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R
radial keratotomy - a surgical procedure in which incisions
are made into the epithelium of the cornea to correct refractive error.
radiation - use of high-energy radiation from x-rays,
neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
radiation colitis - inflammation of the colon from radiation
therapy.
radical mastectomy - surgical removal of the entire breast,
the pectoral muscles, and the ancillary lymph nodes.
radical prostatectomy - surgery to remove the prostate
along with the two seminal vesicle glands attached to the prostate.
radical retropubic prostatectomy - an operation to remove
the entire prostate gland and seminal vesicles through the lower abdomen.
radiculopathy - pinched nerve usually from a herniated,
or slipped, disk; can cause a shooting pain often described as an electrical
feeling.
radioisotope - a radioactive material injected into the
body so that a nuclear scanner can make pictures.
radionuclide scan - an imaging scan in which a small
amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. A machine measures
levels of radioactivity in certain organs, thereby detecting any abnormal
areas or tumors.
radionuclide ventriculography - a diagnostic procedure
used to determine the shape and size of the heart's chambers.
radiopharmaceutical (Also called tracer or radionuclide.)
- the basic, radioactively-tagged compound necessary to produce a nuclear
medicine image.
range of motion - measurement of the extent to which
a joint can go through all of its normal range of movements.
rapid gastric emptying - see dumping syndrome.
recommended dietary allowance (RDA) - recommendations
for daily intake of specific nutrients for groups of healthy individuals,
as set by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council
of the National Academy of Science.
rectal manometry - test that uses a thin tube and balloon
to measure pressure and movements of the rectal and anal sphincter muscles.
rectocele - condition in which weakening of the lower
vaginal wall causes the rectum to bulge into the vagina.
rectum - lower end of the large intestine, leading to
the anus.
reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) - caused by an abnormal
sympathetic muscle reflex, giving rise to a response that is out of proportion
to, and inconsistent with, the injury.
reflux (Also called regurgitation.) - condition that
occurs when gastric juices, or small amounts of food from the stomach,
flow back into the esophagus and mouth.
reflux esophagitis - irritation of the esophagus due
to stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus.
refractive error - the degree to which light reaches
the back of the eye; includes myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
regional anesthetic - an anesthetic used to numb a portion
of the body.
regional enteritis - see Crohn's disease.
regurgitation, gastrointestinal - see reflux.
regurgitation, heart - backward flow of blood caused
by a defective heart valve.
rehabilitation - the process of restoring a part of the
body or a person to near-normal functioning after an injury or disease.
required surgery - an operation which is necessary to
continue quality of life. Required surgery may not have to be done immediately,
like emergency surgery.
respiration - gas exchange from air to the blood and
from the blood to the body cells.
respiratory system - the group of organs responsible
for carrying oxygen from the air to the bloodstream and for expelling
carbon dioxide.
resting tremor - a tremor of a limb that increases when
the limb is at rest.
retching - dry vomiting.
retrolisthesis - posterior slippage of one vertebra onto
another.
retropulsion - the tendency to step backwards if bumped
from the front or upon initiating walking; usually seen in patients who
tend to lean backwards because of problems with balance.
rheumatic fever - a childhood disease that may damage
the heart valves or the outer lining of the heart.
rhinitis - an inflammation of the mucous membrane that
lines the nose; often due to allergy to pollen, dust, or other airborne
substances; causes sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and nasal congestion.
RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) - treatment
plan for acute injury to prevent inflammatory processes from becoming
uncontrolled and to speed up the recovery process by eliminating swelling;
acute injury management.
rigidity - increased resistance to the passive movement
of a limb.
risk factor - activity or factor that may increase the
chance of developing a disease.
rotator cuff - muscles and their insertional tendons
that form a cuff over the shoulder joint, on their way to attaching from
the scapula to the humorous; major function is to control, and produce,
rotation of the shoulder.
round window - membrane separating the middle ear and
inner ear.
rupture - break or tear in any organ or soft tissue.
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