Nursing Defintions Flashcards
Neuropathy
Any condition resulting from disease or damage to the peripheral or autonomic nervous system that results in loss of signal or errors in signals between the peripheral nerve and the central nervous system
Perineum
Area between the anus and the posterior portion of the external genitalia
Excoriation
Skin abrasion that may be caused by scratching, trauma, or chemicals
Fowler’s Position
Position with head of the bed raised between 45 degrees and 60 degrees
Semi-Fowler’s Position
Position with the head of the bed raised between 15 degrees and 45 degrees, usually about 30 degrees
Vital Signs
Reflection of the body’s physiological function, includes pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and sometimes pain level
Oxygen Saturation
Percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen
Pulse Oximetry
Measurement of the saturation of oxygen in the blood using a pulse oximeter
Korotkoff Sounds
Series of sounds created by movement of blood through a particularly compressed vessel during a manual blood pressure assessment
Tachypnea
Respiratory rate greater than expected range
Bradypnea
Respiratory rate less than expected range
Apnea
Absence of spontaneous respirations
Palpation
Examination of the body using fingers and hands to determine the texture, location, size, and consistency of organs, masses or infiltration of parts of the body and feeling the heart or pulse. beat, or vibrations in the chest
Implanted venous access ports
Surgically implanted closed system that comprises a subcutaneously implanted device with a reservoir and a self-sealing system connected to an internal venous catheter
Superior vena cava
Venous trunk that returns deoxygenated blood to the right atrium from the head, neck, upper extremities and thorax
