oxymetholone A synthetic male steroid hormone that is sometimes used to treat wasting in patients with HIV disease. Since it promotes large gains in body mass, it has sometimes been used illegally by bodybuilders and athletes. It has also been used in the treatment of anemia.
oxygenation 1 The process of treating a patient with oxygen. 2 The process of combining a medication or another substance with oxygen.
oxygen tent A tent-like device that is used in a medical setting to deliver high levels of oxygen to a bedridden patient. The tent covers the entire head and upper body, and oxygen is pumped in from a tank.
oxygen mask A mask that covers the mouth and nose and is hooked up to an oxygen tank. It delivers oxygen directly to the patient.
oxygen chamber, hyperbaric See hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
oxygen The odorless gas that is present in the air and necessary to maintain life. Oxygen may be given in a medical setting, either to reduce the volume of other gases in the blood or as a vehicle for delivering anesthetics in gas form. It can be delivered via nasal tubes, an oxygen mask, or…
oximetry catheter See catheter, oximetry.
oximetry The process of determining the level of oxygenation in arterial blood, an important measure of whether the heart and lungs are working properly. Oximetry may be done continuously during certain medical treatments or surgery, or it may be done sporadically to monitor a patient’s health.
ovum An egg within the ovary of the female. An ovum can combine with sperm to form a zygote.
ovulation The release of the ripe egg (ovum) from the ovary. The egg is released when the cavity surrounding it (the follicle) breaks open in response to a hormonal signal. Ovulation occurs around 14 or 15 days from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual cycle. When ovulation occurs, the ovum moves into the…
overweight Weighing more than is healthy for a particular body type and build. Overweight is often defined as having a body mass index (BMI) from 25 up to 30. See also body mass index; obese.
over-the-counter drug A drug that is available without a prescription, in contrast to prescription drugs that require a physician’s order. Abbreviated OTC.