Erythema multiforme (from "multi" and "formis") is a skin condition of unknown cause, it is a type of erythema possibly mediated by deposition of immune complexes, mostly IgM-bound complexes, in the superficial...

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory. Topical steroid is topical form of corticosteroid. Purpose Tx rash, eczema, dermatitis Tx asthma → reduce airway inflammation Antenatal corticosteroids → given to women expecting preterm delivery. It is used help the lungs of a premature...

Oxygen therapy is the administration of O2 as an intervention, and can be used either in chronic or acute Pt care. [faq]What is oxygen therapy? It's where we give oxygen as an...

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,...

[B-cell] chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL, aka chronic lymphoid leukemia) is the most common type of leukemia (i.e. a type of cancer of the WBC's) in adults. Pathophysiology CLL affects B cell lymphocytes,...

Tyrosinemia is an error of metabolism, usually inborn, in which the body can't effectively braek down the amino acid tyrosine. Sx Liver and kidney disturbances Mental retardation Cause Most inborn forms of tyrosinemia produce hypertyrosinemia...

Phakomatosis (from Greek "phakos" meaning "spot, lens", aka neuro-oculo-cutaneous syndromes, neurocutaneous disorders, mother's spot) are multisystem disorders that have characteristic CNS, ocular, and cutaneous lesions of variable severity. The skin and the...

Test reflex, using a hammer to hit the biceps brachia tendon as it passes through the cubital fossa. A super strong contraction is a due to a UMN lesion, and an...

Venipuncture is the process of obtaining IV access. Purpose IV therapy Administer therapeutic Tx (including medications, nutritions, chemotherapy) Obtain blood for: Dx purposes Monitor levels of blood components Remove blood due to excess levels of iron or...

Heparin (from Greek "hepar" meaning "liver") is an injectable anticoagulant. [faq]What is heparin? It's a drug, that prevents blood from clotting, which we call an anticoagulant. It's injected, as supposed to warfarin which...