Sustantivos generales relacionados con la medicina

An internship is a period of practical training for medical graduates, typically lasting one year, where they work under the supervision of experienced doctors in a hospital or clinical setting. During this time, these medical graduates, known as interns, gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients, performing medical procedures, and learning about various medical specialties. The internship is a critical step in the transition from medical school to becoming a licensed, practicing physician.

Socialized medicine is a healthcare system where the government runs healthcare centers and hires healthcare professionals. Under this system, medical services are provided to all citizens, usually paid for through taxes. This approach aims to make sure that everyone has access to necessary medical care, regardless of their ability to pay, encouraging equal and widespread health services.

Triage is the process of quickly evaluating and prioritizing patients based on the seriousness of their condition. In emergency situations, medical staff use triage to decide who needs immediate treatment and who can wait. This system ensures that those with the most serious and urgent needs receive care first, improving overall efficiency and outcomes in medical emergencies.

A contraindication is a specific situation or condition where a particular treatment or medication should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. For example, a certain drug might be harmful for people with allergies to its ingredients, or a medical procedure might be harmful for someone with a certain health condition. Identifying contraindications helps ensure patient safety by avoiding treatments that could cause dangerous effects.

Dosage refers to the amount of medication or treatment prescribed to be taken at one time or over a period of time. It specifies how much of a drug should be taken, how often it should be taken, and for how long. Proper dosage is important to ensure the medication is effective while minimizing the risk of side effects or overdose.

A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected symptom that occurs as a result of taking a medication or undergoing a treatment. Side effects can range from mild issues, like a headache or upset stomach, to more serious problems. They are not the main purpose of the medication but can occur alongside its intended benefits.

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and handle stress or relate to others. Good mental health is important for overall quality of life and involves managing stress, maintaining positive relationships, and dealing with life's challenges effectively. Mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, can impact daily functioning and require support or treatment.

An aftereffect refers to a delayed or secondary response that occurs after a treatment, procedure, or illness. It often appears as a lasting or long-term consequence that occurs after the initial effect has decreased. For example, after undergoing surgery, an individual might experience aftereffects such as lasting pain or changes in movement abilities that continues beyond the immediate recovery period.

Rejection refers to the body's immune system attacking a transplanted organ or tissue because it recognizes it as foreign. This can happen after organ transplants, like a kidney or heart, where the immune system tries to destroy the new organ. To prevent rejection, patients often take medications that control and lessen the immune response and help the body accept the transplant.

A donor is a person who gives an organ, tissue, or blood to another person in need, such as those undergoing transplants or needing blood transfers. This can include living donors, who give a part of their organ or tissue while they are alive, or dead donors, who provide organs or tissues after they have died. Donors have a crucial role in treatments and transplants that can save lives or improve health.

A clinical trial is a research study performed to test new medical treatments, drugs, or procedures on people. The goal is to determine if these new methods are safe and effective. Participants in clinical trials receive the treatment that is being tested and are closely monitored for any effects. Trials are performed in phases, with each phase designed to answer specific questions about the treatment’s safety, dosage, and effectiveness before it becomes widely available.

Informed consent is when a person, usually a patient, agrees to undergo a medical procedure or treatment after receiving clear information about the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives. It makes sure that individuals have the necessary information to make careful decisions about their healthcare. If a patient is unable to provide consent because of factors like being unconscious or having mental problems, someone else, such as a legal guardian or family member, may provide consent instead, following legal and ethical guidelines. Informed consent typically involves a discussion between the healthcare provider and the patient, where the provider explains the treatment, including potential risks and side effects, as well as any available alternatives. The patient then has the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns before agreeing to proceed with the treatment. Informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle in medicine and is legally required in many places to protect the rights of patients.

Quarantine is a practice where people or animals are kept separated from others to prevent the spread of disease or infection. This is done when someone is exposed to a contagious illness or shows symptoms, to ensure they do not spread it to others. Quarantine can involve staying at home or in a specified setting for a specific period, depending on the illness and public health guidelines.

Malignancy refers to a type of cancer or tumor that is harmful and can spread to other parts of the body. Such tumors grow quickly, invade nearby tissues, and have the potential to affect other areas through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Malignancy is more serious than benign conditions, which are non-cancerous and do not spread.

A drip feed is a method of delivering fluids or nutrients into the body slowly and continuously using a small tube connected to a bag of liquid. This method is often used in medical settings to provide hydration, medications, or nutrition when a person cannot take these substances by mouth. The liquid drips through the tube into a vein, allowing the body to absorb it gradually over time.

An aphrodisiac is a substance or food that is believed to increase sexual desire or improve sexual performance. It can come in various forms, such as herbs, foods, or medications, and is often used to enhance sexual pleasure. Examples of aphrodisiacs include certain spices like saffron and cinnamon, foods such as oysters and chocolate, and herbs like ginseng and maca. These substances are traditionally thought to stimulate sexual interest or improve sexual experiences.