Medical definitions - D

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M   N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Dialysis - the process of cleansing the blood by passing it through a special machine; necessary when the kidneys are not able to filter the blood.

Diuretic - anything that promotes the formation of urine by the kidney.

DNR – do not resuscitate; orders given by the patient or the patients family that no life saving measures be taken.

Dobutamine - this medication is used to treat heart conditions; the medication provides additional pumping strength by stimulating the heart muscle.

Dopamine – a drug used to help regulate blood pressure.

Ductus arteriosus – the arterial shunt of blood bypassing the lungs while in utero; closes after birth in most cases.