| medical records, problem-oriented | The structuring of a patient's record according to a complete listing of his medical problems accompanied by progress notes for each problem. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| problem | 1. A question proposed for solution; a matter stated for examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question involving doubt. 2. <mathematics> Anything which is required to be done; as, in geometry, to bisect a line, to draw a perpendicular; or, in algebra, to find an unknown quantity. Problem differs from theorem in this, that a problem is something to be done, as to bisect a triangle, to describe a circle, etc.; a theorem is something to be proved, as that all the angles of a triangle are equal to two right angles. <geometry> Plane problem, a problem requiring in its geometric solution the use of a conic section or higher curve. Origin: F. Probleme, L. Problema, fr. Gr. Anything thrown forward, a question proposed for solution, fr. To throw or lay before; before, forward + to throw. Cf. Parable. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| problem area wetland | <ecology> A wetland that is difficult to identify because it may lack indicators of wetland hydrology and/or hydric soils, or its dominant plant species are more common of nonwetlands. (09 Oct 1997) |
| problem-based learning | Instructional use of examples or cases to teach using problem-solving skills and critical thinking. (12 Dec 1998) |
| problem-oriented record | A system of record keeping in which a list of the patient's problems is made and all history, physical findings, laboratory data, etc. Pertinent to each problem are placed under that heading; especially useful for out-patient records of patients with multiple problems who are followed for long periods. (05 Mar 2000) |
| problem solving | A learning situation involving more than one alternative from which a selection is made in order to attain a specific goal. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Sturm-Liouville problem | <radiobiology> The general problem of solving a linear differential equation of order 2n, together with 2n boundary conditions, also known as the eigenvalue problem. (09 Oct 1997) |
| French flag problem | The French flag (tricolour) is used to illustrate a problem in the determination of pattern in a tissue, that of specifying three sharp bands of cells with discrete properties that do not have blurred edges using, for example: a gradient of a diffusible morphogen. (18 Nov 1997) |
| advanced life support | Definitive emergency medical care that includes defibrillation, airway management, and use of drugs and medications. Compare: basic life support. (05 Mar 2000) |
| artificial life | Artificial life (AL, alife) is a scientific discipline in whichresearchers study life by creating computer programs that recreatebiological systems from scratch. (09 Oct 1997) |
| basic life support | Emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation, control of bleeding, treatment of shock, acidosis, and poisoning, stabilization of injuries and wounds, and basic first aid. (05 Mar 2000) |
| biological half-life | <biochemistry, biology> This is the time required for one-half of the total amount of a particular substance in a biological system to be consumed or broken down by biological processes when the rate of removal is approximately exponential. Toxic chemicals with a long biological half-life (such as some pesticides) will tend to accumulate in the body and are, therefore, more likely to be harmful. A substance with a short biological half-life may still accumulate if a portion of it it becomes tightly bound to bone or other tissues, even if most of it is quickly cleared from the body. (21 Mar 1998) |
| vegetative life | The simple metabolic and reproductive activity of humans or animals, apart from the exercise of conscious mental or psychic processes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| germ-free life | Animals not contaminated by or associated with any foreign organisms. (12 Dec 1998) |
| change of life | Colloquialism for menopause, climacteric. (05 Mar 2000) |