Key Terms for Nursing

 Vital Signs 

• afebrile: a condition in which the body temperature is not elevated
• apnea: absence of breathing
• bell: (of stethoscope) hollowed, upright, curved portion used to auscultate low-pitched sounds, such as murmurs
• blood pressure: force of blood against arterial walls
• bradycardia: slow heart rate
• bradypnea: abnormally slow rate of breathing
• diaphragm: (of stethoscope) large, flat disk on the stethoscope used to auscultate high-pitched sounds, such as respiratory sounds
• diastolic pressure: least amount of pressure exerted on arterial walls, which occurs when the heart is at rest between ventricular contractions
• dyspnea: difficult or labored breathing
• dysrhythmia: an abnormal cardiac rhythm; synonym is arrhythmia
• eupnea: normal respirations
• expiration: act of breathing out; synonym is exhalation
• febrile: a condition in which the body temperature is elevated
• hyperpyrexia: high fever, above 105.8 F (41 C)
• hypertension: blood pressure elevated above the upper limit of normal
• hypotension: blood pressure below the lower limit of normal
• hypothermia: body temperature below the lower limit of normal
• inspiration: act of breathing in; synonym is inhalation
• Korotkoff sounds: series of sounds that correspond to changes in blood flow through an artery as pressure is released
• orthopnea: type of dyspnea in which breathing is easier when the patient sits or stands
• orthostatic hypotension: temporary fall in blood pressure associated with assuming an upright
• position; synonym for postural hypotension
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• pulse pressure: difference between systolic and diastolic pressures
• pyrexia: elevation above the upper limit of normal body temperature; synonym for fever
• respiration: act of breathing and using oxygen in body cells
• systolic pressure: highest point of pressure on arterial walls when the ventricles contract
• tachycardia: rapid heart rate
• tachypnea: abnormally rapid rate of breathing
• vital signs: body temperature, pulse, and respiratory rates, and blood pressure; synonym for cardinal signs

 Health Assessment 

• adventitious breath sounds: sounds that are not normally heard in the lungs on auscultation
• auscultation: act of listening with a stethoscope to sounds produced within the body
• bruits: abnormal “swooshing” sounds heard on auscultation, indicating turbulent blood flow
• cyanosis: bluish or grayish discoloration of the skin in response to inadequate oxygenation
• ecchymosis: a collection of blood in the subcutaneous tissues, causing purplish discoloration
• edema: excess fluid in the tissues, characterized by swelling
• erythema: redness of the skin
• general survey: overall impression of a person by the healthcare provider; includes physical appearance, body structure, mobility, and behavior
• inspection: process of performing deliberate, purposeful observations in a systematic manner
• jaundice: yellow color of the skin resulting from liver and gallbladder diseases, some types of anemia, and hemolysis pallor: paleness of the skin
• palpation: an assessment technique that uses the sense of touch
• percussion: the act of striking one object against another to produce sound
• petechiae: small hemorrhagic spots caused by capillary bleeding
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• precordium: the area on the anterior chest corresponding to the aortic, pulmonic, tricuspid, and apical areas and Erb’s point
• turgor: fullness or elasticity of the skin

 Safety 

• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• restraint: any manual method, physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a patient to move his or her arms, legs, body, or head freely; a drug or medication when it is used as a restriction to manage the patient’s behavior or restrict the patient’s freedom of movement and is not a standard treatment or dosage for the patient’s condition (CMS, 2006, p. 71427).
• safety event report: documentation that describes any injury or potential for injury sustained by a patient in a healthcare agency

 Asepsis and Infection Control 

• healthcare-associated infection: infection not present on admission to healthcare agency; acquired during the course of treatment for other conditions
• medical asepsis: clean technique; involves procedures and practices that reduce the number and transfer of pathogens
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• standard precautions: precautions used in the care of all hospitalized individuals regardless of their diagnosis or possible infection status; these precautions apply to blood, all body fluids, secretions and excretions (except sweat), nonintact skin, and mucous membranes
• surgical asepsis: sterile technique; involves practices used to render and keep objects and areas free from microorganisms
• transmission-based precautions: precautions used in addition to Standard Precautions for patients in hospitals who are suspected of being infected with pathogens that can be transmitted by airborne, droplet, or contact routes; these precautions encompass all the diseases or conditions previously listed in the diseasespecific or category-specific classifications

 Medications 

• adverse drug effect: undesirable effects other than the intended therapeutic effect in medication administration
• ampule: a glass flask that contains a single dose of medication for parenteral administration
• inhalation: route to administer medications directly into the lungs or airway passages
• intradermal injection: injection placed just below the epidermis; sites commonly used are the inner surface of the forearm, the dorsal aspect of the upper arm, and the upper back
• intramuscular injection: injection placed into muscular tissue; sites commonly used are the ventrogluteal, vastus lateralis, deltoid, and dorsogluteal muscles
• intravenous (IV) route: route to administer medications directly into the vein or venous system; the most dangerous route of medication administration
• metered-dose inhaler (MDI): device to deliver a controlled dose of medication for inhalation
• nebulizer: instrument that produces a fine spray or mist; in this case, passing air through a liquid medication to produce fine particles for inhalation
• needle gauge: measurement of the diameter of a needle
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• subcutaneous injection: injection placed between the epidermis and muscle, into the subcutaneous tissue; sites commonly used are the outer aspect of the upper arm, the abdomen, the anterior aspects of the thigh, the upper back, and the upper ventral or dorsogluteal area
• suppository: oval or cone-shaped substance that is inserted into a body cavity and melts at body temperature
• vial: a glass bottle with a self-sealing stopper through which medication is removed

 Perioperative Nursing 

• anesthetic: medication that produces such states as narcosis (loss of consciousness), analgesia, relaxation, and loss of reflexes
• atelectasis: incomplete expansion or collapse of a part of the lungs
• conscious sedation/analgesia: type of anesthesia used for short procedures; the intravenous administration of sedatives and analgesics raises the pain threshold and produces an altered mood and some degree of amnesia, but the patient maintains cardiopulmonary function and can respond to verbal commands
• elective surgery: surgery that is recommended but can be omitted or delayed without a negative effect
• embolus: foreign body or air in the circulatory system
• hemorrhage: excessive blood loss due to the escape of blood from blood vessels
• hypovolemic shock: shock due to a decrease in blood volume
• perioperative nursing: wide variety of nursing activities carried out before, during, and after surgery
• perioperative period: time frame consisting of the preoperative phase (starts with decision that surgery is necessary and lasting until the patient is transferred to the operating room); the intraoperative phase (starts from the arrival in the operating room until transfer to the recovery room); and the postoperative phase (begins with transfer to recovery room and lasts until complete recovery from surgery)
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• thrombophlebitis: inflammation in a vein associated with thrombus formation

 Hygiene 

• alopecia: baldness
• caries: cavities of the teeth
• cerumen: ear wax; consists of a heavy oil and brown pigmentation
• gingivitis: inflammation of the gingivae (gums)
• halitosis: offensive breath
• integument: skin
• pediculosis: infestation with lice
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• plaque: transparent, adhesive coating on teeth consisting of mucin, carbohydrate, and bacteria
• pyorrhea: extensive inflammation of the gums and alveolar tissues; synonym for periodontitis
• tartar: hard deposit on the teeth near the gum line formed by plaque buildup and dead bacteria

 Skin Integrity and Wound Care 

• approximated wound edges: edges of a wound that are lightly pulled together; epithelialization of wound margins; edges touch, wound is closed.
• debridement: removal of devitalized tissue and foreign material from a wound
• dehiscence: accidental separation of wound edges, especially a surgical wound
• ecchymosis: discoloration of an area resulting from infiltration of blood into the subcutaneous tissue
• edema: accumulation of fluid in the interstitial tissues
• epithelialization: stage of wound healing in which epithelial cells move across the surface of a wound margin (approximation); tissue color ranges from the color of “ground glass” to pink
• erythema: redness or inflammation of an area as a result of dilation and congestion of capillaries
• eschar: a thick, leathery scab or dry crust composed of dead cells and dried plasma
• exudate: fluid that accumulates in a wound; may contain serum, cellular debris, bacteria, and white blood cells
• granulation tissue: new tissue that is deep pink/red and composed of fibroblasts and small blood vessels that fill an open wound when it starts to heal; characterized by irregular surface like raspberries
• hypothermia: condition characterized by a body temperature below 96.8 F
• ischemia: insufficient blood supply to a body part due to obstruction of circulation
• jaundice: condition characterized by yellowness of the skin, whites of eyes, mucous membranes, and body fluids as a result of deposition of bile pigment resulting from excess bilirubin in the blood
• maceration: softening of tissue due to excessive moisture
• necrosis: localized tissue death
• nonsterile (clean) technique: strategies used in patient care to reduce overall number of microorganisms or to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from one person to another or from one place to another. Involves meticulous handwashing, maintaining a clean environment by preparing a clean field, using clean gloves and sterile instruments, and preventing direct contamination of materials and supplies (Wooten & Hawkins, 2005).
• nosocomial infection: infection acquired while receiving healthcare
• pathogens: microorganisms that can harm humans
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• pressure ulcer: lesion caused by unrelieved pressure that results in damage to underlying tissue
• sinus tract: cavity or channel underneath a wound that has the potential for infection
• sterile technique: strategies used in patient care to reduce exposure to microorganisms and maintain objects and areas as free from microorganisms as possible. Involves meticulous handwashing, use of a sterile field, use of sterile gloves for application of a sterile dressing, and use of sterile instruments (Wooten & Hawkins, 2005).
• surgical staples: stainless-steel wire (shaped like a staple) used to close a surgical wound
• surgical sutures: thread or wire used to hold tissue and skin together
• tunneling: passageway or opening that may be visible at skin level, but with most of the tunnel under the surface of the skin
• undermining: areas of tissue destruction underneath intact skin along the margins of a wound; associated with Stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcers
• vasoconstriction: narrowing of the lumen of a blood vessel
• vasodilation: an increase in the diameter of a blood vessel

 Activity 

• abduction: movement away from the center or median line of the body
• adduction: movement toward the center or median line of the body
• arthroplasty: surgical formation or reformation of a joint
• compartment syndrome: occurs when there is increased tissue pressure within a limited space; leads to compromises in the circulation and the function of the involved tissue
• contracture: permanent shortening or tightening of a muscle due to spasm or paralysis
• contusion: an injury in which the skin is not broken; a bruise
• deep-vein thrombosis: a blood clot in a blood vessel originating in the large veins of the legs
• extension: the return movement from flexion; the joint angle is increased
• flexion: bending of a joint so that the angle of the joint diminishes
• fracture: a break in the continuity of the bone
• goniometer: an apparatus to measure joint movement and angles
• hyperextension: extreme or abnormal extension
• orthostatic hypotension: an abnormal drop in blood pressure that occurs as a person changes from a supine to a standing position
• patient care ergonomics: the practice of designing equipment and work tasks to conform to the capability of the worker in relation to patient care. It provides a means for adjusting the work environment and work practices to prevent injuries before they occur and is part of best practices for providing safe patient care (VISN 8 Patient Safety Center, 2005; Occupational Safety & Health Administration [OSHA], 2003).
• peripheral vascular disease: pathologic conditions of the vascular system characterized by reduced blood flow through the peripheral blood vessels
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• pronation: the act of lying face downward; the act of turning the hand so the palm faces downward or backward
• rotation: process of turning on an axis; twisting or revolving
• shearing force: force created by the interplay of gravity and friction on the skin and underlying tissues; shear causes tissue layers to slide over one another and blood vessels to stretch and twist and disrupts the microcirculation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
• supination: turning of the palm or foot upward
• thrombophlebitis: a blood clot that accompanies vein inflammation
• thrombosis: the formation or development of a blood clot
• venous stasis: decrease in blood flow in the venous system related to dysfunctional valves or inactivity of the muscles of the affected extremity

 Comfort 

• acute pain: pain that is generally rapid in onset and varies in intensity from mild to severe
• adjuvant: substances or treatments that enhance the effect of another treatment; especially substances that enhance the effect of drugs
• analgesic: agent used to relieve pain
• breakthrough pain: a temporary flare-up of moderate to severe pain that occurs even when the patient is taking around-the-clock medication for persistent pain
• caregiver-controlled analgesia (CCA): a method of pain control in which a consistently available and competent individual is authorized by a prescriber and properly educated to activate the dosing button of an analgesic infusion pump in response to a patient’s pain when that patient is unable to do so; the authorized agent is a nonprofessional individual (e.g., parent, significant other)
• chronic pain: pain that may be limited, intermittent, or persistent but lasts beyond the normal healing period
• continuous wound perfusion pain management system: device that delivers a continuous infusion of local analgesia to a surgical wound bed
• epidural route: administration of analgesia via an infusion catheter placed in the epidural space
• intractable pain: pain that is resistant to therapy and persists despite a variety of interventions
• neuropathic pain: pain that results from an injury to or abnormal functioning of peripheral nerves or the central nervous system
• nonpharmacologic interventions: interventions without the use of medicine or drugs; interventions in addition to the use of medicines or drugs
• nurse-controlled analgesia (NCA): a method of pain control in which a consistently available and competent individual is authorized by a prescriber and properly educated to activate the dosing button of an analgesic infusion pump in response to a patient’s pain when that patient is unable to do so; the authorized agent is the nurse responsible for the patient
• pain threshold: the lowest intensity of a stimulus that causes the subject to recognize pain
• pain tolerance: point beyond which a person is no longer willing to endure pain
• perineural route: administration of local anesthetic for pain management via an infusion catheter placed along most or all of the length of a wound
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear

 Nutrition 

• aspiration: the misdirection of oropharyngeal secretions or gastric contents into the larynx and lower respiratory tract
• body mass index (BMI): ratio of height to weight that more accurately reflects total body fat stores in the general population (weight in kg/height2 in meters)
• calorie: measure of heat, or energy; kilocalorie, commonly referred to as a calorie, is defined as the amount of heat required to raise 1 kg of water by 1 C
• carbohydrate: organic compounds (commonly known as sugars and starches) that are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; the most abundant and least expensive source of calories in the diet worldwide
• cholesterol: fatlike substance, found only in animal tissues, that is important for cell membrane structure, a precursor of steroid hormones, and a constituent of bile
• dysphagia: difficulty swallowing or the inability to swallow
• enteral nutrition: alternate form of feeding that involves passing a tube into the gastrointestinal tract to allow instillation of the appropriate formula
• ketosis: catabolism of fatty acids that occurs when an individual’s carbohydrate intake is not adequate; without adequate glucose, the catabolism is incomplete and ketones are formed, resulting in increased ketones
• lipid: group name for fatty substances, including fats, oils, waxes, and related compounds
• minerals: inorganic elements found in nature
• nasogastric (NG) tube: a tube inserted through the nose and into the stomach
• nasointestinal (NI) tube: a tube inserted through the nose and into the upper portion of the small intestine
• NPO (nothing by mouth): nothing can be consumed by mouth, including medications, unless ordered otherwise
• nutrient: specific biochemical substance used by the body for growth, development, activity, reproduction, lactation, health maintenance, and recovery from illness or injury
• nutrition: study of the nutrients and how they are handled by the body, as well as the impact of human behavior and environment on the process of nourishment
• obesity: weight greater than 20% above ideal body weight
• percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG): a surgically or laparoscopically placed gastrostomy tube
• percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube (PEJ): a surgically or laparoscopically placed jejunostomy tube
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• protein: vital component of every living cell; composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen
• recommended dietary allowance (RDA): recommendations for average daily amounts of essential nutrients that healthy people should consume over time
• residual: as applied to tube feeding, the amount of gastric contents in the stomach after the administration of a tube feeding
• trans fat: product that results when liquid oils are partially hydrogenated; these oils then become more stable and solid; trans fats raise serum cholesterol levels
• triglycerides: predominant form of fat in food and the major storage form of fat in the body; composed of one glyceride molecule and three fatty acids
• vitamins: organic substances needed by the body in small amounts to help regulate body processes; are susceptible to oxidation and destruction

 Urinary Elimination 

• arteriovenous fistula: a surgically created passage connecting an artery and a vein, used in hemodialysis
• arteriovenous graft: a surgically created connection between an artery and vein using synthetic material; used in hemodialysis
• bruit: a sound caused by turbulent blood flow
• external condom catheter: soft, pliable sheath made of silicone material, applied externally to the penis, connected to drainage tubing and a collection bag
• fenestrated: having a window-like opening
• hemodialysis: removal from the body, by means of blood filtration, of toxins and fluid that are normally removed by the kidneys
• ileal conduit: a surgical diversion formed by bringing the ureters to the ileum; urine is excreted through a stoma
• indwelling urethral catheter (retention or Foley catheters): a catheter (tube) through the urethra into the bladder for the purpose of continuous drainage of urine; a balloon is inflated to ensure that the catheter remains in the bladder once it is inserted
• intermittent urethral catheter (straight catheter): a catheter through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine for a short period of time (5 to 10 minutes)
• peritoneal dialysis: removal of toxins and fluid from the body by the principles of diffusion and osmosis; accomplished by introducing a solution (dialysate) into the peritoneal cavity
• peritonitis: inflammation of the peritoneal membrane
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• sediment: precipitate found at the bottom of a container of urine
• stoma: artificial opening on the body surface
• suprapubic urinary catheter: a urinary catheter surgically inserted through a small incision above the pubic area into the bladder
• symphysis pubis: the anterior midline junction of the pubic bones; the bony projection under the pubic hair
• thrill: palpable feeling caused by turbulent blood flow

 Bowel Elimination 

• colostomy: artificial opening that permits feces from the colon to exit through the stoma
• constipation: passage of dry, hard stools
• defecation: emptying of the large intestine; also called a bowel movement
• diarrhea: passage of excessively liquid, nonformed stool
• enema: introduction of a solution into the large intestine
• fecal impaction: prolonged retention or an accumulation of fecal material that forms a hardened mass in the rectum
• flatus: intestinal gas
• hemorrhoids: abnormally distended veins in the anal area
• ileostomy: artificial opening created to allow liquid fecal content from the ileum to be eliminated through a stoma
• ostomy: a surgically formed opening from the inside of an organ to the outside
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• stoma: the part of the ostomy that is attached to the skin; formed by suturing the mucosa to the skin
• vagal stimulus or response: stimulation of the vagus nerve that causes an increase in parasympathetic stimulation, triggering a decrease in heart rate
• Valsalva maneuver: voluntary contraction of the abdominal wall muscles, fixing of the diaphragm, and closing of the glottis that increases intra-abdominal pressure and aids in expelling feces

 Oxygenation 

• alveoli: small air sacs at the end of the terminal bronchioles that are the site of gas exchange
• atelectasis: incomplete expansion or collapse of a part of the lungs
• cilia: microscopic, hair-like projections that propel mucus toward the upper airway so that it can be expectorated
• dyspnea: difficult or labored breathing
• endotracheal tube: polyvinylchloride airway that is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea, using a laryngoscope
• expiration: act of breathing out
• extubation: removal of a tube (in this case, an endotracheal tube)
• hemothorax: blood in the pleural space around the heart
• hyperventilation: condition in which more than the normal amount of air is entering and leaving the lungs as a result of an increase in rate or depth of respiration or both
• hypoventilation: decreased rate or depth of air movement into the lungs
• hypoxia: inadequate amount of oxygen available to the cells
• inspiration: act of breathing in
• nasal cannula: disposable plastic device with two protruding prongs for insertion into the nostrils; used to administer oxygen
• nasopharyngeal airway (nasal trumpet): a curved, soft rubber or plastic tube inserted into the back of the pharynx through the mouth
• oropharyngeal airway: a semicircular tube of plastic or rubber inserted into the back of the pharynx through the mouth
• perfusion: the process by which oxygenated capillary blood passes through the tissues of the body
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• pleurae: membranes that cover the lungs
• pleural effusion: fluid in the pleural space
• pneumothorax: air in the pleural space
• pulse oximetry: noninvasive technique that measures the oxygen saturation (SpO2) of arterial blood
• respiration: gas exchange between the atmospheric air in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries
• spirometer: instrument used to measure lung capacity and volume; one type is used to encourage deep breathing (incentive spirometry)
• subcutaneous emphysema: small pockets of air trapped in the subcutaneous tissue; usually found around chest tube insertion sites
• tachypnea: rapid breathing
• tracheostomy: curved tube inserted into an artificial opening made into the trachea; comes in varied angles and multiple sizes
• ventilation (breathing): the movement of air into and out of the lungs

 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid Base Balance 

• autologous transfusion: a blood transfusion donated by the patient in anticipation that he or she may need the transfusion during a hospital stay
• central venous access device (CVAD): a venous access device in which the tip of the catheter terminates in the central venous circulation, usually in the superior vena cava just above the right atrium
• crossmatching: determining the compatibility of two blood specimens
• dehydration: decreased fluid volume
• edema: accumulation of fluid in body tissues
• hypertonic: having a greater concentration of solutes than the solution with which it is being compared
• hypervolemia: excess of isotonic fluid (water and sodium) in the extracellular space
• hypotonic: having a lesser concentration than the solution with which it is being compared
• hypovolemia: deficiency of isotonic fluid (water and sodium) from the extracellular space
• implanted port: a type of CVAD; subcutaneous injection port attached to a catheter; distal catheter tip dwells in the lower one third of the superior vena cava to the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium, and the proximal end or port is usually implanted in a subcutaneous pocket of the upper chest wall. Implanted ports placed in the antecubital area of the arm are referred to as peripheral access system ports
• isotonic: having about the same solute concentration as the solution with which it is being compared
• nontunneled percutaneous central venous catheters: a type of CVAD that has a short dwell time (3 to 10 days); may have double, triple, or quadruple lumens; are more than 8 cm, depending on patient size; introduced through the skin into the internal jugular, subclavian, or femoral veins and sutured into place; and are mainly used in critical care and emergency settings (Gabriel, 2008a)
• overhydration: increased fluid volume
• peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC): a type of CVAD, more than 20 cm, depending on patient size, that can be introduced into a peripheral vein (usually the basilic, brachial, or cephalic vein), and advanced so the distal tip dwells in the lower one third of the superior vena cava to the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium (INS, 2006)
• peripheral venous access device: a short (less than 3 inches) peripheral catheter placed in a peripheral vein for short-term therapy. This device is not appropriate for certain therapies, such as vesicant chemotherapy, drugs that are classified as irritants, or TPN.
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• tunneled central venous catheter: a type of CVAD; intended for long-term use; implanted into the internal or external jugular, or subclavian vein; length of this catheter is more than 8 cm (approximately 90 cm on average), depending on patient size; tunneled in subcutaneous tissue under the skin (usually the midchest area) for 3 to 6 inches to its exit site
• typing: determining a person’s blood type (A, B, AB, or O)

 Cardiovascular Care 

• arterial blood gas (ABG): a laboratory test that evaluates the oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and pH of an arterial blood sample, determining metabolic or respiratory alkalosis or acidosis
• cardiac arrest: sudden cessation of functional circulation of the heart (pulse), such as asystole or defibrillation, typically caused by the occlusion of one or more of the coronary arteries or cardiomyopathy
• cardiac monitoring: visualization and monitoring of the cardiac electrical activity stimulating the heartbeat
• cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): also known as basic life support; revival in the absence of spontaneous respirations and heartbeat to preserve heart and brain function while waiting for defibrillation and advanced cardiac life support care. Achieved by manually pumping the heart by compressing the sternum and forcing oxygen into the lungs using mouth-tomouth or rescue breathing.
• cardioversion: conversion of a pathologic cardiac rhythm to normal sinus rhythm through low doses of electricity, using a device that applies synchronized countershocks to the heart
• defibrillation: stopping fibrillation of the heart by using an electrical device that applies countershocks to the heart through electrodes on the chest wall. This countershock is given in an attempt to allow the heart’s normal pacemaker to take over.
• electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): graphing of the electrical activity of the heart
• fibrillation: small, local, involuntary contraction of muscle, resulting from spontaneous activation of a single muscle fiber or of an isolated bundle of nerve fibers
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear

 Neurologic Care 

• aura: a premonitory or warning sensation of a seizure that can be visual, auditory, or olfactory
• cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP): a way of calculating cerebral blood flow; the formula is MAP (mean arterial pressure) minus ICP (intracranial pressure) equals CPP; normal CPP for an adult is 60 to 90 mm Hg
• coma: a pathologic state of unconsciousness characterized by an unarousable sleeplike state; eyes closed at all times; no speech or sound noted; no spontaneous movement of extremities
• consciousness: the degree of wakefulness or ability to be aroused
• intracranial pressure (ICP): pressure within the cranial vault; normal ICP is less than 10 to 15 mm Hg
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• seizure: temporary alteration in brain function due to excessive and abnormal electrical discharges of neurons in the brain that may result in uncontrolled body movements or a convulsion and alteration of consciousness
• ventriculostomy: a catheter inserted through a hole made in the skull into the ventricular system of the brain; can be used to monitor ICP and/or drain cerebrospinal fluid

 Laboratory Specimen Collection 

• arterial blood gas (ABG): a laboratory test that evaluates the adequacy of oxygenation, ventilation, and acid–base status
• expectorate: expel from the mouth; spit
• lancet: a small, sharp device for piercing the skin
• nares: plural for naris
• naris: oval openings at the base of the nose
• nasopharynx: upper portion of the throat (pharynx) located behind the nasal cavity
• occult blood: blood that is hidden in a stool specimen or cannot be seen on gross examination
• personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment and supplies necessary to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eye gear
• protocol: written plan that details the nursing activities to be executed in specific situations
• standard: acceptable, expected level of performance established by authority, custom, or consent
• Standard Precautions: precautions used in the care of all hospitalized individuals, regardless of their diagnosis or possible infection status; these precautions apply to blood, all body fluids, secretions, and excretions (except sweat), nonintact skin, and mucous membranes
• sterile technique: involves practices used to render and keep objects and areas free from microorganisms