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Narcotic:  A drug such as opium that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces profound sleep but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions.

NPO:  Abbreviation of the Latin phrase nil per os meaning "nothing by mouth."

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): Sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep and gasping spells upon waking. By definition, each interval of breathing cessation, called an apnea lasts a minimum 10 seconds.

Opioid:  Preparation possessing some of the properties of opiate narcotics including the ability to induce sleep and to alleviate pain, but not derived from opium. See Medications

Oxygenation:  Amount of oxygen present in the blood and tissues. 

Oxygen desaturation: Insufficient amounts of oxygen in the blood.

Paradoxical reaction: Response to a medication that is the opposite of the expected effect. Rarely, benzodiazepines may induce increased talkativeness, emotional release, excitement, and excessive movement in susceptible individuals.

Patient controlled analgesia (PCA): Technique that uses a computer-controlled pump to allow the patient to deliver appropriate amounts of analgesic medications medication in response to pain during a procedure.

Pharmacodynamics:  Study of the effects of drugs on the body including the mechanisms of drug action and the relationship between drug concentration and effect.

Pharmacokinetics: Study of the way the body absorbs, distributes and excretes drugs. 

Perioperative:  Relating to, occurring in, or being the period around the time of a surgical operation or procedure (the pre-, intra- and postoperative period).

Potentiate:  Increase or multiply the effect of a drug by administration of another drug at the same time.

Precordial stethoscope:  Stethoscope allows heart sounds and breath sounds to be monitored simultaneously. 

Premedication:  Preliminary medication, especially medication administered to induce a relaxed state before the administration of an anesthetic.

Respiratory depression: See Hypoventilation.

Reversal agent:  Specific antagonists which can be administered to improve spontaneous ventilatory efforts in patients who have received opioids (naloxone) or benzodiazepines (flumanzenil).

Sedative:  Drug that depresses the central nervous system producing a calming effect.

Ventilation:  Circulation and exchange of gases into and out of the lungs that is basic to respiration.

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