Glossary E

Ecchymosis / contusion

Layman's explanation

Bruises, skin discolouration due to injury to blood vessels

Used in a sentence

The bruises on the patient’s arm are due to injury to the blood vessels and they would usually heal on its own. The care team will be monitoring closely.

Edema

Layman's explanation

Swelling caused by too much fluid trapped in your body’s tissues

Used in a sentence

The swelling on the patient’s feet is due to fluid build-up in the body.

Electrolytes

Layman's explanation

Body minerals such as sodium, calcium and potassium

Used in a sentence

Body minerals such as sodium, calcium and potassium, are passed out when you vomit, have diarrhoea or when you sweat. You can replace them with water, isotonic drinks, fruits and vegetables.

Electrolytes Imbalance

Layman's explanation

Level of body minerals in the body becoming too high or too low

Used in a sentence

When the level of body minerals in the body become too high or too low, it can cause twitching, weakness, muscle cramps and irregular heartbeat.

Endurance

Layman's explanation

Body’s physical capability to sustain an exercise for an extended period

Used in a sentence

Physiotherapy can teach patients to improve on their fitness and their body’s physical capability to tolerate longer periods of activities.

Enteral Feeding

Layman's explanation

Mode of non-oral feeding including nasogastric tube, nasojejunal tube, percutaneous-endoscopic-gastrostomy tube, oral-gastric tube

Used in a sentence

As the patient has swallowing difficulties, we may have to consider using other methods of non-oral feeding.

Estimated discharge date (EDD)

Layman's explanation

Planned discharge based on patient’s condition and rehabilitation progress

Used in a sentence

During the patient’s stay in the community hospital, the care team will continuously review his condition and rehabilitation progress before deciding on a planned discharge.

Every other day (EOD)

Layman's explanation

Alternate days

Used in a sentence

This wound dressing should be changed on alternate days (Eg, Mon, Wed, Fri)

Exacerbation

Layman's explanation

Gotten worse

Used in a sentence

Your asthma has gotten worse.

Expectorate

Layman's explanation

Cough out

Used in a sentence

Mr Tan was able to cough out his own phlegm after the breathing exercises.

Extension (related to joint movement)

Layman's explanation

Movement that increases the angle of the joint

Used in a sentence

The action that increases the angle of the joint.

Extent of care (EOC)

Layman's explanation

The types of medical interventions for a person in the event of medical emergencies, including life-saving measures like CPR

Used in a sentence

In the event of a medical emergency, we would like to understand how you want your healthcare provider to care for you, including life-saving measures like CPR.

External rotation (related to joint movement)

Layman's explanation

Rotate arm or leg away from the body

Used in a sentence

The action of rotating his arm or leg joint away from the body.

Exudate

Layman's explanation

Fluid coming out from the wound

Used in a sentence

We will need to monitor the fluid coming out from the wound to ensure there is no infection before we can allow you to leave the hospital.