Glossary
681
preeclampsia. Condition during
pregnancy that results in fl uid
retention, causing swelling of
fi ngers and feet, and a sudden
rise in blood pressure. Also
known as toxemia. (8)
preferred provider organization
(PPO). Organization that
offers lower-cost health care
by providing a group discount
if participating doctors are
used. It pays some of the costs
if a nonparticipating doctor is
used. (23)
prejudices. Attitudes based
on false or insufficient
information. (10)
premarital counseling. Counseling
that provides couples with a
good opportunity to explore
the strengths and weaknesses
of their relationship before
marriage. (12)
premium. The amount of money
a policyholder pays for an
insurance policy. (23)
prenuptial agreement. A contract
signed by a prospective bride
and groom that sets forth
the manner in which their
property will be divided in
the event of divorce. (12)
preparedness. Being ready for
crises that could occur. (19)
prescription drugs. Drugs
available only with a doctor ’s
prescription. (7)
priorities. A list of concepts,
beliefs, or tasks ranked in
order of importance. (4)
procreation. Reproduction. (14)
projection. Blaming other people or
things for one’s own failures; a
defense mechanism. (3)
proximity. Nearness. (12)
pseudo-truths. False statements
made to sound as if they were
true. (22)
psychological dependence.
Condition that occurs when
a drug user has learned
to use a drug as a mental
and emotional crutch. The
user ’s need is real, but it is
psychological rather than
physical. (7)
puberty. The time when the body
changes from that of a boy
or girl to that of a man or
woman. (1)
puffery advertising. Advertising
that makes an exaggerated
claim attracting the reader or
listener. (22)
Q
quality time. Time spent giving
full attention to another
person or persons. (18)
R
rape. Any sexual intimacy forced
on one person by another. (11)
rationalization. Explaining
one’s weaknesses or
failures by giving socially
acceptable excuses; a defense
mechanism. (3)