Category: N

The testing of infants in the first days of life for serious illnesses (e.g., congenital deafness, cystic fibrosis, hemoglobinopathies, hypothyroidism, and phenylketonuria).  

A scotoma not perceptible by the patient.  

A structural scoliosis caused by congenital or acquired neurological disorders.  

An increase in the refractive index of the eye’s crystalline lens, which culminates in the development of nuclear cataracts. Before the cataract fully opacifies, the patient’s near vision may improve, a phenomenon known as senopia or “second sight.”  

Sclerosis with chronic inflammation of a nerve trunk with branches.  

A variation of the visual analog scale that uses a scalar numbering system to objectify a patient’s pain. Most numeric rating scales use a 10-cm line with tick marks spaced 1 cm apart. The leftmost mark is labeled “0” and has the notation “No Pain.” The rightmost mark is labeled “10” and the notation “Worst…

An ionic compound containing no replaceable hydrogen or hydroxyl ions.  

The prevention of death or injury to newborn infants with techniques to support the newborn’s airway, breathing, circulation, and body temperature. In the U.S. about 1% of all newborns require intensive resuscitative efforts in the period immediately after birth. The majority are infants born preterm (before 37 weeks’ gestation). Failure to recognize and treat emergencies…

A drug (e.g., succinylcholine) that prevents transmission of stimuli to muscle tissue, especially striated muscle.  

A supervised program of formal training to restore function to patients who have neurodegenerative diseases, spinal cord injuries, strokes, or traumatic brain injury.