Gestational age (GA, aka menstrual age, weeks gestation, WG) is a measure of the age of pregnancy, where the origin is the woman's last normal menstrual period (LMP), or the...

Otoscope (aka auriscope) is a device used to look into the ears, especially the outer and middle ear, by providing a view of the ear canal and tympanic membrane (aka eardrum,...

Tx is shorthand for Treatment. EI stands for early intervention. Method Informed consent is the process of getting permission before conducting a healthcare intervention on a Pt Competence is the mental capacity of a...

Hypothermia is body core temperature <35°C. [faq]What is hypothermia? Low body temperature. Normal temperature is 37°C ± 0.5°C. Low body temperature is strictly below 36.5, but we don't call it hypothermia until it hits below...

Miscarriage (aka spontaneous abortion, or pregnancy loss) is the natural death of an embryo/fetus, before it is able to survive independently. Miscarriage is death in the first 2 trimesters, set...

Eclampsia (from Greek "eclampsia" meaning "lightning") is the onset of seizures in a woman with pre-eclampsia (i.e. HTN+proteinuria, or other organ dysfunction). Onset may be before, during, or after delivery. Most...

Menstruation (aka period, monthly) is the periodic discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the endometrium (i.e. inner lining of the uterus) through the vagina. [faq]What's menstruation? It's where a woman bleeds periodically,...

Leopold's maneuvers (aka fetal palpation) are 4 maneuvers used to palpate a fetus inside a pregnant woman, from her abdomen. FMF is shorthand for fetal movement felt. Purpose Determines position of the fetus Determines presentation...

Perineal tear is an unintended laceration of the skin and other soft tissue structures separating the vagina from the anus. Tears vary in severity. [faq]What is a perineal tear? It's where as...

PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter, percutaneous indwelling central catheter) is an IV access that can be used for a prolonged period of time (e.g. for long chemotherapy regimens, extended...