Nursing /Medical Terminology: Lymphatic & Immune Systems Part 4
Define: AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
A late stage of HIV infection characterized by a severely weakened immune system and the occurrence of opportunistic infections or cancers. AIDS is diagnosed when specific criteria are met, indicating severe immunodeficiency.
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Term
Definition
Define: AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
A late stage of HIV infection characterized by a severely weakened immune system and the occurrence of opportunistic infections or cancers. AIDS is di...
Define: graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
A condition that occurs when transplanted immune cells attack the recipient's tissues, commonly seen after bone marrow or stem cell transplants. Graft...
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Define: lymphedema
A condition characterized by the accumulation of lymph fluid in tissues, leading to swelling, usually due to damage or obstruction of lymphatic vessel...
Define: lymphoma
A type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, characterized by the proliferation of lymphocytes and can be classified into Hodgkin and non...
Define: Hodgkin’s lymphoma
A type of lymphoma characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, often presenting with painless lymph node enlargement and fever. Hodgkin's l...
Define: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
A diverse group of lymphomas that do not have Reed-Sternberg cells, varying in aggressiveness and treatment approaches. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can pre...
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Define: AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) | A late stage of HIV infection characterized by a severely weakened immune system and the occurrence of opportunistic infections or cancers. AIDS is diagnosed when specific criteria are met, indicating severe immunodeficiency. |
Define: graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) | A condition that occurs when transplanted immune cells attack the recipient's tissues, commonly seen after bone marrow or stem cell transplants. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can lead to serious complications in transplant recipients. |
Define: lymphedema | A condition characterized by the accumulation of lymph fluid in tissues, leading to swelling, usually due to damage or obstruction of lymphatic vessels. Lymphedema often occurs after lymph node removal or radiation therapy. |
Define: lymphoma | A type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, characterized by the proliferation of lymphocytes and can be classified into Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphoma can cause swollen lymph nodes and other systemic symptoms. |
Define: Hodgkin’s lymphoma | A type of lymphoma characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, often presenting with painless lymph node enlargement and fever. Hodgkin's lymphoma is generally considered more treatable than non-Hodgkin lymphoma. |
Define: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma | A diverse group of lymphomas that do not have Reed-Sternberg cells, varying in aggressiveness and treatment approaches. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can present with a wide range of symptoms depending on the subtype. |
Define: leukemia | A cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal white blood cells. Leukemia can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bruising. |
Define: mononucleosis | An infectious disease often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, characterized by fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. The patient was diagnosed with mononucleosis after presenting with classic symptoms. |
Define: complete blood count (CBC) | A common blood test that measures various components of blood, including red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets, used to assess overall health. The doctor ordered a complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate the patient's blood health. |
Define: differential white blood cell count | A blood test that measures the percentage of different types of white blood cells in the blood, providing insights into immune function and potential infections. The differential white blood cell count showed elevated neutrophils, indicating an infection. |
Define: lymph node biopsy | A procedure to remove a sample of tissue from a lymph node for examination, often used to diagnose infections or cancers. The surgeon performed a lymph node biopsy to investigate the cause of swelling. |
Define: bone marrow biopsy | A procedure that involves collecting a sample of bone marrow, usually from the hip bone, to diagnose blood disorders and cancers. A bone marrow biopsy was performed to assess for leukemia. |
Define: immunoassay | A laboratory technique used to detect and quantify specific proteins or antibodies in a sample, often used in diagnostics. The lab conducted an immunoassay to measure the patient's antibody levels. |
Define: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) | A sensitive laboratory technique used to detect and quantify proteins, antibodies, or hormones in a sample, commonly used in research and diagnostics. ELISA tests are frequently used for diagnosing infections like HIV. |
Define: western blot | A laboratory method used to detect specific proteins in a sample, often used as a confirmatory test for HIV after an initial positive ELISA. The patient underwent a western blot test to confirm the HIV diagnosis. |
Define: flow cytometry | A technique used to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles in a fluid as they pass through a laser beam. Flow cytometry is often used to assess immune cell populations. |
Define: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) | A molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, allowing for the detection of genetic material from pathogens. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely used for diagnosing viral infections. |
Define: skin prick test | A diagnostic test used to identify allergies by introducing small amounts of allergens into the skin and observing for reactions. The skin prick test indicated an allergy to dust mites. |
Define: patch test | A diagnostic test used to identify contact allergies by applying allergens to patches placed on the skin for several days. The patch test revealed sensitivity to nickel. |
Define: allergy blood test | A blood test that measures the level of specific antibodies (IgE) produced in response to allergens, helping to diagnose allergies. The allergy blood test showed elevated IgE levels for certain foods. |