Dictionary

Nnon-eloquent [non elo-kwent] Describes parts of the brain thatdo not control speech, motor functions, or senses.Also known as “silent” areas of the brain. Surgical removalof tumors is generally safer in these areas.non-enhancing An area that does not take up contrast materials;does not appear highlighted on a scan.non-randomized study A clinical trial in which all patientsreceive the same investigational treatment.NOS Not Otherwise Specified.nosology The science of the systematic arrangement orclassification of diseases.Novalis Brand name of a system used to deliver linearaccelerator stereotactic radiosurgery.NP See Nurse Practitioner.NPH Normal pressure hydrocephalus.NSAID Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. Over-thecountermedications used to treat swelling due to inflammationsuch as that caused by arthritis. These drugs include Advil,Motrin, and Aleve among others.NTCP Normal Tissue Complication Probability.nuclear atypia [new´ klee ur • a tip´ ee ah] An abnormalappearing cell nucleus.nuclear medicine [new´ klee ur] The branch of medicine thatdeals with the use of radioisotopes in therapy and diagnosis.nucleic acids [new´ klay ik] Large, naturally occurring moleculescomposed of chemical building blocks known as nucleotides.There are two kinds of nucleic acids: DNA and RNA.nucleus [new´ klee us] The center of the cell containing thegenetic information (genes and chromosomes, DNA, etc).The appearance of the nucleus is used as a criterion todetermine the malignant potential of a cell or tissue.82nurse clinician A registered nurse with an advanced degree in aparticular area of patient care; e.g., neurosurgery clinical nursespecialist. These individuals have earned a Master’s degree innursing (MSN).nurse practitioner An advanced practice nurse. A registerednurse who has met advanced educational and clinical practicerequirements beyond those of the basic nursing educationrequired of all RNs. The majority of the nurse practitionerprograms in the US provide preparation at the master’sdegree level.NV, N & V Nausea and Vomiting.nystagmus [nis tag´ mus] Rapid, involuntary movement of theeyeballs.observation The person’s condition is closely monitored buttreatment does not begin unless symptoms appear or change.Also called “watchful waiting.”occipital lobe [ock sip´ ih tul] The lobe of the cerebralhemispheres in the back of the head just above the neck;involved in the understanding of visual images and the meaningof written words.occupational therapist A professional trained to help peoplemanage the daily activities of living, such as dressing, groomingor cooking, and regaining vocational skills. Abbreviated OT.OCN Oncology Certified Nurse.oculomotor nerve 3rd cranial nerve.ODAC Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee. A group ofphysicians, scientists, patients and consumers assembled bythe FDA to review a cancer drug NDA (new drug application).ODP Office of Oncology Drug Products. See CDER.NO83