Beta-lactam is a class of antibiotics, that contain a beta-lactam ring. [faq]Beta lactam. What's that? How's that different from an alpha lactam? So beta lactams are named this way, because they have...

IV cannulation (IVC, aka peripheral venous catheter) is the insertion of a cannula into a vein. Arterial cannulation is a variation involving insertion into an artery (commonly the radial artery) to...

Type 1 diabetes (aka diabetes [mellitus] type 1, T1D[M], formerly insulin[-dependent] diabetes, juvenile diabetes) is DM that results from autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. [faq]What is...

Ultrasound is a Dx technique for visualizing soft tissue, including tendons, muscles, joints, vessels, and internal organs, for possible pathology/lesions. Method U/S is the use of sound waves with a frequency too...

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is the dilation (widening/opening) of the cervix, and surgical removal of part of the lining of the uterus, and/or contents of the uterus by scraping and...

Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) is a brief 30-point questionnaire used to estimate, and track the course (over time) of the severity of cognitive impairment, especially for dementia. It samples arithmetic,...

Heart valves restrict blood flow to 1 direction. There are 2 sets of valves, including: Atrioventricular (AV), including the tricuspid and mitral valve. During systole, these shut to allow flow through...

Fever (aka pyrexia) is an elevated body temperature above the normal range of 37 ± 0.5°C, i.e. >37.5°C. [faq]I know fever means you're hot, but what does hot mean? Normal temperature is 0.5°C...

Preterm birth (aka premmies) is where a baby is born 34-36 weeks gestation. The cause of preterm birth is often unknown, but there are risk factors associated. TPL is short term for...

Fundal height (aka McDonald's rule) is a measurement of the size of the uterus, as an indication of proper fetal growth/development and amniotic fluid development, during pregnancy. SFH is shorthand...