failure
(fāl'yĕr 
)
[Fr. faillir, fr L. fallere, to deceive]
Inability to function, esp. the loss of what was once present, as of eyesight or hearing.
acute brain f. SYN: Delirium.
acute kidney f.Acute renal failure.
acute liver f.The development of severe liver damage with encephalopathy and jaundice within 8 weeks of the onset of liver disease. Coagulopathy, electrolyte imbalance, and cerebral edema are common. Death is likely without liver transplantation.SYN: fulminant hepatic failure; fulminant hepatitis.
The most common causes of acute liver failure are viral hepatitis, acetaminophen overdose (and other drug reactions), trauma, ischemia, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, and autoimmune disorders.
Early symptoms are often nonspecific and include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness. As liver injury becomes more obvious, bile permeates the skin, producing jaundice. Alterations in mental status (lethargy or coma) and bleeding caused by coagulopathy may develop.
The diagnosis is suggested by jaundice and altered mental status in addition to elevations in liver function tests and prolongation of the prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR).
Affected patients should be hospitalized, usually in ICU under very close monitoring. General patient care concerns apply. Airway support and mechanical ventilation are often needed. Fluids and /or pressors, such as dopamine, may be needed to maintain blood pressure and cardiac output. Nutritional support with a low-salt, protein-restricted diet, with most calories supplied by carbohydrates, blood product infusions (fresh frozen plasma and platelets), and lactulose are usually administered. Potassium supplements help reverse the effects of high aldosterone levels; potassium-sparing diuretics increase urine volume. Ascitic fluid is removed by paracentesis or shunt placement to relieve abdominal discomfort and aid respiratory effort. Portal hypertension requires shunt placement to divert blood flow, and variceal bleeding is treated with vasoconstrictor drugs, balloon tamponade, vitamin K administration, and , perhaps, surgery to ligate bleeding portal vein collateral vessels.
Medications that are normally metabolized by the liver and medications that may further injure the liver should be avoided. Patients who have overdosed on acetaminophen may benefit from the administration of acetylcysteine if it can be administered within 12 hr of a single ingestion.
Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for acute liver failure. Early transplant evaluation should be carried out for every patient for whom there is a donated organ available. Without transplantation, the mortality from acute liver injury may reach 80%.
The patient’s level of consciousness should be assessed frequently, with ongoing orientation to time and place. Girth should be measured daily. Signs of anemia, infection, alkalosis, and GI bleeding should be documented and reported immediately. A quiet atmosphere is provided. Physical restraints are applied as minimally as possible; chemical restraint is prohibited. If the patient is comatose, the eyes are protected from corneal injury with artificial tears and /or eye patches.
The prognosis for the illness should be discussed in a sensitive but forthright fashion and emotional support provided to family members. Agency social workers, the hospital chaplain, and other support personnel should be involved in the patient’s care as appropriate to individual needs.
ABBR: ARF
A sudden, significant decrease in the filtration capabilities of the kidneys and , within hours or days, an increase in the levels of creatinine and other waste products in the systemic circulation. ARF affects as many as 20% of patients admitted to hospitals. It often results from accidents, e.g., severe burns or trauma, that cause large losses in body fluid. A number of drugs can cause ARF. Hospital procedures can also cause ARF, and it affects more than 25% of surgical patients who require cardiopulmonary bypass and almost 30% of patients in ICU. When ARF is the result of a decrease in blood volume without kidney damage, the condition can often be quickly and completely reversed. When the kidneys have been injured, however, they must heal if the ARF is to resolve.SYN: acute kidney failure; acute kidney injury.SEE: dialysis; table - Causes of Acute Renal Failure.
Prerenal: Most ARF is caused by low perfusion of the kidneys resulting from problems that do not initially directly damage the kidneys: hypovolemia (such as burns, cirrhosis with portal hypertension and ascites, dehydration, diarrhea, excess diuresis hemorrhage, vomiting); low cardiac output (such as arrhythmias, cardiac tamponade, massive pulmonary embolus, mechanical ventilation, myocardial diseases, and pulmonary hypertension); systemic vasodilation (such as anaphylaxis, anesthesia, antihypertensives, and sepsis); or bilateral renal vascular blockage (such as emboli, stenosis, thrombi).
Intrarenal: A less common ARF is caused from direct damage to the kidneys. Ninety percent of these cases are caused either by ischemia (from prolonged prerenal ARF or from diseases of blood vessel walls, glomerulonephritis, hyperviscosity syndromes, malignant hypertension, thrombotic microangiopathies, or vasculitis) or by nephrotoxins.
Postrenal: The least common ARF (less than 5% of cases) is caused by urinary obstruction that leads to increased back-pressure in the kidney tubules, which, in turn, decreases the glomerular filtration rate. Urinary obstruction most often occurs at the bladder neck owing to anticholinergic drug therapy, neurogenic bladder, or prostatic disease.
Most clinicians define ARF as 1) an increase in serum creatinine above 1.5 mg/dL; 2) a creatinine increase of at least 0.3 mg/dL in 48 hours; or, 3) a 50% increase of serum creatinine within a week.
Acute renal failure caused by urinary outlet obstruction (postrenal failure) often completely resolves when urinary flow is restored, i.e., after a urinary catheter is placed or a prostatectomy is performed. Renal failure caused by prerenal conditions, i.e., from reduced blood flow to the kidneys (as in dehydration or shock), sometimes improves with fluid and pressor support but may require other therapies, including dialysis. The resolution of ARF caused by intrarenal diseases (as in acute tubular necrosis) and kidney toxins depends on the underlying cause and the duration of the exposure; e.g., immunosuppressant drugs may reverse ARF resulting from glomerulonephritis or renal vasculitis whereas forced diuresis is the treatment for those whose disease is caused by rhabdomyolysis.
Patients with ARF may stop producing urine, have a sudden rise in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, and develop metabolic acidosis and electrolyte imbalances, esp. hyperkalemia. Other complications may follow as uremia develops, e.g., altered mental status, anorexia, arrhythmias, and fluid overload. The specific cause is identified and removed if possible. The nurse instructs the patient about dietary and fluid restrictions and implements these restrictions, promotes infection prevention, and advises the patient about activity restrictions resulting from metabolic alterations.
Neurological status is assessed, and safety measures are instituted. Intake and output and daily weights (measures of fluid status) are monitored. Daily blood tests determine acid-base and electrolyte balance. Hyperkalemia is treated with dialysis, intravenous hypertonic glucose solutions, insulin infusion, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium exchange resins administered orally or by enema, depending on its severity. The nurse should assess the patient for edema in the legs and feet, hand s, the sacrum, and around the eyes. It is also usual to record urine color and clarity. The patient is assessed for GI and cutaneous bleeding and anemia; blood components are replaced, or erythropoietin therapy is administered as prescribed. Blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and heart and lung sounds are regularly assessed for evidence of pericarditis or fluid overload. Cardiac monitoring is used to detect changes in cardiac conduction related to hyperkalemia. Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting result from uremia and lead to poor nutrition with loss of body muscle and mass. Nutritional support is critical to combat malnutrition and infection and to limit electrolyte imbalances. Protein-calorie malnutrition is prevalent in ARF. Renal failure diet requires careful management of total calories, protein, electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, and fluid volume. It should provide enough calories (30–35 kcal/kg) through fats and carbohydrates to limit muscle breakdown. At the same time, protein intake should be restricted to about 1.2 to 1.3 g/kg to minimize azotemia. Sodium intake should be limited to 2 to 4 g a day to limit water retention and hypertension. Potassium intake is restricted because, in renal failure, potassium is not excreted by the kidneys, and hyperkalemia may produce muscle weakness and cardiac rhythm disturbances. Oral intake of phosphorus must also be limited as prescribed; alternately, phosphorus-binding medications are taken with meals to prevent hyperphosphatemia. Oral calcium supplements are often used for this purpose. Vitamins B, C, and folate supplements are often given. Fluids are usually limited to the amount of the patient's urine output plus 500 to 700 mL for metabolic needs. Oral hygiene and misting provide relief for dry mucous membranes and help to prevent inflammation and infection. All stools are tested to monitor for GI bleeding. Aseptic technique is used in caring for the patient, who is extremely susceptible to infection. Other therapies include incentive spirometry, coughing, passive range-of-motion exercises, antiembolism stockings or pneumatic leg dressings, and ambulation. Acute renal failure often results in a protracted illness. Many patients with ARF requiring intensive care will die. As a result, the patient and family require continuous emotional support, and education about the treatment regimen (including dialysis if it is employed), nutritional restrictions, and the use of medications. Because some patients will eventually need to have an arteriovenous fistula constructed for dialysis, IV access should be limited to the dorsal aspects of the hand s whenever possible.
If ARF is not reversed but progresses to chronic (end-stage) renal failure, follow-up care with a nephrologist is arranged, and evaluation and teaching are provided for maintenance dialysis and /or possible kidney transplant. Referral is made for vocational or other counseling as needed.
acute respiratory f.Any impairment in oxygenation or ventilation in which the arterial oxygen tension falls below 60 mm Hg, and /or the carbon dioxide tension rises above 50 mm Hg, and the pH drops below 7.35.
In most cases the patient will need supplemental oxygen therapy. Intubation and mechanical ventilation may be needed if the patient cannot oxygenate and ventilate adequately, i.e., if carbon dioxide retention occurs. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the respiratory failure, such as bronchodilators for asthma, antibiotics for pneumonia, and diuretics or vasodilators for congestive heart failure.
Patients with acute respiratory failure are usually admitted to an acute care unit. The patient is positioned for optimal gas exchange, as well as for comfort. Supplemental oxygen is provided, but patients with chronic obstructive lung disease who retain carbon dioxide are closely monitored for adverse effects. A normothermic state is maintained to reduce the patient's oxygen demand . The patient is monitored closely for signs of respiratory arrest; lung sounds are auscultated and any deterioration in oxygen saturation is immediately reported. The patient is also watched for adverse drug effects and treatment complications such as oxygen toxicity and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Vital signs are assessed frequently, and fever, tachycardia, tachypnea or bradypnea, and hypotension are reported. The electrocardiogram is monitored for arrhythmias. Serum electrolyte levels and fluid balance are monitored and steps are taken to correct and prevent imbalances. If mechanical ventilation or noninvasive support is needed, ventilator settings and inspired oxygen concentrations are adjusted based on arterial blood gas results.
SEE: ventilation.
To maintain a patent airway, the trachea is suctioned after oxygenation as necessary, and humidification is provided to help loosen and liquefy secretions. Secretions are collected as needed for culture and sensitivity testing. Sterile technique during suctioning and change of ventilator tubing helps to prevent infection. Use of the minimal leak technique for endotracheal tube cuff inflation helps prevent tracheal erosion. Positioning the nasoendotracheal tube midline within the nostril, avoiding excessive tube movement, and providing adequate support for ventilator tubing all help to prevent nasal and endotracheal tissue necrosis. Periodically loosening the securing tapes and supports prevents skin irritation and breakdown. The patient is assessed for complications of mechanical ventilation, including reduced cardiac output, pneumothorax or other barotrauma, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, diminished urine output, increased intracranial pressure, and GI bleeding.
All tests, procedures, and treatments should be explained to the patient and family to improve understand ing and help reduce anxiety. Reasons for such measures should be presented, concerns elicited, and questions answered. If the patient is intubated or has had a tracheostomy, he or she should be told why speech is not possible and should be taught to use alternative methods to communicate needs, wishes, and concerns to health care staff and family members.
f. of artificial pacemaker A defect in a pacemaker device caused by either a failure to sense the patient's intrinsic beat or a failure to pace. Failure to pace can be caused by a worn-out battery, fracture or displacement of the electrode, or pulse generator defect.
backward heart f.Heart failure in which blood congests the lungs, and often the right ventricle, liver, and lower extremities.
chronic brain f. SYN: Dementia.
chronic respiratory f.Chronic inability of the respiratory system to maintain the function of oxygenating blood and to remove carbon dioxide from the lungs. Many diseases can cause chronic pulmonary insufficiency, including asthmatic airway obstruction, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis; and chronic pulmonary interstitial tissue diseases such as sarcoidosis, pneumoconiosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, disseminated carcinoma, radiation injury, and leukemia.
The focus of patient care is to relieve respiratory symptoms, manage hypoxia, conserve energy, and avoid respiratory irritants and infections. The nurse, respiratory therapist, primary care physician, and pulmonologist carry out the prescribed treatment regimen and teach the patient and family to manage care at home.
Patients may require supplemental oxygen. The patient is taught how to use the equipment and the importance of maintaining an appropriate flow rate. Low flow rates (1–2 L/min) are often best for patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Drug therapy can include inhaled bronchodilators (if bronchospasm is reversible), oral or inhaled corticosteroids, oral or inhaled sympathomimetics, inhaled mucolytic therapy, and prompt use of oral antibiotics in the presence of respiratory infection. The patient and family are taught the order and spacing for administering these drugs and how to use a metered-dose inhaler (with spacer if necessary). They are taught the desired effects, serious adverse reactions to report, and minor adverse effects and how to deal with them. Patients are taught care of inhalers and other respiratory equipment and are advised to rinse the mouth after using these devices to help limit bad tastes, dryness, and Cand ida infections.
Unless otherwise restricted, the patient will benefit from increased fluid intake (to 3 L/day) to help liquefy secretions and aid in their expectoration. Deep-breathing and coughing techniques are taught to promote ventilation and remove secretions. The patient also may be taught postural drainage and chest physiotherapy to help mobilize secretions and clear airways. Such therapy is to be carried out at least 1 hr before or after meals. Incentive spirometry may help to promote optimal lung expansion. A high-calorie, high-protein diet, offered as small, frequent meals, helps the patient maintain needed nutrition, while conserving energy and reducing fatigue.
Daily activity is encouraged, alternating with rest to prevent fatigue. Patients may benefit from a planned respiratory rehabilitation program to teach breathing techniques, provide conditioning, and help increase exercise tolerance. Diversional activities also should be provided, based on the patient's interests.
The patient is assessed for changes in baseline respiratory function; restlessness, changes in breath sounds, and tachypnea may signal an exacerbation. Any changes in sputum quality or quantity are noted. The patient is taught to be aware of these changes.
Patients need help in adjusting to lifestyle changes necessitated by this chronic illness. Patients and their families are encouraged to ask questions and voice concerns; answers are provided when possible, and support is given throughout. The patient and family should be included in all care planning and related decisions. The patient also is taught to avoid air pollutants such as automobile exhaust fumes and aerosol sprays, as well as crowds and people with respiratory infections. Patients should obtain influenza immunization annually and pneumonia immunization every 6 years. The patient also may benefit from avoiding exposure to cold air and covering the nose and mouth with a scarf or mask when outdoors in cold, windy weather. Patients who smoke tobacco are advised to abstain and use nicotine replacement therapy, hypnotism, support groups, or other methods.
circulatory f.1Failure of the cardiovascular system to provide body tissues with enough blood for proper functioning. It may be caused by heart failure or peripheral circulatory failure, as occurs in shock, in which there is general peripheral vasodilation with pooling of blood in the expand ed vascular space, resulting in decreased venous return.2An inability to sustain a mean arterial pressure of 70 mm Hg despite vigorous intravenous hydration and infusion of vasopressors.
coagulation f.Any disorder of hemostasis that results in clinically significant coagulation factor deficiencies, thrombocytopenia, or bleeding.
f. of compensation The inability of the heart muscle or other diseased organs to meet the body's needs. In cardiac failure, this results in pulmonary congestion, difficult breathing, and sometimes hypotension or lower extremity swelling. Causes of cardiac compensatory failure may occur in patients with ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, or cardiomyopathies.
ABBR: CHF
Heart failure.diastolic heart f.Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
discharge f.The unanticipated return of a patient to a health care facility within 72 hr of discharge.
encoding f.Inability to process one’s experiences into enduring memories.
extubation f.Respiratory failure after discontinuation of mechanical ventilation, accompanied by the need to reintubate the patient.
forward heart f.Heart failure in which forward flow of blood to the tissues is inadequate because the left ventricle is unable to pump blood with enough force to the systemic circulation (as a result of cardiomyopathy, muscular stunning, or infarction) or because outflow from the left ventricle is obstructed as in aortic stenosis).
fulminant hepatic f.Acute liver failure.
ABBR: GIF
A rare, Parkinson-like syndrome in which people have difficulty initiating walking. Unlike in Parkinson disease however, once patients with GIF begin to walk, their stride and body posture are normal.heart f.Inability of the heart to circulate blood effectively enough to meet the body's metabolic needs. Heart failure may affect the left ventricle, right ventricle, or both. It may result from impaired ejection of blood from the heart during systole or from impaired relaxation of the heart during diastole. In the U.S., about 400,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure each year, and about 10% to 20% of those affected die of the disease annually. Heart failure is one of the most common causes of hospitalization and rehospitalization in the U.S. The prognosis for patients with heart failure depends on the ejection fraction, that is, the proportion of blood in the ventricle that is propelled from the heart during each contraction. In healthy patients, the ejection fraction equals about 55% to 78%.SYN: cardiac failure; congestive heart failure.
SEE: ejection fraction; pulmonary edema.
Heart failure is easily diagnosed in a patient with typical symptoms and signs, esp. when these findings are accompanied by a chest x-ray that shows an enlarged heart and pulmonary edema. In patients with an uncertain presentation, elevated levels of B-type natriuretic peptide may aid in the diagnosis.
Difficulty breathing is the predominant symptom of heart failure. In patients with mild impairments of ejection fraction (45% to 50%), breathing is normal at rest but labored after climbing a flight of stairs or lifting lightweight objects. Patients with advanced heart failure (ejection fraction 20%) may have such difficulty breathing that getting out of bed or taking a few steps is very tiring.
The physical examination of a patient often reveals engorged jugular veins, lower extremity swelling, crackles in the lung bases, a post-systolic gallop, and a laterally displaced apical heart impulse.
Heart failure may result from myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, heart valve lesions, congenital malformation of the heart or great vessels, constrictive pericarditis, cardiomyopathies, or conditions that affect the heart indirectly, including renal failure, fluid overload, thyrotoxicosis, severe anemia, and sepsis. Of the many causes of heart failure, ischemia and infarction are the most common.
Treatment approaches to heart failure depend on whether the patient has a reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (abbreviated “HFrEF”) who have no allergies or contraindications should be treated with a combination of drugs, including an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, a proven beta blocker, diuretics (when volume overloaded), a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor. Other drugs that have been shown to be effective are nitrates with hydralazine, and in some circumstances, digoxin. All of these medications must be monitored closely for side effects. In patients with heart failure caused by valvular heart disease, valve replacement surgery may be effective. Cardiac transplantation can be used in advanced heart failure when donor organs are available.
In the patient who presents for medical attention in heart failure, signs and symptoms are assessed, and vital signs, cardiac rhythm, and neurological status are closely monitored. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is examined for evidence of acute coronary syndromes, and cardiac monitoring is instituted. Hemodynamic monitoring is initiated based on the severity of patient symptoms. The chest is auscultated for abnormal heart sounds and for lung crackles or gurgles. Daily body weights are obtained to detect fluid retention, and the extremities are inspected for evidence of peripheral edema. If the patient is confined to a bed, the sacral area of the spine is assessed for edema. Fluid intake and output are monitored, esp. if the patient is receiving diuretics. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, potassium, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels are monitored frequently. The complete blood count, liver function tests, thyroid function tests, and kidney functions should be evaluated to determine whether any comorbid conditions such as anemia, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, or hyperthyroidism are contributing to or worsening heart failure. Echocardiography helps measure ejection fraction, a key component in distinguishing between systolic heart failure and diastolic dysfunction. It is also used to estimate ventricular dysfunction, measure intracardiac pressures and wall motion, assess ventricular relaxation and compliance, and demonstrate abnormal chamber sizes, valve deformities, pericardial effusions, and ventricular thrombi. Multiple gated acquisition scans may be used as an alternative. Cardiac catheterization, recommended for patients with angina or large ischemic areas, can exclude coronary artery disease as a cause of HF. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, employing computers and gas analyzers to determine maximal oxygen consumption, evaluates ventricular performance during exercise. Acceptable total oxygen uptake is 20 mL/kg/m or greater. A result of less than 12 indicates severe HF. Continuous ECG monitoring is provided during acute and advanced disease stages to identify and manage arrhythmias promptly. The patient's blood pressure and pulse are assessed while the patient is supine, sitting, and stand ing to detect orthostasis, esp. during diuretic therapy. The legs are assessed for symmetrical pitting edema, a common finding. The patient is placed in the high Fowler position and on prescribed bedrest, and high concentration-oxygen is administered as prescribed to ease the patient's breathing. Prescribed medications, such as carvedilol, cand esartan, digoxin, furosemide, lisinopril, spironolactone, and potassium, are administered and evaluated for desired responses and any adverse reactions. All patient activities are organized to maximize rest periods. To prevent deep venous thrombosis resulting from vascular congestion, the caregiver assists with range-of-motion exercises and applies antiembolism stockings or uses heparins or warfarin. Any deterioration in the patient's condition is documented and reported immediately. To help curb fluid overload, the patient should avoid foods high in sodium, such as canned and commercially prepared foods and dairy products, and restrict dietary sodium to 2 to 3 g a day and fluid intake to 2 L a day. The importance of regular medical check-ups is emphasized, and the patient is advised to notify the health care practitioner if the pulse rate is unusually irregular, falls below 60 bpm, or increases to above 120 bpm, or if the patient experiences palpitations, dizziness, blurred vision, shortness of breath, persistent dry cough, increased fatigue, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, swollen ankles, decreased urine output, or a weight gain of 3 to 5 lb (1.4 to 2.3 kg) in 1 week. Patients, their families, and other caregivers must understand the action of each of the medications prescribed, along with their possible adverse reactions and actions to be taken if a dose is missed. The importance of renewing prescriptions in a timely manner so that doses are available when needed should be stressed.
Patient activity as tolerated is encouraged with tasks divided into small segments to avoid shortness of breath.
Annual influenza vaccines and a pneumococcal vaccine (repeated every 5 years) help patients minimize the risk of systemic infections. Smokers are encouraged to quit. Frequent rehospitalizations are the rule rather than the exception in heart failure. Effective treatment may depend on a multidisciplinary approach that includes active participation by the patient, primary care provider and nurse educator, case managers, pharmacists, dietitians, and social workers, among others. Evidence-based clinical pathways for managing heart failure are available from the American Heart Association and other agencies.
high-output heart f.Heart failure that occurs in spite of high cardiac output, as in severe anemia, thyrotoxicosis, arteriovenous fistulae, or other diseases.
intestinal f.An inability to meet the nutritional requirements of the body for growth, development, and homeostasis that results from either a poorly functioning or a surgically resected intestine. People with intestinal failure require parenteral or enteral nutritional support.
left ventricular heart f.Failure of the heart to maintain left ventricular output. It may result from systolic dysfunction, i.e., a left ventricular ejection fraction.
linear growth f.Stunting of growth.
liver f.The inability of the liver to function because of liver disease or demand s beyond the capabilities of the liver.
SEE: acute liver failure.
low-output heart f.Heart failure in which cardiac output is low (as in most kinds of heart disease).
metabolic f.Rapid failure of physical and mental functions ending in death.
microbiological f.Ongoing infection, as indicated by persistently positive culture results, in a patient treated with antimicrobial therapy.
multiple systems organ f.Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
multisystem organ f.Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
organ f.Inability of one or more of the body's organ systems to perform the tasks of preserving health or homeostasis. The failure may be acute or chronic. Examples include blindness, chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, dementia, fulminant hepatic failure, hearing loss, heart failure, hypothyroidism, menopause, respiratory failure, and shock.
ovarian f.Cessation of normal ovarian function, i.e., the ability to produce fertilizable eggs when stimulated by gonadotropins. Evidence of ovarian failure includes prolonged cessation of menstrual periods (exceeding 6 months) and marked elevations in serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
premature ovarian f.The onset of menopause before the age of 40.
f. to progress In pregnancy, a stall during labor. It may be due to slow cervical dilation, a delay in the descent of the fetal head through the birth canal, or ineffective uterine contractions.
pump f.A colloquial term for cardiac failure.
SEE: cardiac failure.
renal f.Inability of the kidneys to function adequately. Kidney disease may be acute, chronic, partial, progressive, or end-stage.
ABBR: FTR
Loss of life among hospitalized patients resulting from inadequate recognition and treatment of life-threatening complications. FTR is correlated with high ratios of patients to nurses and with psychological variables, e.g., burnout. It has been used, along with complication rates of surgery and other criteria, as an indicator of the quality of hospital care.SEE: acute respiratory failure; chronic respiratory failure.
right ventricular heart f.Failure of the heart to maintain right ventricular output.
tendon f.The disruption of the structure of a tendon when it is subjected to excessive stretch or loading force (or both).
ABBR: FTT
A condition in which infants and children not only fail to gain weight but also may lose it, or in which older persons lose the physiological or psychosocial reserves needed to care for themselves. The causes include almost any chronic or debilitating condition.virologic f.During the treatment of HIV infection with antiviral drugs, a failure to eliminate the virus from the blood, evidenced by the presence of a detectable viral load in a blood test.