Dictionary

radiate To spread out from a central area. For example, sciatic pain may radiate outward from the lower back.

q arm of a chromosome The long arm of a chromosome. All human chromosomes have 2 arms—a short arm and a long arm. By international convention, the short arm is termed p, and the long arm of the chromosome is termed q. For example, if a gene is on 3q12, that gene is on chromosome…

Q fever An infectious disease due to the bacterium Coxiella burnetii whose symptoms include fever, headache, malaise, and pneumonia (interstitial pneumonitis), but not rash. The Q stands for query because the cause of the disease was long a question mark. Q fever is a zoonotic disease and is contracted from cattle, sheep, and goats. Chronic…

q.d. Seen on a prescription, one per day. Also known as quotid. See also Appendix A, “Prescription Abbreviations.”

q.h. On a prescription, every hour. See also Appendix A, “Prescription Abbreviations.”

q.i.d. On a prescription, four times daily. See also Appendix A, “Prescription Abbreviations.”

q.n.s. On a lab report, insufficient quantity of sample.

QRS complex The deflections in an electrocardiogram (EKG) tracing that represent the ventricular activity of the heart.

q.s. On a prescription, as needed. See also Appendix A, “Prescription Abbreviations.”

q.3h. On a prescription, every 3 hours. See also Appendix A, “Prescription Abbreviations.”

q.2h. On a prescription, every 2 hours. See also Appendix A, “Prescription Abbreviations.”

quack 1 A practitioner who suggests for prevention or treatment of disease substances or devices that are known to be ineffective. 2 Someone who pretends to be able to diagnose or heal people but is unqualified and incompetent.