Medical terms starting with R

36 entries

• -rrhage, -rrhagiaBleeding, usually heavy.
• -rrhaphySurgical suturing.
• -rrheaFlow or discharge.
• RARheumatoid arthritis. As a site or EKG electrode label, right arm.
• radial pulseThe pulse felt at the wrist on the thumb side; the most common site for routine pulse checks.
• rapportA relationship of trust and understanding between the patient and caregiver.
• rationalizationA defense mechanism of making excuses to justify behavior.
• RBCRed blood cell (erythrocyte), or the red cell count.
• RDARecommended dietary allowance: the daily intake of a nutrient that meets the needs of nearly all healthy people.
• re-Again or back.
• reaction formationA defense mechanism of acting the opposite of one's true feelings.
• rect/oRectum.
• reference rangeThe typical values expected for a laboratory test.
• referralA written order from the primary care provider for the patient to see a specialist or get certain services.
• regressionA defense mechanism of returning to more childlike behavior under stress.
• regulated wasteLiquid or semi-liquid blood or OPIM, items caked or dripping with them, and contaminated sharps, all requiring special…
• rehabilitationCare that helps a person regain skills and function lost to illness or injury.
• repolarizationThe return of a cell to its resting electrical state after depolarization.
• repressionA defense mechanism that keeps painful thoughts and memories out of awareness.
• res ipsa loquitur"The thing speaks for itself": a legal doctrine for a breach of duty so obvious that negligence is presumed.
• reservoirThe place where a pathogen lives and multiplies, such as a person, animal or surface.
• resilienceThe ability to adapt and recover after difficult experiences.
• respirationOne breath: an inhalation and an exhalation; respirations are counted per minute.
• respondeat superiorThe legal rule that an employer is responsible for employees' negligent acts done within the scope of their job.
• retin/oRetina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye.
• retro-Backward or behind.
• rhythm stripA printed EKG tracing from one lead, often six seconds long, used to assess heart rhythm.
• risk managementStrategies to prevent errors and reduce legal liability.
• RLE, LLERight lower extremity and left lower extremity (legs).
• RNRegistered nurse.
• ROMRange of motion: how far a joint can move in each direction.
• ROSReview of systems: questions about each body system to find symptoms the patient may not have mentioned.
• rotationTurning of a bone around its own long axis.
• RSVRespiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of respiratory infections in young children.
• RUQ, RLQ, LUQ, LLQRight upper, right lower, left upper and left lower quadrants of the abdomen.
• RxPrescription.