Dictionary

catheter, IV A catheter placed in a vein to provide a pathway for drugs, nutrients, fluids, or blood products. Blood samples can also be withdrawn through an IV catheter.

catheter, indwelling bladder A catheter inserted into the bladder that remains there to provide continuous urinary drainage. The principal type is the Foley catheter. See also catheter, Foley.

catheter, Foley A flexible plastic tube inserted into the bladder to provide continuous urinary drainage. After the catheter is inserted in the bladder, a balloon on the bladder end is inflated with air or fluid so that the catheter cannot be removed. Removal is accomplished by deflating the balloon and slipping the catheter out. See…

catheter, bladder A flexible plastic tube inserted into the bladder. See also catheter, Foley; catheter, indwelling bladder.

catheter A thin, flexible tube.

cathartic A laxative.

cath Medical shorthand for catheter or a procedure using a catheter.

catatonic In a state of catalepsy. See catalepsy.

cataract surgery Removal of the clouded (cataractous) lens in its entirety via surgery and replacement of the lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) made of plastic. A typical cataract operation takes about an hour, requires local anesthesia only, and usually does not require hospitalization.

cataract A clouding or loss of transparency of the lens in the eye as a result of increased water content. There are many causes of cataracts, including aging, cortisone medication, trauma, diabetes, and other diseases. Cataracts affect most people who live into old age. Symptoms include double or blurred vision and sensitivity to light and…

cataplexy A debilitating condition in which a person suddenly feels weak and collapses at times of strong emotion such as during laughter, anger, fear, or surprise. In so collapsing, people with cataplexy may injure themselves. For example, laughter and other emotions may trigger a reflex that can bring many of the muscles of the body…

catalyst A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction but is not consumed or altered in the process. Catalysts are of immense importance in chemistry and biology. All enzymes are catalysts that expedite the biochemical reactions necessary for life. The enzymes in saliva, for example, accelerate the conversion of starch to glucose, doing in minutes…