ABG (Arterial blood gas) is a blood test performed on arterial blood. It is useful in pulmonology and critical care to determine gas exchange, reflecting gas exchange across the alveolar-capillary...

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...

CCB's (calcium channel blockers) reduce blood pressure. MOA Disrupts movement of calcium through calcium channels, thereby: Reducing BP Slowing HR Reducing force of contraction of the heart Unlike beta blockers, CCB don't decrease responsiveness of heart to...

Edema (aka hydropsy) is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitium, located beneath the skin and in cavities of the body which cause severe pain. It manifests as swelling. Pathophysiology The amount of...

Vomiting (aka emesis) is the involuntary, forceful expulsion of stomach's contents, through the mouth, and sometimes the nose. Nausea is the feeling one is about to vomit, but doesn't necessarily...

Celiac disease (from Greek "koiliakos" meaning "abdominal") is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that occurs in genetically predisposed Pt's. [faq]What is celiac disease? It's where the body's cells attacks itself. Specifically, of...

Liver disease is damage to or disease of the liver. Classification Acute liver failure, where there is appearance of severe comlications rapidly after the first signs of liver disease (e.g. jaundice), indicating...

Pulse is measuring heart beat by palpating a peripheral artery by the fingertip (with the exception of using the thumb). Sometimes, there is delay, which is indicative of pathology. Method Pulses can...

Spina bifida (Latin for "split spine") is a congenital disorder of development, caused by incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube, and therefore the backbone and membranes around the spinal...

SOB (shortness of breath, aka dyspnea, respiratory distress) is feelings of distress associated with impaired breathing. It can cause the tripod position (i.e. sits or stands, leaning forward, supporting the upper body...