Letter: p

Denotes the back surface of the body. Often used to indicate the position of one structure relative to another, i.e., nearer the back of the body.

The thick, strong ligament attached to the dorsal surfaces of the vertebral bodies. It extends from the occipital bone to the coccyx, and forms the ventral limit of the spinal canal.

Infection acquired after birth.

A direct and indirect hazard; functions as an abrasive particle, immunological activator, transporter of chemicals, proteins and microorganisms. Powder lowers the threshold for acquiring an infection. It also interferes with wound healing and increases the risk for incremental complications in OR and Post-OP care. On surgical gloves, powder is composed of a uniquely cross-linked cornstarch (USP absorbable dusting powder). Cross-linking is performed with oxychlorhydridrin or phosphorus oxichloride.

Personal Protective Equipment

Parts per million

Peripheral Nervous Nutrition

Systematically developed statement to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate healthcare for specific circumstances. Statements suggesting the proper indications for doing a procedure or treatment or the proper management for specific clinical problems.

Commercially available feeding bags that are filled with formula at the manufacturing site and then spiked at the bedside with an administration set.

Skin redness, irritation, ulcer and/or tissue necrosis caused by the pressure induced ischemia with lack of local tissue oxygen, subsequent friction and death of the tissue (e.g., bed sores, naso gastric injury to the nasal tissues, sores caused by heating sources, pressure).