Saunders Unit III Nursing Sciences Flashcards
ABO
A type of antigen system. The ABO type of the donor should be compatible with the recipient’s.
Type A can match with…
Type A or O
Type B can match with…
Type B or O
Type O can match with…
only type O
Type AB can match with…
Type A, B, AB, or O
Air embolism
An obstruction caused by a bolus of air that enters the vein through an inadequately primed IV line, from a loose connection, during a tubing change, or during removal of an IV line.
Allen’s test
A test to assess for collateral circulation to the hand by evaluating the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries.
Blood
The liquid pumped by the heart through the arteries, veins, and capillaries. Blood is composed of a clear yellow fluid (plasma), formed elements, and cell types with various functions.
Blood cell
Any of the formed elements of the blood, including red cells (erythrocytes), white cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes).
Calcium (Ca)
A mineral element needed for the process of bone formation, coagulation of blood, excitation of cardiac and skeletal muscle, maintenance of muscle tone, conduction of neuromuscular impulses, and the synthesis and regulation of the endocrine and exocrine glands.
Calcium (Ca) - Normal Adult Level (Lab Value)
8.5-10.5 mg/L
Catheter embolism
An obstruction caused by breakage of the catheter tip during IV line insertion or removal.
Circulatory overload
A complication resulting from the infusion of blood at a rate too rapid for the size, age, cardiac status, or clinical condition of the recipient.
Compatibility
Matching of blood from two persons by two different types of antigen systems, ABO and Rh, present on the membrane surface of the RBCs, to prevent a transfusion reaction.
Compensation
Refers to the body processes that occur to counterbalance an acid-base distribution. When compensation has occurred, the pH will be within normal limits.
Crossmatching
The testing of the donor’s blood and the recipient’s blood for compatibility.
Enteral nutrition
Administration of nutrition with liquified foods into the gastrointestinal tract via a tube.
Fat emulsion (lipids)
A white, opaque solution administered intravenously during parenteral nutrition therapy to prevent fatty acid deficiency.
Fluid volume deficit
Dehydration, in which the fluid intake of the body is not sufficient to meet the fluid needs of the body.
Fluid volume excess
Fluid intake or fluid retention that exceeds the fluid needs of the body. Also called overhydration or fluid overload.
Fresh-frozen plasma
A blood product administered to increase the level of clotting factors in clients with such a deficiency.
Homeostasis
The tendency of a biological system to maintain relatively constant conditions in the internal environment whole continuously interacting with and adjusting to changes originating within or outside the system.
Infiltration
Seepage of IV fluid out of the vein and into the surround interstitial spaces.
Magnesium (Mg)
Concentrated in the bone, cartilage, and within the cell itself; required for the use of adenosine triphosphate as a source of energy. It is necessary for the action of numerous enzyme systems such as those involved in carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, and contraction of muscular tissue. It also regulates neuromuscular activity and the clotting mechanism.
Magnesium (Mg) - Normal Adult Level (Lab Value)
1.5-2.5 mEq/L
Malnutrition
Deficiency of the nutrients required for development and maintenance of the human body.
Metabolic acidosis
A total concentration of buffer base that is lower than normal, with a relative increase in the hydrogen ion concentration. This results from loss of buffer bases or retention of too many acids without sufficient bases, and occurs in conditions such as kidney failure and diabetic ketoacidosis, from the production of lactic acid, and from the ingestion of toxins, such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).
Metabolic alkalosis
A deficit or loss of hydrogen ions or acids or an excess of base (bicarbonate) that results from the accumulation of base or from a loss of acid without a comparable loss of base in the body fluids. This occurs in conditions resulting in hypovolemia, the loss of gastric fluid, excessive bicarbonate intake, the massive transfusion of whole blood, and hyperaldosteronism.
Metabolism
Ongoing chemical process within the body that converts digested nutrients into energy for the functioning of body cells.
Nutrients
Carbohydrates, fats or lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and water that must be supplied in adequate amounts to provide energy, growth, development, and maintenance of the human body.
Packed red blood cells
A blood product used to replace erythrocytes lost as a result of trauma or surgical interventions or in clients with bone marrow suppression.
Parenteral nutrition (PN)
Administration of nutritionally complete formula through a central or peripheral IV catheter. In the clinical setting, the term PN may be used interchangeably with TPN or hyperalimentation.
Phlebitis
An inflammation of the vein that can occur from mechanical or chemical (medication) trauma or from a local infection.
Phosphorus (Phos)
Needed for generation of bony tissue. It functions in the metabolism of glucose and lipids, in the maintenance of acid-base balance, and in the storage and transfer of energy from one sit in the body to another. Phosphorus levels are evaluated in relation to calcium levels because of their inverse relationship; when calcium levels are decreased, phosphorus levels are increased, and when phosphorus levels are decreased, calcium levels are increased.
Phosphorus (Phos) - Normal Adult Level (Lab Value)
2.5-4.5 mg/dL
Plasma
The watery, straw-colored, fluid part of lymph and the blood in which the formed elements (blood cells) are suspended. Plasma is made up of water, electrolytes, protein, glucose, fats, bilirubin, and gases and is essential for carrying the cellular elements of the blood through the circulation.
Platelet transfusion
A blood product administered to clients with low platelet counts and to thrombocytopenic clients who are bleeding actively or are scheduled for an invasive procedure.
Potassium (K)
A principal electrolyte of intracellular fluid and the primary buffer within the cell itself. It is needed for nerve conduction, muscle function, acid-base balance, and osmotic pressure. Along with calcium and magnesium, potassium controls the rate and force of contraction of the heart and thus cardiac output.
Potassium (K) - Normal Adult Level (Lab Value)
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Respiratory acidosis
A total concentration of buffer base that is lower than normal, with a relative increase in hydrogen ion concentration; thus a greater number of hydrogen ions is circulating in the blood than the buffer system can absorb. This is caused by primary defects in the function of the lungs or by changes in normal respiratory patterns as a result of secondary problems. Any condition that causes an obstruction of the airway or depresses respiratory status can cause respiratory acidosis.
Respiratory alkalosis
A deficit of carbonic acid or a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration that results from the accumulation of base or from a loss of acid without a comparable loss of base in the body fluids. This occurs in conditions that cause overstimulation of the respiratory system.
Rh factor
Rh stands for rhesus factor. A person having the factor is Rh positive; a person lacking the factor is Rh negative. The presence or absence of Rh antigens on the surface of RBCs determines the classification as Rh positive or Rh negative.
Septicemia
The presence of infective agents or their toxins in the bloodstream. Septicemia is a serious infection and must be treated promptly; otherwise, the infection leads to circulatory collapse, profound shock, and death.
Serum
The clear and thin fluid part of blood that remains after coagulation. Serum contains no blood cells, platelets, or fibrinogen.
Sodium (Na)
An abundant electrolyte that maintains osmotic pressure and acid-base balance and transmits nerve impulses.
Sodium (Na) - Normal Adult Level (Lab Value)
135-145 mEq/L
Transfusion reaction
A hemolytic reaction caused by blood type or Rh incompatibility. An allergic transfusion reaction most often occurs in clients with a history of an allergy. A febrile transfusion reaction most commonly occurs in clients with antibodies directed against the transfused WBCs. A bacterial transfusion reaction occurs after transfusion of contaminated blood products.
Venipuncture
Puncture into a vein to obtain a blood specimen for testing; the antecubital veins are the veins of choice because of ease of access.
