Protective response of body tissues to irritation, infection, or allergy
Signs of inflammation include redness, swelling, heat, and pain, commonly accompanied
by loss of function.
Systemic disease caused by infection with microorganisms and their toxins in circu-
lating blood; also called sepsis and blood poisoning
If a patient becomes “septic,” he or she will likely have low blood pressure leading to
poor circulation. This condition can develop as a result of the body’s own defense sys-
tem or from toxic substances made by the infecting agent (such as a bacterium, virus,
or fungus).
Diagnostic Procedures
Laboratory test of a body fluid placed on a culture medium to identify the cause of an
infection (usually a bacterium) and a sensitivity test that determines which antibiotic
drug will work best to treat the infection
A C&S test may be done on many different body fluids, such as urine, mucus, blood, pus,
saliva, spinal fluid, or a discharge from the vagina or penis.
Visual examination of the interior of organs and cavities with a specialized lighted in-
strument called an endoscope
Endoscopy can also be used to obtain tissue samples for biopsy, perform surgery, and fol-
low the course of a disease, as in the assessment of the healing of gastric ulcers. The cavity
or organ examined dictates the name of the endoscopic procedure, such as gastroscopy and
bronchoscopy. A camera and video recorder are commonly used during this procedure to
provide a permanent record. (See Fig. 2–6.)
Additional Medical Terms • CHAPTER 2 51
inflammation
ĭn-flă-MĀ-shun
septicemia
sĕp-tĭ-SĒ-mē-ă
septic:infection
-emia:blood
culture & sensitivity
(C&S)
endoscopy
ĕn-DŎS-kō-pē
endo-: in, within
-scopy: visual
examination
Fiberoptic
lights
Biopsy
device
Figure 2-6Endoscopy of the stomach.
