What does the medical term marked mean?

In medicine, the term "marked" is used to indicate a noticeable or significant degree or change in a particular sign, symptom, or medical condition. It is often used in clinical notes, reports, and assessments to describe the severity or extent of a certain finding.

When a medical professional uses the term "marked," it usually refers to something that is clearly observable or pronounced. For example, they might note a "marked increase in blood pressure" to indicate a substantial elevation in a patient's blood pressure readings. Similarly, they could describe a "markedly tender abdomen" to convey that the patient experiences significant tenderness or pain upon palpation of the abdominal area.

Using the term "marked" helps healthcare providers communicate effectively and accurately about the status of a patient's condition. It allows them to convey the severity or significance of findings, which can impact diagnosis, treatment decisions, and patient monitoring.

Here are a few additional examples of how the term "marked" might be used in a medical context:

- Marked respiratory distress: This refers to a notable difficulty in breathing, characterized by signs such as rapid or labored breathing, shortness of breath, and increased respiratory effort.

- Markedly elevated white blood cell count: This indicates a significant increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood, often associated with infections, inflammation, or other medical conditions.

- Marked dehydration: This refers to a severe level of fluid loss from the body, characterized by signs such as dry skin and mucous membranes, decreased urine output, and electrolyte imbalances.

- Marked weakness: This describes a pronounced reduction in muscle strength, affecting the individual's ability to move or perform certain physical tasks.

It is important to note that the interpretation and significance of "marked" can vary depending on the specific medical condition and context in which it is used. Healthcare professionals rely on their clinical expertise, knowledge of the patient's history, and other relevant information to determine the appropriate course of action based on the marked findings.