Lesson 1 Flashcards
1
Q
Abandonment
A
To leave completely and finally forsake utterly desert
2
Q
Abdominal thrust
A
Method of attempting to remove an object from the airway of someone who is choking.
3
Q
Abductor wedge
A
A health aid that enables the user to maintain proper leg positioning while recovering from hip replacements or fractures.
4
Q
Abnormal vital
A
There are four main vital signs: body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and breathing rate. For each there is a normal measurement range. Measurements outside the range can be considered abnormal (deviant/atypical).
5
Q
Absorption
A
The process of taking in something, such as water in a natural or gradual way.
6
Q
Abuse
A
Purposeful mistreatment that causes physical, mental or emotional pain or injury to someone.
7
Q
Accountable
A
Subject to the obligation to report, explain, or justify something responsible answerable.
8
Q
Accreditation
A
Health care facilities that meet standards established by professional organizations; official recognition that the facility provides care to a certain standard.
9
Q
Activities
A
A thing that a person or group does or has done.
10
Q
Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s)
A
Daily personal care tasks such as bathing caring for skin, nails, hair, and teeth dressing, toileting eating, and drinking walking and transferring.
11
Q
Acute
A
Characterized by sharpness or severity of sudden onset.
12
Q
Acute Care setting
A
Provides care to people who become sick or injured suddenly, or who have other conditions (such as delivering a baby) that require short-term health care.
13
Q
Acute Condition
A
An illness or injury that develops rapidly and usually resolves completely after a period of time with treatment.
14
Q
Adaptive
A
Engaged in by disabled persons with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a.
15
Q
Adaptive devices
A
Special equipment that helps a person who is ill or disabled to perform activities of daily living also called assistive devices.
16
Q
Adduction
A
To draw (as a limb) toward or past the median axis of the body also: to bring together (similar parts).
17
Q
Admission
A
The act or process of accepting someone into a hospital, clinic, or other treatment facility as an inpatient.
18
Q
Admitting resident
A
To accept (resident) into a hospital, clinic, or other treatment facility as an inpatient.
19
Q
Advance directives
A
A legal document stating how a person wants health decisions made if he or she is unable to make or communicate these decisions independently in the future.
20
Q
Afebrile
A
Free from fever: not marked by fever.
21
Q
Affected side
A
A weakened side from a stroke or injury also called weaker or involved side.
22
Q
Age-related memory impairment
A
Difficulties remembering or recalling information, or learning new information, that occur with normal aging and do not impair a person’s ability to carry out normal routines and activities.
23
Q
Aging process
A
The biological process of growing older.
24
Q
Agitation
A
A state of excessive psychomotor activity accompanied by increased tension and irritability.
25
Agnosia
The inability to interpret sensory input to recognize familiar things or people.
26
Alignment
Good posture.
27
Alzheimer's disease
A progressive, incurable disease that causes tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits to form in the brain, eventually causing dementia.
28
Ambulation
Walking.
29
Amnesia
Memory loss.
30
Amputees
One that has had a limb cut from the body.
31
Anatomy
A work describing the form and structure of an organism and its various parts.
32
Anemia
A condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood.
33
Angina
Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort that occurs because the heart is not getting enough oxygen.
34
Anorexia
Loss or lack of appetite, an emotional disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat.
35
Anterior
Relating to or situated near or toward the head.
36
Antibiotics
A medicine (such as penicillin or its derivatives) that inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms.
37
Anxiety
A feeling of unease, dread, or worry.
38
Aphasia
Problems with communication resulting from damage to the brain, loss of speech, difficulty using or understanding words.
39
Apical pulse
The pulse on the left side of the chest, just below the nipple.
40
Apnea
The absence of breathing.
41
Appetite
Desire for food.
42
Arteries
Vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
43
Arteriosclerosis
The thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries, occurring typically in old age
44
Arthritis
A condition that causes joints to become inflamed, swollen, stiff and painful
45
Aspiration
The inhalation of food, fluid, or foreign material into the lung
46
Aspiration Pneumonia
Pneumonia that occurs when foreign material (such as food or vomit) is inhaled into the lungs
47
Assault
Threat to harm a person, resulting in the person feeling fearful that he or she will be harmed
48
Assisted Living Facility
Provides care to people who require some assistance with tasks such as activities of daily living or reminders to take medications, but are otherwise fairly independent
49
Assistive device
Special equipment that helps a person who is ill or disabled to perform ADLS.
50
Asthma
An illness in which certain substances or conditions, called 'triggers,' cause inflammation and construction of the airways, making breathing difficult
51
Atrophy
The wasting away, decreasing in size of muscled from lack of use
52
Audiologist
A health care professional who is trained to evaluate hearing loss and related disorders, including balance (vestibular) disorders and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and to rehabilitate individuals with hearing loss and related disorders
53
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Portable electronic device that delivers a shock automatically or with a push of a button to help the heart restore an effective pumping rhythm
54
Axillary temperature
The body temperature as recorded by a thermometer placed in the armpit.
55
Bacteria
Disease causing germs
56
Balance
Stability achieved through the even distribution of weight
57
Basic needs
Physical, emotional mental, and social requirements
58
Bathing
A washing or immersion of something, especially the body, in water for cleansing purposes or medical treatment.
59
Battery
Actually touching another person in a harmful or unwelcome way such as hitting, pinching or slapping
60
Bed cradle
A device attach to the foot of bed to keep bed linens from touching, rubbing sensitive skin, or putting pressure on your legs, feet, and toes. Can also be used to prevent 'foot drop'.
61
Bedrest
Confinement to bed as part of treatment.
62
Behavior
The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others.
63
Behavioral care plan
A plan that assists a member in building positive behaviors to replace or reduce a challenging/dangerous behavior. This plan may include teaching, improved communication, increasing relationships, and using clinical interventions, etc.
64
Beliefs
Individual viewpoints, feelings, and opinions.
65
Benign
Noncancerous
66
Bereavement Care
Care that is provided for people who are grieving after a person dies
67
Biohazard
A biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment.
68
Bipolar disorder
A type of depression that causes a person to have mood swings and changes in energy levels and ability to function also called manic depression.
69
Bisexual
A person who is attracted to people of both sexes
70
Bladder training
A behavior therapy that can be effective in treating urinary incontinence. The goals are to increase the amount of time between emptying the bladder and the amount of fluids the bladder can hold. It also can diminish leakage and the sense of urgency associated with the problem.
71
Bleeding
Losing blood.
72
Blindness
Sightless.
73
Blood pressure
Force of blood against walls of blood vessels
74
Bloodborne Pathogens
A disease-causing microbe that is transmitted through contact with an infected person's blood
75
Body alignment
Body alignment refers to how the head, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles relate and line up with each other. Proper alignment of the body puts less stress on the spine and helps you have good posture.
76
Body fluid
Liquid or semi-liquid substances produced by and released from the body, such as blood, urine, feces, saliva, sputum (mucus coughed up), vomit, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, pus or other wound drainage, tears, and sweat.
77
Body language
All conscious or unconscious messages your body sends as you communicate, such as facial expressions, shrugging, your shoulders and wringing your hands.
78
Body mechanics
The way the parts of the body work together when a person moves.
79
Body mechanics
Using one's body in a safe and efficient way to accomplish tasks such as lifting, pushing and pulling.
80
Body system
Groups of organs that perform specific functions in the human body.
81
Body temperature
The normal temperature of the human body. A person's normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius.
82
Bone density
The amount of bone tissue that is in your bones.
83
Bone loss
A disease that causes bones to become brittle and more likely to fracture (break). With osteoporosis, the bones lose density.
84
Bony Prominences
Parts of the body where there is only a thin layer of fat and muscle between the skin and the underlying bone or cartilage.
85
Bowel program
A program that helps people who have chronic constipation or a frequent loss of bowel control. The program involves trying to go to the bathroom at the same time every day in an attempt to help train the body to have regular bowel movements.
86
Brain stem
The part of the brain composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum.
87
Breathing
The process of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs.
88
Brittle bones
A genetic disorder that causes your bones to break very easily, usually without any type of injury, as from a fall.
89
Burnout
Mental or physical exhaustion due to a prolonged period of stress and frustration.
90
Burns
Tissue damage that results from heat, overexposure to the sun or other radiation, or chemical or electrical contact. Burns can be minor medical problems or life-threatening emergencies.
91
Call light
A device used by a resident to signal his or her need for assistance from professional staff.
92
Calorie
The unit of measure used to describe the amount of energy a food supplies.
93
Cancer
The abnormal growth of new cells that crowd out or destroy other body tissues.
94
Cardiac arrest
Heart attack.
95
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Care that is required when a person loses consciousness, stops breathing, or has no pulse because the person's heart or lungs have stopped working properly.
96
Cardiovascular system
Organ system that conveys blood through vessels to and from all parts of the body, carrying nutrients and oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other waste.
97
Care impaired
Doing most if not all of the ADLs for an impaired resident.
98
Care plan
A plan developed for each resident to achieve certain goals, it outlines the steps and tasks that the care team must perform.
99
Cataract
A condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing vision loss.
100
Catheter
Tube inserted through the skin or into a body opening that is used to add or drain fluid.
101
Catheter care
The process of ensuring the catheter is working properly and ensuring the tube and the area where catheter attaches to body has been properly cleaned so the resident does not get an infection or skin irritation.
102
Central nervous system
Part of the nervous system made up of the brain and spinal cord.
103
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
Also known as a Stroke. Occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, resulting in the death of brain cells, or bleeding into the brain tissue.
104
Chain of command
The line of authority within a facility.
105
Charge nurse
A nurse responsible for a team of healthcare workers.
106
Chemical disinfection
Chemical substances which are used to kill or deactivate pathogenic microorganisms.
107
Chemical restraint
Medications used to control a person's behavior.
108
Chemotherapy
Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.
109
Choking
Having severe difficulty in breathing because of a constricted or obstructed throat or lack of.
110
Chronic
Long-term or long-lasting.
111
Chronic Heart Failure
A condition that occurs when the heart is damaged or weak and is unable to effectively pump blood throughout the body.
112
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A term used to describe lung disorders that make it difficult for air to enter or leave the lungs.
113
Circulation
The movement of blood through the vessels of the body induced by the pumping action of the heart.
114
Circulatory system
The system of blood, blood vessels, lymphatics, and heart concerned with the circulation of the blood and lymph.
115
Clear liquid diet
A clear liquid diet consists of clear liquids — such as water, broth and plain gelatin — that are easily digested and leave no undigested residue in your intestinal tract.
116
Clergy
A group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church.
117
Client
A person who receives home health care.
118
Cognitively impaired
Difficulty with thinking processes involving memory, reasoning, judgment and language, such as that caused by disorders like Alzheimer's disease (a form of dementia).
119
Cold application
Ice pack for 20 minutes. Stimulation of the surface of the skin and underlying tissues with a cold agent cooler than skin either in a moist or dry form, for the purpose of decreasing pain, muscle spasms, or inflammation.
120
Colostomy
Surgically created opening through the abdominal wall into the large intestine to allow feces to be expelled.
121
Colostomy care
Refers to the process of ensuring the colostomy pouch is emptied one or more times daily, the pouch itself is changed every four to six days and the stoma and surrounding skin is kept clean and sanitary.
122
Coma
State of unconsciousness in which a person is unable to respond to any change in the environment, including pain.
123
Combative resident
A person who displays violent or hostile behavior.
124
Comfort (supportive) care
Care that will make the person more comfortable but will not prolong the person's life, such as oxygen therapy, administration of pain medications and personal care.
125
Communicable
An infectious disease transmissible by direct or indirect contact. Example tuberculosis.
126
Communication
The process of exchanging information with others by sending and receiving messages.
127
Compassion
The quality of recognizing another person's hardship, accompanied by a desire to help relieve that hardship.
128
Competency evaluation
An assessment of mental health and/or decision making capacity.
129
Condom Catheter
A device that's placed over a penis and is connected by tubing to a drainage bag to collect.
130
Conduct
The manner in which a person behaves, especially on a particular occasion or in a particular context.
131
Confidentiality
The legal and ethical principle of keeping information private.
132
Conflict resolution
The process of resolving conflicts (a serious disagreement or argument) in a positive way so that everyone is satisfied.
133
Confused resident
A person (resident) with an inability to think clearly.
134
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
A condition in which the heart muscle is damaged and fails to pump effectively.
135
Constipation
The inability to eliminate stool or the infrequent, difficult and often painful elimination of hard dry stool.
136
Constrict
To narrow.
137
Consumed ml/cc
The amount of fluid an individual has drank(consumed) is documented in milliliter (ml) or in cubic centimeter (cc). There are 30 cc/ml in 1 ounce of liquid.
138
Contaminated materials
Materials that are soiled with pathogens and must be handled with extreme care, and placed in polyethylene biohazard labeled bag and then disposed per company policies.
139
Contamination
To be soiled, unclean, having disease-causing organisms or materials on it.
140
Contracture
The permanent and often painful shortening of a muscle or tendon, usually due to lack of activity.
141
Coordination
The use of direction and force for purposeful action.
142
Coronary Artery Disease
A condition in which the coronary arteries become damaged and narrow over time, causing chest pain and other symptoms. Blockage of one or more arteries that supply blood to the heart, abbreviated CAD.
143
Cultural
Relating to a system of learned behaviors, practiced by a group of people, which is considered to be the tradition of that people and is passed on from one generation to the next.
144
Culture
Shared set of beliefs, values, customs and practices that characterize a group of people or a society
145
Cyanotic
The bluish, grayish, or purplish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to the tissues near the skin surface having low oxygen saturation
146
Dangling
To sit up with the legs hanging over the side of the bed in order to regain balance and stabilize blood pressure
147
De-escalation
Refers to behavior that is intended to escape increasing the conflict.
148
Death & dying
The end of the life of a person or organism and dying is to be on the point of or approaching death.
149
Decubitus ulcer
Bedsores or pressure ulcers which are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone.
150
Defecation
The elimination of solid waste from the body
151
Defense mechanism
Unconscious behaviors used to release tension or cope with stress.
152
Dehydration
A serious condition that results from inadequate or too little fluid in the body.
153
Delegation
Transferring authority to a person for a specific task.
154
Delirium
A rapid change in cognition that is related to chemical changes in the body
155
Delusions
A fixed false belief
156
Dementia
A term used to describe a cluster of symptoms involving progressive decline in memory and thinking abilities, such as the use of language and the ability to reason and make judgments
157
Denture care
The cleansing and maintenance of dentures (artificial teeth)
158
Dependability
The quality of being able to be counted on or relied upon.
159
Depression
A disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness that causes social withdrawal, lack of energy, and loss of interest in activities, as well as other symptoms.
160
Development
The process of maturation or growth.
161
Developmental disability
Disabilities that are present at birth or emerge during childhood that restrict physical or mental ability.
162
Diabetes
A disorder characterized by the body's inability to process glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. The pancreas produces too little insulin or does not properly use insulin.
163
Dialysis
Process that cleans the body of wastes the kidneys cannot remove due to kidney failure
164
Diaphragm
The large muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and is the principal muscle of respiration.
165
Diarrhea
The frequent passage of loose, watery feces
166
Diastolic
The pressure of the blood against the walls when the heart relaxes
167
Diet
The food and beverages a person consumes
168
Dietitian
Health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual.
169
Digestion
The process of preparing food physically and chemically so that it can be absorbed into the cells.
170
Dilate
To widen or open
171
Disaster
Severe events that cause widespread damage and destruction, affecting many people and disrupting normal functioning of a community
172
Disease
A condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms
173
Disease process
The steps in the progression of a disease from exposure to recovery, disability or death.
174
Disinfectant
A chemical solution used to kill microbes on an object or surface
175
Disinfection
Process that kills pathogens, but not all pathogens it reduces the pathogen count to a level that is considered not infectious.
176
Disoriented
To be confused about a person, place or time
177
Disrespect
Lack of respect or courtesy.
178
Dizziness
A sensation of spinning around and losing one's balance.
179
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
A type of advance directive that instructs medical professional not to perform CPR if a person's heartbeat or breathing stops.
180
Documentation
Material that provides official information or evidence or that serves as a record
181
Domestic abuse
Physical, sexual or emotional abuse by spouses, intimate partners or family members
182
Dorsiflexion
Bending backward.
183
Dressing
Material used to cover a wound.
184
Droplets
A very small drop of a liquid.
185
Drowsy
Sleepy and lethargic ready to fall asleep.
186
Dry skin
An uncomfortable condition marked by scaling, itching, and cracking. It can occur for a variety of reasons.
187
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
A legal document that gives the responsibility for making health decisions on a person's behalf to someone else, such as a family member, in case the person becomes unable to make these decisions on her own behalf.
188
Dysphagia
Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing, as a symptom of disease.
189
Dyspnea
Labored or difficulty breathing.
190
Dysuria
Pain during urination, or difficulty urinating.
191
Edema
Swelling caused by excess fluid in body.
192
Edentulous
Lacking teeth, toothless.
193
Elderly
Of advanced age old.
194
Elimination
The process of expelling solid wastes (made up of the waste products of food) that are not absorbed into the cells through bowels or urine.
195
Emergency
A situation that arises suddenly and requires immediate action to keep a person safe.
196
Emesis
The act of vomiting, or ejecting stomach contents through the mouth and nose.
197
Emesis basin
A shallow basin of curved, kidney-shaped design, used to collect body fluids or as a container for various other liquids.
198
Emotional abuse
Any kind of abuse that is emotional rather than physical in nature. It can include anything from verbal abuse and constant criticism to more subtle tactics, such as intimidation, manipulation, and refusal to ever be pleased.
199
Emotional lability
Refers to rapid, often exaggerated changes in mood, where strong emotions or feelings (uncontrollable laughing or crying, or heightened irritability or temper) occur.
200
Emotional stress
The feelings that occur when a situation disturbs the equilibrium between a person and their environment.
201
Emotional support
The people and/or tools that help to lift someone to emotional higher ground so he or she can see their way through the difficulty.
202
Empathy
Identifying with feelings of others.
203
Emphysema
A chronic, incurable lung disease in which the alveoli in lungs becomes filled with trapped air usually resulting from smoking and chronic bronchitis.
204
Enema
A specific amount of water, with, or without an additive, that is introduced into the colon through the rectum/anus to stimulate the elimination of stool.
205
Entrapment
When a person's head or another body part gets trapped between, under, or on the side rails of a bed, or between the mattress and the side rail.
206
Epilepsy
A disorder that causes reoccurring seizures that can often be controlled with medication.
207
Essential behaviors
Behaviors needed to be satisfied and met.
208
Ethical Dilemna
A situation where there may be more than one good or moral solution, depending on one's point of view.
209
Ethics
The knowledge of right and wrong. Moral principles or standards that we use to decide the correct action to take.
210
Ethics Committee
A group of people representing many different areas of expertise and with an in-depth knowledge of ethical principle that is brought together to help resolve ethical dilemmas.
211
Etiquette
The code of proper behavior and courtesy in a certain setting.
212
Evacuation
To empty or void.
213
Expressive Aphasia
The inability to use language to express oneself, verbally or in writing (or both).
214
Falls
To lose one's balance and collapse.
215
False imprisonment
Unlawful restraint that affects a person's freedom of movement includes both the threat of being physically restrained and actually being restrained.
216
Fasting
A period of time during which food is given up voluntarily.
217
Fecal impaction
A serious form of constipation that occurs when constipation is not relieved and feces build up in the bowel until the bowel is almost completely blocked.
218
Feces
Solid body waste excreted through the anus from the large intestine, also called stool.
219
Feeding
The act or process of eating or being fed.
220
Fever
A temperature that is higher than the normal range (normal AVERAGE oral temp is 98.6).
221
Fiber
A substance found in foods that helps the digestive tract function properly and lowers the risk for conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
222
Financial abuse
The improper or illegal use of a person's money, possessions, property or other assets.
223
Fire safety
The set of practices intended to reduce the destruction caused by fire.
224
Fire safety measures
Include those that are intended to prevent ignition of an uncontrolled fire, and those that are used to limit the development and effects of a fire after it starts.
225
First aid
Emergency care that one provides to an injured or ill person until help arrives, based on the situation and caregiver's level of training.
226
Flatus
Gas in or from the stomach, intestines, or bowels, produced by swallowing air or by bacterial fermentation.
227
Foley catheter
A flexible plastic tube (a catheter) inserted into the bladder to provide continuous urinary drainage.
228
Foot care
Involves all aspects of foot hygiene and preventive/corrective care of the foot and ankle.
229
Foot drop
Weakness of muscles in the feet and ankles that interferes with the ability to flex the ankles and walk normally. A bed / foot cradle can be used to prevent this or to slow the progression.
230
Fowler's position
A semi-sitting body position in which a person's head and shoulders are elevated 45 to 60 degrees.
231
Fracture pan
A bedpan that is flatter than a regular bedpan.
232
Fractures
Broken bones.
233
Fraud
Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. Lying to gain profit or advantage.
234
Frayed cord
The electric cord on your appliance or device contains a live wire that should be securely insulated, but has become exposed.
235
Free from disease
Not having a disease.
236
Friction
Rubbing of two surfaces against each other.
237
Gait belt
A belt made of canvas or other heavy material used to help people who are weak, unsteady or uncoordinated to stand, sit, or walk also called a transfer belt.
238
Gastric feedings
The administration of food directly into the stomach by a tube.
239
Gastrostomy tube (G-Tube)
A tube inserted through the abdomen that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach.
240
Gender Identity
A person's inner sense of being male or female.
241
Geriatrics
The branch of medicine or social science dealing with the health and care of old people.
242
Gerontology
The scientific study of old age, the process of aging, and the particular problems of old people.
243
Gestures
The use of motions of the limbs or body as a means of expression.
244
Gifts
Something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation.
245
Glass thermometer
A glass bulb attached to a fine tube of glass with a numbered scale and containing a liquid (as mercury or colored alcohol) that is sealed in and rises and falls with changes of temperature.
246
Glucose
The body's most basic source of energy.
247
Grand mal seizure
Convulsions resulting in loss of consciousness.
248
Grief
Intense sadness that occurs as a result of loss.
249
Grieving process
The varying emotional responses to grief.
250
Hair care
Care provided to keep the hair clean, healthy looking, and attractive.
251
Hallucination
Seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, or feeling something that does not exist.
252
Hand care
Involves all aspects of hygiene of the hand and wrist.
253
Hand tremors
An involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction leading to shaking movements in the hand.
254
Hand washing
Washing hands with either plain or antiseptic soap and water and using alcohol-based hand rubs.
255
Health Care Associated Infection
An infection that a person gets while receiving care in a health care facility.
256
Health-care team
The person receiving care, the person's family members, and staff members and other professionals who are responsible for providing care and other services.
257
Hearing aid
A small device that fits in or on the ear, worn by a partially deaf person to amplify sound.
258
Hearing impaired
Term used to describe people with any degree of hearing loss, from mild to profound, including those who are deaf and those who are hard of hearing.
259
Hearing loss
A partial or total inability to hear.
260
Heart muscle
Heart or cardiac muscle tissue is only found in your heart, where it performs coordinated contractions that allow your heart to pump blood through your circulatory system.
261
Heat application
Stimulation of the surface of the skin and underlying tissues with a heated agent for the purpose of increasing blood flow or decreasing pain and/or muscle spasms.
262
Height
The measurement from base to top.
263
Heimlich maneuver
Series of rapid thrusts to the abdomen in an effort to clear the airway.
264
Hemiparesis
Weakness on one side.
265
Hemiplegia
Paralysis on one side of the body.
266
Hepatitis A
A highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus.
267
Hepatitis A
A virus that causes inflammation and affects your liver's ability to function, most likely contracted from contaminated food or water or from close contact with an infected person or object.
268
Hereditary
Genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring.
269
Heterosexual
A person who is attracted to people of the opposite sex.
270
High Fowlers Position
A position where the head of the bed is raised 90 degrees.
271
Hip prosthesis
Artificial materials that are inserted to replace the hip joint.
272
HIPAA
A federal law that requires health information be kept private and secure and that organizations must take special steps to protect this information.
273
HIV / AIDS
The virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, if not treated; it attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells).
274
Holistic care
A type of care that involves caring for the whole person - the mind as well as the body.
275
Homosexual
A person who is attracted to people of the same sex.
276
Hormones
Chemical substances created by the body that control numerous body functions.
277
Hospice Care
Care that focuses on providing comfort care to people who are dying, and on supporting their families.
278
Hospice Facility
A place for dying people to receive holistic compassionate care.
279
Human Development
Social changes, emotional changes, and cognitive changes in a person's life.
280
Human Growth
Physical changes, such as growing bigger and cutting teeth in infancy, or developing breasts or a beard in adolescence.
281
Huntington's
An inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, impacting functional abilities and often resulting in movement, thinking, and psychiatric disorders.
282
Hyperglycemia
Excessively high level of sugar/glucose in the blood stream.
283
Hypertension
A disorder characterized by chronically high blood pressure.
284
Hyperventilation
Excessive rate and depth of respiration leading to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood.
285
Hypoglycemia
Excessively low blood sugar; a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from either too much insulin or too little food.
286
Hypotension
Low blood pressure.
287
Hypothermia
A temperature that is lower than the normal range.
288
Ileostomy
Surgically created opening into the end of the small intestine, the ileum, to allow feces to be expelled.
289
Immobility
The inability to move.
290
Impaired
Diminished in function or ability.
291
Impairment
Loss of function or ability, limited, decreased.
292
In-house transfer
Move from one room to another.
293
In-Patient Care
Care for patients who stay overnight in a hospital.
294
In-service programs
A professional training or staff development effort, where professionals are trained and discuss their work with others in their peer group. It is a key component of continuing health care education.
295
Incident
Something unusual that happens to a person receiving care, a staff member, or a visitor to the facility that has the potential to cause harm.
296
Incident report
A report documenting an accident and response to the incident, also known as an occurrence report or event report.
297
Incontinence
The inability to control the release of the bladder or bowels.
298
Indwelling Urinary Catheter
A small tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder, left in place to drain urine from the bladder on a continuous basis.
299
Infection
A disease caused by the growth of pathogens in the body.
300
Infection control
Steps taken to prevent and control the spread of microbes that cause infectious diseases.
301
Infection prevention
The set of methods practiced in healthcare facilities to prevent and control the spread of disease.
302
Influenza (Flu)
A highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory tract.
303
Informed Consent
The written permission health care providers must obtain from a patient, resident or client before going ahead with a treatment or procedure.
304
Initial observations
The measurement that you take before you start any process that might cause a change.
305
Insomnia
The inability to fall asleep or remain asleep.
306
Insulin
A hormone that causes glucose to be moved from the bloodstream into the cells.
307
Intake and output ( I & O )
Intake: The fluid a person consumes, also called input / Output: the amount voided.
308
Integumentary system
Outer covering of skin, hair, and nails acting to protect the body from various kinds of damage.
309
Inter-generational care
Mixing children and the elderly in the same care setting.
310
Interpersonal skills
The set of abilities enabling a person to interact positively and work effectively with others.
311
Intimacy
All the good feelings that people have for one another, such as liking, loving, sharing.
312
Invasion of privacy
A violation of the right to be left alone and the right to control personal information.
313
Ischemia
An inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscle.
314
Isolation
To separate something or someone.
315
Isolation precautions
The voluntary or compulsory separation and confinement of those known or suspected to be infected with a contagious disease agent (whether ill or not) to prevent further infections.
316
IV care
IV lines are used to deliver different types of fluids, medications, and blood products to patients. The catheter or the 'line' is a thin, flexible plastic tube. A trained health care provider inserts the line into a vein in the hand, arm, foot, leg, or scalp. Fluid flows through the line directly into the bloodstream. IV lines must be properly checked and cared for to ensure the line is working properly and that there are no complications.
317
Jaundice
Yellowish pigmentation of the skin, tissues, and body fluids caused by the deposition of bile pigments.
318
Job application
Official form that employers ask all applicants for a position to fill out that lists their employment history, educational background, degrees, qualifications, references, and more.
319
Job description
An outline of what will be expected in a job.
320
Kidney (renal) failure
The inability of the kidneys to filter waste products from the blood.
321
Lactose intolerance
The inability to digest lactose, a type of sugar in milk and other dairy products.
322
Larceny
Theft.
323
Laws
Rules established by a governing authority to protect citizens from harm and provide a framework for resolving conflicts.
324
Laxatives
Substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation.
325
Lewy Body Dementia
The inability to plan and perform purposeful motor movements to complete a task despite having the ability and the desire to perform the task.
326
Life support
Any device or system, usually connected directly to a patient, that can take over for a vital body organ or function that is failing or has failed.
327
Life-sustaining Treatments
Care that will prolong life, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation or mechanical ventilation.
328
Lift/draw sheet
Sheet used to move a resident.
329
Linen
Bedding, towels, gowns, masks, and other articles that requires disinfection or disposal.
330
Living will
A legal document that gives specific directions about what steps the health care team should or should not take to prolong the person's life when death seems near.
331
Log roll / Logrolling
A method used to turn a person onto her side in bed when the person's spine must be kept in alignment throughout the move.
332
Long Term Care setting
Provides care to people who require assistance with medical, personal and social needs over an extended period of time.
333
Long-Term Memory
Memory of the past.
334
Low Fowler's Position
A position where the head of the bed is raised 30 degrees.
335
Male perineal care
It means washing the penis and anal area.
336
Malignant
Cancerous.
337
Malnutrition
Failure to take in enough of the right kinds of nutrients to stay healthy.
338
Maslow
Psychologist whose theory of hierarchy of human needs helps explain behavior.
339
Masturbation
To touch or rub sexual organs in order to give oneself pleasure.
340
Material safety data sheets (SDS / MSDS)
Sheet that provides information on the safe use of and hazards of chemicals, as well as emergency steps to take in the event chemicals are splashed, sprayed or ingested.
341
Measuring height
The maximum distance from the floor to the highest point of the head.
342
Measuring temperature
Degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale.
343
Mechanical lift
Special equipment used to lift and move or lift and weigh a person, also called hydraulic lift.
344
Medicaid
A jointly funded (by the state and federal governments) and state-administered insurance program for people with low incomes.
345
Medical Asepsis
The use of practices aimed at destroying pathological organisms after they leave the body; employed in the care of patients with infectious diseases to prevent re-infection of the patient and to avoid the spread of infection from one person to another.
346
Medical record
A chronological written account of a patient's examination and treatment that includes the resident's medical history and complaints, the physician's physical findings, the results of diagnostic tests and procedures, and medications and therapeutic procedures.
347
Medicare
A federally funded health insurance program for people who are 65 years and older.
348
Medication administration
Providing the resident with a substance prescribed and intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a medical illness or condition.
349
Memory loss
Is the forgetting of information and experiences that a person would normally be able to recall easily. Memory loss (sometimes called amnesia) can affect short-term memory or long-term memory.
350
Mental health
Refers to the normal function of emotional and intellectual abilities.
351
Mentally impaired
A condition in which a part of a person's mind is damaged or is not working properly. Examples include mental retardation, emotional or mental illness, and organic brain syndrome.
352
Metastasize / Metastasis
The spreading of cancerous cells to other parts of the body other than where the cancer originated.
353
Microbe (Microorganism)
A tiny living thing or organism that is so small that it can be seen only under a microscope.
354
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Problems with memory, language, or thinking processes that are noticeable to other people, but do not interfere with the person's ability to live a normal life.
355
Military time
A method of measuring the time based on the full twenty-four hours of the day rather than two groups of twelve hours the twenty-four-hour clock.
356
Minerals
Solid inorganic substances of natural occurrence.
357
Misappropriation
The act of taking what belongs to someone else and using it illegally for one's own gain.
358
Mobility
Ability to move.
359
Modified Side-Lying Position
The person is positioned on her side and leaning slightly toward the back to relieve pressure on the hip.
360
Mouth care
The practice of keeping the mouth clean and free of disease and other problems by regular brushing of the teeth, tongue and cleaning between the teeth.
361
Mucous Membrane
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.
362
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
A chronic neurologic disease that gradually destroys the protective covering for the nerves, spinal cord and white matter for the brain breaks down over time without this covering, nerves cannot send messages to and from the brain in a normal way.
363
Muscle spasms
An involuntary contraction of a muscle that can cause a great deal of pain.
364
Musculoskeletal
Concerning, involving, or made up of both the muscles and the bone.
365
Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
Is permanent damage to your heart muscle. It happens when a blocked artery leads to a lack of blood supply to the heart, causing the cells in that area to die.
366
Nasal cannula
A device used to deliver supplemental oxygen or increased airflow to a person in need of respiratory help.
367
Nasogastric tube (NG Tube)
A tube that is inserted through the nose, down the throat and esophagus, and into the stomach. It can be used to give drugs, liquids, and liquid food, or used to remove substances from the stomach.
368
Nausea
A sick feeling in the stomach often accompanied by the urge to vomit
369
Neglect
The failure to provide needed care that results in physical, mental or emotional harm to a person.
370
Negligence
Failure to do what a "reasonable and careful" person would be expected to do in a given situation
371
Non-contagious disease
A disease not capable of being spread from one person to another.
372
Non-verbal communication
Communicating without using words.
373
Nosocomial
A disease or infection that originated from a stay in a hospital
374
NPO
Nothing by mouth. A medical order to withhold all food and fluids taken orally.
375
Nurse Aide's role
A NA's main role is to provide basic care to residents, as well as assist them in daily activities they might have trouble with on their own, such as bathing.
376
Nurse's station
An area in a health care facility in which nurses assemble, and carry out administrative or other duties.
377
Nursing Home
Provides care to people who require a high level of nursing care and supervision
378
Nursing Team
A licensed nurse (registered nurse or licensed practical/vocational nurses) and a nurse assistant and sometimes, an advanced practice nurse who may be called a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist
379
Nutrients
Substances that the body needs to grow, maintain itself, and stay healthy
380
Nutrition
The process of taking in and using nutrients
381
Obsessive compulsive
A character trait where the person is plagued by obsessive thought or behaviors.
382
Occupational Exposure
Exposure to disease in the workplace
383
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Government agency that was established in 1970 to help protect workers in all industries (not just health care) from on-the-job injuries
384
Occupied bed
A bed made while the person is in the bed.
385
Ombudsman
Volunteer who advocates for (act on the behalf of) nursing home residents and their family members to resolve problems related to quality of care. A legal advocate for residents in long-term care facilities helps resolve disputes and settle conflicts.
386
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA)
Federal legislation that includes minimum standards for nursing assistant training, staffing requirements, resident assessment instructions, and information in rights for residents for all nursing homes accepting federal funding.
387
Oral care
Care of mouth, teeth and gums.
388
Oral hygiene
Care of teeth, mouth and gums.
389
Oral temperature
The body temperature as recorded by a clinical thermometer placed in the mouth
390
Orientation
The relative physical position or direction of something
391
Oriented
Aware/Awareness.
392
Orthopneic
Difficult or painful breathing except in an erect sitting or standing position.
393
Orthosis
The correction of disorders of the limbs or spine by use of braces and other devices
394
Osteoarthritis
Common type of arthritis that usually affects the hips, knees, fingers thumbs and spine also called degenerative joint disease.
395
Osteoporosis
A disease that causes bones to become porous and brittle, causing them to break easily.
396
Ostomy Appliance / bag
Medical device (pouch) that provides a means for the collection of waste (feces or urine) from a surgically created opening from an area inside the body to the outside.
397
Outpatient Care
Patients who come to the hospital to receive a specific therapy (for example, surgery to repair a broken bone) and go home the same day.
398
Output
All fluid that is eliminated from the body includes fluid in urine, feces, vomitus and perspiration, moisture that is exhaled in the air and wound drainage.
399
Overbed table
A narrow rectangular table designed especially for residents that spans the bed and is typically fitted with casters and a crank for adjusting the height and tilting the top.
400
Oxygen
A chemical element found in the air as a colorless odorless tasteless gas that is necessary for life.
401
Palliative care
Specialized medical care that focuses on the comfort and dignity of person's with serious life limiting illnesses, rather than on curing him or her.
402
Paralysis
The loss of the ability to move (and sometimes to feel anything) in part or most of the body.
403
Paranoia
A mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance.
404
Paraplegia
Paralysis that affects both legs and the lower trunk
405
Parkinson's Disease
A progressive neurologic disorder characterized by muscle tremors and difficulty with movement due to insufficient amounts of dopamine
406
Passive
Accepting or allowing what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance.
407
Pathogen
Microorganisms (bacteria) that are capable of causing infection and disease.
408
Patience
The ability to endure difficult circumstances such as perseverance in the face of delay tolerance of provocation without responding in annoyance/anger or restraint when under
409
Patient
A person who receives care in a hospital or other acute care setting.
410
Perineal care
Care of the genitals and anal area.
411
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
A circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs.
412
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
A circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels lower/reduce blood flow to the limbs.
413
Peristalsis
The involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wavelike movements that push the contents of the canal forward.
414
Personal care
Attending to the physical needs of people who are disabled or otherwise unable to take care of themselves, including tasks such as bathing, management of bodily functions, and cooking.
415
Personal items
Items that belong to someone and that are small enough to be carried
416
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gear (Gown, gloves, mask, goggles, face shield) worn to prevent microbes from contaminating a caregiver's uniform, skin or mucous membranes
417
Personal values
Things that you believe are important in the way you live and work. They (should) determine your priorities, and, deep down, they're probably the measures you use to tell if your life is turning out the way you want it to.
418
Pet therapy
A broad term that includes animal-assisted therapy and other animal-assisted activities. Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that uses dogs or other animals to help people recover from or better cope with health problems, such as heart disease, cancer and mental
419
Petit mal seizure
A partial seizure which does not result in loss of consciousness.
420
Phone etiquette
Being respectful to the person you are talking with on the phone, showing consideration for the other person's limitations, allowing that person time to speak, communicating clearly and much, much more.
421
Physical needs
Need that is critical to the survival of the human body. Maslow lists the basic needs as water, air, food, warmth, sex, sleep and the disposal of bodily waste.
422
Physical therapist
Sometimes called PTs, they help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain.
423
Physician's authority
Physician in charge.
424
Plaque
Substance that accumulates on the teeth from food and bacteria.
425
Plate rim
Rim around the plate
426
Pleura
One of the two membranes around the lungs.
427
Pneumonia
Inflammation of the lungs
428
Podiatrist
Foot doctor
429
Policy book
Book that details rules and the course of actions to be followed.
430
Positioning
The act of helping people into positions that will be comfortable and healthy for them.
431
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety related disorder caused by a traumatic experience.
432
Postmortem Care
The care of the body after death that involves cleaning and positioning the body after death
433
Postural hypotension
Low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from a sitting or lying position. Postural hypotension can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, and maybe even faint.
434
Postural supports
A device used to achieve proper body position, balance, or alignment. Often prescribed by a physician, physical therapist, or occupational therapist.
435
Precautions
A measure taken in advance to prevent something dangerous, unpleasant, or inconvenient from happening.
436
Pressure ulcer
A serious wound caused by a person's body pressing against a hard surface for an extended period of time, also known as pressure sore, decubitus ulcer or bed sore.
437
Preventing falls
A variety of actions to help reduce the number of accidental falls suffered by residents.
438
Privacy
Is the ability of an individual or group to seclude themselves, or information about themselves, and thereby express themselves selectively.
439
Progressive
Something that continually gets worse or deteriorates.
440
Pronation
Turning downward
441
Prone Position
The person is positioned on his stomach
442
Prostate gland
A walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.
443
Prosthesis
An artificial device that replaces a body part, such as an eye, hip, arm, leg, tooth or heart valve helps improve function and/or appearance.
444
Psychiatrist
A medical practitioner specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental
445
Psychological needs
Needs that involve social interaction, emotions, intellect and spirituality.
446
Psychosocial
Approach looks at individuals combined influence that the surrounding social environment have on their physical and mental wellness and their ability to function.
447
Pulse
Throbbing of the arteries caused by contractions of the heart.
448
Pulse Oximetry
A technique used to measure the oxygen levels in a person's blood.
449
Pureed diet
Diet in which food is chopped, blended or grinded into a thick paste of baby food consistency.
450
Quadriplegia
Paralysis that affects both arms, the trunk, and both legs.
451
Quality of life
How good or bad a person's life is.
452
RACE (acronym)
A method for responding to a fire emergency. It stands for Rescue, Activate Alarm, Contain & Extinguish/Evacuate.
453
Radial pulse
The pulse on the inside of the wrist where the radial artery runs just below the skin.
454
Radiation
The use of high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells.
455
Ramps
A slope or inclined plane for joining two different levels.
456
Range of motion
Exercises that put joint through its full arc of motion.
457
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, along with date and time.
458
Receptive Aphasia
The inability to understand communication from others.
459
Rectal temperature
Temperature is taken by putting the thermometer gently in the rectum. The rectum is the end of the bowel.
460
Refusal
The act of refusing or denying.
461
Regulation
A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
462
Rehabilitation
A program of care given by a specialist or a team of specialists to restore or improve function after an illness or injury.
463
Religious service
A ritual performed in as part of a religious observation.
464
Reminiscence therapy
The use of life histories - written, oral, or both - to improve psychological well-being.
465
Reminiscing
Remembering the past.
466
Renewal
An instance of resuming an activity or state after an interruption.
467
Reporting
Giving detailed information.
468
Reposition
Place in a different position adjust or alter the position at least every 2 hours.
469
Resident
A person who receives care in a long-term care setting.
470
Resident abuse
An intentional infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, care/service deprivation or punishment that results in physical harm, pain or mental anguish to the.
471
Resident belongings
Something that belongs to the resident.
472
Resident right
Rights guaranteed by the federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law. The law requires long term care facilities to 'promote and protect the rights of each resident' and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination.
473
Resident's Bill of Rights
Rights identified in OBRA that relate to how residents must be treated while living in a long-term care facility they provide an ethical code of conduct for healthcare workers.
474
Resident's chart
A complete record of key clinical data and medical history, such as demographics, vital signs, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, progress notes, problems, immunization dates, allergies and test result.
475
Respiration
Breathing, consisting of one inspiration and one expiration.
476
Respiratory symptoms
Symptoms include difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, shallow breathing, deep breathing, and apnea (absence of breathing).
477
Respiratory system
The set of organs that allows a person to breathe and exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body.
478
Responsibility
Being accountable.
479
Restorative care
Care used after rehabilitation to maintain a person's function and increase independence.
480
Restraint
A device that inhibits a person's freedom of movement or ability to reach part of his or her body or a medication that subdues a person.
481
Resuscitation
The action or process of reviving someone from unconsciousness or apparent death.
482
Rights
Moral or legal entitlements to have or obtain something or to act in a certain way.
483
Rigor mortis
Latin for 'stiffness of death' referring to the stiffness that occurs 6 to 8 hours after death due to muscles becoming rigid.
484
Risk factor
Any attribute, characteristic or exposure of an individual that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or injury.
485
Role
Expectations and limits.
486
Rotation
To move in a Circular motion.
487
Safety procedures
Step by step plans of how to perform a work procedure. This is used in cases where deviation from the procedure could lead to injury or accident.
488
Scope of practice
Defines tasks that health care providers are legally permitted to perform as allowed by state, federal law, or employer.
489
Seclusion
The state of being private and away from other people.
490
Secretions
A substance made and released by a living thing, like when your skin sweats.
491
Seizure
Abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which leads to temporary and involuntary changes in body movement (convulsions), function, sensation, awareness or behavior.
492
Self-esteem
Confidence in one's own worth or abilities self-respect.
493
Semi fowlers
A position in which a resident, typically is positioned on their back with the head and trunk raised to between 15 to 45 degrees.
494
Sensory system
A part of the nervous system responsible for processing sensory information. Commonly recognized sensory systems are those for vision, hearing, somatic sensation (touch), taste and olfaction (smell).
495
Sexual abuse
Forcing a person to perform or participate in sexual acts against his or her will.
496
Sexual Behaviors
Physical activities, such as sexual intercourse and masturbation, related to obtaining sexual pleasure and reproducing.
497
Sexual harassment
Any unwelcome sexual advance or behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
498
Sexual Identity
A person's sexual orientation and preferences with regard to sexual partners.
499
Sexuality
How people perceive themselves and express themselves sexually.
500
Shampoo tray
A device which allows people who are unable or too uncomfortable to have their hair washed by leaning backward to a sink, or for those who are bedridden and unable to ambulate to the bathroom and/or use the shower to stay sitting upright in their wheelchair or chair and have their hair washed without getting water and shampoo all over the place.
501
Sharps container
A puncture-resistant and leak-proof container with a one-way top used to dispose of sharps.
502
Shear / Shearing
Rubbing or friction resulting from the skin moving one way and the bone underneath it remaining fixed or moving in the opposite direction.
503
Shock
A condition in which the circulatory system fails to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the body's tissues and vital organs.
504
Short-term memory
Memory of recent events.
505
Shroud
A cloth covering that a body may be wrapped in after death.
506
Side rails
A support attached to the frame of a bed and intended to prevent a resident from falling.
507
Side-Lying (lateral) position
The person is positioned on her side.
508
Sims' Position
The person is positioned on her side, leaning very far forward.
509
SITZ bath
A warm soak of the perineal area to clean perineal wounds and reduce inflammation and pain.
510
Skilled care facility
A facility where residents received medically necessary care given by a skilled nurse or therapist.
511
Skin Breakdown
Loss of healthy, intact skin.
512
Skin integrity
Refers to skin health. A skin integrity issue might mean the skin is damaged, vulnerable to injury or unable to heal normally.
513
Skin observation
A process in which the entire skin of a person is examined for abnormalities. It requires looking at and touching the skin from head to toe, with a particular emphasis on bony prominences and skin folds. This is repeated on a regular basis to determine whether changes in the skin's condition have occurred.
514
Slander
The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
515
Social needs
Social needs in Maslow's hierarchy include such things as love, acceptance, and belonging. At this level, the need for emotional relationships drives human behavior. Some of the things that satisfy this need include: friendships, romantic attachments, family, social groups, community groups, churches and religious organizations.
516
Social worker
A professional concerned with helping individuals, families, groups and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being.
517
Soiled or Dirty Linen
Linen that has been used or soiled with blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions.
518
Specimen
A sample for medical testing.
519
Sphygmomanometer
A device used to measure blood pressure.
520
Spiritual needs
Needs that help a person maintain a sense of spiritual well-being and/or helps them to cope with life, illness, loss, grief or pain.
521
Spirituality
Belief in something greater than oneself that helps a person assign meaning and purpose to life.
522
Sputum specimen
A sample of the gooey substance that often comes up from your chest when you have an infection in your lungs or airways.
523
Stages of grief
A progression of emotional states experienced by terminally ill people after diagnosis. Chronologically the five stages are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
524
Standard precautions
Practices used by caregivers when providing care to a person, regardless of the person's condition or injury, to minimize the spread of pathogens spread through Contact, Airborne, or Droplet Precautions.
525
Stereotypes
A biased generalization about a group that is usually based on opinions and distorted ideas.
526
Sterilization
A measure used to decrease the spread of pathogens and disease by destroying all microorganisms, including those that form spores.
527
Stethoscope
A piece of equipment that is used to listen to sounds produced inside the body.
528
Stoma
A surgically created opening made in the abdominal wall to allow the elimination of waste.
529
Sub-Acute Care setting
Provides care to patients who are medically stable but still require treatments such as intravenous (IV) drug therapy, physical rehabilitation or wound care for complex wounds that can only be provided by health care professionals.
530
Subjective
Includes feelings and impressions.
531
Subjective data
Information that includes feelings and impressions.
532
Sundowning
A condition in which a person gets restless and agitated in the late afternoon, evening or night.
533
Supine position
The person is positioned flat on her back.
534
Supplemental feedings
Any dietary additives provided to residents to enhance their nutritional status.
535
Suprapubic
Referring to the region on the center of the front wall of the abdomen immediately above the pubic bone.
536
Survey
An inspection to determine if the long-term care facility is in compliance with applicable law and performance measures. If the facility performs well in the survey it will receive a certificate of compliance allowing it to continue operations and also making it eligible to participate in Medicare/Medicaid programs.
537
Swelling
An abnormal enlargement of a part of the body, typically as a result of an accumulation of fluid.
538
Systolic
The pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries when the heart pumps.
539
Tachycardia
A fast heartbeat, per 100 beats per minute.
540
TED Hose / Compression Sock / Anti-embolic / Elastic Stocking
Long, tight fitting stockings that place mild static pressure on the legs to prevent blood from clotting.
541
Telephone etiquette
Being respectful to the person you are talking with on the phone, showing consideration for the other person's limitations, allowing that person time to speak, communicating clearly and much, much more.
542
Temperature
The degree or intensity of heat present in a body, substance or object.
543
Tendons
Tough fibrous bands that connect muscle to bone.
544
Tepid
Lukewarm unenthusiastic, marked by an absence of interest.
545
Terminal Illness
Illness for which there is no treatment and that is expected to lead to the person's death.
546
Terminology
Special words or expressions used in relation to a particular subject or activity.
547
Thick fluid
A fluid that has been thickened to prevent choking.
548
Thickened liquids
Thickened liquids help prevent choking and stop fluid from entering the lungs. The 3 common consistencies of thickened liquids are nectar-thick, honey-thick, and pudding-thick.
549
Threatening Resident
A resident that behaves in hostile or deliberately frightening quality or manner.
550
Thrombus
A blood clot formed within the vascular system of the body and impeding blood flow.
551
Trachea
An air passage that goes from the throat to the bronchi also called the windpipe.
552
Transfer belt / Gaitbelt
A belt made of canvas or other heavy material used to assist residents who are weak, unsteady, or uncoordinated to stand, sit or walk also called a gait belt.
553
Transfers
Moving from one place to another.
554
Transgender
Males who feel themselves to be female, females who feel themselves to be male, or people who do not strongly identify themselves as either male or female.
555
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Is like a stroke, producing similar symptoms, but usually lasting only a few minutes and causing no permanent damage.
556
Transmission Based Precautions
Practices used by caregivers to minimize the spread of microbes when the person has a disease known to be transmitted in a specific way; includes airborne precautions, droplet precautions and contact precautions.
557
Transporting (Food/Linens/Etc)
To take or carry (people or goods) from one place to another.
558
Transsexual
People who alter their physical appearance to more closely match the gender they most strongly identify with.
559
Trochanter Roll
Cylindrical prop such as a rolled-up towel, foam roll, cylindrical cushion/pillow etc. that is positioned around the lateral hip/thigh area of an individual to provide support to the hip/leg.
560
Tuberculosis
A bacterial infection of the lungs that is spread through the air from one person to another.
561
Tumor
A solid mass of tissue.
562
Tympanic
The eardrum.
563
Tympanic temperature
The temperature obtained by placing an electronic probe in the ear canal.
564
Unaffected
Not influenced or changed mentally, physically, or chemically.
565
Unconscious
In the state of not being awake, especially as the result of a head injury.
566
Unethical behavior
An action that falls outside of what is considered morally right or proper for a person, a profession or an industry.
567
Unsteady
Liable to fall or shake not firm.
568
Urethral / Urethra
The membranous tube that extends from the urinary bladder to the exterior and that in the male conveys semen as well as urine.
569
Urinary bag
A bag that attaches to a catheter that is inside your bladder and collects urine.
570
Urinary catheter bag
A bag that attaches to a catheter that is inside your bladder and collects urine.
571
Urinary elimination
The discharge of urine from the body. Voiding.
572
Urinary system
Consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. The purpose of the urinary system is to eliminate waste from the body, regulate blood volume and blood pressure, control levels of electrolytes and metabolites, and regulate blood pH.
573
Urinary tract
The organs of the body that produce, store, and discharge urine. These organs include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
574
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infection a disorder that causes inflammation of the bladder also called cystitis.
575
Urination / Urine
The discharge of urine (liquid waste) from the body. Voiding/Voided.
576
Validation
To give value to or approve.
577
Validation therapy
A technique for working with those with cognitive impairment or dementia that shows respect for the person's thoughts and feelings and validates (acknowledges) what the person believes, regardless of the actual truth.
578
Varicose veins
Veins that have become enlarged and twisted.
579
Violent behavior
Behavior that includes attacking, hitting or threatening someone.
580
Vision change
Inability to see or a decrease in vision.
581
Visual impairment
A decreased ability to see to a degree that causes problems not fixable by usual means, such as glasses.
582
Vital signs
Measurements that give us basic information about how a person's body is functioning; include temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure.
583
Vomitus
Matter from the stomach that has come up into and may be ejected beyond the mouth, due to the act of vomiting.
584
Wandering resident
The state in which a resident with dementia has meandering, aimless, or repetitive movement that exposes him or her to harm.
585
Water faucets
A fixture for drawing or regulating the flow of water from a pipe.
586
Water intake
The amount of water consumed from foods, plain drinking water, and other beverages.
587
Water pitcher
A container for holding water that usually has a lip or spout and a handle. (Jug)
588
Water temperature
A physical property expressing how hot or cold water is.
589
Weak side
Loss of physical strength on one side from a stroke or injury also called the involved side.
590
Weakness
The state or condition of lacking strength.
591
Well balanced meal
A meal that has a healthy balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
592
Well-being
The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
593
Wheelchair safety
Actions or precaution taken to ensure the safety of the person in or using a wheel chair.
594
White blood cells
A colorless cell that circulates in the blood and body fluids and is involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease.
595
Withdrawn resident
A resident who doesn't seem to be aware of other people, is quite unresponsive, or seems to be spending much of their time disconnected from social interaction and activity.
596
Workplace violence
Verbal, physical or sexual abuse by residents, other staff.
