Murmur is an auscultatable sound caused by turbulent flow of blood, caused by stenosis (i.e. restriction of heart valve opening) or regurgitation (i.e. allowing backflow of blood through an incompetent valve that incompletely closses). This...

Herpes [simplex] is a viral STD. Pathophysiology Herpes is caused by either HSV-1 (usually oral) or HSV-2 (usually genital), although genital HSV-1 infections are increasing, and now cause up to 80% of infections Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and...

ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is a technique that combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy to Dx and Tx certain problems of the biliary or pancreatic ductal systems. [faq]What is ERCP? It's...

COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is an obstructive lung disease, characterized by chronic poor airflow. It includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. [faq]What is COPD? It's a lung disease involving poor airflow,...

Cranial nerves (CN's, aka cerebral nerves) are nerves emerging directly from the brain and brain stem (cf. spinal nerves which emerge from the spinal cord). Physiology CN's exchange information between brain and...

Newborn examination is an exam done of newborn babies in accordance with a checklist. [youtube]787D5wz1Fpk[/youtube] [faq]What is a newborn exam? I'm guessing it's an exam you do on all newborns? Exactly! So it's...

Antiepileptic drugs (AED's, aka anticonvulsant) is used to Tx epileptic seizures. They can also be used to Tx bipolar disorder, mood stabilizer, and neuropathic pain. MOA Block sodium channels, or enhance GABA....

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...

Oliguria (from Greek "oligo" meaning "small", aka hypouresis) is low output of urine. [faq]Oliguria, what is it? I know it's related to urine, but what is "oligo"? "Oligo" is like "oligopoly", where...

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...