Nursing Phrases Flashcards
Acuity
Level of severity of illness
Altered mental status
Sudden or gradual changes in behavior
Acute
Illness/Disease that is short, under 6 months
Chronic
Illness/ Disease that is long, sometimes life-lasting
Complication
A secondary disease or negative reaction occurring over the time of an illness
Constrict
To narrow or make smaller
Dilate
To stretch or enlarge
“End Stage” disease
Disease that has reached an advanced stage and typically endures loss of function of certain organs
Emergent
Arising suddenly and unexpectedly
Exacerbate
Increased severity of disease or any signs / symptoms
Generalized / Systemic
Spreading through or affecting the entire body, not localized
Invasive vs non-invasive
Invasive: Refers to a healthcare procedure that breaks the skin or introduces into a body cavity
HCP ( Health Care Provider )
Refers to someone who is licensed to administer interventions. NOT NURSES!
Hand off Report
Shift to shift report on patients
Level of Consciousness
An indication or nervous system functioning
Lethargy
Mild reduction in alertness
Obtunded
Is moderate reduction in alertness
Stupor
Patient can only be awoken to repeated stimulation
Localized
Restricted or limited to specific body parts of regions
Manifestation
A sign or symptom of disease or illness.
Insidious
Term refers to a disease progressing without any signs until it has reached a harmful stage
Post op or Pre op
“op” refers to operative referring to care of patient before surgery or after
Perfusion
Blood Flow
Parenteral
By some route other than through the gastro track such as skin, muscles, veins
Triage Nurse
ER Nurse
