Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Antiembolism

    A misnomer for “antithrombotic,” as in “antiembolism stockings.”  

  • Physiologic antidote

    An antidote that produces physiological effects opposite to the effects of the poison; e.g., sedatives are given for convulsants and stimulants are given for hypnotics. These should not be given without a physician’s instructions.  

  • Mechanical antidote

    An antidote such as activated charcoal that prevents gastrointestinal absorption of a poison.  

  • Chemical antidote

    An antidote that reacts with the poison to produce a harmless chemical compound. For example, table salt precipitates silver nitrate and forms that much less toxic silver chloride. Chemical antidotes should be used sparingly and, after their use, should be removed from the stomach by gastric lavage because they may produce serious results if allowed…

  • Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressant

    A class of antidepressant agents whose chemical structure has three (or four) fused rings. These drugs block the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at nerve endings.  

  • Anticytotoxin

    Something that opposes the action of a cytotoxin.  

  • Anticoagulant therapy

    The use of drugs (e.g., heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, or warfarin) that inhibit or interrupt coagulation, inhibit or deactivate thrombin, prevent conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, and inhibit blood clot formation. It is used to prevent or treat disorders, such as pulmonary embolism, that result from vascular thrombosis.  

  • Anticipatory grief

    Mental anguish caused by the impending loss of a body part, a function, or a loved one.  

  • Anticipate

    To occur prior to the usual time of onset of a particular illness or disease, said of an event, sign, or symptom.  

  • Anticariogenic

    A substance or action that interferes with the development of dental caries.