| A | B |
|---|
| Diagnostic Procedures | Tools used to determine or confirm a diagnosis, rule out causes of illness, and evaluate treatment effectiveness. |
| Laboratory Testing | Collection and analysis of body fluids, cells, or tissues, such as blood or urine. |
| Diagnostic Imaging | Use of mostly non-invasive technology to produce images of organs and tissues. |
| Radiology | Use of external imaging techniques to show the structure and shape of the body, organs, and tissues. |
| Radiography (X-ray) | Use of low-dose radiation to produce two-dimensional images of body structures. |
| Computed Tomography (CT) | Advanced X-ray imaging that creates cross-sectional images of the body using a thin beam of radiation. |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | Imaging method using strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to create detailed images of organs and tissues. |
| Ultrasound | Imaging method using high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs and tissues. |
| Nuclear Medicine | Branch of radiology using radioactive tracers to assess organ function and activity. |
| Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT) | Imaging combining CT with radioactive tracers to show organ function and metabolism. |
| Pharmacology | Study of drugs and their effects on the body. |
| Drug | A chemical substance that affects the processes of the mind or body. |
| Pharmacokinetics | Study of how the body processes drugs through absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. |
| Absorption | How a drug enters the bloodstream from its site of administration. |
| Distribution | Movement of a drug from the bloodstream to tissues and organs. |
| Metabolism | Biotransformation of drugs, mainly in the liver. |
| Elimination | Removal of drugs and by-products from the body, primarily by the kidney |
| Pharmacy | Licensed business that dispenses drugs. |
| Pharmacist | Healthcare professional trained to prepare and dispense drugs and counsel patients. |
| Natural Health Products (NHPs) | Naturally occurring substances used to maintain or restore health; can also have side or adverse effects or interact with other medications. |
| Plants (Drug Source) | Natural source of drugs such as morphine and digitalis. |
| Animals (Drug Source) | Animal-derived source of drugs such as heparin. |
| Biologics/Biopharmaceuticals | Drugs derived from living cells and sometimes modified using recombinant DNA. |
| Inorganic Drugs | Mineral or salt-based drugs. |
| Semi-synthetic Drugs | Natural compounds chemically altered to improve safety or stability. |
| Synthetic Drugs | Completely man-made drugs. |
| Chemical Name | Name that describes the exact molecular structure of a drug |
| Generic Name | Official nonproprietary drug name given by an international body; written in lowercase. |
| Trade (Brand) Name | Patented drug name chosen by the manufacturer. |
| Botanical Name | Name that refers to the plant source of a drug. |
| Therapeutic Drugs | Drugs used to relieve symptoms. |
| Diagnostic Drugs | Drugs used for diagnostic testing. |
| Curative Drugs | Drugs used to treat or eliminate a disease or condition. |
| Replacement Drugs | Drugs replacing missing hormones or substances. |
| Prophylactic Drugs | Drugs used to prevent or reduce severity of disease. |
| Local Effect (Local Scope of Action) | Drug action affecting only the site of application. |
| Systemic Effect (Systemic Scope of Action) | Drug circulates through the bloodstream affecting the entire body |
| Cumulative Action | Drug buildup in the body faster than it can be metabolized or excreted, increasing its effect. |
| Topical | Medication applied to the skin for local effect. |
| Transdermal | Medication applied to the skin for absorption into the bloodstream. |
| Otic | Medication administered in the ear. |
| Ophthalmic | Medication administered in the eye. |
| Nasal | Medication sprayed or inhaled into the nasal cavity. |
| Inhalation | Medication drawn into the lower respiratory system. |
| Sublingual (SL) | Medication dissolved under the tongue. |
| Buccal | Medication dissolved between the cheek and gum. |
| Vaginal (PV) | Medication inserted into the vagina. |
| Rectal (PR) | Medication inserted into the rectum. |
| Oral (PO) | Medication swallowed and absorbed through the digestive system; most common way to take medications. |
| Parenteral | Medication administered by injection, bypassing the digestive system. |
| Intravenous (IV) | Injection into a vein. |
| Intramuscular (IM) | Injection into a muscle. |
| Subcutaneous (SC/SQ) | Injection into connective tissue below the dermis. |
| Intradermal (ID) | Injection into the dermis just below the epidermis. |
| Therapeutic Action | Desired effect of a drug. |
| Side Effects | Unintended but usually minor and predictable effects of a medication. |
| Adverse Effects | Harmful or potentially fatal drug effects. |
| Allergies | Immune reactions to drugs ranging from mild to severe. |
| Anaphylaxis | Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can block airways |
| Tolerance | Reduced response to a drug after repeated use. |
| Resistance | Reduced effectiveness of a drug against microorganisms. |
| Adherence | How well a patient follows treatment instructions. |
