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blood pressure load

During ambulatory (outpatient) blood pressure monitoring, the amount of time that a patient's systolic or diastolic blood pressure exceeds normal values.

blood product

Blood component.

bloodroot

(blŭd′root″) A perennial flowering herb (Sanguinaria canadensis) native to eastern North America. The plant produces several pharmacologically active alkaloids, of which the most extensively studied is sanguinarine. SEE: sanguinarine.

blood salvage

A collection of the siphoned blood that has escaped from the operative site of non-contaminated surgeries so that after appropriate filtration it may be returned to the patient. SEE: autologous blood transfusion; cell saver.

bloodshot

(blŭd′shot″) Local congestion of the smaller blood vessels of a part, as when the vessels of the conjunctiva are dilated and visible.

bloodstream

(blŭd′strēm″) The blood that flows through the circulatory system of an organism.

blood test

A test to determine the chemical, physical, or serological characteristics of the blood or some portion of it.

blood thinner

A popular but incorrrect name for an anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug.

blood typing

The classification of red blood cells by the proteins and carbohydrates (antigens) found on the surface of the erythrocyte membrane.

blood warmer

A device that raises refrigerated blood or intravenous fluids to a desired temperature, usually 98.6°F (37.0°C), or a little above.

image Testing the device for temperature control on a regular basis is important to avoid transfusion errors.

Bloom syndrome

(bloom) [David Bloom, U.S. dermatologist, b. 1892] An autosomal recessive disease, found predominantly but not exclusively in persons of Jewish ancestry, marked by chromosomal abnormalities, facial rashes, dwarfism, and a propensity to develop leukemia.

blotch

(blŏtch) A blemish, spot, or area of discoloration on the skin.

blotting method

SEE: under method.

Blount disease

[Walter Putman Blount, U.S. surgeon, 1900–1992] Tibia vara.

blow-by

(blō′bī″) An imprecise method of oxygen delivery in which an oxygen source (such as a tube connected to a pressurized gas canister) discharges oxygen in front of the nostrils or mouth of the patient.

PATIENT CARE: It is used primarily to supply supplemental oxygen to infants, neonates, and toddlers, who may not tolerate wearing other oxygen delivery systems (such as a nasal cannula or face mask).

blowfly

(blō′flī″) Any of ...

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