Key Terms Flashcards
Abbreviation
A shortened form of a word.
Abduction
Moving a body part away from the body.
Abuse
The willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish. Can be verbal (oral, written, or gestured), physical (done to the patient through rough handling, hitting, slapping, pinching, etc), emotional/mental (humiliation, harassment, threats of punishment or deprivation), or sexual (harassment, coercion, or assault).
Adduction
Moving a body part toward the body.
Admission
Resident arrival to reside at the facility.
Advance Directive
The resident’s spoken and/or written instruction about future medical care and treatment.
Active Range of Motion
Exercises are done by the resident themselves.
Activity Director (AD)
An individual who plans the activities for the residents and assists them to socialize and to stay physically and mentally active.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Personal daily care tasks including: bathing, dressing, caring for teeth and hair, toileting, eating, and drinking.
Activity Therapy
Increased activities with a goal.
Acute
A current illness that has severe symptoms and may be the result of a sudden onset.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
A disease of the human immune system caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The illness interferes with the immune system, making those with AIDS much more likely to get infections. Although considered a sexually transmitted disease, it is also spread through blood, infected needles, or to the fetus from its mother.
Administrator
Manages all departments within the facility.
Adult Day Care
Care given at a facility during day time hours; generally for individuals who need some assistance and/or supervision but are not seriously ill or disabled, and usually reside outside of the facility.
Advanced Practice Nurse
A registered nurse having education beyond the basic nursing education and certified by a nationally recognized professional organization in a nursing specialty, or meeting other criteria established by a Board of Nursing.
Agitation
Restlessness; emotional state of excitement or restlessness.
Airbourne Precautions
Used for diseases that are transmitted through the air after expelled.
Alignment
Put in a straight line; shoulders directly above hips, head back and neck straight, arms and legs in a natural position.
Alzheimer’s Disease
A progressive, degenerative and irreversible disease. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the formation of tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits in the brain.
Ambulation
Walking
Amputation
The removal of some or all of a body part, usually as a result of injury or disease.
Antibiotic
Compound or substance that kills or slows down the growth of bacteria.
Anxiety
Uneasiness or fear of a situation or condition.
Aphasia
Inability to speak, or to speak clearly.