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CNA Vocabulary
From Successful Nursing Assistant Care
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| accountable | answerable for one's actions |
| activities of daily living (ADLs) | personal care tasks, including bathing, dressing, mouth care, hair care, toileting, and eating and drinking. |
| acute care | 24-hour skilled care for temporary illnesses or injuries, generally given in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. |
| adaptive devices | special equipment that helps a person who is ill or disabled perform ADLs, also called assistive devices. |
| adult daycare | care given to adults at a facility during daytime work hours. |
| assisted living | a setting for people who require some help with daily care, but who need less care than a long-term care facility offers. |
| care team | the group of people with different kinds of education and experience who provide resident care. |
| chain of command | the order of authority within a facility. |
| chronic | the term for an illness that is long-term or long-lasting. |
| cite | to find a problem through a survey. |
| CHAPTER 3 | Communication Skills |
| active listening | a way of communicating that involves giving a person your full attention while he is speaking and encouraging him to give information and clarify ideas; includes nonverbal communication |
| barrier | a block or an obstacle |
| body language | all of the conscious or unconscious messages your body sends as you communicate, such as facial expressions, shrugging your shoulders, and wringing your hands |
| care conference | a meeting to share and gather information about residents in order to develop a care plan |
| care plan | a written plan for each resident created by the nurse; outlines the steps taken by the staff to help the resident reach his or her goals. |
| chart | written legal record of all care received within a facility |
| charting | the act of noting care and observations; documenting |
| code | when a group of specially-trained staff is called to provide advanced life support to a resident |
| code status | whether a resident has a signed advance directive or not |
| critical thinking | the process of reasoning and analyzing in order to solve problems; for the nursing assistant, critical thinking means making good observations and promptly reporting all potential problems |
| culture | a set of learned beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviors shared by a social, ethnic, or age group |
| edema | swelling in body tissues caused by excess fluid |
| incident | an accident, problem, or unexpected event during the course of care |
| incident report | a written report documenting the incident and the response to the incedent |
| Minimum Data Set (MDS) | a detailed form with guidelines for assessing residents in nursing homes; also details what to do if resident problems are identified |
| nonverbal communication | communication without words, such as gestures and facial expressions |
| nursing process | an organized method used by nurses to determine residents' needs, plan the appropriate care to meet those needs, and evaluate how well the plan of care is working; five steps are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation |
| prefix | a word part added to the beginning of a root to create a new meaning |
| prioritize | to place things in order of importance |
| objective information | factual information collected using the senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch; also called signs |
| root | the main part of the word that gives it meaning |
| rounds | physical movement of staff from room to room to discuss each resident and the plans of care |
| sentinel event | an unexpected occurrentc involving death or serious physical or psychological injury |
| subjective information | information collected from residents, their family members and friends; information may or may not be true but is what the person reported; also called symptoms |
| suffix | a word part added to the end of a root or a prefix to create a new meaning |
| verbal communication | communication involving the use of spoken or written words or sounds |
| vital signs | measurements that monitor the function of the vital organs of the body |
| CHAPTER 5 | Diversity and Human Needs and Development |
| ageism | stereotyping of, prejudice toward, and/or discrimination against the elderly |
| agnostic | a person who claims that he does not know or cannot know if God exists |
| atheist | a person who claims that there is no God |
| Buddhism | a religion that follows the teachings of Buddha |
| Christianity | a religion that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ |
| cultural diversity | the variety of people living and working together in the world |
| developmental disability | a chronic condition that restricts physical or mental abilities |
| health | state of physical, mental, and social well-being |
| Hinduism | a religion that believes in the unity of everything and that all are a part of God |
| Islam | a religion that follows the prophet Muhammad and the Five Pillars of Islam. |
| Judaism | a religion that follows the teachings of God as given to Moses in laws and commandments |
| mores | the accepted traditional customs of a particular social group |
| need | something necessary or required |
| psychosocial needs | needs which involve social interaction, emotions, intellect, and spirituality |
| puberty | the period when a person develops secondary sex characteristics |
| religion | a set of beliefs and practices followed by a group of people |
| spirituality | of or relating to the concerns of the spirit, the sacred, or the soul |
| stereotype | a biased generalization about a group that is usually based on opinions and ditorted ideas |
| wellness | successfully balancing things that happen in everyday life; includes five different types: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual |
| CHAPTER 7 | Safety and Body Mechanics |
| aspiration | inhaling food or drink into the lungs |
| atrophy | weakening or wasting of muscles |
| body mechanics | the way the parts of the body work together when you move |
| chemical restraint | medications used to control a person's behavior |
| combustion | the process of burning |
| cyanosis | blue or pale skin and/or mucous membranes due to decreased oxygen in the blood |
| disorientation | confusion about person, place and time |
| dysphagia | difficulty in swallowing |
| flammable | easily ignited and capable of burning quickly |
| hoarding | collecting and putting things away in a guarded way |
| Material Satety Data Sheet (MSDS) | sheets that provide information on the safe use, hazards, and emergency steps to take when using chemicals |
| PASS | acronym for use of a fire extinguisher; stands for Pull-Aim-Squeeze-Sweep |
| postural support | device that maintains good posture or body alignment; also considered a restraint |
| protective device | another word for a physical restraint or postural support |
| RACE | acronym for steps taken during a fire; stands for Remove-Activate-Contain-Extinguish |
| restraint | a physical or chemical way to restrict voluntary movement or behavior |
| restraint alternatives | measures used instead of physical or chemical restraints |
| restraint-free care | an environment in which restraints are not kept or used for any reason |
| scalds | burns caused by very hot liquids |
| slip knot | a special quick-release knot used to tie restraints |
| suffocation | death from a lack of air or oxygen |
| synthetic | artificial or man-made |
| CHAPTER 9 | Admission, Transfer, Discharge, and Physical Exams |
| abdominal girth | a measurement of the circumference around the abdomen at the umbilicus (navel) |
| admission | the initial entry of a resident into a facility or a unit |
| admission pack | personal care items supplied upon a resident's admission |
| baseline | initial value that can be compared to future measurements |
| bedridden | confined to bed |
| contracture | the permanent and often painful shortening of a muscle, usually due to a lack of activity |
| discharge | a doctor's order that releases a resident to leave a facility to go home or to another facility |
| dorsal recumbent | position with the person flat on her back with knees flexed and slightly separated; feet are flat on bed |
| kilogram | 1000 grams; 1 kilogram =2.2 pounds |
| knee-chest | position with the person lying on his abdomen with knees pulled up towards the abdomen and with legs separated; arms are pulled up and flexed; the head is turned to one side |
| lithotomy | position with the person on her back with her hips at the edge of the exam table; legs are flexed and feet are in padded stirrups |
| metric | system of weights and measures based upon the meter |
| pound | measurement of weight equal to 16 ounces |
| transfer | an order that moves a resident from one unit to another within the same facility |
| CHAPTER 11 | Positioning, Moving, and Lifting |
| ambulation | walking |
| body alignment | body positioning that promotes proper body functioning; posture |
| dangling | position with the resident sitting up with the feet over the side of the bed to regain balance, equalize blood flow in the body, and return blood flow to the head; helps prevent dizziness and lightheadedness that can cause fainting |
| draw sheet | turning sheet that is placed under residents who are unable to assist with turning, lifting, or moving up in bed |
| ergonomics | the science of designing equipment and setting up areas to make them safer and to suit the worker's abilities |
| Fowler's | position with the person lying on his or her back with the head of bed elevated about 45 to 60 degrees |
| gait belt | a belt made of canvas or other heavy material used to help residents walk; also called a transfer belt |
| lateral | position with person on his or her side |
| logrolling | moving a person as a unit, without disturbing the alignment of the body |
| mechanical lift | special equipment used to lift and move or lift and weigh a person |
| MSD's | acronym that stands for work-related musculoskeletal disorders |
| positioning | helping people into positions that will be comfortable and healthy for them |
| prone | position with person lying on his or her stomach |
| shearing | rubbing or friction resulting from the skin moving one way and the bone underneath it remaining fixed or moving in the opposite direction |
| Sims' | position with person lying on his or her left side with one leg drawn up |
| supine | position with person lying flat on his or her back |
| transfer | moving a resident from one place to another |
| transfer belt | a belt made of canvas or other heavy material used to assist residents who are weak, unsteady, or uncoordinated; also called a gait belt |
| CHAPTER 1 Continued | |
| conscientious | guided by a sense of right and wrong; principled |
| continuity of care | coordination of care for a resident over time, during which the care team is always exchanging information about the resident and working toward shared goals |
| courteous | polite, kind, considerate |
| delegation | transferring authority to a person for a specific task |
| dementia | the loss of mental abilities, such as thinking, remembering, reasoning and communicating |
| diagnosis | the identification of a disease by its signs and symptoms and from the results of different tests |
| empathetic | identifying with and understanding another person's feelings |
| first impression | a way of classifying or categorizing people at the first meeting |
| functional nursing | method of care assigning specific tasks to each team member |
| holistic | care that involves the whole person; this includes his or her physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs |
| home health care | care that takes place in a person's home |
| hospice care | care for people who have six months or less to live |
| inter-generational care | mixing children and the elderly in the same care setting |
| Joint Commission | a not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits different types of healthcare facilities |
| length of stay | the number of days a person stays in a health care facility |
| liability | a legal term that means a person can be held responsible for harming someone else |
| licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) | licensed nurse who has completed one to two years of education; LPN/LVN passes medications, gives treatments and may supervise daily care of residents |
| long-term care | 24-hour care provided usually in nursing homes for people with ongoing conditions |
| nurse practitioner | a registered nurse with advanced education who is able to see patients and write prescriptions |
| nursing assistant | an important member of the care team who performs assigned nursing tasks and gives personal care |
| outpatient care | treatment given usually for less than 24 hours to people who have had treatments or surgery |
| pet therapy | the practice of bringing pets into a facility or home to provide stimulation or companionship |
| policy | a course of action to be followed |
| primary nursing | method of care in which a registered nurse gives much of the daily care to residents |
| procedure | a method, or way, of doing something |
| professionalism | the act of behaving properly for a certain job |
| registered nurse (RN) | a licensed nurse who has completed two to four years of education; RNs assess residents, monitor progress, provide skilled nursing care, give treatments and supervise the care given by nursing assistants and other members of the care team |
| rehabilitation | a program of care given by a specialist to restore or improve function after an illness or injury |
| resident | a person living in a long-term care facility |
| resident-focused care | method of care in which the resident is the primary focus; team members are cross-trained in skills, allowing residents to see many of the same people performing their care |
| sandwich generation | people responsible for the care of both their children and aging relatives |
| skilled care | medically necessary care given by a skilled nurse or therapist |
| subacute care | care given in a nursing home or a hospital; used for people who need a higher level of care and observation than some long-term care facilities can give |
| team leader | a nurse in charge of a group of residents for one shift of duty |
| team nursing | method of caring in which a nurse acts as a leader of a group of people giving care |
| trustworthy | deserving the trust of others |
| CHAPTER 13 | Vital Signs |
| apical pulse | the pulse on the left side of the chest, just below the nipple |
| apnea | the absence of breathing may be temporary |
| BPM | the abbreviation for "beats per minute" |
| brachial pulse | the pulse inside the elbow; used to measure blood pressure |
| bradycardia | a slow heart rate; under 60 beats per minute |
| Celsius | the centigrade temperature scale in which the boiling point of water is 100 degrees and the freezing point of water is 0 degrees |
| Cheyne-Stokes respiration | type of respiration with periods of apnea lasting at least 10 seconds, along with alternating periods of slow, irregular respirations or rapid, shallow respirations |
| diastolic | second measurement of blood pressure; phase when the heart relaxes |
| dilate | to widen |
| dyspnea | difficulty breathing |
| eupnea | normal respirations |
| expiration | the process of exhaling air out of the lungs |
| Fahrenheit | a temperature scale where the boiling point of water is 212 degrees and the freezing point of water is 32 degrees |
| hypertension | high blood pressure |
| hypothermia | low blood pressure |
| hypothermia | a condition in which body temperature drops below the level required for normal functioning; severe sub-normal body temperature |
| inspiration | the process of inhaling air into the lungs |
| orthopnea | shortness of breath when lying down that is relieved by sitting up |
| orthostatic hypotension | a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up; also called postural hypotension |
| prehypertension | a condition in which a person has a systolic measurement of 120-139mm Hg and a diastolic measurement of 80-89mm Hg; indicator that the person does not have high blood pressure now but is likely to have it in the future |
| radial pulse | the pulse on the inside of the wrist, where the radial artery runs just beneath the skin |
| respiration | the process of inhaling air into the lungs (inspiration) and exhaling air out of the lungs (expiration) |
| sphygmomanometer | a device that measures blood pressure |
| stethoscope | an instrument used to hear sounds in the human body, such as the heartbeat or pulse, breathing sounds, or bowel sounds |
| systolic | first measurement of blood pressure; phase when the heart is at work, contracting and pushing blood out of the left ventricle |
| tachycardia | a fast heartbeat, over 100 beats per minute |
| tachypnea | rapid respirations |
| thermometer | a device used for measuring the degree of heat or cold |
| vital signs | measurements that monitor the function of the vital organs of the body |
| CHAPTER 15 | The Gastrointestinal System |
| absorption | the digestive process in which digestive juices and enzymes break down food into materials the body can use |
| anal incontinence | an inability to control the muscles of the bowels, which leads to an involuntary passage of stool or gas; also called fecal incontinence |
| anatomy | the study of body structure |
| biology | the tudy of all life forms |
| body systems | groups of organs that perform specific functions in the human body |
| bowel elimination | the physical process of releasing or emptying the colon or large intestine of stool or feces |
| cells | the basic structural unit of all organisms |
| chyme | semi-liquid substance made as a result of the chemical breakdown of food in the stomach |
| colon | the large intestine |
| colostomy | surgically-created opening into the large intestine to allow feces to be expelled; causes stool to be semi-solid |
| constipation | the difficult and often painful elimination of a hard, dry stool |
| Crohn's disease | a disease that causes the wall of the intestines (large or small) to become inflamed (red, sore and swollen) |
| defecation | the process of eliminating feces from the rectum through the anus |
| diarrhea | frequent elimination of liquid or semi-liquid feces |
| digestion | the process of breaking down food so that it can be absorbed into the cells |
| diverticulitis | inflammation of sacs that develop in the wall of the large intestine due to diverticulosis |
| diverticulosis | a disorder in which sac-like pouchings develop in weakened areas of the wall of the large intestine (colon) |
| duodenum | the first part of the small intestine where the common bile duct enters the small intestine |
| electrolytes | chemical substances that are essential to maintaining fluid balance and homeostasis in the body |
| elimination | the process of expelling wastes |
| enema | a specific amount of water, with or without an additive, introduced into the colon to stimulate stool |
| fecal impaction | a mass of dry, hard stool that remains packed in the rectum and cannot be expelled |
| feces | solid body waste excreted through the anus from the large intestine; also called stool |
| flatulence | air in the intestine that is passed through the rectum, also called gas or flatus |
| fracture pan | a bedpan that is flatter than a regular bedpan; used for small or thin people or those who cannot lift their buttocks onto a standard bedpan |
| gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | a chronic condition in which the liquid contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus |
| gastrointestinal tract | a continuous tube from the opening of the mouth all the way to the anus, where solid wastes are eliminated from the body |
| heartburn | a condition that results from a weakening of the sphincter muscle which joins the esophagus and the stomach; also known as acid reflux |
| hemorrhoids | enlarged veins in the rectum that can cause itching, burning, pain, and bleeding |
| homeostasis | the condition in which all of the body's systems are balanced and are working at their best |
| ileostomy | surgically-created opening into the end of the small intestine, the ileum, to allow feces to be expelled; causes stool to be liquid |
| ingestion | the process of taking food or fluids into the body |
| irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | a chronic condition of the gastrointestinal tract that is worsened by stress |
| lactose intolerance | the inability to digest lactose, a type of sugar in milk and other dairy products |
| malabsorption | a condition in which the body cannot absorb or digest a particular nutrient properly |
| occult | hidden |
| organ | a structural unit in the human body that performs a specific function |
| ostomy | surgical creation of an opening from an area inside the body to the outside |
| pathophysiology | the study of the disorders that occur in the body |
| peristalsis | muscular contractions that push food through the gastrointestinal tract |
| physiology | the study of how body parts function |
| portable commode | a chair with a toilet seat and a removable container underneath |
| specimen | a sample, such as of tissue, blood, urine, stool, or sputum, used for analysis and diagnosis |
| stoma | an artificial opening in the body |
| suppository | a medication given rectally to cause a bowel movement |
| tissues | a group of cells that performs similar tasks |
| ulcerative colitis | a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine |
| ureterostomy | a type of urostomy in which a surgical creation of an opening from the ureter through the abdomen is made for urine to be eliminated |
| urostomy | the general term used for any surgical procedure that diverts the passage of urine by re-directing the ureters |
| CHAPTER 2 | Ethical and Legal Issues |
| abuse | purposely causing physical, mental or emotional pain or injury to someone |
| active neglect | purposely harming a person physically, mentally or emotionally by failing to provide needed care |
| advance directives | written documents or oral statements that allow people to decide what kind of medical care they wish to have if they are unable to make those decisions themselves |
| assault | threatening to harm a person or leading a person to feel threatened that he or she will be touched without his or her permission |
| battery | the actual touching of another person without their permission |
| civil law | private law; law between individuals |
| criminal law | public law; related to committing a crime against the community |
| DNR (do-not resuscitate) | an order that tells medical professionals not to perform CPR |
| domestic violence | abuse by spouses, intimate partners or family members; can be physical, sexual or emotional |
| Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care | a signed, dated and witnessed paper that appoints someone to make medical decisions for a person in the event he becomes unable to do so |
| ethics | the knowledge of what is right and wrong; standards of conduct |
| etiquette | the code of proper behavior and courtesy in a certain setting |
| false imprisonment | unlawfully restraining or confining someone against his or her will |
| HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) | law passed to protect the privacy of health information and to facilitate the transferring of protected health information (PHI) for payment and insurance needs |
| invasion of privacy | a violation of the right to be left alone and the right to control personal information |
| involuntary seclusion | confinement or separation from others in a physical space; done without consent or against one's will |
| laws | rules set by the government to help protect the public |
| Living Will | a document that states the medical care a person wants, or doesn't want, in case he or she becomes unable to make those decisions |
| malpractice | a negligent or improper act by a doctor or other medical professional that results in damage or injury to a person |
| mandated reporters | people who are required to report suspected or observed abuse or neglect due to their regular contact with vulnerable populations, such as the elderly in nursing homes |
| misappropriation | the act of taking what belongs to someone else and using it illegally for one's own gain |
| NATCEP (Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program) | part of OBRA that sets minimum requirements for nursing assistants for training and testing |
| negligence | actions, or a failure to act or give care, that results in injury to a person |
| OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) | law originally passed in 1987; includes minimum standards for nursing assistant training, staffing requirements, resident assessment instructions and information on rights for residents |
| ombudsman | person assigned by law as the legal advocate for residents |
| passive neglect | unintentionally harming a person physically, mentally or emotionally by failing to provide needed care |
| physical abuse | intentional or unintentional treatment that causes harm or injury to a person's body |
| Protected Health Information (PHI) | information that can be used to identify a person and relates to the patient's past present or future physical or mental condition, including any healthcare that patient has had, or payment for that health care |
| psychological abuse | harming a person by threatening, scaring, insulting, humiliating or treating him or her as a child; also includes verbal abuse |
| Residents' council | a group of residents who meet regularly to discuss issues related to the nursing home |
| Residents' Rights | rights identified by OBRA for residents in long-term care facilities; purpose is to inform residents of their rights within these facilities and to provide an ethical code of conduct for healthcare workers |
| scope of practice | the tasks that nursing assistants are permitted to perform as allowed by state or federal law |
| sexual abuse | forcing a person to perform or participate in sexual acts against his or her will |
| sexual harassment | any unwelcome sexual advance or behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment |
| substance abuse | the use of drugs, cigarettes or alcohol in a way that harms oneself or others |
| verbal abuse | oral or written words, pictures or gestures that threaten or embarrass a person |
| workplace violence | the abuse of staff by other staff members, residents or visitors; includes both physical and verbal abuse |
| CHAPTER 4 | Communication Challenges |
| airway | the natural passageway for air to enter into the lungs |
| anxiety | uneasiness; often about a situation or condition |
| artificial airway | any plastic, metal or rubber device inserted into the respiratory tract for the purpose of maintaining ventilation |
| coma | state of unconsciousness in which the person is unable to respond to any changes in the environment' including pain |
| combative | violent or hostile |
| defense mechanisms | unconscious behaviors used to release tension and/or to help cope with stress |
| depression | an illness that causes social withdrawl, lack of energy and loss of interest in activities, as well as other symptoms |
| disorientation | confusion about person, place or time; may be permanent or temporary |
| impairment | a loss of function or ability: can be a partial or complete loss |
| masturbation | to touch or rub sexual organs in order to give oneself or another person sexual pleasure |
| tracheostomy | an opening through the neck into the trachea that is surgically created |
| CHAPTER 17 | The Reproductive System |
| benign prostatic hypertrophy | a disorder in which the prostate becomes enlarged, causing problems with unination and/or emptying the bladder |
| chlamydia | a sexually-transmitted disease caused by bacteria |
| douche | a rinsing of the vagina in order to cleanse the vaginal tract or to introduce medication into the vagina; also called a vaginal irrigation |
| genital herpes | a sexually-transmitted desease caused by a virus; cannot be cured |
| genital HPV infection | a sexually-transmitted disease caused by human pappillomavirus (HPV) |
| glands | structures that secrete hormones |
| gonads | the male and female sexual reproductive glands |
| gonorrhea | a sexually-transmitted disease caused by bacteria |
| hormones | chemical substances created by the body that control numerous body functions |
| impotence | the inability to have or maintain a penile erection |
| menopause | the point at which a woman's menstrual periods stop permanently and she can no longer conceive |
| menstruation | the shedding of the lining of the uterus that occurs approximately every 28 days; also known as the menstrual cycle or period |
| ovum | female sex cell or egg |
| sexually-transmitted diseases (STD's) | diseases passed through sexual contact; also called venereal diseases |
| sexually-transmitted infections (STI's) | infections caused by sexual contact; infected person may not show signs or symptoms of disease |
| sperm | male sex cells |
| syphilis | a sexually-transmitted disease caused by bacteria |
| trichomoniasis | a sexually-transmitted disease caused by protozoa (single-celled animals) |
| vaginal irrigation | a rinsing of the vagina in order to cleanse the vaginal tract or to introduce medication into the vagina; also called a douche |
| CHAPTER 19 | The Circulatory or Cardiovascular System |
| anemia | a condition in which the red blood cells or the hemoglobin in red blood cells is very low |
| angina pectoris | chest pain |
| anti-embolic stockings | special stockings used to help prevent swelling and blood clots and aid circulation;also called elastic stockings |
| artery | vessel that carries blood away from the heart |
| atria | the upper two chambers of the heart |
| capillaries | tiny blood vessels in which the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products occurs between blood and cells |
| cardiomyopathy | a condition in which the heart muscle is diseased and no longer pumps effectively |
| congestive heart failure (CHF) | a condition in which the heart muscle is damaged and does not pump effectively; blood backs up into the heart instead of circulating; can occur on one or both sides of the heart |
| coronary artery disease (CAD) | a condition in which blood vessels in the coronary arteries narrow, lowering blood supply to the heart and depriving it of oxygen and nurtrients |
| diastole | phase when the heart muscle relaxes |
| dyspnea | difficulty breathing |
| heart | four-chambered pump that is responsible for the flow of blood in the body |
| heart attack | a condition in which all or part of the blood flow to the heart is blocked and muscle cells die; also called a myocardial infarction |
| hypertension | a condition in which blood pressure consistently measures 140/90 or higher; also known as high blood pressure |
| hypoxia | a condition in which the body does not receive enough oxygen |
| ischemia | a lack of blood supply to an area |
| myocardial infarction (MI) | a condition in which all or part of the blood flow to the heart is blocked and muscle cells die; also called a heart attack |
| myocardial ischemia | a condition in which the heart muscle does not receive enough blood and lacks oxygen; can cause angina pectoris |
| nitroglycerin | medication that relaxes the walls of the coronary arteries |
| occlusion | a complete obstruction of a blood vessel |
| orthopnea | shortness of breath when lying down that is relieved by sitting up |
| peripheral vascular disease (PVD) | a condition in which the legs, feet, arms or hands do not have enough blood circulation |
| phlebitis | inflammation of the veins in the lower extremities |
| pulmonary edema | a condition in which there is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs; usually due to heart failure |
| sequential compression device (SCD) | special stockings used to improve circulation and prevent blood clots; may be applied during or after surgery |
| stable angina | chest pain that occurs when a person is active or under severe stress |
| systole | phase where the heart is at work, contracting and pushing blood out of the left ventricle |
| unstable angina (USA) | chest pain that occurs while a person is at rest and not exerting himself |
| vein | vessel that carries blood to the heart |
| ventricles | the lower two chambers of the heart |
| CHAPTER 21 | The Musculoskeletal System |
| abduction | moving a body part away from the midline of the body |
| adduction | moving a body part toward the midline of the body |
| amputation | the surgical removal of an extremity |
| arthritis | a general term that refers to inflammation of the joints |
| atrophy | the wasting away, decreasing in size, and weakening of muscles from lask of use |
| bones | rigid connective tissue that make up the skeleton; lend support to body structures, allow the body to move, and protect the organs |
| bursae | tiny sacs of fluid that are located near joints and help reduce friction |
| bursitis | a condition in which the bursae become inflamed and painful |
| cartilage | the protective substance that covers the end of bones and makes up the discs that are found between vertebrae |
| contracture | the permanent and painful stiffening of a muscle |
| flexion | bending a body part |
| fracture | a broken bone |
| full weight-bearing (FWB) | the ability to support full body weight on both legs |
| joints | the points where two bones meet; provide movement and flexibility |
| ligaments | strong bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect bones and support the joints and joint movement |
| muscles | groups of tissues that contract and relax, allowing motion, supporting the body, protecting organs, and creating heat |
| muscular dystrophy | an inherited, progressive disease that causes a gradual wasting of muscle, weakness and deformity |
| non-weight-bearing (NWB) | the inability to support any weight on one or both legs |
| osteoarthritis | a type of arthritis that usually affects weight-bearing joints, especially the hips and knees; also called degenerative joint disease (DJD) |
| osteoporosis | a condition in which the bones become brittle and weak; may be due to age, lack of hormones, not enough calcium in bones, or lack of exercise |
| partial weight-bearing (PWB) | the ability to support some body weight on one or both legs |
| phantom limb pain | pain in a limb (or extremity)that has been amputated |
| phantom sensation | itching or tingling feeling from a body part that has been amputated |
| prosthesis | a specially-fitted artificial body part that replaces a missing limb or extremity |
| rheumatoid arthritis | a type of arthritis in which joints become red, swollen, and very painful; movement is restricted and deformities of the hands are common |
| tendons | tough frbrous bands that connect muscle to bone |
| total hip replacement (THR) | a surgery that replaces the head of the femur (long bone of the leg) where it joins the hip |
| total knee replacement (TKR) | a surgery that replaces a damaged or painful knee with artificial parts |
| CHAPTER 6 | Infection Control |
| antimicrobial | an agent that destroys or resists pathogens |
| autoclave | machine creating steam or a type of gas that kills all microorganisms |
| barrier | block or obstacle, object(s) worn by health care providers to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases |
| biohazard container | hard, leakproof containers into which sharp objects and items contaminated with infectious materials are placed |
| bloodborne pathogens | microorganisms found in human blood that can cause infection and disease in humans |
| Bloodborne Pathogen Standard | federal law requiring that healthcare facilities protect employees from bloodborne pathogens |
| body fluids | tears, saliva, sputum(mucus coughed up), urine, feces semen, vaginal secretions and pus or other wound drainage |
| carrier | person who carries a pathogen without signs or symptoms of an illness or disease and who can spread the disease |
| catheter | tube inserted through the skin or a body opening: used to add or drain fluid |
| C. difficile (C. diff, clostridium difficile) | a bacterial illness that can cause diarrhea and colitis; spread by spores that are difficult to kill |
| The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | federal government agency responsible for improving the overall health and safety of the people of the United States |
| clean | a condition in which an object has not been contaminated with pathogens |
| clean technique | process of removing pathogens; also called medical asepsis |
| communicable disease | disease transmitted when a pathogen is spread from one person to another |
| contagious disease | a communicable disease that is spread easily from one person to another |
| contaminated | soiled, unclean; having disease-causing organisms or infectious material on it |
| cross-infection | acquiring an infection from someone else; also called cross-contamination |
| dehydration | a condition that occurs when a person does not have enough fluid in the body |
| direct contact | way to transmit pathogens through touching the infected person or his or her secretions |
| direct spread | method of transmission of disease from one person to another |
| dirty | a condition in which an object is contaminated with pathogens |
| disinfection | a measure used to decrease the spread of pathogens and disease by destroying pathogens |
| drainage | flow of fluids from a wound or cavity |
| exposure control plan | plan that identifies the step-by-step method of what to do if exposed to infectious material;also includes specific work practices that must be followed |
| exposure incident | situation that occurs when a person is exposed to infectious blood or material |
| fomite | an object that is contaminated with a pathogen and can now spread the pathogen to another person |
| hand hygiene | handwashing with either plain or antiseptic soap and water and using alcohol-based hand rubs |
| healthcare-associated infection (HAI) | an infection associated with various healthcare settings, such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, ambulatory settings and home care |
| hepatitis | inflammation of the liver caused by infection |
| immunity | resistance to infection by a specific pathogen |
| incubation period | the period of time between the time a pathogen enters the body and the time it causes an infection |
| indirect contact | a way to transmit pathogens by touching something contaminated by the infected person |
| infection | the state resulting from pathogens invading and growing within the human body |
| infection control | set of methods used to control and prevent the spread of disease |
| infectious disease | any disease caused by the growth of a pathogen |
| isolate | to keep something separate, or by itself |
| localized infection | infection limited to a specific part of the body; has local symptoms |
| malnutrition | a serious condition in which a person is not getting proper nutrition |
| medical asepsis | process of removing pathogens, also called clean technique |
| microbe | a tiny living thing visible only by microscope, also called a microorganism |
| microorganism (MO) | a tiny living thing visible only by microscope, also called a microbe |
| MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection | an infection caused by bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics; can develop when people do not take all of the medication prescribed to them |
| mucous membranes | the membranes that line body cavities that open to the outside of the body, such as the linings of the mouth, nose, eyes, rectum and genitals |
| multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) | microorganisms, mostly bacteria, that are resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents |
| non-communicable disease | a disease not capable of being spread from one person to another |
| non-intact skin | skin that is broken by abrasions, cuts, rashes, acne, pimples, lesions, surgical incisions or boils |
| normal flora | the microorganisms that normally live in and on the body and do not cause harm in a healthy person |
| nosocomial infection | an infection acquired in a hospital |
| Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) | a federal government agency that makes rules to protect workers from hazards on the job |
| pathogen | the microorganisms that cause disease |
| perineal care | care of the genitals and anal area by cleansing |
| PPE (personal protective equipment) | a barrier between a person and disease; includes, gloves, gowns, masks, goggles and face shields |
| reinfection | being infected a second time with an infection |
| resistance | the body's ability to prevent infection and disease |
| sanitation | ways communities maintain clean, hygienic conditions that help prevent disease, such as disposal of sewage and solid waste |
| Standard Precautions | a method of infection controlin which all blood, body fluids, non-intact skin and mucous membranes are treated as if they were infected with a disease |
| sterilization | a measure used to decrease the spread of pathogens and disease by destroying all microorganisms, including pathogens |
| surgical asepsis | method that makes an area or an object completely free of microorganisms; also called sterile technique |
| systemic infection | an infection that occurs when pathogens enter the bloodstream and move throughout the body; causes general systems, such as chills and fever |
| transmission | transfer of a disease |
| vaccine | a substance prepared from weakened or killed microbes that is used to give immunity to a disease |
| VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococcus) | a mutant strain of the bacterium enterococcus; a resistance caused by a person not taking all of a powerful antibiotic Vancomycin |
| CHAPTER 8 | Emergency Care, First aid and Disasters |
| abdominal thrusts | the method of attempting to remove an object from the airway of someone who is choking |
| cardiac arrest | the medical term for the stopping of the heartbeat |
| code team | group of people chosen for a particular shift who respond to resident emergencies |
| conscious | the state of being mentally alert and having awareness of surroundings, sensations and thoughts |
| CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) | refers to medical procedures used when a person's heart or lungs have stopped working |
| diabetic ketoacidosis | a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from undiagnosed diabetes, not enough insulin, eating too much, not getting enough exercise and stress; also known as ketoacidosis or hyperglycemia |
| dyspnea | difficulty breathing |
| emesis | the medical term for vomiting or vomitus |
| epitaxis | the medical term for a nosebleed |
| expressive aphasia | inability to express needs to others through speech or written words |
| fainting | loss of consciousness; also called syncope |
| first aid | care given by the first people to respond to an emergency |
| hemiparesis | weakness on one side of the body |
| hemiplegia | paralysis on one side of the body |
| hyperglycemia | a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from undiagnosed diabetes, not enough insulin, eating too much, not getting enough exercise and stress; also known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or ketoacidosis |
| hypoglycemia | a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from either too much insulin or too little food; also known as insulin reaction or insulin shock |
| insulin reaction | a life-threatening complication from diabetes that can result from too much insulin or not enough food; also known as hypoglycemia or insulin shock |
| myocardial infarction | a condition in which blood flow to the heart is completely blocked and muscle cells die; also known as a heart attack |
| obstructed airway | a condition in which a person has something blocking the tube through which air enters the lungs |
| receptive aphasia | inability to understand what others are communicating through speech or written words |
| respiratory arrest | the medical term for the stopping of breathing |
| shock | a condition in which there is decreased blood flow to organs and tissues |
| syncope | loss of consciousness; also called fainting |
| CHAPTER 10 | Bedmaking and Unit Care |
| anxiety | uneasiness or fear, often about a situation or condition |
| biorhythms | natural rhythms or cycles related to body functions |
| circadian rhythm | the 24-hr day-night cycle |
| closed bed | bed made completely with the bedspread and blankets in place |
| depressant | a substance that causes calmness and drowsiness |
| disposable | designed to be thrown away after one use |
| draw sheet | an extra sheet placed on top of the bottom sheet; used for moving residents |
| incontinence | the inability to control the bladder or bowels, which leads to an involuntary loss of urine or feces |
| insomnia | the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep |
| occupied bed | a bed made while the resident is in the bed |
| open bed | bed made with the linen folded down to the foot of the bed |
| parasomnias | sleep disorders |
| sleep | natural period of rest for the mind and body during which energy is restored |
| stimulant | a drug that increases or quickens actions of the body |
| surgical bed | bed made so that a person can easily move onto it from a stretcher |
| unoccupied bed | a bed made while no resident is in the bed |
| CHAPTER 10 | Bedmaking and Unit Care |
| anxiety | uneasiness or fear, often about a situation or condition |
| biorhythms | natural rhythms or cycles related to body functions |
| circadian rhythm | the 24-hr day-night cycle |
| closed bed | bed made completely with the bedspread and blankets in place |
| depressant | a substance that causes calmness and drowsiness |
| disposable | designed to be thrown away after one use |
| draw sheet | an extra sheet placed on top of the bottom sheet; used for moving residents |
| incontinence | the inability to control the bladder or bowels, which leads to an involuntary loss of urine or feces |
| insomnia | the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep |
| occupied bed | a bed made while the resident is in the bed |
| open bed | bed made with the linen folded down to the foot of the bed |
| parasomnias | sleep disorders |
| sleep | natural period of rest for the mind and body during which energy is restored |
| stimulant | a drug that increases or quickens actions of the body |
| surgical bed | bed made so that a person can easily move onto it from a stretcher |
| unoccupied bed | a bed made while no resident is in the bed |
| CHAPTER 12 | Personal Care |
| additive | a substance added to another substance, changing its effect |
| aspiration | the inhalation of food or drink into the lungs; can cause pneumonia or death |
| axilla | underarm or armpit area |
| bridge | a type of dental appliance that replaces missing or pulled teeth |
| dandruff | excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp |
| dentures | artificial teeth |
| edema | swelling in body tissues caused by excess fluid |
| edentulous | lacking teeth; toothless |
| gingivitis | an inflammation of the gums |
| grooming | practices to care for oneself, such as caring for fingernails and hair |
| halitosis | bad-smelling breath |
| hygiene | methods of keeping the body clean |
| partial bath | bath that includes washing the face, underarms and hands,and performing perineal care |
| pediculosis | an infestation with lice |
| perineal care | care of the genitals and anal area |
| plaque | a substance that forms in a brief period of time if oral care is not done regularly |
| tartar | hard deposits on the teeth that are filled with bacteria and may cause gum disease and loose teeth if they are not removed |
| CHAPTER 14 | Nutritional and Fluid Balance |
| apathy | lack of interest |
| aspiration | the inhalation of food or fluid into the lungs |
| diet cards | cards that list resident's names and information about special diets, allergies, likes and dislikes and any other dietary instructions |
| diuretics | medications that reduce fluid volume in the body |
| dysphagia | difficulty with swallowing |
| fasting | a period of time during which food is given up voluntarily |
| fluid balance | taking in and eliminating equal amounts of fluid |
| fluid overload | a condition in which the body cannot eliminate the fluid consumed |
| force fluids | a medical order for a person to drink more fluids |
| glucose | natural sugar |
| graduate | a measuring container |
| input | the fluid a person consumes; also called intake |
| intake | the fluid a person consumes, also called input |
| malnutrition | poor nutrition due to insufficient food intake or improper diet |
| metabolism | the process of utilizing all nutrients that enter the body to provide energy, growth and maintenance |
| nutrient | substance in food that enables the body to use energy for metabolism |
| nutrition | the taking in and using of food by the body to maintain health |
| output | fluid that is eliminated each day through urine, feces and vomitus, as well as perspiration; also includes suction material and wound drainage |
| puree | to chop, blend or grind food into a thick paste the consistency of baby food |
| restrict fluids | a medical order that limits the amount of fluid that a person can take in |
| special diet | a diet for people who have certain illnesses or conditions; also called therapeutic or modified diets |
| vegans | vegetarians who do not eat any animal products including milk, cheese, other dairy items or eggs; vegans may also not use or war any animal products, including wool, silk or leather |
| vegetarians | people who do not eat meat, fish or poultry for religious, moral or health reasons; they may or may not eat eggs and dairy products |
| CHAPTER 16 | The Urinary System |
| 24-hour urine specimen | a urine specimen consisting of all urine voided during a 24-hour period |
| calculi | kidney stones |
| catheter | tube inserted through the skin or into a body opening; used to add or drain fluid |
| chronic renal failure (CRF) | progressive condition in which the kidneys cannot filter certain waste products; also called chronic kidney failure |
| clean-catch specimen | a urine specimen that does not include the first and last urine voided; also called mid-stream |
| condom catheter | a catheter that has an attachment on the end that fits onto the penis; also called a Texas or external catheter |
| dialysis | a process that cleanses the body of wastes that the kidneys cannot remove due to kidney failure |
| end-stage renal disease (ESRD) | condition in which the kidneys have failed and dialysis or transplantation is required |
| indwelling catheter | a catheter that stays inside the bladder for a period of time; urine drains into a bag |
| ketones | chemical substances that the body produces when it does not have enough insulin in the blood |
| micturation | the process of emptying the bladder of urine; also called urination or voiding |
| routine urine specimen | a urine specimen that can be collected anytime a person voids |
| specific gravity | a test performed to measure the density of urine |
| sphincter | a ring-like muscle that opens and closes an opening in the body |
| straight catheter | a catheter that does not stay inside the person; it is removed immediately after urine is drained or sampled |
| urinary incontinence | the inability to control the bladder, which leads to an involuntary loss of urine |
| urinary tract infection (UTI) | a disorder that causes inflammation of the bladder; also called cystitis |
| voiding | the process of emptying the bladder of urine; also called urination or micturation |
| CHAPTER 18 | The Integumentary System |
| bony prominences | areas of the body where the bone lies close to the skin |
| closed wound | wound in which the skin's surface is not broken |
| dermis | the inner layer of the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin |
| eczema | a temporary or chronic skin disorder that results in redness, itching, burning, swelling, cracking, weeping and lesions; also called dermatitis |
| epidermis | the outer layer of the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin |
| gangrene | death of tissue caused by infection or lack of blood flow |
| integument | natural protective covering |
| lesion | an area of abnormal tissue or an injury or wound |
| melanin | the pigment that gives skin its color |
| melanocyte | cell in the skin that produces and contains the pigment called melanin |
| necrosis | the death of living cells or tissues caused by lack of nourishment to the tissues |
| open wound | wound in which the skin's surface is not intact |
| pressure points | areas of the body that bear much of its weight |
| pressure sore | a serious wound resulting from skin breakdown; also known as decubitus ulcer or bed sore |
| psoriasis | a chronic skin condition caused by skin cells growing too quickly which results in red, white or silver patches, itching and discomfort |
| ringworm | a fungal infection that causes red scaly patches to appear in a ring shape, generally on the upper body or the hands and feet |
| scabies | a contagious skin infection caused by mites burrowing into the skin that results in pimple-like irritations, rashes, intense itching and sores |
| shearing | rubbing or friction resulting from the skin moving one way and the bone underneath it remaining fixed or moving in the opposite direction |
| shingles | a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox; causes pain, itching, rashes and possibly chills and fever |
| sitz bath | a warm soak of the perineal area to cleanse perineal wounds and reduce inflammation and pain |
| wart | contagious rough, hard bump caused by a virus |
| CHAPTER 20 | The Respiratory System |
| alveoli | tiny, grape-like sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide take place |
| asthma | a chronic and episodic inflammatory disease that makes it difficult to breathe and causes coughing and wheezing |
| bronchi | branches of the passages of the respiratory system that lead from the trachea to the lungs |
| bronchiectasis | a condition in which the bronchi become permanently dilated (wider) and damaged |
| bronchitis | an irritation and inflammation of the ling of the bronchi |
| chest percussion | clapping the chest to help lungs drain with the force of gravity |
| chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | a chronic, progressive and incurable disease that causes difficulty breathing |
| emphysema | a chronic, incurable lung disease in which the alveoli in lungs become filled with trapped air; usually results from smoking and chronic bronchitis |
| expiration | the process of exhaling air out of the lungs |
| hemoptysis | the coughing up of blood from the respiratory tract |
| inspiration | the process of breathing air into the lungs |
| lungs | main organs of respiration responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide |
| multidrug-resistant TB (MDR_TB) | disease which occurs when the full course of medication is not taken for tuberculosis |
| oxygen therapy | the administration of oxygen to increase the supply of oxygen to the lungs |
| pneumonia | acute inflammation in the lung tissue caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections and/or chemical irritants |
| respiration | the process of breathing air into the lungs and exhaling air out of the lungs |
| sputum | mucus coughed up from the lungs |
| trachea | an air passage that goes from the throat (pharynx) to the bronchi; also known as the windpipe |
| tuberculosis | a contagious lung disease caused by a bacterium that is transmitted through the air, causes coughing, difficulty breathing, fever and fatigue |
| CHAPTER 22 | The Nervous System |
| age-related macular degeneration (AMD) | a condition in which the macula degenerates, gradually causing central vision lose |
| agitated | the state of being excited, restless or troubled |
| Alzheimer's Disease (AD) | a progressive, degenerative and irreversible disease that is a form of dementia; there is no cure |
| bipolar disorder | a type of depression that causes a person to have mood swings, changes in energy levels and in the ability to function; also called manic depression |
| brain | the part of the nervous system housed in the skull that is responsible for motor activity, memory, thought, speech and intelligence, along with vital functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure and breathing |
| burnout | mental or physical exhaustion due to a prolonged period of stress and frustration |
| cataract | a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing vision loss |
| catastrophic reaction | reacting to something in an unreasonable, exaggerated way |
| central nervous system | part of the nervous system made up of the brain and spinal cord |
| cerebrovascular accident (CVA) | a condition caused when the blood supply to the brain is cut off suddenly by a clot or ruptured blood vessel; also called a stroke |
| cognition | the ability to think clearly and logically |
| concussion | a head injury that occurs from a banging movement of the brain against the skull |
| delirium | a sudden state of severe confusion due to a change in the body; also called acute confusional state or acute brain syndrome |
| delusion | a belief in something that is not true or is out of touch with reality |
| dementia | a serious, progressive loss of mental abilities such as thinking, remembering, reasoning and communicating |
| disruptive behavior | any behavior that disturbs others |
| elopement | the act of wandering away from the facility in which a resident with Alzheimer's disease lives |
| epilepsy | a general term used to describe a pattern of repeated seizures |
| farsightedness | the ability to see distant objects more clearly than objects that are near; also called hyperopia |
| generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) | an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, excessive worrying and tension, even when there is no cause for such feelings |
| glaucoma | a condition in which the pressure in the eye increases, damaging the optic nerve and causing blindness |
| hallucinations | seeing or hearing things that are not really there |
| hearing aid | a battery-operated device that amplifies sound |
| hemianopsia | loss of vision on one-half of the vision field due to CVA, tumor or trauma |
| hoarding | collecting and putting things away in a guarded way |
| intervention | a way to change an action or development |
| irreversible | term used to refer to a disease or condition that cannot be cured |
| mental health | refers to the normal function of emotional and intellectual abilities |
| mental illness | a disease that disrupts a person's ability to function a a normal level in the family, home and community |
| multiple sclerosis (MS) | a progressive disease in which the protective covering for the nerves, spinal cord and white matter of the brain breaks down over time; without these coverings, nerves cannot send messages to and from the brain in the normal way |
| nearsightedness | the ability to see objects that are near more clearly than distant objects; also called myopia |
| neuron | the basic nerve cell of the nervous system |
| obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) | a disorder characterized by repetitive behavior used to cope with anxiety |
| pacing | walking back and forth in the same area |
| panic disorder | an anxiety disorder that causes repeated episodes of intense fear for no known reason |
| paranoid schizophrenia | a form of mental illness characterized by hallucinations and delusions |
| paraplegia | a loss of function of lower body and legs |
| Parkinson's disease | a progressive disease that causes a portion of the brain to degenerate; causes rigid muscles, shuffling gait, pill-rolling, mask-like face and tremors |
| peripheral nervous system | part of the nervous system made up of the nerves that extend throughout the body and connect to the spinal cord |
| perseveration | the repetition of words, phrases, questions or actions |
| pillaging | taking things that belong to someone else; not considered stealing |
| post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | anxiety-related disorder caused by a traumatic experience |
| progressive | something that continually gets worse or deteriorates |
| quadriplegia | loss of function of trunk, legs and arms |
| reality orientation | type of therapy that uses calendars, clocks, signs and lists to help people with Alzheimer's disease remember who and where they are |
| reminiscence therapy | type of therapy that encourages people with Alzheimer's disease to remember and talk about the past |
| remotivation therapy | type of therapy that promotes self-esteem, self-awareness and socialization in groups for people with Alzheimer's disease |
| rummaging | going through items belonging to other people |
| schizophrenia | a form of chronic mental illness that may have acute episodes; affects a person's ability to think, communicate, make decisions and understand reality |
| social anxiety disorder | a disorder in which a person has excessive anxiety about social situations; also called social phobia |
| spinal cord | the part of the nervous system inside the vertebral canal that conducts messages between the brain and the body and controls spinal reflexes |
| substance abuse | the use of legal or illegal substances in a way that is harmful to oneself or others |
| sundowning | a condition in which a person gets restless and agitated in the late afternoon, evening or night |
| trigger | a situation that leads to agitation |
| validating | giving value or approving |
| validation therapy | a type of therapy that lets people with Alzheimer's disease believe they are living in the past or in imaginary circumstances |
| violent | word used to describe actions that include attacking, hitting or threatening someone |
| wandering | walking around a facility without any known goal or purpose |
| withdrawl | the physical and mental symptoms caused by ceasing to use a particular addictive substance |
| CHAPTER 24 | The Immune and Lymphatic Systems and Cancer |
| acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) | disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in which the body's immune system is weakened and unable to fight infection |
| autoimmune disease | a disease in which the body is unable to recognize its own tissue and begins to attack the tissues |
| benign | non-cancerous |
| biopsy | a removal of a sample of tissue for examination and diagnosis |
| cancer | a general term used to describe a disease in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way |
| homophobia | a fear of homosexuality |
| human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) | a virus that attacks the body's immune system and gradually disables it; eventually causes AIDS |
| lymph | a clear yellowish fluid that carries disease-fighting cells called lymphocytes |
| malignant | cancerous |
| metastasize | to spread from one part of the body to another |
| opportunistic infection | an illness caused by organisms due to a person's inability to fight off infection |
| tumor | a group of abnormally-growing cells |
| CHAPTER 26 | Subacute Care |
| artificial airway | any plastic, metal or rubber device inserted into to the respiratory tract for the purpose of maintaining ventilation |
| central venous line | a type of intravenous line (IV) inserted into a large vein in the body |
| chest tubes | hollow drainage tubes that are inserted into the chest to drain air, blood, pus or fluid that has collected inside the pleural space/cavity |
| gastrostomy | an opening in the stomach and abdomen |
| intubation | the method usd to insert an artificial airway; involvespassing a plastic tube through the mouth or nose and into the trachea or windpipe |
| mechanical ventilator | a machine that breathes for a person |
| nasogastric tube | a feeding tube that is inserted through the nose and into the stomach |
| percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG) | a tube placed through the skin directly into the stomach to assist with eating |
| pulse oximeter | device that measures a person's blood oxygen level and pulse rate |
| sedation | the use of medication to calm a person |
| severe sepsis | a serious illness caused by an infection, usually bacterial, that requires immediate care |
| telemetry | application of cardiac monitoring device that transmits information about the heart rate and rhythm to a central monitoring station for assessment |
| total parenteral nutrition (TPN) | the intravenous infusion of nutrients in a basic form that is directly absorbed by the cells, bypassing the digestive tract |
| tracheostomy | surgically-created opening through the neck into the trachea |
| CHAPTER 28 | Your New Position |
| conflict resolution | the process of resolving conflicts in a positive way so that everyone is satisfied |
| constructive criticism | the process of giving opinions about the work of others in a non-aggressive way |
| job description | an outline of what will be expected in a job |
| resume | a summary of a person's education and experience |
| stress | a mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition that occurs due to changes in the environment |
| stressor | internal or external factors or stimuli that cause stress |
| CHAPTER 23 | The Endocrine System |
| diabetes | a condition in which the pancreas does not produce insulin or does not produce enough insulin; causes problems with circulation and can damage vital organs |
| gland | an organ that produces and secretes hormones |
| hormones | chemical substances created by the body that control numerous body functions |
| hyperthyroidism | a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, which causes body processes to speed up and metabolism to increase |
| hypothyroidism | a condition in which the body lacks thyroid hormone, which causes body processes to slow down |
| metabolism | the process of burning food for heat and energy |
| pre-diabetes | a condition in which a person's blood glucose levels are above normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes |
| CHAPTER 25 | Rehabilitation and Restorative Care |
| abduction | moving a body part away from the midline of the body |
| active assisted range of motion (AAROM) | exercises to put a joint through its full arc of motion that are done by a resident with some help from a staff member |
| active range of motion (AROM) | exercises to put a joint through its full arc of motion that are done by a resdent alone, without help |
| adaptive devices | special equipment that helps a person who is ill or disabled perform ADLs; also called assistive devices |
| adduction | moving a body part toward the midline of the body |
| assisstive devices | special equipment that helps a person who is ill or disabled perform ADLs; also called adaptive devices |
| dorsiflexion | bending backward |
| extension | straightening a body part |
| flexion | bending a body part |
| foot drop | weakness of muscles in the feet and ankles that interferes with the ability to flex the ankles and walk normally |
| hyperextension | extending a joint beyond its normal range of motion |
| orthotic devices | devices applied externally to limbs to support, protect, improve function and prevent complications |
| passive range of motion (PROM) | exercises to put a joint through its full arc of motion that are done by staff, without the resident's help |
| physiatrists | doctors who specialize in rehabilitation |
| pronation | turning downward |
| range of motion (ROM) | exercises that put a joint through its full arc of motion |
| rehabilitation | care that is managed by professionals to restore a person to the highest possible level of functioning after an illness or injury |
| restorative care | care used after rehabilitation to maintain a person's function and increase independence |
| rotation | turning the joint |
| supination | turning upward |
| CHAPTER 27 | End-of-Life Care |
| anticipatory grief | a period of mourning when the dying person or his family is expecting the death |
| autopsy | an examination of a body by a pathologist to try to determine the cause of death |
| bereavement | the period following a loss in which moruning occurs |
| Cheyne-Stokes respirations | alternating slow, irregular respirations followed by rapid, shallow respirations |
| complicated grief | grief complicated by disorders or conditions, such as depression and substance abuse |
| cremation | the process of burning a dead body until it turns to ash |
| grief | a deeply emotional process that is a response to loss |
| grief process | the varying emotional responses to grief |
| grief therapy | therapy to try to resolve problems due to separation from the deceased |
| mourning | the period in which people work to adapt to a loss; influenced by culture, tradition and society |
| palliative care | care given to people who have serious, life-threatening diseases; goals are to control symptoms, reduce suffering, prevent side effects and complications, and maintain quality of life |
| pathologist | a doctor with advanced training in the examination of organs and tissues |
| postmortem care | care of the body after death |
| terminal | causing or approaching death |
| unresolved grief | grief that continues beyond what is considered a reasonable period of time; can affect the person's ability to function normally |
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