INTRODUCTORY MODULES peri- around, surrounding

SUMMARY OF TOPICS post- after, behind

poster/o behind towards the back
pre- before, in front of
MEDICAL TERMIN0LOGY pro- before
I. Introduction pros/o forward, anterior
Most medical terms can be interpreted easily proxim/o near
through the meaning of the roots, prefixes, and re- back, again
suffixes. As mentioned in the first chapter, all retro- behind, backward
medical terms have suffixes but not all have
sinistr/o left
prefixes. The following tables will provide us a
sub- under, beneath
better picture on what we might come across in the
super- above, beyond
entire course of medical terminologies.
supra- above, beyond
II. Prefixes tele- distant, end, complete
DIRECTIONAL TERMS trans- across
ab- away from ultra- beyond, excess
ad- toward, near
ambi- around, on both sides, about PREFIXES OF NUMBER AND
amphi- around, on both sides MEASUREMENT
ana- up, backward, against bi- two
ante- before, forward dipl-, diplo- double, twofold
anter/o front hemi-, semi- half
anti- against macro- large
apo- away, separation micro- small
cata- down, under mono-, uni- one
circum- around multi-, poly- many, much
contra- against, opposite prirni- first
dextr/o right quadri- four
dia- through, throughout tri- three
dis- apart, to separate
PREFIXES OF NEGATION
dist/o distant
a-, an- without, not
ec-, ecto- outside, out
im-, in- in, not
en-, inside, within
endo-
COLOR
epi- above, over, upon
albin/o white
eso- within
chlor/o green
ex- out, away from
cirrh/o yellow
exo- outside, outward
cyan/o blue
extra- outside
eosin/o red, rosy, dawn
fore- before, in front
erythr/o red
hyper- above, excessive, beyond
glauc/o gray
hypo- under, deficient, below
jaund/o yellow
infra- below, beneath
Ieuk/o white
inter- between
lute/o yellow
tntra— within
Melan/o black
juxta- near
poli/o gray
later/c side
rubr/o red
levo- left
xanth/o yellow
medio- middle
meso- middle
para- alongside, near, beyond,
abnormal
per- through, throughout
OTHER PREFIXES
brady- slow -penia decrease, deficiency
auscult/o to listen -phagia eating, swallowing
aspir/o Removal -phasia speech
dys- painful, difficulty -philia attraction to
echo- reverberating sound -phobia fear
electr/ o Electricity -plasia formation, growth
eu- Normal -plegia paralysis
hetero- different -poiesis formation, production
homo- same -ptosis prolapse, downward displacement
mal- bad -scope instrument for visual examination
pan- all -scopy visual examination
Pseudo false -spasm involuntary contraction, twitching
syn- union, together, joined
tachy- rapid -stasis control, to stop
-stenosis narrowing, stricture
III. Suffixes -therapy treatment
DIAGNOSTIC, SYMPTOMATIC, AND
-tome instrument for cutting
RELATED SUFFIXES
-algia, -dynia pain -toxic poison
-assay to examine, analyze -trophy development, nourishment
-cele hernia, swelling
-ectasis dilation, expansion FIVE rrh’s
-ernesis vomiting -rrhagia, -rrhage excessive flow, profuse fluid,
-emia blood condition bleeding
-genesis formation -rrhaphy suture
-gram written record -rrhea flow, discharge
-graph instrument for recording -rrhexis rupture
-graphy process of recording -rrhythm/o rhythm
-iatry treatment
-iasis abnormal condition SURGICAL PROCEDURES
-ism condition -centesis surgical puncture of a cavity
-itis inflammation -desis surgical fixation, fusion
-lith stone, calculus -ectomy surgical removal
-logist specialist in the study of -pexy fixation
-logy study of -plasty surgical correction/repair
-malacia softening -rrhaphy suture
-megaly enlargement -sect to cut
-meter instrument for measuring -stomy surgical opening
-metry process of measuring -tomy surgical incision
-oid resembling -txipsy to crush, break -
-oma tumor, neoplasm, growth
-opsy to view ADJECTIVE SUFFIXES (means pertaining to)
-osis abnormal condition, increase (used -ac cardiac
primarily with blood cells) -al neural
-para to bear (offspring) -at muscular
-paresis slight paralysis -ary salivary
-pathy disease -cal menirigeal
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

I. Introduction
In order to appreciate the complexities of the human body, one must be knowledgeable in both its anatomy
and physiology. Anatomy is defined as a branch of biology that deals with the study of body structures and
its parts. Physiology is the study of the various functions of living things in relation to its parts as a whole.
The size, shape, and structure of each part are related to the functions it performs. For example, the pouch-
like shape of the stomach containing hydrochloric acid, functions in the breakdown of food particles into
smaller molecules. These are then distributed by the blood via a vast network of arteries and veins to
various tissues in the body, supplying them with the nutrients it needs. Homeostasis refers to the body’s
ability to maintain a steady state of equilibrium. Any disruption in homeostasis results in the body’s
inability to function appropriately thus leading to disease or even death.

III. The Body Systems

SYSTEM COMPONENTS FUNCTIONS HOMEOSTATIC ABILITY
Protection, temperature
Integumentary Follicles, glands, hair and, nails, Functions to cover and regulation, sensory reception,
protect the body. biochemical synthesis, and
absorption.
Provides shape and form
to the body, in addition
to supporting, protecting, Maintain constant calcium levels
Skeletal Bones, cartilage and ligament. allowing bodily in the blood.
movement, producing
blood for the body and
storing minerals.
Movement of the body
Muscular Skeletal muscles and temperature Nutrition through body
regulation. movements.
Brain, spinal cord, nerves and Cognitive, motor skills,
receptors neurologic, pain, Principal regulatory system
Nervous reflexes, senses, sleep,
speech
Pituitary and pineal gland, thyroid Regulates metabolic activities
and parathyroid gland, adrenal and blood levels of various
and suprarenal gland, pancreas, Regulates body substances in coordination with
gonads and other endocrine chemistry along with the nervous system.
Endocrine glands other functions
Heart, blood and blood vessels, Responsible for Transports nutrients, water and
Circulatory transporting materials oxygen. Removal of waste
throughout the entire products. Maintains water and
body. ionic balance of tissues.
Lung and passageways Exchange of gases Maintains adequate blood
Respiratory between blood and the oxygen content, and eliminates
external environment, carbon dioxide
Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small Prepares nutrients for the Maintains adequate supplies of
intestine, pancreas, liver, utilixation of the body fuel molecules and building
gallbladder and colon. cells, materials.
Digestive

kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder Maintain volume and Regulation of body chemistry in
Urinary and urethra composition of body coordination with the endocrine
fluids within normal System.
limits
Male: Penis, testicles, prostate, Maintenance of secondary sex
seminal vesicles, epididymis, characteristics. Passing of
Cowper glands and prostate. Reproduction genetic characteristics.
Female: Vulva, vagina, uterus,
fallopian tubes, ovaries, Skene
Reproductive glands and Bartholin.

V. Body planes and sections

These terms pertain to sections or slices of the body cut along body planes. They are imaginary, flat
surfaces that divide the body into parts. Terms related to these planes are sagittal, transverse, and frontal:
1. Sagittal. A sagittal plane divides the body into right and left parts. A midsagital (or median) plane
passes through the body axis and divides the body into two (almost) mirror-image halves.
2. Transverse. A plane at right angles to the body axis is a transverse or cross section. It divides the body
into superior and inferior parts.
3. Frontal (or coronal). A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts is a frontal section.
The three types of muscle tissues are tabulated as follows:
SKELETAL SMOOTH CARDIAC

Location Attached to skeleton Walls of stomach, intestines, Walls of heart

etc.
Type f control Voluntary Involuntary Involuntary

Shape of fibers Elongated, cylindrical, Elongated, spindle shaped, Elongated, cylindrical, fibers
and blunt ends pointed ends branch and fuse
Striations Present Absent Present

Number of nuclei per Many One One

fiber

Speed of contraction Most rapid Slowest Intermediate

Contraction ability Least Greatest Intermediate

HUMAN DISEASES
Nomenclature and Classification of Diseases
There are several different ways diseases are named. The following section outlines these. It is important to
remember, though, that disease names formed with Greek suffixes have fairly predictable patterns of
meaning, such as:

• -ology means a science or study of, e.g. pathology

• -ia denotes an abnormal condition, as in pneumonia or ophthalmia.
• -itis means inflammation, e.g. appendicitis, dermatitis.
• -osis pertains to an abnormal condition, e.g. cyanosis, nephrosis.
• -ism means habituation or an intoxicating condition, e.g. alcoholism, atropinism.

Nomenclature based on Onset of a Disease, Severity, Duration, Evolution, and Resolution

TERM MEANING EXAMPLE

Hyperacute Refers to a disease with a very short onset or course Hyperacute skin graft

Acute A disease which has developed of a sudden nature; Acute appendicitis

course would usually be short, that is, within days or Acute laryngitis
week Acute gastritis

Subacute An ailment that last a degree longer than an Subacute bacterial

acute illness endocarditis
Chronic
Term meaning a disease that has a long or Chronic bronchitis
protracted course; may also refer to a
lifelong condition

Fulminant / A disorder that is rapidly progressive and Fulminating hepatitis

Fulminating severe in nature; it refers to a disease that

has reached a high level of morbidity and mortality Acute fulminant dysentery
End-stage Referring to a continually worsening condition which End-stage Renal Failure
has reached a point of functional organ impairment

Acquired A disease which has not been genetically passed down Acquired
from one generation to another; one that has Immunoglobulinemia
originated and developed during the course of an
individual s life
Congenital absence of limbs
Congenital Referring to a condition present at birth but
not necessarily inherited Congenital cataracts

Asymptomatic A disorder which causes no signs or symptoms such Asymptomatic HIV-infected

cases are oftentimes discovered during routine individual
diagnostic screening examinations

Silent May also be taken as asymptomatic Silent myocardial infarction

referring to a medical condition that is may
have been discovered by accident

Subclinical Meaning a disorder that usually causes no Subclinical infarction

signs or symptoms; it may also be taken as
“silent”

Intermittent Means that symptoms of a disorder occurs Intermittent claudication

in intervals

Remittent/ Referring to a condition of which most or all Neoplastic remission

Remissive of signs and symptoms have resolved, either
naturally or as a result of treatment; remission may be
temporary or permanent.

Paroxysm A disease condition which occurs in sudden Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia

attacks

Progressive Described as having symptoms of a disease Progressive muscular

which are increasing in severity dystrophy

Recurring/ a condition which reap ears after symptoms Recurrent peptic ulcer
Recurrent/ had largely or entirely resolved disease
Relapsing
Relapsing fever

Self-limiting Usually pertaining to a viral disease where a Self-limiting rhinovirus

disease entity is allowed to resolve itself

Self-limited Spontaneously; in these cases, the immune

system of the individual plays a major role

Neonatal Refers to disease conditions which affect Neonatal hypoglycemia

newborn infants from 0-28 days of life

Infantile Refers to disease conditions which affect Infantile autism

infants from 28 days – 1 year of life
Juvenile Refers to disease conditions which affect Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
patients in the early to late childhood stages
Juvenile kyphosis

Disabling A degree of a disorder meaning impairment Parkinsons disease

of normal functions and capabilities of an
individual

Senile A description which denotes a disease Senile cataracts, OU

secondary to the aging process

Benign Usually, but not limited to, a referred Benign myoma

neoplastic condition which has not yet
reached a point of lethality or has not yet
spread throughout the living system

Malignant Usually, but not limited, to a referred Malignant carcinoma

neoplastic condition which has either
reached a point of lethality or has already
spread throughout the living system

Life-threatening Refers to a disease or injury that may prove Life-threatening neuroma

lethal even with aggressive treatment

Terminal This denotes a pathological condition which Terminal hepatoma

is expected to cause death within the near
future, even with treatment

Nomenclature based on etiology, offending agent, or vectors

TERM MEANING EXAMPLE

Deficiency from a lack or insufficiency of some essential Iron deficiency anemia

chemical substance or property needed by the
living system

Nutritional resulting from art insufficient or excessive dietary

Nutritional anemia
intake of a nutrient
Nutritional hemosiderosis

Essential A disorder usually due to an unknown cause and Essential hypertension

arises spontaneous/y

Idiopathic May also mean due to an unknown cause Idiopathic cardiomyopathy

Familial / an inherited abnormality expressed in other members familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

heredofamilial of the patient’s family

Hereditary A disease characteristic resulting from an Hereditary cerebellar ataxia

inherited abnormality

Developmental Referring to some abnormality in the development of Developmental psychiatry

 a tissue, organ or body part, either before or after birth

.
Functional pathology resulting to a disturbance function even Functional dysmenorrhea
without evidence of structural or chemical
abnormality

Degenerative deterioration in the structure or function of cell or Degenerative joint disease

tissues commonly associated with aging

Infectious Disease caused by the adverse biologic, Infectious mononucleosis

chemical, or immunologic effects of the growth
of microorganisms in the body

Molecular a disease caused by abnormality in the chemical Sickile cell anemia

structure or concentration of a single molecule;
this is usually protein or enzyme-based; virtually
all molecular diseases are inherited

Neoplastic Referring to tumorous or cancerous growths Adrenal neoplasia

Organic Malady due to some demonstrable abnormality in a Organic dementia

bodily structure

Traumatic due to injury—physical, chemical, thermal, or Post traumatic distress

psychological

Nomenc1ature based on the course of a disease

The course of a disease refers to the sequence of events in a disease stage from the first appearance of
symptoms to the final resolution of all abnormalities. They include the following terms:
TERM MEANING

Onset The period within which the signs or symptoms of a disease first appeared

Prodrome a period during which constitutional symptoms of fever or malaise precede the
appearance of typical signs and symptoms of a disease

Complication is an abnormal condition induced by a pre-existing condition; that renders

treatment more difficult, recovery more protracted or death almost likely

Sequela abnormality or impairment which persists after a disease has resolved

Prognosis probable outcome of a disease, as predicted on the basis of diagnosis

and course.

Life-threatening a prognosis that a disease or injury may prove lethal in spite of aggressive
treatment.

Grade a measure of the severity of a disease or abnormal condition, particularly

 a malignant disease.

Stage a measure of the extent to which a disease, such as a malignant

neoplastic growth has developed.

TNM classification a formal mode of staging that is used for many malignant diseases; (T
— tumor, N (lymph) nodes; M, metastases.)

Nomenclature based on treatment of a disease

Treatment of a disease is essentially any and all measures done to reduce symptoms of pathology,
maintain/restore function, eradicate the etiology agent of a disease, and prevent its recurrence. Some terms
related to it are:
TERM MEANING
Prognosis Refers to a probable outcome of a disease
Cure Resolution of a disease through medical, surgical, or alternative means
Inoperable Referring to a disorder that is usually malignant and which surgical treatment is
not an option because of the extent of the disease or the condition of the patient
Aggressive Refers to a prompt energetic program of treatment to eradicate a disease
Heroic Extreme therapeutic measures used to save the patient’s life that are only justified
by the desperate condition of the patient
Benign neglect A program of doing essentially nothing when a disease is either beyond hope of
cure by even the most radical methods, or is expected to resolve without any
specific treatment
Palliative Treatment mode whose main objective is the relief of pain or conserve function
without removing the cause or effecting a cure; usually mandated for serious
neoplastic malignancies

Symptomatic Giving treatment that is intended to relieve symptoms rather than abolish their
cause
Supportive A treatment regiment with goals to preserve the patient’s comfort, hydration, and
nutritional status without affecting the underlying disease.

Radical A drastic treatment plan (medical or surgical) with a high risk of adverse effects,
justified only by the severity of the patient’s condition or the unfavorable

Conservative Treatment mode applied that is either medical or surgical, and has a low risk of
causing serious adverse effects, but also less likelihood of affecting a cure than
more aggressive methods

Elective A treatment or therapeutic procedure, usually a surgical which is not absolutely

required to save the patient’s life or restore health.

Medical Treatment not involving surgery or physical manipulation

Surgical A mode of treatment involving physical or mechanical manipulation, usually by

cutting into the body to repair or removed diseased or injured organs or tissues.

Therapeutic trial Experimental administration of a drug in a effort not only to relieve symptoms
but also to confirm the working diagnosis

Monodrug therapy Treatment of a condition with a single drug, rather than a combination of drugs

Synergism A positive interaction between two or more drugs in which each boosts the effect
 of the others

Physical therapy Treatment involving application of physical modalities to reserve the body’s
physiologic function

Cosmetic Pertaining to physical appearance; surgical procedures designed primarily to

improve the patient’s appearance, such as augmentation of the breast, scar
revisions, and excision of benign skin lesions

Protocol A therapeutic regimen. In malignancies, it consists of fixed or proportionate

doses of three or more drugs administered concurrently to eradicate a disease

Regimen A course of treatment for the over-all well-being of the organism, including diet,
and drug theraphy.

The Transmission of Infectious Disease

Some infections are spread by a specific medium, such as water or air. Others need a
“middle man” to disseminate the infection. The following tabulation outlines the more
common ways with which diseases are transmitted as well as terminologies that reflect
transmission of infection.
MODE OF TRANSMISSION DEFINITION
Airborne The most common route of spread, it refers to infection disseminated
through the air, usually on particles of moisture or dust; free-floating

Blood borne Referring to infections transmitted by modes related to organic blood,

transferred from one person to the other. These include blood

transfusion, the contamination of surgical or dental instruments with
the blood of an infected person, needles shared by intravenous drug
abusers, and occasionally through sexual or other intimate contact
whereby blood exchange occurred.

Carrier-mediated Transmission by means of an infected host (referring to a person) who

harbors the disease but shows none of the typical signs and symptoms
signifying an infection. The infection is passed from: host carrier
(may sometimes be the host also)  infected recipient

Vector Any living organism (usually referring to an animal) that transmits

pathogens from an infected person to a healthy person. They are most
commonly exemplified by mosquitoes that transmit the causative
organisms of yellow fever or malaria.

Congenital Such mode refers to pathological maladies acquired before or at birth

usually as a result of maternal infection
Droplet spread Transmission of respiratory and other infections by fine mists of
bronchial secretions expelled into the air by coughing or sneezing.
Fecal-oral route The route by which some intestinal and other pathogens are
transferred from person to person. The contamination of food, water,
or direct physical contact, with the infected person’s feces leads to
ingestion of the pathogen by the second host or infected recipient
Fomites Most common route of spread in hospitals, these refer to any
inanimate object (such as a washcloth, drinking glass, or doorknob)
that can be the means whereby pathogenic microorganisms are
transmitted from an infected person to others
 Sexually transmitted Any infection that is transmitted from person to person through
broken mucosa during sexual activity.

GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR HUMAN DISEASES:

1. Define and determine the causative agents of the following diseases:
- Pneumonia - varicella
- Infectious mononucleosis - Streptococcal disease
- Lyme disease
2.Name four routes by which infecting organisms can be transmitted from person to person:
3. Study the diagram of the blood.
4. Identify different disorders of the rbc, wbc, and platelets.

LABORATY DIAGNOSTICS
Pathology as a Science

Pathology is defined as the branch of medicine that deals with changes, both structural and functional,
observed in the living body as a result of injury or disease process
A. Branches of Pathology
1. Anatomic Pathology — deals with the gross and microscopic changes observed in living human tissues
brought about by disease.

2. Clinical Pathology — concerned with laboratory examination of body fluids, such as blood and
cerebrospinal fluid and waste products such as urine, and feces.

3. Forensic Pathology — involves the application of principles of both anatomic and clinical pathology to
civil and criminal law.

B. Terminologies in Laboratory Medicine ‘

● Histology — microscopic study of tissues.
• Microscopic Anatomy — application of histologic materials, principles and methods to specific
organs and other body structures.
• Histopathology — study of microscopic changes seen in diseased or injured tissues.
• Histochemistry — microscopic evaluation of chemical properties and reactions of tissues
• Electron microscopy — study of tissues using an electron microscope that provides greater
magnification than the light microscope due to the use of an electron stream instead of visible
light
• Hematology — study of blood.
• Biochemistry — concerned with the chemical properties and interactions~ of substances present in
the living body.
• Microbiology — concerned with the study of microscopic living things such as bacteria, fungi
viruses and other microorganisms. Medical microbiology deals with the interaction of these
organisms with the living body
• Histology — refers to techniques in the preparation of slides of tissue specimens for microscopic
study.
• Cytology—microscopic study of cells that were detached from a surface. e.g. Pap smear.
Test Results in Clinical Pathology
These tests may be described as being either POSITIVE or NEGATIVE. Examples include: pregnancy
tests, Rh, antibodies, drug tests, etc.
1. FALSE POSITIVE - abnormal or positive test result in a healthy subject who is free from the
condition tested.

2. FALSE NEGATIVE - normal or negative result despite the presence of a disease or condition in a
subject that is expected to produce an abnormal or positive test result
*Characteristics of a valid and reliable, test result:
• ACCURACY - ability to yield a test result that truly measures or reflects the condition under
investigation.
• REPRODUCIBILITY - ability to yield the same result time after time when performed on the
same specimen or material
• SENSITIVITY - ability to yield abnormal results consistently when performed on abnormal
material usually expressed as a percentage.
• SPECIFICITY - ability to reflect only a specific abnormality and not influenced by other factors;
also expressed as percentage.

PHARMACOLOGY
Pharmacology is defined as the science of interaction between chemical substances (like drugs) and the
living organism. It includes medical pharmacology— the science of materials used to prevent, diagnose,
and treat disease and toxicology
Drugs are primarily used for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic use.

TERM DEFINITION
It is essentially the effect of the drug on the body; the study of the
Pharmacodynamics changes in the body brought about by the drug.

Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacotherapeutics
Molecular pharmacology
Toxicology
It is the study of the effect of the body on the drug, dealing with the
absorption, distribution, biotransformation, and excretion of substance.
Deals with the use of drugs in the prevention and treatment of disease.
Therapeutics studies the uses of drugs with regards to prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.
The study of the chemical structure of drugs at the molecular level; it
deals with the mechanism of action of drugs at the enzymatic level.
It is the study of the toxic or poisonous effects of drugs with particular
emphasis on the dosage of the medication; it primarily deals with the
prevention, diagnosis, and management of adverse effects of drugs in
living beings.

Drug Forms
The different foams of a drug are appropriate for different routes of administration. There are some drugs
that are ineffective when administered in a certain form or by a certain route; other drugs may cause serious
injury to the patient if administered in a certain form or by a certain route.
Forms of drugs: tablets (lozenge, troche), capsule, powder, pills, suppository, liquid, syrups, suspensions,
gel, cream, lotion, injections, sprays, ointment, patch, bead or pellets.

Routes of Drug Administration

Various routes are employed in the administration of drugs. Several drugs make use of more than one route
and are manufactured in different forms.
Different routes of administration are the followimg: oral, sublingusl, nasogastric, parenteral, intravenous,
intramuscular, subcutaneous, intradermal, endotracheal, intradardiac, intrathecal, topical, transdermal,
vaginal, inhalation, etc.
(please take note of the meaning of o.d. b.i.d, t.i.d, etc.)

*pharrnacokinetics (the study of what the body does to the drug) and pharrnacodynaics (the study of
what the drug does to the body).

MECHANISM OF DESCRIPTION
ACTION (MOA)
Analgesic A drug that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness or
anesthesia.
 Anesthetic, general A drug used either parenterally or by mask that render the subject
unconscious and incapable of perceiving pain.
Anesthetic, local A drug that prevents perception of pain at the site of
administration.
Antibiotic A drug that is indicated in cases of infection. It may either kill
(bactericidal) or inhibit the growth (bacteriostatic) of the bacteria
involved.
Anticholinergic A drug that works antagonistically against acetylcholine.
Anitemetic A drug that prevents or arrests vomiting.
Antifungal A drug indicated for fungal infections.
Antihistamine A drug that works antagonistically with histamine which is
released during allergic reactions.
Antihypertensive A drug indicated for high blood pressure.
Antiinflammatory A drug that inhibits the release of prostaglandins which is
responsible
for causing symptoms of inflammation.
Antineoplastic A drug used to treat neoplasm or cancer.
Antipruritic A drug that is used to prevent or relieve itching.
Antiseptic A drug that prevents the growth of infectious agents
Antispasmodic A drug given to stop muscle spasm.
Antitussive A cough suppressing drug.
Antiviral A drug used for treating viral infections
Bronchodilator A drug used to relax bronchial smooth muscles therefore dilating
them that lead to increased respiratory airflow.
Cholinergic Receptor of the PNS that is acted upon by acetylcholine.
Decongestant Drug that decongests the mucous membranes of the sinuses and
nose.
Disinfectant An agent that is used for killing microorganisms on surfaces and
instruments.
Diuretic A drug that causes the kidneys to excrete more water and sodium.
Mydriatic A drug that dilates the pupils of the eye.
Vasodilator A drug that relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels so as to
decrease blood pressure
Vasopressor A drug that constricts the smooth muscles of blood vessels so as to
increase blood pressure.

Blood and blood cellular products

A. Packed Red Blood Cells
This preparation consists primarily of erythrocytes with relative amounts of WBCs and platelets. It lacks
the plasma components of blood.
B. Platelets
Such preparation consists of extracted platelets suspended in plasma.
C. Polymerized Hemoglobin (Polyheme)
This is done by chemically modifying the protein hemoglobin that has been extracted from a donor whole
blood.
D. Whole Blood, Citrated
This preparation contains all blood components, both cellular and acellular. Therefore, it gives a relatively
complete correction and adequate oxygenation for patients with acute or chronic blood loss.

Plasma and plasma volume expanders

A. Albumin
B. Cryoprecipitate
D. Fresh Frozen Plasma (FF1’)
E. Hetastarch
 F. Plasma Protein Fraction (PPF)
SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Positioning of the patient

1. Dorsal recumbent/ supine is used for

operations involving the face and neck, chest,
shoulder, and other anterior sections of the body,
since the patient is laying fiat on the back.

6. Fowler is the sitting position which is used for

. the posterior cervical spine and posterior
2. Kraske or jackknife or knee-chest high craniotomy. Semi-Fowler, on the other hand, is a
position has the patient laying flat on the 45o sitting position used in the ward to allow
stomach with buttocks up, and both head and fluids to settle toward the base of the lungs to
feet extended to levels lower than the butt. This improve breathing.
is used to expose the anus for perianal
procedures like rectal or coccygeal surgery.

3. Laminectomy is a somewhat prone (lying on 7. Prone is a position with the patient chest and
stomach) and lateral position to expose the face down as he lies on his abdominal area. This
vertebral spine for laminectomies involving, for position is primarily used for surgeries involving
example, slipped discs. the back area.

8. Reverse trendelenberg, the opposite of

trendelenberg, allows abdominal organs to slide
caudad hence providing more space for
operations involving the upper abdomen and
4. In craniotomy position, the patient is prone
diaphragm..
with head extended over the bed and inserted
onto what is called a doughnut.

9. Sims is a lateral position that exposes the

5. Lithotomy, mostly used in OBGyne, is used kidneys, ureters, and lungs, for procedures like
for giving birth naturally (NSD or normal adrenalectomies and pneumonectomies.
spontaneous delivery), as well as sometimes for
vaginal, perineal, and rectal surgery.

10. Trendelenberg is used for the pelvic region

because abdominal viscera can slide cephalad,
since the patient is laying flat on the back with
the table tilting the head lower than the level of
the feet.
General Classification of Surgical Instruments

Surgical instruments are classified based on their function. They are divided into four major groups:
CUTTING AND DISSECTING (SHARPS)
These instruments include scissors, scalpels, bone cutters or osteotomes, curettes, chisels, biopsy punches,
saws, drills, and needles.
GRASPING AND CLAMPING
A clamp is defined as any surgical instrument that grabs body tissues between its jaws.
RETRACTING
To hold tissues or organs away from the working area of the surgeon, retractors are used.
hand-held retractor — physically manipulated by the surgeon and / or his assistant throughout the duration
of the surgery, e.g., Army-Navy and Richardson retractors.

Self-retaining retractor — apparatus that remains steadily and mechanically extended after being set-up
manually by the surgeon, e.g., Balfour retractor.
PROBING AND DILATING
These particular instruments are stainless rods of differing diameters and lengths whose ends are blunted
for the purposes of probing surgical areas for investigation..

HEALTHCARE RECORDS
Standard healthcare forms that become a part of the patient chart include the Admitting Notes, Chart Notes,
Consultative Letters, Diagnostic & Laboratory Reports, Radiologic Interpretations, Histopathological
Reports, Operative Procedures which may include the Anesthesiology Report, and Discharge Summaries.
More specialized notes would include those from, for example, the Departments of Obstetrics &
Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Physical Therapy.
The SOAP

SOAP is a four-part mini-report divided into the subjective (written alongside the left margin as S>),
Objective (0>), Assessment (A>), and Plan (P>) portions. It represents a brief description of the illness of
the patient, with the physician’s impressions and proposed treatment which may include laboratory
requests.