a break in the wall of a
blood vessel. The breakage may be
spontaneous, as in the case of an
aneurysm, or caused by trauma. The blood
is usually clotted or partially clotted, and
it exists within an organ or in a soft tissue
space, such as muscle. Treatment depends
on the location and size of the hematoma
but usually involves draining the
accumulated blood. A hematoma in or
near the brain is particularly dangerous.

191. Hydronephrosis
Distention of the kidney with urine.
Hydronephrosis is caused by
obstruction of urine outflow (for
example, by a stone blocking the
ureter)

192. Dialysis The process of removing waste
products and excess fluid from the
body. Dialysis is necessary when
the kidneys are not able to
adequately filter the blood. Dialysis
allows patients with kidney failure a
chance to live productive lives.
There are two types of dialysis:
hemodialysis and peritoneal
dialysis.