Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

deciduous teeth
See 
primary teeth.
decongestant
A drug that shrinks the swollen
membranes in the nose, making it easier for a per-
son to breathe. Decongestants can be taken orally
or as nasal spray. Decongestant nasal spray should
not be used for more than 5 days without a physi-
cian’s recommendation. Many decongestant nasal
sprays cause a worsening of symptoms (a rebound
effect) when they are taken for too long and then
discontinued. Decongestants should not be used by
people who have high blood pressure unless they
are under a physician’s supervision.
decubitus ulcer
See 
bedsore.
deep
Away from the exterior surface, or farther
into the body, as opposed to superficial. For exam-
ple, the bones are deep to the skin. See also
Appendix B, “Anatomic Orientation Terms.”
deep vein thrombosis
A blood clot within a
deep vein, typically in the thigh or leg. The blood
clot (thrombus) can break off as an embolus and
make its way to the lung, where it can cause lung
problems. Abbreviated DVT. Also known as econ-
omy-class syndrome.
defecation syncope
See 
vasovagal syncope.
defect, atrial septal
See 
atrial septal defect.
defect, enzyme
See 
enzyme defect.
defect, ventricular septal
See 
ventricular sep-
tal defect.
defibrillation
The use of a carefully controlled
electric shock, administered either through a device
on the exterior of the chest wall or directly to the
exposed heart muscle, to normalize the rhythm of
the heart or restart it.
defibrillator
A device that corrects an abnormal
heart rhythm by delivering electrical shocks to
restore a normal heartbeat.