Know for NCLEX Flashcards
Abruption placentae
Premature separation of a normally positioned placenta in a pregnancy of at least 20 weeks’ gestation either before labor or during labor but before delivery. This serious complication of pregnancy, occurring in one of every 200 births and often resulting
Accommodation
- The act or process of adapting to changes in the physiologic or psychological environment to maintain homeostasis. 2. In ophthalmology: adjustment of the lens of the eye for various distances. 3. In sociology: the use of compromise, arbitration, or neg
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
A disorder of the immune system characterized by an inability to mount a successful defense against infection such as by organisms that usually aren’t pathogenic (opportunistic infections). The syndrome is caused by infection with the human immunodeficien
Active immunity
Acquired immunity caused by the production of antibodies, either after infection or as a result of vaccination.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
A form of leukemia, most commonly occurring in children, marked by large numbers of immature leukocytes in the blood and blood-forming tissues (including the bone marrow, spleen, liver, and lymph nodes). The disease has a sudden onset and rapid clinical c
Acute nephritis
Acute inflammation of the kidney, possibly involving the glomerulus, tubules, and interstitial tissues.
Addison’s disease
A life-threatening condition characterized by fatigue, hypotension, loss of appetite and weight, nausea or vomiting, and increased hyperpigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes. It results from partial or complete loss of glucocorticoid, mineralocort
Addisonian crisis
An emergency situation occurring with adrenal hypofunction and exposure to trauma, surgery, or other severe physiologic stress that exhausts the body’s stores of glucocorticoids.
Adrenergic
- Activated or transmitted by epinephrine, norepinephrine, or a similar substance. 2. Also called a sympathomimetic, a drug that stimulates alpha or beta receptors (thus mimicking the effects of epinephrine or norepinephrine) or acts primarily on recepto
Agonist
- In anatomy: any muscle in a state of contraction whose action is opposed by another muscle with which it’s paired (called the antagonist). 2. In pharmacology: a drug that has an affinity for and stimulates physiologic activity at cell receptors.
Akinesia
- Loss of the ability to move voluntarily. 2. The rest period after systole in the normal heart rhythm. 3. In psychiatry: a neurotic condition characterized by symptoms of paralysis.
Allen’s test
A test designed to evaluate a client’s collateral circulation in the arm before an invasive arterial procedure such as arterial blood gas analysis. While the client’s radial and ulnar arteries are occluded, he clenches his fist, causing the hand to blanch
Anaphylaxis
A systemic reaction to a previously encountered antigen.
Anastomosis
A surgical procedure in which two blood vessels, ducts, or other tubelike structures are joined to allow the flow of substances between them. Types of anastomoses are end-to-end and side-to-side.
Angina pectoris
Severe chest pain characterized by sensations of spasm, constriction, and crushing weight, classically radiating from the area over the heart to the left shoulder and arm and possibly accompanied by a feeling of choking or suffocation. Angina usually resu
Anorexia
Loss of appetite.
Anorexia nervosa
An eating disorder, most common among adolescent girls, that is characterized by an aversion to eating, a morbid fear of becoming obese despite significant weight loss, a disturbed body image that results in a feeling of being fat even when extremely thin
Antagonist
- In pharmacology: a drug that nullifies the action of another drug. 2. In anatomy: a muscle whose effects counteract the effects of another muscle. 3. In dentistry, a tooth that meets another in the opposite jaw during chewing or clenching of the teeth.
Anticholinergic
- Of or relating to blockade of the impulses of parasympathetic or other cholinergic nerve fibers. 2. Any agent with anticholinergic properties.
Anticipatory guidance
Information about a disorder or about the normal growth and development expectations of a specific age-group given at an appropriate time before an event in order to provide the client with support and strategies for dealing with potential problems before
Antisocial personality disorder
A disorder that manifests after age 15 as a pervasive disregard for and violation of the rights of others.
Anuria
Absence of urine production.
Aortic stenosis
An abnormal narrowing of the orifice of the aortic valve, which prevents normal flow of blood from the left ventricle into the aorta. The constriction may result from a congenital malformation or pathologic fusion of the valve cusps. Aortic stenosis cause
Apgar score
A numerical evaluation of a neonate’s condition in which a rating of 0, 1, or 2 is assigned to each of five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex responses, and skin color. The five scores are then combined: A score of 7 to 10 is c
Aphasia
Loss or impairment of the ability to communicate through speech, written language, or signs, resulting from brain disease or trauma.
Aphthous stomatitis
A recurring disease of unknown cause marked by the eruption of ulcers on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also called canker sore.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the vermiform appendix. When acute, appendicitis commonly necessitates an appendectomy to prevent perforation of the appendix and subsequent peritonitis.
Apraxia
Complete or partial inability to perform purposeful movements in the absence of sensory or motor impairment.
Asepsis
The absence of living, disease-producing organisms. Medical asepsis refers to the removal or destruction of disease organisms or infected material. Surgical asepsis refers to protection against infection before, during, or after surgery by means of steril
Asthma
A respiratory disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of paroxysmal dyspnea, bronchospasm, wheezing on expiration, and coughing. Conditions that may trigger an asthma attack include inhalation of allergens or pollutants, vigorous exercise, emotional s
Ataxia
Impairment of the ability to coordinate voluntary muscle movement.
Atopic dermatitis
A skin inflammation occurring in individuals with a genetic predisposition to allergies, characterized by intense itching, maculopapular lesions, and excoriation (rash pattern varies with age but usually occurs on the face).
Auscultatory gap
Absence of Korotkoff sounds between phases I (onset of faint, clear tapping sound that gradually intensifies) and II (onset of swishing-like sound) while obtaining a blood pressure reading.
Autonomic dysreflexia
Reaction that may occur in clients with spinal cord injury above T6. Dysreflexia results in profuse diaphoresis, pounding headache, blurred vision, and dramatically elevated blood pressure. This life-threatening reaction may occur even from seemingly mino
Bacterial meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord caused by bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Escherichia coli.
Battle’s sign
Discoloration of the skin behind the ear after the fracture of a bone in the lower skull.
Bipolar disorder
A mood disorder characterized by major depression and full manic episodes.
Body surface area
Means for calculating the amount of drug to be given to a client (typically a child) using a nomogram or for estimating the extent of a burn
Borderline personality disorder
A disorder characterized by unstable relationships, potentially self-damaging impulsiveness, difficulty in controlling anger, recurrent suicidal threats, and chronic feelings of boredom and emptiness.
Bradycardia
A slow but steady heartbeat at a rate of less than 60 beats per minute. Bradycardia is normal during sleep and in well-conditioned athletes. In other circumstances, it may indicate an abnormal condition, such as brain tumor or digitalis toxicity.
Braxton Hicks contraction
Light, painless, irregular uterine tightening during pregnancy, arising during the first trimester and increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity by the third trimester. Also called false labor. Strong Braxton Hicks contractions occurring near term
Bronchiolitis
A lung inflammation that usually begins in the terminal bronchioles, occurring mainly in infants and debilitated persons. Also called bronchopneumonia. Commonly, bronchiolitis results from upper respiratory infection, specific infectious fevers, and other
Brudzinski’s sign
Flexion of the hips and knees in response to passive flexion of the neck; signals meningeal irritation.
Bruit
An abnormal vascular “swishing” sound heard on auscultation as a result of turbulent blood flow through dilated, irregular, torturous, or stenotic vessels.
Bulimia
An eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating that may end in self-induced vomiting, alternating with periods of normal eating or fasting. Depression and awareness of the abnormal behavior are part of this illness.
Cardiac output
The volume of blood ejected by the heart per minute (normally ranging from 4 to 8 L). Cardiac output equals the stroke volume (the difference between end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume) multiplied by the heart rate.
Cardiogenic shock
A condition of low cardiac output that results from heart pump failure, such as in acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, or severe cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy
Primary noninflammatory disease of the myocardium.
Catatonic
A stuporous or unresponsive state commonly characterized by an inability to move or talk.
Catecholamine
Any of a group of compounds having a sympathomimetic action and composed of a catechol molecule and the aliphatic portion of an amine. Some catecholamines are produced by the body and function as key neurologic chemicals. Others are synthesized as drugs f
Cauda equina
The aggregation of spinal roots, resembling the tail of a horse, that descend from the first lumbar vertebrae and occupy the vertebral canal below the cord.
Celiac disease
A chronic disease in which an individual can’t tolerate foods containing gluten or wheat protein. Signs and symptoms include abdominal distention, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle wasting, and extreme lethargy.
Cellulitis
An infection of deep subcutaneous tissue and sometimes muscle that may be associated with infection of an operative or traumatic wound. Cellulitis is characterized by local heat, pain, redness, and swelling.
Cerebral aneurysm
A saclike dilation of the wall of a cerebral artery, typically resulting from weakness of the wall. A cerebral, or berry, aneurysm usually occurs in the circle of Willis and is prone to rupture.
Cerebral contusion
A bruising of the brain tissue as a result of a severe blow to the head. A contusion disrupts normal nerve function in the bruised area and may cause loss of consciousness, hemorrhage, edema, and even death.
Cerebral palsy
A permanent disorder of motor function resulting from nonprogressive brain damage or a brain lesion. Cerebral palsy usually appears before age 3.
Chelation therapy
Administration of agents that bind to metals; administered to aid in the removal of excess metals, such as lead or iron in the body.
Chemotherapy
Treatment of a disease using chemicals that exert a toxic effect on the pathogen or abnormal cell growth.
Chest physiotherapy
An array of physical techniques, including postural drainage, chest percussion and vibration, and coughing and deep-breathing maneuvers. Chest physiotherapy is used to loosen and help eliminate lung secretions, reexpand lung tissue, and promote optimal us
Cholelithiasis
The presence or formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.
Cholinergic
- Of or relating to nerve fibers that are stimulated to free acetylcholine at a synapse. 2. An agent that frees acetylcholine.
Chronic bronchitis
A persistent respiratory disease marked by increased production of mucus by the glands of the trachea and bronchi. This common disease is characterized by a cough (with expectoration) at least 3 months of the year for more than 2 consecutive years.
Chvostek’s sign
A spasm of the facial muscles elicited by light taps on the facial nerve. This spasm signals tetany and is seen in clients with hypocalcemia.
Cirrhosis
A chronic, degenerative liver disease in which the lobes are covered with fibrous tissue, the liver parenchyma degenerates, and the lobules are infiltrated with fat.
Clinical depression
Syndrome characterized by persistent sadness and dysphoria accompanied by disturbances in sleep and appetite, lethargy, and an inability to experience pleasure.
Clubfoot
A congenital foot deformity in which the foot is twisted out of shape or position.
Cognitive development
Ability to learn from experience, gain and maintain knowledge, respond to new situations, and solve problems.
Compartment syndrome
A neurovascular complication commonly associated with fractures of the limb; constricting or occlusive dressings, sutures, or casts; poor positioning; and any injury causing ischemia, swelling, or bleeding into the tissues that ultimately can lead to perm
Compulsion
A ritualistic, repetitive, and involuntary defensive behavior.
Concussion
A violent shock or jarring, such as from an explosion or a blow. Concussion of the brain is characterized by loss of consciousness. Severe concussion may also cause impairment of brain stem functions.
Congenital hip dislocation
Improper formation and function of the hip socket, commonly involving subluxation (where the femoral head is high in the acetabulum) or dislocation (where the femoral head is above the acetabulum).
Consolidation
Solidification of the lungs that occurs with pneumonia.
Contracture
Abnormal flexion and fixation of a joint, possibly permanent, which is typically caused by muscle wasting and atrophy or by loss of normal skin elasticity such as from extensive scar tissue.
Conversion disorder
A disorder in which the client attempts to resolve a psychological conflict through the loss of a specific physical function – for example, by paralysis, blindness, or inability to swallow.
Couvades
The experience of physical symptoms associated with pregnancy, such as nausea, vomiting, and backache, by the husband of a pregnant woman; the response often results from stress, anxiety, and empathy for the pregnant woman.
Crackles
Short, explosive or popping sounds usually heard during inspiration. They may be coarse (loud and low in pitch) or fine (less intense and high in pitch) and resemble the sounds heard when rolling hair between the fingers near the ear.
Crohn’s disease
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown cause, usually involving the terminal ileum, with scarring and thickening of the bowel wall. Signs and symptoms include frequent episodes of diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever, chills, anorexia,
Croup
An acute viral infection of the respiratory tract that causes acute upper airway obstruction. Characterized by stridor, a barking cough, and hoarseness, it primarily affects infants and young children ages 3 months to 3 years and follows an upper respirat
Crystalloid fluid
Clear solutions (usually in reference to I.V. solutions) containing electrolytes and water.
Cushing’s syndrome
A metabolic disorder caused by chronic, excessive production of adrenocortical hormones or by prolonged high-dose glucocorticoid therapy. It’s characterized by such signs and symptoms as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dusky complexion with purple striae
Cystic fibrosis
An inherited disorder of the exocrine glands that affects multiple organ systems, causing such conditions as chronic pulmonary disease, pancreatic deficiency, sweat gland dysfunction, malabsorption, and liver obstruction.
Cystoscopy
Direct visualization of the urinary tract by inserting a cystoscope in the urethra.
Debridement
Removal of dead or damaged tissue or foreign material from a wound to prevent the growth of microorganisms and further damage and to promote healing.
Deceleration
A drop in baseline fetal heart rate as indicated by the fetal monitor. Early deceleration is a drop in fetal heart rate that coincides with uterine contraction. Variable deceleration is a drop in fetal heart rate that doesn’t occur at a consistent point d
Deep vein thrombosis
A condition involving the development of a blood clot in the deep veins of the pelvis, groin, or legs that disrupts venous blood flow and leads to swelling and edema.
Dehiscence
The partial or complete separation of a wound’s edges.
Delusions
False ideas or beliefs accepted as real by the client.
Denver Developmental Screening Test
An assessment tool used to evaluate the development of a child in four categories: personal social, fine motor-adaptive, language, and gross motor skills.
Dependent personality disorder
A disorder that begins in early adulthood and is characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fear of separation.
Depolarization
Neutralization of electrical polarity; reversal of the resting potential in excitable cell membranes when stimulated. An example is the reduction of the ion differential of sodium and potassium across the nerve cells at the neuromuscular junction.
Diabetes insipidus
A metabolic disorder marked by extreme polyuria and polydipsia and resulting from deficient secretion or production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or inability of the renal tubules to respond to ADH. (Rarely, excessive water intake causes signs and symptom
Diabetes mellitus
A chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by hyperglycemia and glycosuria resulting from inadequate production or utilization of insulin.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
An acute, life-threatening form of metabolic acidosis that may arise as a complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Accumulation of ketone bodies leads to urinary loss of water, potassium, ammonium, and sodium, resulting in hypovolemia, electrolyte
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
A life-threatening disorder of excessive clot formation caused by overstimulation of the body’s clotting and anticlotting processes in response to disease or injury. Such overstimulation is followed by a deficiency in clotting factors with hypocoagulabili
Diuretic
- Tending to increase the formation and excretion of urine. 2. An agent that promotes the formation and excretion of urine.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of one or more diverticula, or saclike herniations, in the muscular layer of the colon.
Diverticulosis
The presence of saclike herniations through the muscular layer of the colon without accompanying inflammation. Most clients with this condition have few signs or symptoms except for occasional rectal bleeding.
Drip factor
An indication of the number of drops needed to obtain one milliliter of solution delivered by a manufacturer’s I.V. tubing based on the drop size.
Dumping syndrome
A condition of nausea, weakness, profuse sweating, and dizziness occurring in clients who have had a subtotal gastrectomy. Signs and symptoms arise soon after eating when the contents of the stomach empty too rapidly into the duodenum. Also called postgas
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing, commonly resulting from obstructive or motor disorders of the esophagus. Obstructive disorders, such as an esophageal tumor or lower esophageal ring, interfere with the ability to swallow solids; motor disturbances such as achalasia
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or labored breathing resulting from certain heart conditions, anxiety, or strenuous exercise.
Dystonic reaction
Severe tonic contractions of the muscles in the neck, mouth, and tongue; dystonic reaction is a common adverse reaction to antipsychotic drugs.
Dysuria
Painful or difficult urination, which is usually caused by a bacterial infection or an obstruction in the urinary tract.
Echolalia
Parrotlike and inappropriate repetition of another’s words.
Ectopic pregnancy
Implantation of the fertilized ovum outside the uterine cavity. Types of ectopic pregnancy are abdominal pregnancy, interstitial pregnancy, and tubal pregnancy.
Effacement
Shortening of the vaginal portion of the cervix and thinning of its walls during labor due to stretching and dilation caused by the fetus. Full effacement obliterates the constrictive neck of the uterus. The extent of effacement is expressed as a percenta
Elbow restraints
Type of restrictive device attached to the client’s body at the elbow to restrict movement or access to another body part; may be applied after cleft palate repair to reduce the risk of injury to the suture line.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
The induction of a brief seizure and loss of consciousness by applying a low-voltage alternating current to the brain through scalp electrodes. ECT is used in the treatment of affective disorders (primarily acute depression), especially in clients resista
Endocarditis
An abnormal condition of the endocardium and heart valves marked by vegetations on the valves and endocardium. It may occur as a primary disorder or arise in association with another disease.
Enteral
Referring to administration by mouth, rectum, or directly into the intestinal system.
Enteral feedings
Delivery of nutrients directly into the GI tract through a feeding tube.
Enteric precautions
A category-specific type of infection precautions established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention involving infections transmitted by intestinal secretions. These have since been replaced with standard precautions and transmission-based prec
Enuresis
Involuntary passage or release of urine after the age when bladder control would have been normally achieved.