Category: F

An upper extremity orthotic device used to provide support and limited function, consisting of a shoulder-operated harness, a volar supporting structure made of low-temperature thermoplastic material, and a terminal device that allows the arm to grasp or stabilize objects.    

A padded strip of malleable metal used to immobilize a fractured finger. As an alternative, the injured finger is often “buddy taped” to an adjoining finger for support.  

An enlarged movable spleen that is not protected by the ribs.  

Fracture of a vertebral body or its bony prominences.  

A sound produced by rubbing together two inflamed mucous surfaces. A noise resembling the friction of two coarse pieces of leather being rubbed together, observed in instances of dry pleurisy or pericarditis before any accumulation of fluid occurs.  

A purring sound heard over the pregnant uterus and having the same rate as the fetal heartbeat. The sound is caused by blood flowing through vessels in the umbilical cord.  

A lower-arm sling made by placing a broad fold of cloth in position on the chest with one end over the affected shoulder and the other hanging down in front of the chest. The arm is flexed as desired across the sling. The lower end is brought up over the uninjured shoulder and secured with…

A sigmoidoscope that uses fiberoptics. This permits the tubular extension to flex, enabling the examiner to visualize a greater portion of the colon than would be possible with a rigid sigmoidoscope.  

A mask, typically made of clear plastic, that protects the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth during patient-care procedures and activities that carry the risk of generating splashes of blood, body fluids, excretions, or secretions.  

A representation in outline or picture format of a technique or treatment.