Dictionary

Pott’s disease See tuberculous diskitis.

potassium The major positive ion (cation) found inside cells. The chemical notation for potassium is K+. The proper level of potassium is essential for normal cell function. An abnormal increase in potassium (hyperkalemia) or decrease in potassium (hypokalemia) can profoundly affect the nervous system and heart, and when extreme, can be fatal. The normal blood…

postural hypotension See hypotension, orthostatic.

postural Pertaining to the posture or position of the body, the attitude or carriage of the body as a whole, or the position of the limbs (the arms and legs). See also hypotension, orthostatic.

postulates, Koch See Koch postulates.

post-traumatic stress disorder A psychological disorder that develops in some individuals who have had major traumatic experiences, such as those who have experienced serious accidents, survived or witnessed violent crimes, or been through wars. Abbreviated PTSD. Typically a person with PTSD is emotionally numb at first but later has symptoms that may include depression, excessive…

post-term infant A baby born 14 days or more after the usual 40 weeks of gestation, as calculated from the mother’s last menstrual period. This is an important calculation because if delivery is delayed 3 weeks beyond term, the possibility of infant mortality increases dramatically.

postremission therapy Chemotherapy given to kill cancer cells that survive after remission-induction therapy.

postprandial After mealtime. A postprandial rise in the blood glucose level is one that occurs after eating.

postpolio syndrome A constellation of symptoms and signs that appear years after an initial polio infection. Abbreviated PPS. PPS is characterized by new muscle weakening in muscles that were previously affected by polio or in muscles that were not previously affected. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and slowly progressive muscle weakness. PPS symptoms can…

postpolio muscular atrophy Muscle wasting that occurs years after the acute polio episode has resolved as part of postpolio syndrome. Abbreviated PPMA. See also postpolio syndrome.

postpartum depression A form of severe depression after delivery that interferes with daily functioning and requires treatment. It can occur a few days, weeks, or even months after childbirth. A woman with postpartum depression may have feelings of sadness, despair, anxiety, and irritability to a severe degree. Treatment involves counseling and/or medications.