Vocabulary List Flashcards
The act of deserting or leaving a patient or resident without proper care and without their consent.
abandonment
A first aid technique used to dislodge an object from the airway by applying
pressure on the abdomen.
abdominal thrust
A foam cushion used to keep a patient’s legs separated.
abductor wedge
Any vital sign measurements that fall outside of the normal range, such as
an elevated heart rate or low blood pressure.
abnormal vital signs:
The process by which nutrients from food are taken into the body and transported to the bloodstream.
absorption
Any act of mistreatment or harm inflicted on a patient or resident, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.
abuse
Unintentional incidents that can cause harm or injury to a patient or resident, such as falls or burns
accidents
Actions or tasks that a patient or resident performs as part of their daily routine, such as bathing, dressing, or eating.
activities
Refers to a condition or illness that is severe and sudden in onset.
acute
Refers to the ability of a patient or resident to adjust to changes in their environment or circumstances.
adaptive
ADL (Activities of Daily Living)
Basic self-care tasks that a patient or resident needs to perform daily, such as grooming, bathing, dressing, and eating
The process of admitting a patient or resident to a healthcare facility
admission
The process of admitting a new resident to a long-term care facility.
admitting resident
Refers to the side of the body that is affected by injury or illness.
affected side
The natural process of growing older, including physical, psychological, and social changes
aging process
Restlessness or irritability that may be caused by anxiety, medication side effects, or other factor
agitation
A progressive and irreversible brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior
Alzheimer’s
The act of walking or moving around, either independently or with assistance
ambulation
Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood
angina
Refers to the front or forward-facing side of the body
anterior
A compression stocking worn to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs
anti-embolitic stocking
A feeling of unease or worry that can be mild or severe
anxiety
A language disorder that affects a patient’s ability to communicate effectively
aphasia
A joint disorder that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness
arthritis
The inhalation of food or liquids into the lungs, which can cause choking, infection, or other serious complication
aspiration
Any act of violence or threat of violence that causes fear or harm to a patient or resident
assault
A tool or device used to help a patient or resident perform tasks independently, such as a wheelchair or walker.
assistive device
The wasting away or loss of muscle tissue
atrophy
Tasks or responsibilities that a healthcare worker is authorized to perform within their scope of practice
authorized duty
The temperature taken under the arm using a thermometer
axillary temperature
Refers to the fundamental needs of a patient or resident, such as food, water, shelter, and safety
basic needs
The temperature of the water used for bathing a patient or resident
bath water temperature
The act of cleaning a patient or resident’s body using water and soap.
bathing
A device used to keep sheets and blankets off of a patient’s or resident’s legs.
bed cradle
The height of a patient or resident’s bed, which can be adjusted to accommodate their needs.
bed height
The process of changing and tidying a patient or resident’s bed
bed making
A prescribed period of confinement to bed due to illness, injury, or medical treatment.
Bedrest
The way in which a person conducts themselves, including actions, reactions, and habits.
Behavior
A plan developed by healthcare professionals to address specific behaviors or challenges that a patient or resident may be experiencing
Behavioral care plan
A set of personal convictions or principles that guide an individual’s thoughts, actions, and worldview
Beliefs
A substance that is dangerous or potentially harmful to living organisms, such as infectious agents or toxic chemicals
Biohazard
A program designed to help individuals better control their bladder function and reduce the frequency of incontinence
Bladder training
The escape of blood from blood vessels due to injury or other causes
Bleeding
The inability to see, either partially or completely.
Blindness
The force of blood against the walls of arteries, typically measured using a sphygmomanometer
Blood pressure
The correct positioning of the body in order to maintain proper posture and prevent strain or injury.
Body alignment
Any liquid substance within the body, such as blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.
Body fluid
Nonverbal communication expressed through physical movements, gestures, and expressions.
Body language
The proper use of the body to perform tasks in a way that minimizes strain and reduces the risk of injury.
Body mechanics
The degree of heat maintained by the body, typically measured orally or rectally.
Body temperature
Bone loss
A program designed to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation or incontinence
Bowel program
The part of the brain that connects the brain and spinal cord, controlling basic life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and consciousness
Brain stem
The process of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, controlled by the respiratory system
Breathing
A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic stress or overwork.
Burnout
A device used by patients or residents to call for assistance from healthcare
staff.
Call light
A disease caused by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in
the body.
Cancer
A sudden cessation of heart function, leading to loss of consciousness
and, if left untreated, death.
Cardiac arrest
The system responsible for circulating blood throughout the
body, including the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiovascular system:
A term used to describe individuals who require assistance or support
due to physical or mental limitations.
Care impaired:
A written plan outlining the care and support required by an individual, typically developed by healthcare professionals in collaboration with the patient or resident and their family.
Care plan
The process of developing a care plan for an individual, typically involving
healthcare professionals, the patient or resident, and their family.
Care planning
A clouding of the lens of the eye, leading to decreased vision and potential
blindness.
Cataract
A tube inserted into the body, typically through the urethra or a blood vessel,
to facilitate drainage or administration of fluids or medications.
Catheter
The process of maintaining and monitoring catheters to prevent infection
and other complications.
Catheter care
One ounce is equivalent to approximately 29.6 cc’s.
cc’s
The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and coordinating information throughout the body.
Central nervous system:
The hierarchy of authority and communication within an organization, typically used to ensure efficient and effective decision-making and problem-solving.
Chain of command:
The registered nurse or licensed practical nurse responsible for
overseeing and coordinating nursing care
Charge nurse:
A medical emergency that occurs when a foreign object becomes
lodged in the throat, blocking the airway and preventing breathing.
Choking:
Refers to a condition or disease that persists over an extended period
of time that progresses slowly.
Chronic:
The movement of blood throughout the body, facilitated by the
heart, blood vessels, and blood.
Circulation:
dentures:
dependability:
developmental disability:
diabetes:
