Category: A
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Acid-ash diet
A diet designed to acidify the urine. It contains acidic foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and cereals and is lacking in fruits, vegetables, cheese, and milk.
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Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Mild to moderate diarrhea in individuals taking oral antibiotics. The antibiotics destroy the normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Acute diarrhea
Diarrhea marked by sudden onset.
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Anteroposterior diameter of pelvic outlet
The distance between the tip of the coccyx and the lower edge of the symphysis pubis.
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Anteroposterior diameter of pelvic inlet
The distance from the posterior surface of the symphysis pubis to the promontory of the sacrum (about 11 cm in women).
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Anteroposterior diameter of pelvic cavity
The distance between the middle of the symphysis pubis and the upper border of the third sacral vertebra (about 13.5 cm in women).
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Astigmatic dial
A circular dial with black lines of uniform width drawn as if they were connecting opposing numbers on the face of a clock. It is used in testing for astigmatism.
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Augmentative device
A tool that helps individuals with limited or absent speech to communicate. Examples include communication boards, pictographs (symbols that look like the things they represent), or ideographs (symbols representing ideas).
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Adapted seating device
A device that provides proper positioning for persons with limited motor control. These include seating inserts, wheelchairs, and postural support systems designed to prevent deformities and enhance function.
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Abduction device
A trapezoid-shaped pillow, wedge, or splint placed between the arm and torso to prevent adduction. It is commonly used postoperatively for patients having total hip replacement or open reduction or internal fixation of the hip.