definitions Flashcards
asepsis
absence of disease producing organisms that involves prevention of transfer of micro organisms
contagious
capable of being transmitted from one individual to another
contaminated
introduction of pathogens or infectious material into or on normally clean or sterile objects, spaces or surfaces
disinfectant
substance that prevents infection by killing bacteria
infection
disease caused by micro organisms especially those that release toxins or invade body tissues
infection control
procedures & policies for monitoring & attempting to control the transmission of communicable diseases
medical asepsis
procedures used to reduce the number of and prevent the spread of micro organisms (eg. handwashing)
micro organism
living organism too small to be perceived with the naked eye (eg. virus)
nosocomial infection
infection that results from the delivery of health services in a health care setting and were not present on admission
pathogen
a micro organism capable of producing disease
sterile
free from living micro organisms
susceptible
degree to which a person is prone to disease
virulent
very poisonous - strength; able to overcome the hosts defense mechanisms
body alignment
relationship of one body part to another body part along a horizontal or vertical line
body balance
achieved when a relatively low centre of gravity is balanced over a wide stable base of support and a line falls from the centre of gravity vertically through the base of support
body mechanics
the use of muscles to complete activities safely and effeciently without unnecessary strain on any muscle or joint
term
period of duration - pregnancy 38-42 weeks
trimester
3 month period
preterm
baby born prior to 37th week of pregnancy
EDD
expected due date
labour
repetitive and forceful uterine contractions sufficient to cause dilation of the cervix and ends with delivery of placenta
quickening
awareness of movement of fetus in the womb
lightening
descent of presenting part of fetus into the pelvis
stages of labour
prelabour, 1st stage, active, transition, 2nd stage, 3rd stage, 4th stage
placenta
oval spongy structure which a fetus derives nourishment and oxygen
show
discharge from vagina during 1st stage of labour
ruptured membranes
water breaking
dilation or dilatation
expansion of cervix during labour
effacement
thinning of the cervix
station
manner of standing (where baby is positioned, eg -3)
episiotomy
incision of perineum at end of 2nd stage of labour to avoid tearing and facilitate delivery
primipara
woman who delivers an infant at 500g or 20 weeks gestation
gravida
a pregnant woman
gravid
pregnant, heavy with child
GTPAL
gravida, term, preterm, abortion, living
oxytocin
hormone secreted that stimulates the uterus to contract
VBAC
vaginal birth after cesarian
alternating air mattress
used to reduce pressure on patient’s skin
bed cradle
metal frame that is attached to the mattress to hold the weight of the top covers off the feet and legs
call bell
buzzer that notifies nurses patient requires attention
footboard
covered board placed at foot of bed and situated so feet rest against it and are at right angles to the legs
mitred corner
folded corners of the bed (triangular shape)
side rail
rails that are on either side of the bed to help prevent patient from falling out of bed
auscultation
listening with a stethoscope to sounds produced by the body
inspection
examination of body parts or areas
palpation
use of the hands to touch body parts to make sensitive measurements of specific areas
percussion
striking the body’s surface with a finger to produce a vibration that travels through body tissues
afebrile
without fever
febrile
feverish