Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Gastrointestinal decontamination
Cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract to remove toxic substances, pills taken in overdose, or microorganisms. Activated charcoal or polyethylene glycol solutions (e.g., Golytely) given orally reduce the uptake of many drugs from the gastrointestinal tract. Before bowel surgery, oral antibiotics (e.g., neomycin) may be given to reduce the number of bacteria within the intestines.
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Decompression illness
Aeroembolism due to an excessively rapid ascent to the surface by a deep-sea diver.
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Surgical decompression
The freeing of a trapped body part, e.g., the operative release of a nerve from entrapment by neighboring structures.
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Explosive decompression
In aviators or divers, decompression resulting from an extremely rapid rate of change to a much lesser pressure. This may occur if a high-altitude aircraft suddenly loses its cabin pressure or if a diver ascends rapidly. Either of these causes violent expansion of body gases.
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Abdominal decompression
A technique used in obstetrics to facilitate childbirth. The abdominal area is surrounded by an airtight chamber in which pressure may be intermittently decreased below atmospheric pressure. During labor pains, the pressure is decreased and the uterus is permitted to work more efficiently because the abdominal muscles are elevated away from the uterus.
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Decompress
To pass from a state of stress to tranquillity.
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Simple decomposition
A chemical change by which a molecule of a single compound breaks into its simpler constituents or substitutes the entire molecule of another body for one of these constituents.
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Hydrolytic decomposition
A chemical change in substances due to addition of a molecule of water.
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Double decomposition
A chemical change in which the molecules of two interacting compounds exchange a portion of their constituents.
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Decomposer
Bacteria and fungi that degrade dead organic matter to simple organic and inorganic molecules.
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