| aging | The gradual changes in the structure and function of humans and animals that occur with the passage of time, that do not result from disease or other gross accidents, and that eventually lead to the increased probability of death as the person or animal grows older. It does not apply to microorganisms. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| aging, premature | Changes in the organism associated with senescence, occurring at an accelerated rate. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cell aging | The decrease in the cell's ability to proliferate with the passing of time. Each cell is programmed for a certain number of cell divisions and at the end of that time proliferation halts. The cell enters a quiescent state after which it experiences cell death via the process of apoptosis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| clonal aging | The deterioration in successive generations of a clone; thus paramecia and other simple forms, if allowed to reproduce asexually for a number of generations, invariably undergo deterioration, the characters of each group of descendants progressively departing from those of the original sexually produced ancestor. (05 Mar 2000) |
| skin aging | The process of aging due to changes in the structure and elasticity of the skin over time. It may be a part of physiological aging or it may be due to the effects of ultraviolet radiation, usually through exposure to sunlight. (12 Dec 1998) |
| erythrocyte aging | Senescence of the red blood cell. Lacking the organelles that make protein synthesis possible, the mature erythrocyte is incapable of self-repair, reproduction, and carrying out certain functions performed by other cells. This limits the average life span of an erythrocyte to 120 days. (12 Dec 1998) |
| analgesia, patient-controlled | Relief of pain, without loss of consciousness, through an analgesic agent administered by the patient. It has been used successfully to control postoperative pain, during labour, after burns, and in terminal care. The choice of agent, dose, and lockout interval greatly influence effectiveness. The potential for overdose can be minimised by combining small bolus doses with a mandatory interval between successive doses (lockout interval). (12 Dec 1998) |
| patient | 1. A person who is receiving medical treatment, especially in a hospital. 2. A person who is registered with a doctor, dentist, etc and is treated by him when necessary. (18 Nov 1997) |
| patient acceptance of health care | The seeking and acceptance by patients of health service. (12 Dec 1998) |
| patient admission | The process of accepting patients. The concept includes patients accepted for medical and nursing care in a hospital or other health care institution. (12 Dec 1998) |
| patient advocacy | Promotion and protection of the rights of patients, frequently through a legal process. (12 Dec 1998) |
| patient care | The services rendered by members of the health profession and non-professionals under their supervision for the benefit of the patient. (12 Dec 1998) |
| patient care management | Generating, planning, organizing, and administering medical and nursing care and services for patients. (12 Dec 1998) |
| patient care planning | Usually a written medical and nursing care program designed for a particular patient. (12 Dec 1998) |
| patient care team | Care of patients by a multidisciplinary team usually organised under the leadership of a physician; each member of the team has specific responsibilities and the whole team contributes to the care of the patient. (12 Dec 1998) |