| constrictive pericarditis | <pathology> Chronic inflammation of the pericardial sac (pericarditis) can lead to scarring and fibrosis of the pericardium. Due to this process, the pericardium can interfere with the hearts ability to pump blood into the systemic circulation. Causes include tuberculosis infection, radiation therapy, cardiac surgery, viral infection or autoimmune disease. Symptoms are those of right-sided congestive heart failure. Surgery to cut the pericardium may be necessary. Complications include cardiac tamponade and pulmonary oedema. See: pericardial sac. (27 Sep 1997) |
|---|---|
| constrictor | 1. Anything that binds or squeezes a part. 2. A muscle, the action of which is to narrow a canal; a sphincter. Origin: L. Fr. Constringo, to draw together (05 Mar 2000) |
| construct | (noun) The combination of a bone graft, metal instrumentation, prosthetic devices and/or bone cement applied to a specific level of the spinal column in the setting of segmental spinal instability. (05 Mar 2000) |
| construct validity | The extent to which a test or procedure appears to measure a higher order, inferred theoretical construct, or trait in contrast to measuring a more limited, specific dimension; e.g., a sychrony in the scores on the Stanford-Binet Test, on a test of information processing, and the rate of glucose metabolism in the brain all are indices of intelligence. (05 Mar 2000) |
| constructional agraphia | An aghraphia in which letters and words can be written correctly, but not arranged appropriately on the writing surface. (05 Mar 2000) |
| constructional apraxia | Apraxia manifested as an impairment in activity such as building, assembling, and drawings; caused by parietal lobe lesions. Synonym: apractagnosia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| consultand | A person about whose future offspring the genetic counselor is to make predictions; not to be confused with proband. Origin: consult (for counsel) + L. -andus, gerundive suffix (05 Mar 2000) |
| consultant | 1. A physician or surgeon who does not take full responsibility for a patient, but acts in an advisory capacity, deliberating with and counseling the attending physician or surgeon. 2. A member of a hospital staff who has no active service but stands ready to advise in any case, at the request of the attending physician or surgeon. Origin: L. Consulto, pp. -atus, to deliberate, ask advice. (05 Mar 2000) |
| consultants | Individuals referred to for expert or professional advice or services. (12 Dec 1998) |
| consultation | Meeting of two or more physicians or surgeons to evaluate the nature and progress of disease in a particular patient and to establish diagnosis, prognosis, and/or therapy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| consulting staff | Specialists affiliated with a hospital who serve in an advisory capacity to the attending staff. (05 Mar 2000) |
| consumer advocacy | The promotion and support of consumers' rights and interests. (12 Dec 1998) |
| consumer organizations | Organised groups of users of goods and services. (12 Dec 1998) |
| consumer participation | Community or individual involvement in the decision-making process. (12 Dec 1998) |
| consumer satisfaction | Customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction with a benefit or service received. (12 Dec 1998) |