Pre-eclampsia (from Greek "eclampsia" meaning "lightning", previously called pre-eclamptic toxemia, PET) is a disorder of pregnancy. The disorder usually occurs in trimester 3 of pregnancy, and gets worse over time. Rarely,...

Laparotomy (aka celiotomy) is a large surgical incision through the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity. See also [[Laparoscopy]] (antonym)

Heart attack (aka myocardial infarction) is where blood [and thus oxygen] flow stops to a part of the heart, and heart muscle becomes damaged. [faq]What is a myocardial infarction, and how...

Clinical depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by pervasive and persistent low mood, resulting in low self-esteem, anhedonia (loss of interest of pleasure), and pleasure. Causes Combination of hereditary and psychosocial factors Also...

Fluid thrill test is a test for ascites. Pt pushes their hands down on the midline of the abdomen. Examiner taps one flank, while feeling the other flank for the...

Echo phenomenon is automatic imitative actions wihtout explicit awareness, or pathological repetitions of external stimuli or activities, actions, sounds, or phrases, indicative of an underlying disorder. Classification Echolalia, of vocalizations, the most...

Nephritic syndrome is a glomerular disorder, causing proteinuria and hematuria. Sx Hematuria (blood in urine) Proteinuria (protein in urine) HTN Blurred vision Azotemia Oliguria (low urine output <400mL/day) Pathophysiology Caused by inflammation of the glomerulus Characterized by a thin glomerular...

CABG (coronary artery bypass surgery, pronouncd "cabbage") is surgery involving that involves bypassing an obstructed coronary artery. Pathophysiology The obstruction being bypassed is due to arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, or both: Arteriosclerosis is characterized by...

PPHN (Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn) is where the Pt is unable to breathe properly because of pulmonary hypertension. Pathophysiology In a fetus, there is high pulmonary vascular resistance, and low...

Bradypnea (from Greek "brady" meaning "slow", "pnea" meaning "breath") is abnormally slow RR. Dx Definition depends upon the Pt's age, including: <1yo, <30bpm <3yo, <25bpm <12yo, <20bpm <50yo, <12bpm >50yo, <13bpm Sx Dizziness Fainting (or near-fainting) Fatigue Weakness Chest pains SOB Memory impairment or confusion Tiring easily...