11.3 Glossary

From Chapter 31

Pharmacology for Nurses

 

agranulocytosis

a life-threatening condition with severely low levels of neutrophils

alopecia

loss of hair usually of the scalp in round patches, but may occur anywhere on the body where hair normally grows

antacids

medications that neutralizes excess stomach acid

arthralgia

a painful joint

dysmenorrhea

painful menstrual periods and cramps

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

a condition in which acidic gastric fluid flows backward into the esophagus, resulting in frequent dyspepsia/heartburn

gynecomastia

an overdevelopment or enlargement of breast tissue in males

hydrochloric acid (HCl)

a strong acid that is a component of gastric juices

hyperacidity

a condition in which the level of gastric acid/hydrochloric acid is excessive, causing GI discomfort

neutropenia

abnormally few neutrophils in the blood, leading to possible infection; an undesirable side effect of some cancer treatments

pepsin

a digestive enzyme produced by cells in the stomach lining

peptic ulcer disease (PUD)

open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine from excessive acid or corrosive chemicals/medications

prostaglandins

a naturally occurring compound in the body that protects the stomach lining from acid

rebound hyperacidity

the production of additional acid after the effects of an antacid wear off

tetany

a condition in which the body experiences intermittent muscle spasms

transaminase

an enzyme that helps with breakdown and metabolism of amino acids

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

a rare medical condition characterized by excessive production of stomach acid

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