Glossary A

Abscess

Layman's explanation

Bump on skin or a painful swelling

Used in a sentence

If you see a bump or a painful swelling on your skin, please tell your doctor or nurse.

Abduction (related to joint movement)

Layman's explanation

Moving a limb away from the body

Used in a sentence

The action of moving his limb away from the body.

Acute

Layman's explanation

Sudden

Used in a sentence

If you feel a sudden loss of hearing in the next few weeks after your discharge, please go to the nearest A&E immediately.

Acute Kidney Injury

Layman's explanation

Sudden malfunction of the kidneys, leading to build-up of waste and fluids in the body

Used in a sentence

Your blood test results show that your kidneys are not functioning as it should, which could lead to build-up of waste and fluids in the body.

Acute Retention of Urine (ARU)

Layman's explanation

Cannot pass urine properly

Used in a sentence

If you cannot pass urine properly, please see the doctor.

Adduction (related to joint movement)

Layman's explanation

Moving a limb towards the body

Used in a sentence

The action of moving his limb towards the body.

Advance Care Planning (ACP)

Layman's explanation

How you would like to be cared for should you become unable to speak for yourself

Used in a sentence

We would like to discuss and write down how you would like to be cared for should you become unable to speak for yourself.

Ambulant

Layman's explanation

Able to move around by oneself

Used in a sentence

Mr Tan is able to move around by himself.

Ambulate

Layman's explanation

Moving around

Used in a sentence

Your father needs help with moving around.

Analgesia

Layman's explanation

Medicine to reduce your pain

Used in a sentence

We will give you some medicine to reduce your pain after the operation.

Angina

Layman's explanation

Chest discomfort or tightening

Used in a sentence

The chest discomfort or tightening you feel is due to the poor blood and oxygen circulation to your heart.

Anticoagulation / anticoagulants

Layman's explanation

Medicines to prevent blood clots

Used in a sentence

Due to your condition, we will have to prescribe medicines to prevent blood clotting.

Aphasia

Layman's explanation

A communication disorder affecting speaking and/or understanding of language

Used in a sentence

Due to his illness, the patient has difficulty speaking and understanding language.

Apraxia of speech

Layman's explanation

A speech disorder affecting your ability to plan and coordinate speech sounds

Used in a sentence

As a result of his illness, the patient has reduced ability to plan and coordinate speech sounds.

Aspiration

Layman's explanation

When food, drink or other substances accidentally enter the lungs instead of going down the throat into the stomach

Used in a sentence

Mr Tan has difficulty swallowing, which increases his risk of food or liquid entering his airway and lungs which may cause infections.

Asymptomatic Microscopic Haematuria (AMH)

Layman's explanation

Blood found in urine through a special test. Most patients have no other symptoms.

Used in a sentence

We found blood in your urine during the test. Most patients have no other symptoms.

At-own-risk (AOR) feeding

Layman's explanation

When patient and/or family members make the decision for oral feeding with acknowledged risks of choking on food and drinks leading to possible chest infection despite Speech Therapist’s advice

Used in a sentence

Mr Lee’s family was advised on the risk of oral feeding that includes choking on food and drinks, potentially leading to chest infections. His family made the decision to proceed with oral feeding at their own risk.

Atrial fibrillation

Layman's explanation

Irregular heartbeat

Used in a sentence

Our assessment showed that you have irregular heartbeat, so we will need to investigate further.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Layman's explanation

Communication modes that support and/or replaces verbal speech

Used in a sentence

For patients who have difficulty with speech, there are other communication modes that can support or even replace verbal speech.

Auscultate

Layman's explanation