Estrogen (from Greek "oistros" meaning "inspiration", but figuratively "sexual passion", and "-gen" meaning "producer of") is the primary female sex hormone. Purpose Responsible for development and regulation of the female reproductive system, and secondary...

Hyperkalemia (from English "hyper" meaning "high", "kalium" meaning "potassium") is elevated concentration of the electrolyte potassium K+. [faq]What's hyperkalemia? It's high potassium in blood.[/faq] Cause Ineffective elimination, including: Renal insufficiency Drugs, that interfere w/ urinary excretion,...

Large for gestational age (LGA) is an indicator of high prenatal growth rate. Risk factors Poorly controlled maternal diabetes, a major risk factor, especially gestational diabetes, as well as pre-existing type 2...

Tenderness is pain or discomfort when an affected area is touched. Whereas pain is the Pt's perception, tenderness is the sign that the clinician elicits. Sl tender is an abbreviation for slightly tender. Classification Pain...

Obstetric cholestasis (aka [intrahepatic] cholestasis of pregnancy, jaundice of pregnancy, prurigo gravidarum) is where cholestasis occurs during pregnancy. It typically presents with troublesome itching, and can lead to complications for...

Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood. Pathophysiology Source is generally thought to be the upper GI tract, typically above the suspensory muscle of the duodenum Cause Mallory-Weiss syndrome, bleeding tears in the esophageal mucosa,...

Aortic dissection is when a tear in the inner wall of the aota causes blood to flow between the layers of the wall of the aorta, causing dissection (i.e. forcing...

Toxic shock syndrome is a potentially fatal illness caused by a bacterial toxin. Different bacterial toxins may cause toxic shock syndrome, depending on the situation. The causative bacteria include Staph...

Mobility aid are devices designed to assist walking or otherwise improve the mobility of patients with a mobility impairment. Classification Walking aids, including: Cane (aka walking stick), the simplest form of walking aid....

Respiratory exam is performed as part of a physical exam. AE is shorthand for Air entry, referring to the intensity of breath sounds. A drawing of lungs with arrows through them, indicates there is nothing...