Common Terms and Phrases Flashcards
abnormal
different from what is normal or usual
activities of daily life (ADL)
the activities usually done during a normal day in a person’s life
aphasia
the total or partial loss of the ability to use or understand language
adaptive (assistive) device
any item used by the person or staff to promote the person’s function or safety
atrophy
the decrease in a size or the wasting away tissue
biological sex
male or female
call light
part of the call system allowing the person to signal the nurses’ station for help
care plan
a written guide about the person’s care
chronic
an on-going illness that is slow or gradual onset, it has no known cure, it can be controlled and complications prevented with proper treatment
cognitive function
involves memory, thinking, reasoning, ability to understand judgement, and behavior
contracture
the lack of joint mobility caused by an abnormal shortening muscle
dementia
the loss of cognitive and social function caused by changes in the brain
drug
a substance taken by mouth, injected, or applied to treat or prevent a disease or condition
dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
dyspnea
`difficult, labored, or painful breathing
feces
the semi-solid mass of waste products on the colon
fever
elevated body temperature
Fowler’s position
a semi-sitting position, the head of the bed is raised between 45 and 60 degrees
incontinence
not being able to control urination or bowel movements
orientation, oriented
`awareness of one’s self and others
perineal
the genital and anal areas
pressure injury
localized damage to the skin and underlying soft tissue, the injury is usually over a bony prominence
semi-fowler’s position
the head of the bed is raised 30 degrees and/or the knee portion is raised 15 degrees
stool
excreted feces
