S Scleroderma Description Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a disorder of the connective tissue characterized by fibrotic, degenerative, and occasionally inflammatory changes in the skin, blood vessels, synovium, skeletal muscle, and…
O Ostomies Description An ostomy is a surgical procedure that allows intestinal contents to pass from the bowel through an opening in the skin on the abdomen. The opening is…
C Cardiomyopathy Description Cardiomyopathy (CMP) is a group of diseases that directly affect myocardial structure or function. CMP can be classified as primary or secondary: ■ Primary CMP refers to those…
P Pacemakers Description The artificial cardiac pacemaker is an electronic device used to pace the heart when the normal conduction pathway is damaged. The basic pacing circuit consists of a…
B Bell’s palsy Description Bell’s palsy (peripheral facial paralysis, acute benign cranial polyneuritis) is a disorder characterized by inflammation of the facial nerve (CN VII) on one side of the…
M Macular degeneration Description Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degeneration of the retina involving the macula that results in varying degrees of central vision loss. It is the most…
D Dementia Description Dementia is a syndrome characterized by dysfunction or loss of memory, orientation, attention, language, judgment, and reasoning. Personality changes and behavioral problems such as agitation, delusions, and…
B Basic life support for health care providers Description The steps of basic life support (BLS) consist of a series of actions and skills performed by the rescuer or rescuers…
V Vaginal, cervical, and vulvar infections Definition Infection and inflammation of the vagina, cervix, and vulva commonly occur when the natural defenses of the acid vaginal secretions (maintained by sufficient…
A Amputation Description An amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. An estimated 2 million people in the United States are living with limb loss….
