Definitions: L
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Laboratory - (abb. lab) a place equipped for making tests or doing experimental work.
Large Intestines - (also large bowel, bowel or gut) the last portion of the intestine before the rectum, about 5 feet long, extending from its junction with the small intestine to the anus.
Lesion - a wound or an injury.
Lethargy - a lowered level of consciousness, with drowsiness, listlessness, and apathy.
Leukemia - a cancer of blood cells characterized by the abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the tissues. There are many types of leukemias and they are classified according to the type of white blood cell involved.
Liability - something for which you are legally responsible or obligated.
Licensed Practical Nurse - (LPN) are trained to administer technical nursing procedures as well as provide a range of health care services, such as administration of medication and changing of dressings. One year of post high school education and passage of a state licensing exam is required.
Life Care Community - a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) which offers an insurance type contract and provides all levels of care. It often includes payment for acute care and physician's visits. Little or no change is made in the monthly fee, regardless of the level of medical care required by the resident, except for cost of living increases.
Listless - showing a lack of interest in surroundings.
Liver - a solid organ located on the right in the upper abdomen. It plays a major role in metabolism, digestion, detoxification, and elimination of substances from the body.
Living Will - an advance medical directive in which a mentally-competent adult expresses his/her preferences regarding medical treatment, in the event of future incapacitation or incompetence to make medical decisions.
Long-Distance Caregiver - a caregiver that is not within easy travel distance of the care receiver. Usually refers to a family member who is coordinating care (ref. care coordinator).
Long-Term Care - provision of services to persons of any age who are afflicted with chronic health impairments.
Long-Term Care Insurance - privately issued insurance policy which covers the cost of nursing home care, assisted living, and home health care. Costs are based on age, health, period before it pays for coverage after a claim is made, amount paid, and duration of benefits.
Lorazepam (brand name Ativan)- this medication is used to treat anxiety.
See also: Lorazepam on WebMD
Lumbar - located at or near the part of the back lying between the lowest ribs and the hips.
Lungs - either of two spongy organs in the chest that serve as the organs of gas exchange. Blood flowing through the lungs picks up oxygen from inhaled air and releases carbon dioxide, which is exhaled.
Lymph - a clear, watery, sometimes faintly yellowish fluid derived from body tissues that contains white blood cells and circulates throughout the lymphatic system, returning to the venous bloodstream through the thoracic duct. Lymph acts to remove bacteria and certain proteins from the tissues, transport fat from the small intestine, and supply mature lymphocytes to the blood.
Lymphatic System - a network of fine vessels by which lymph circulates throughout the body.
Lymphocytes - a type of white blood cell that increases in the presence of infection.
These definitions are from sources deemed reliable but you should independently verify their accuracy.
If you click a link, you can go back by clicking your browser's back button or by pressing Alt, left arrow.
See a correction? Want us to add a definition? Tell us here.
Sources:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/
http://www.webmd.com/
