Dictionary

OB/GYN 1 Obstetrician/gynecologist. 2 Obstetrics and Gynecology

observer variation Failure by the observer in a study or test to measure accurately, resulting in error. Inter-observer variation is the amount of variation between the results obtained by two or more observers examining the same material. Intraobserver variation is the amount of variation one observer experiences when observing the same material more than once.

obsessive-compulsive disorder An anxiety disorder that is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. Abbreviated OCD. The obsessive thoughts are unwanted ideas or impulses that repeatedly well up in the mind of the person with OCD. These thoughts are intrusive and unpleasant, and they produce a high degree of anxiety. In response to their obsessions,…

obsessive-compulsive personality disorder A personality disorder that is characterized by pervasive preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and interpersonal control. Abbreviated OCPD. OCPD may feature a preoccupation with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules; perfectionism; excessive devotion to work to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships; inability to discard worthless objects of no sentimental value;…

obstetrical forceps An instrument that has two blades and a handle and is designed to aid in the vaginal delivery of a baby.

obstetrician A physician who specializes in obstetrics.

obstetrician/gynecologist An obstetrician who also specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs. Abbreviated OB/GYN. Some OB/GYNs also provide general health care for women.

obstetrics The art and science of managing pregnancy, labor, and the puerperium (the time after delivery).

obstruction, airway See airway obstruction.

obstructive sleep apnea See sleep apnea, obstructive.

obtunded Mentally dulled. Head trauma may obtund a person.

occipital bone The bone that forms the rear and rear bottom of the skull.