Dictionary

quackery Deliberate misrepresentation of the ability of a substance, a device, or a person to prevent or treat disease.

quadrant A quarter of an area. For example, the liver is in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.

quadriceps 1 Any four-headed muscle. 2 The large muscle of the thigh that comes down the bone of the upper leg (femur) and over the kneecap (patella), and then anchors into the top of the large bone in the lower leg (tibia). The function of the quadriceps is to straighten (extend) the leg. Also known…

quadriparesis Weakness of all four limbs, both arms and both legs, as from muscular dystrophy.

quadriplegia Paralysis of all four limbs, both arms and both legs, as from a high spinal cord accident or stroke.

qualitative Having to do with quality, in contrast to quantitative, which pertains strictly to quantity. See also quantitative.

quality of life The patient’s ability to enjoy normal life activities. Quality of life is an important consideration in medical care. Some medical treatments can seriously impair quality of life without providing appreciable benefit, whereas others greatly enhance quality of life.

quantitative Having to do with quantity or with the amount. See also qualitative.

quarantine A period of isolation decreed to control the spread of infectious disease. Before the era of antibiotics and other medications, quarantine was one of the few available means for halting the spread of infectious diseases.

purpura, Henoch-Schonlein See anaphylactoid purpura.

purulent Pertaining to pus. Containing or composed of pus. See also pus.

pus A thick, whitish-yellow fluid that results from the accumulation of white blood cells, liquefied tissue, and cellular debris. Pus is commonly a sign of infection or foreign material in the body.