Author: Glossary
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Dol
The unit of pain intensity registered on a dolorimeter.
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Dohle bodies
A leukocyte inclusion in the periphery of a neutrophil. It is composed of liquefied endoplasmic reticulum and is frequently accompanied by toxic granulations. Dohle bodies are present in association with bums, severe or systemic infections, exposure to cytotoxic agents, uncomplicated pregnancy, trauma, and neoplastic diseases.
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Dogmatic
To dogma or doctrine, e.g., of religion.
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Documentation
Manuals, instruction books, and programs or help menus that provide guidance to a user.
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Borrowed servant doctrine
The legal theory that a patient care supervisor (e.g., an attending physician who oversees the work of a resident physician) may be held responsible for the negligent acts of a subordinate. This doctrine is a form of vicarious liability.
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Doctrine
A system of principles taught or advocated.
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Doctor-patient relationship
All the interactions between a patient and a health care professional. These interactions establish the basis for interpersonal communication, trust, compliance, and satisfaction.
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Doctorally prepared
Pertaining to a person who possesses the highest academic degree, e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., recognized by an institution of higher education as having a prerequisite for promotion and tenure.
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Barefoot doctor
A practitioner of traditional or native medicine in the People’s Republic of China. Although barefoot doctors have not attended medical school, they are trained in the use of traditional Chinese therapies (e.g., the use of acupuncture and herbs), and in some Western therapies, such as first aid.
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Dobutamine hydrochloride
A synthetic beta-agonist whose primary effect is to increase cardiac contractility, with little effect on systemic vascular resistance. It produces less tachycardia than dopamine and has no effect on renal blood flow. It is of use in congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock.