Glossary

Analgesics: pain relievers

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): pain relievers used in post-op settings with narcotics

Narcotics: very potent pain relievers 

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID): pain relievers used to relieve post-op pain

Anesthesia: artificially induced insensitivity to pain

General anesthesia: anesthesia that affects the whole body and usually induces unconsciousness  

Local anesthesia: anesthesia applied directly at the site of surgery, causing the temporary loss of sensation in one small area of the body

Regional anesthesia: anesthesia applied at a slight distance away from the surgery site, causing the temporary loss of sensation in that area

Sedation: anesthesia given through IV to make patient drowsy/relaxed

Anesthesiologist: a physician specializing in anesthesiology

Anesthesiology: the branch of medicine that deals with anesthesia and anesthetics 

Pediatric anesthesiology: specialized anesthesiology for children 

Anterograde amnesia: a neurological condition that causes the brain to be unable to form new memories

Anxiolytics: medication that helps to relax or alleviate anxiety and relax the body 

Blood clot: a sticky lump when blood dries up or becomes too thick

Catheter: a small tube used to administer anesthesia

Intravenous (IV) line: a soft, flexible tube placed inside a vein, usually in the hand or arm, to administer blood, water, nutrients, medications, or other fluids directly into the bloodstream

IV agents: anesthesia administered intravenously

Inhalation gases: a mixture of gaseous chemical elements and compounds used for respiration

Intramuscular injection: a technique used to deliver medication deep into the muscles

Intubation: the insertion of a tube into the patient's body 

Opioid: a drug used to reduce moderate to severe pain

Paralytics: medication used to completely relax the muscles

Post-op: post- operation, after a medical operation 

Transdermal: the application of a drug or medicine through the skin

Unconscious: the state of not being awake and not being aware of the things around you