Airway
Airway: The path that air follows to get into and out of the lungs. The mouth and nose are the normal entry and exit ports for the airway. Entering air then passes through the back of the throat (pharynx) and continues through the voice box (larynx), down the trachea, to finally pass through the bronchi.
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- Airway obstruction
Airway obstruction: Partial or complete blockage of the breathing passages to the lungs. Causes include the presence of foreign matter, allergic reactions, infections, anatomical abnormalities, and trauma. Associated respiratory distress may be sudden, with only a cough for a warning. There is often agitation in the early stages. Other signs include labored, ineffective breathing, until […]
- AK
AK: 1. Above the knee. 2. Acanthamoeba keratitis. 3. Actinic keratosis.
- AKA (above the knee amputation)
AKA (above the knee amputation): In general usage, this would be read to mean “also known as.” For example, William Jefferson (aka “Bill”) Clinton. However, in medical parlance, AKA means “above the knee amputation.” A nurse scrubbing for an AKA is getting ready to assist in an above-knee amputation. AKA is as opposed to BKA, […]
- Akathisia
Akathisia: A movement disorder characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness and a compelling need to be in constant motion, as well as by actions such as rocking while standing or sitting, lifting the feet as if marching on the spot, and crossing and uncrossing the legs while sitting. People with akathisia are unable to […]
- Akinetic
Akinetic: Related to the loss of the normal ability to move the muscles.