The following terms and definitions are used in the text and class discussion.
Abbreviation –A shortened version of a word
ABC’s – airway, breathing, circulation
Abandonment –Leaving someone unattended and no planning for patient’s/resident’s care
Abduction – movement away from midline or center
Abrasion – a scrape on the skin or mucous membrane
Abuse – physical, emotional or mental injury inflicted on another individual
Acceptance – agreeing and coming to terms
Activities of daily living (ADL’s) – basic personal self care activities usually performed by the individual (hygiene, bathing, toileting, etc).
Active-assistive range of motion- minimal assistance for a resident actively exercising and moving joint to the maximum tolerable capability
Active range of motion – exercising and moving joint to its maximum by the resident
Acute – Severe
ÀDA – American Diabetes Association
Adaptive –a modification in a device to adjust for a resident’s change in function or ability
Abduction – movement toward midline or center
ADL Document Sheet – (activities of daily living) – a form to record the activities completed during a normal day in a person’s life; filled out by CNA
Admission-the process of enacting a facility
Advance Directive- a signed document indicating the person’s wishes regarding care during dying
Afebrile-absence of fever or elevated temperature
Agitation-restlessness and disturb behaviors resulting from anxiety
Aiding & Abetting – not reporting dishonest acts that are observed
Airway :a natural passageway for moving air in and out of the body
Airbed-a special bed that uses air flotation to protect or support a resident who is at risk for developing a pressure sore (e.g. Clinitron, KinAir, etc.)
Align-to position the body in a straight line with spine straight
Allergy – an abnormal reaction to a substance that normally does not cause such a response
Alveoli – tiny air sacs that make up most of the lungs
Alzheimer’s -a chronic disease of the brain which leads to confusion, loss of memory and other behavioral changes
Alternating pressure mattress -a special mattress that rotates areas of inflation to limit constant pressure on a bony area of the body to prevent skin breakdown
Ambulate/ambulation -to walk.
Amino Acids – basic component of proteins
Amputation-removal of a limb
Anatomic position – standing erect
Anatomy – structure study of the body
Anemia – deficient quantity of red blood cells
Aneroid manometer-dial type blood pressure equipment.
Anorexia – lack or loss of appetite for food
Anti-embolic stockings -elastic stocking is worn to prevent blood clots (example T.E.D. hose)
Anger-feelings of great displeasure or hostility
Angina-a condition causing severe pain in the chest
Anterior-the front part of something
Aphasia-loss of or impaired ability to communicate through speech, writing, or signs; frequently follows a stroke
Apical pulse – heart rate taken by placing a stethoscope over the area of the heart
Apnea- the temporary absence of breathing
Arrhythmia-an irregular heartbeat
Arteries-blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to all parts of the body
Arthritis – joint inflammation
Artificial hydration/nutrition – adding fluids and nutrients to the body
Asepsis-free from infection
Aspirate/aspiration – to draw fluid a foreign substance into lungs during inspiration
Assault – attempt or threat to do violence to another
Assessment-to observe and interpret findings
Assisted living – some care provided to an individual living alone
Atherosclerosis-fatty substance in the arteries
Athlete’s foot-fungal infection of the foot, especially between the toes
Atrophy-wasting of muscle tissue
Axilla-under the arm, the “armpit”
Bacteria-a form of simple microorganism commonly called a “germ”
Bandage-clean or sterile piece of material used to cover non-intact skin
Bargaining – when an individual seeks to make a deal that will delay death
Barriers-items which prevent transmission of microorganisms from the worker to the resident or from the resident to the worker
The base of support-a stance with feet separated about 12 inches apart to provide a firm steady position while using body mechanics
Battery – an unlawful attack upon or touching of another person
Bed cradle -a device placed at the end of the bed which keeps the sheets
Bell-bell-shaped part of the stethoscope, which is placed on the resident’s body
Benign prostatic – enlargement of the prostate gland
Bile – a substance produced by the liver preparing fats for digestion
Binder-elastic material used to keep something in place
Biohazardous symbol -contaminated item containers are identified with this symbol; the background is red or orange and the symbol is black
Bioterrorism – use of a biological agents, such as pathogenic organisms, for terrorist purposes
Bland diet -a special, soothing diet that avoids irritating foods
Blood-fluid that circulates through the heart and blood vessels to carry nourishment and oxygen to tissues and take away body wastes and carbon dioxide
Body Language – the postures, gestures, and facial expressions used intentionally or unintentionally in communication
Body mechanics – the way of using your body to lift or move people or objects so that you do not injure yourself
Bony prominence – area of the body where the bone is near the surface of the skin and can easily develop skin breakdown
+Bounding – strong, hard pulse
Bowel movement – defecation of feces
Brachial pulse -heart rate felt on the inner aspect at the end of the elbow
Bradycardia -a slow heartbeat usually with a pulse rate below 60 beats per minute
Bradypnea – Slow breathing; respirations are fewer than 10 per minute
Breathing-the act of moving air in and out of the lungs
Bronchi – tubal structures connecting the trachea to the lungs
Bursitis – sacs of fluid around joints become inflamed
Cachexia – a state of malnutrition
Capillaries-the smallest blood vessel which is smaller than a hair in size
Carbohydrate-energy foods used by the body to produce heat and energy for work (4 calories per gram)
Carbon dioxide – a gas that is a waste product
Cardiac arrest- when the heart stops beating
Cardiovascular system-the body system which includes the heart, the blood vessels, and the blood
Carotid pulse-the pulse felt at a person’s throat at the carotid artery
Cataract – a clouding of the lens of the eye
Catastrophic reaction – unpredictable violent behavior of a person with dementia
Catheter – a tube used to put in or take out fluids
Cells – the basic unit of living substances
Cellulose/fiber-roughage which helps with elimination
Celsius-metric scale for measuring temperature
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-an agency of the federal government that researches and makes recommendations to prevent disease and control the spread of infection
Centimeter – a metric measure of length which equals one-hundredth of a meter
Cerebral Palsy-a chronic condition resulting from lack of oxygen during birth that affects motor control and speech
Chain of infection– the process of events involved in the transmission and development of infectious diseases
Cheyne-Stokes – an irregular pattern of breathing with periods of apnea
CHF – Congestive heart failure
Choice-freedom to make personal selections such as activities, attire, etc.
Chronic – long duration
Circulation – refers to the movement of blood around the body
Citation – a civil sanction with monetary fines against long-term care facilities in violation of the laws and regulations of California relating to patient care
Clean catch -an aseptic method of urine collection
Clear liquid diet – made up primarily of water and carbohydrates for energy
Clothes protector – a towel or bib used to protect the resident’s clothing from becoming soiled
Code situation – a life-threatening situation requiring special action, for example, a code blue
Coercion-forcing a person to do something against his/her will
Colon – large intestine
Colostomy-a surgical opening made into the large intestine to allow passage of stool
Communication-the exchange of ideas and messages by means of speech, gestures, or writing
Communicable-capable of being transferred from one person to another
Condom catheter – latex sheath that fits over the penis for urinary drainage
Confidentiality-maintaining resident’s personal and medical information privately sharing information only when necessary with the health care team for the resident’s benefit
Conflict – problems or differences between two or more people
Confusion- disorientation to person, place, or time (usually temporary)
Congestive heart failure – inadequate output for physiological needs
Connective tissue – tissue that holds other tissue supporting body organs
Constipation – inability or severe difficulty passing stool that is dry and hard
Contamination-unclean; soiled with pathogens
Contractures-permanent shortening of a muscle causing very limited movement of a joint
COPD-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CSM-circulation, sensation, and movement
Cubic centimeter (cc)-a metric measurement of fluid volume
C.V.A. – cerebral vascular accident is also known as a stroke or “brain attack”
Cyanosis-bluish discoloration of skin, lips, and nails due to lack of oxygen
Cystitis – Inflammation of the urinary bladder
Dangle-to sit at the edge of the bed with legs hanging over the side
Debilitating – to impair the strength of a body
Debride – to cleanse contaminated tissue
Decubiti/decubitus ulcer – a bedsore
Defamation of character – something harmful to the good name or reputation of another person
Defecate/defecation – the act of having a bowel movement
Defense mechanisms – a protective reaction used involuntarily to avoid humiliation, shame, or anxiety
Dehydration -decrease in the amount of fluid in tissues
Delusions– false or misinformed beliefs (NOT a hallucination which involves the senses)
Dementia-a permanent decline in memory and other thought processes
Denial-refusal to accept or believe something
Depression – morbid sadness or melancholy
Dermis – the skin
Developmentally disabled – a condition in which the brain does not develop normally resulting in decreased functioning and intellectual processes; also known as “mentally challenged”
Diabetes mellitus – a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism
Dialysis – means of cleansing waste or toxic materials from the body Diaphoresis profuse sweating
Diaphragm – 1) the muscle which separates the lungs from the abdominal cavity; 2) the round, flat part of the stethoscope which is placed on the patient’s body
Diarrhea – abnormal excessive frequency of loose or liquid stools
Diastolic blood pressure- the blood pressure when the heart muscle is relaxed. Normal readings are 60 to 85 Hg. When taking a person’s blood pressure, the diastolic blood pressure is recorded as the bottom number
Digestion- the process of converting food so it can be used by the body as nourishment
Disability- a physical condition or handicap which prevents a resident from participating in certain activities
Disaster plan- a set of guidelines and safety procedures prepared by a facility that says what you should do in case of an unexpected sudden event
Discharge- 1) body fluid; 2) the process of leaving a facility
Disease – definite characteristics of an illness
Disinfection- a process that kills pathogens
Disorientation- loss of an ability to recognize time, place, or people
Disposable- made to be used once and then thrown away
Distal – farthest away from a central point
Diuresis- increased excretion of urine; may be caused on purpose by certain medications
Diverticulitis – inflammation in the lining and wall of the colon
DNR -Do Not Resuscitate; an order written by a physician
Dorsal Recumbent – a position of the body in which the resident is flat on their back with knees slightly flexed and separated, with feet flat on the bed
Douche – irrigation of the vaginal canal
Drawsheet – a piece of linen used to position the resident and/or keep the bottom sheet clean
Durable Power of Attorney – a document giving a person the responsibility to make health care decisions
Dyslexia -difficulty in reading causing the individual to transposing letters
Dysphagia – difficulty swallowing food and liquids
Dyspnea- difficult, labored breathing
Dysuria – painful voiding
Edema- swelling of body tissues with water
Egg-crate mattress – a special foam mattress that looks like an egg-crate; used to decrease pressure over bony prominences
Elastic bandage – a type of material that is worn tight on the skin to restrict movement
Electric bed – a bed that uses motors to change bed position
Elimination- excretion of body wastes occurring through the skin, kidneys or intestines
Embolism– obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot or foreign substance
Emergency – an unexpected serious occurrence that requires immediate attention
Emergency codes – a facility specified word, or phrase or abbreviation that indicates a particular serious occurrence (i.e. code red = fire)
Emesis- vomitus
Empathy – understanding how someone else feels
Enema – injection of water into the rectum to eliminate feces
Enteral feeding- a special type of liquid formula feeding that is given through a tube placed into the intestines
Epidermis- the outer layer of skin
Epilepsy- a condition that periodically leads to convulsions and distributed consciousness
Epithelial tissue – a structure formed from epithelial cells
Escape routes- a predetermined path that is to be followed in order to exit a facility safely in case of emergency
Essential nutrients – those vitamins, minerals, and foods that are required daily in certain amounts to maintain good nutrition and health
Ethics- principles of right or good behavior or standards
Evacuation- 1) to have a bowel movement; 2) to move people to a safe place during an emergency or disaster
Eversion – a turn or rolling backward or inside out
Exchange list- a grouping of interchangeable foods to assist people on special diets
Excoriation- irritation or abrasion of the skin due to chemicals, burns, or a tear/break in the skin
Excretions – the process of eliminating substances by body organs
Expectorate- to cough, bringing sputum out of the lungs and ejected from the mouth, often incorrectly referred to as “spit”
Expiration- 1) exhalation; 2) a point in time when an item (for example food, medication, etc); 3) death of a resident
Exposure incident- a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membranes, non-intact skin, intravenous contact with blood or other potentially infectious material
Extension – movement by which two ends of any jointed part are drawn away from each other
False imprisonment- detaining a resident without a reason and against their will
Family- a group of people related by blood or marriage
Fan-folded- a method of folding a sheet
Fat – a nutrient that stores energy and has a high caloric value (9 calories per gram)
Fahrenheit – scale for measuring temperature
Febrile – feverish; having a fever
Fecal/feces- stool
Fecal impaction – stool retention in the rectum
Financial abuse – improper use of another person’s money
Fire plan- a set of guidelines and safety procedures prepared by each facility that says what should be done in case of a fire, i.e. Remove residents from danger, close doors to residents’ rooms, etc.
Flatulence – excessive gas in the stomach and intestine
Flatus- gas in the stomach expelled by any opening
Fleece pad – a soft, fluffy cushion used to decrease irritation of the skin due to pressure or contact
Flexion – decreasing the angle between two bones
Flora – the normal population of usually non-harmful microorganisms found in a particular area of the body (e.g.
Flotation pad- a gel or air filled cushion to prevent excess pressure on the skin and breakdown
Fluid – 1) a non solid liquid, 1) liquid intake
Foley catheter – catheter placed in the urinary bladder to remove urine
Foot board- a flat upright surface placed behind the resident’s feet to maintain them in upright position to prevent foot drop
Force fluids- encourage residents to drink water or other fluids.
Fowler’s position- head of bed is rolled up so that resident is in a semi-sitting position.
Fracture – break in the continuity of bone
Friction – rubbing of the skin against something
Full Liquid Diet – a diet, which includes all liquids as well as creamed soups, ice cream, Jell-O, pudding. Usually ordered as part of a progressive diet.
Fungus- a class of microorganisms to which mold and yeast belong.
Gait belt – a belt placed around the resident’s waist to assist with ambulation or transferring position..
Gallon – household unit of measurement of fluid volume – equal to 128 ounces.
Gastrectomy – surgical removal of part or all the stomach
Gastrostomy tube (GT) – a surgically placed tube that goes through the skin into the stomach – used for liquid feeding
Gavage- feeding given through a tube placed into the stomach
Genitalia – reproductive organs
Glaucoma – a disease of the eye, characterized by a hardening of the eyeball
Glucose – simple sugar
Glycosuria – sugar in the urine
Goiter – an enlargement of the thyroid gland
Gonorrhea – sexually transmitted disease that cases an acute inflammation
Gout – uric acid deposits in the joints
Graduate – container marked for milliliters, used to measure liquids
Gram – a metric measurement of weight
Greenwich time – also called the standard clock, uses a.m. and p.m.
Grievances- a complaint or protest registered by a resident about his/her care or accommodations
Hallucination – a false sensory perception of something heard, seen, smelt, tasted or touched but does not exist in reality
Health – state of physical and mental well being
Health and safety code– laws and statutes pertaining to health and safety; this code is the authority for regulations written into CCR, Title 22.
Heel/elbow protector- a soft protective cushioning device for the heel or elbow to prevent skin breakdown
Heimlich maneuver – an emergency procedure using abdominal thrusts to remove an obstruction blocking the airway
Hematoma – localized mass of blood confined to one area
Hematuria – blood in the urine
Hemiplegia – paralysis of only one-half of the body
Hemorrhage – an abnormal, excessive loss of blood either internally or externally
Hemorrhoid – varicose veins in the rectum
Hepatitis A, B, or C – organism that causes a form of infectious liver disease
Hernia – projection of a stomach organ through the wall that normally contains it
Herpes simplex 2 – an acute infectious viral disease
Herpes Zoster- acute infectious viral disease
HIPAA – Health Information Portability Accountability Act
Hives – itchy skin eruptions which are raised and round and appear white in the center and red around the edges
Hormones – secretion of endocrine gland
Hospice – facility to care for the terninally ill
Host- animal or plant that harbors another organism
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)- virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Hyperalimentation- total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Hypertension – blood pressure which is higher than normal, usually anything above 140/90
Hypertrophy – increase in size of an organ not involving tumor formation
Hyperventilation – respirations which are more rapid and deeper than normal
Hypoglycemia – abnormally low level of sugar in the blood
Hypotension – blood pressure which is lower than the normal, usually 80/50 below
Hypoventilation – respirations that are slower and more shallow than normal
Hysterectomy – surgical removal of the uterus
IDDM – insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Ileostomy- a surgically created opening into the ileum (the intestine)
Impaction- over collection of feces in the bowel which cannot be excreted
Inches – the basic measure of length, 12 inches equal 1 foot
Incident report- a report of an unusual, unplanned occurrence
Incontinence – inability to retain urine or stool due to loss of sphincter control
Indwelling catheter – foley catheter that remains in the bladder to drain urine
Infections – invasion and multiplication of any organism and the damage caused by this in the body
Infectious agent – microorganisms capable of causing disease
Inferior – below another part
Infiltration- abnormal collection of fluid in the tissue resulting from a dislodged intravenous (IV) device
Influenza- highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract spread by airborne droplet infection
Informed consent – permission given by one who fully understands all the facts relating to what is going to happen
Inspiration – breathing in, inhalation
Insulin – active hormone secreted in the pancreas
Insulin shock – a low blood sugar below normal resulting from too much insulin
Intake – fluid the body receives
Intake and Output (I&O)- measuring and recording the total amount of liquids taken in, and the total amount of liquid output includes urine, vomitus, drainage, liquid stool, blood and perspiration.
Integumentary system- the skin
Intravenous infusion (IV) – fluids or nourishment given through a sterile tube into a vein
Inversion – something inverted; reversed
Involuntary seclusion – separation of patient from other patients against his or her will
Ischemia – localized tissue anemia
Isolation– place where the resident with an infectious disease is separated from others
Job description – duties and responsibilities assigned to a specific position; sometimes called “scope of practice”
Joint – the moveable connection between two bones
Kardex– a card file that summarizes information about the resident
Kidney – the bean-shaped organ that excretes waste matter as urine
Kilogram – 1000 grams or 2.2 pounds – a measurement of weight
Larynx- part of airway and organ of voice
Lateral – away from the midline
Lateral position- side-lying position
Legal standard – guides to lawful behavior
Lesions- abnormal changes in tissue formation
Libel – any written defamatory statement
Lice – a common parasite of the skin
Lift sheet- (aka: draw sheet, turn sheet, pull sheet) a sheet folded under resident, extending from above the shoulder to below the hips and used to help move or turn the resident
Liter- a metric unit of fluid volume measurement equal to 1000 ml
Long-term care facility- facilities that provide basic day-to-day care and around-the-clock nursing service for the sick, disabled, or elderly who cannot care for themselves, such as skilled nursing facility, intermediate care facility (ICF), ICF/H, ICF/D
Low fat diet –limited fat intake – foods are baked, roasted or broiled.
Low sodium diet- a diet that is moderately, mildly, or severely restricted in sodium content.
Lungs – saccular organs that constitute the basic respiratory organ of air-breathing
Mammogram – X-ray examination of the breasts
Mandated reporter – a person designated by law to report suspected or witnessed abuse
Manual bed- a bed which uses a hand crank to change bed position
Mastectomy – excision of the breast
Mechanical lift– device used to move residents who are unable to bear weight or are very heavy; a.k.a. Hoyer lift
Mechanical soft diet – a diet, which includes liquids and semisolid foods and requires very little chewing.
Medical chart – a written resident record containing all information about the resident.
Medical terminology-a group of words or terms used in healthcare
Medicare- federal program that assists persons over 65 years of age with hospital and medical costs
Medi-Cal- a state funded program that pays for medical costs for those whose income falls below a certain level
Membranes – tissue sheets that line the body cavities
Message- information transmitted by speech or writing from one person or group to another
Morgue – a place where the dead are kept until identified
Metabolism- the body’s process for utilizing nutrients for heat and energy production
Metric system- a system of weights and measurements having all units based on some power of ten
Microorganisms- organisms that can be only seen with a microscope
Military time- also called international time, uses a 24-hour clock
Milliliter (ml)- a measurement of volume of fluid
Minerals- inorganic chemical compound found in nature; many minerals are important in building body tissues and regulating
Mitered corner – one type of corner used in making a bedding
MDSD – Materials Safety Data Sheet
Mottling – to mark with spots
MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus – a serious skin organism resistant to most antibiotics, particularly Methicillin
Mucosa- mucous membranes
Mucous- secretion of the mucous membranes; thick, sticky fluid
Multiple sclerosis – hardened brain tissue resulting in paralysis and jerking muscle tremor
Muscle- a special type of tissue that is able to contract and move
Muscle tissue – tissue with the ability to shorten and lengthen
Myocardial infarction – heart failure
Nasal cannula – tubing inserted into nostrils to administer oxygen
Nasogastric tube – a tube that goes through the nose into the stomach
Nausea- a sensation often leading to the urge to vomit
Nebulizer – an atomizer
Necrosis – tissue death
Neglect – failing to provide services to patients to prevent harm or anguish
Negligence – An unintentional wrong in which a person fails to act in a reasonable and careful manner and causes harm to a person or to the person’s property
Nephritis – inflammation of the kidney
Nerve – bands of tissue that connect parts of the nervous system with other organs
Nerve tissue – tissue capable of conducting nerve impulses
NIDDM – non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Nits- eggs of a louse or other type of parasitic insect.
No Code – no CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Non-intact- broken, cut, cracked or chapped
Non-verbal – messages sent using little use of spoken language
Nosocomial – infections that occur in residents while they are in the care facility
Non-prescription – medication that can be purchased over the counter without requiring a physician’s order or approval
Nursing facility – a skilled nursing facility, an intermediate care facility, and an intermediate care facility developmentally- disabled or an intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled nursing.. This definite is specific to CCR, Title 22, chapter 2.5, which pertains to the nurse assistant training programs.
Nutrient – nourishing substance or food
Nutrition- the process by which the body uses food for growth and repair and to maintain health.
02 –b oxygen
Observation – using the senses to collect information about a resident
Objective data – information that is seen, heard, felt, or smelled by another person; signs
OBRA – the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (1987)
Obstruction – the checking of vital functions; death
Occult blood – small amounts of blood detected by microscope
Occupied bed- a bed which has a resident in it
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)- government agency that makes and enforces regulations to protect workers
Ointment- a type of medication which is thick and is applied to the skin
Ombudsman- patient advocate
Oral hygiene – care of the mouth cavity which includes brushing the teeth, flossing and cleansing
Organ – a part of the body that carries out a specific function
Orthopnea- a condition in which breathing is only possible when sitting upright
Orthopneic – ability to breath in an upright position
Osteoarthritis – degenerative changes in bone and cartilage of joints
Otosclerosis – growth of spongy bone in inner ear increasing deafness
Osteopororosis – softening of the bones which can lead to fractures
Ostomy- a surgical opening from an internal organ (intestines, bladder, stomach), the opening is referred to as a stoma
Ounce- household measurement of fluid volume; contains 30 cc’s
Output – the amount of fluid the body loses
Oxygen mask – device to administer oxygen through nose and mouth
Oxygen precautions- procedures used when a resident is on oxygen to provide a safe environment
Pacemaker – body part that maintains rhythmic activity
Pallor – paleness or lack of color
Paralysis- temporary or permanent loss of function and feeling in a body part Paranoia
chronic, fixed belief of persecution and delusion
Paraplegia- paralysis of the lower part of the body involving both legs
Parenteral nutrition – nutrition given by means outside of the intestinal tract (usually through the blood stream)
Parkinson’ disease – neurological disorder with stiffness of muscles and tremors
Passive range of motion – providing full exercise of the joints without effort by the resident
Pathogens- disease producing microorganisms
Patient abuse- physical and/or mental harm inflicted upon a resident
Patient care plan – a recorded plan for giving care based on the resident’s special problems or conditions
Pediculosis – body lice
PEG – percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube
Pelvic inflammatory disease – inflammation of the pelvic organs
Penis – male organ of copulation and urinary elimination
Perineum/perineal – the region between the vulva and anus in a female or between the scrotum and anus in a male
Peripheral – relating to part of the body
Peristalsis – Involuntary muscle contractions in the digestive system that move food through the body
Peritoneum – membrane that lines the wall of the abdominal and pelvic cavities
Personal protective equipment (PPE) – equipment such as waterproof gowns, masks, gloves, goggles and other equipment needed to protect an employee from infectious materials
Personal space – the area or zone which marks the “comfort zone” of an individual
Phantom pain – pain experienced where a limb or other part has been removed
Pharynx – muscular membranous tube between mouth and throat
Phlebitis – inflammation of a blood vessel due to irritation
Physical abuse – mistreatment by hitting or other physical contact
Physiology – science of living organisms
PID – pelvic inflammatory disease
Pint- a household unit of measurement of fluid volume – equal to 16 ounces
Pituitary gland – gland at the base of the skull that produces hormones
Pneumonia – inflammation of the lungs
Posterior- the back side of something
Postmortem care – care given to the body after death
Postural supports- a device used to help the resident remain in proper alignment
Pound- a measurement of household weight equaling 16 ounces
Prefix – a word element placed at the beginning of a word that changes it’s meaning
Pressure sores – decubiti
Privacy – protecting residents from exposure of their bodies; maintaining an environment for confidential communication, visitations, and medical records
Prognosis – a judgment in advance concerning the probable course of a disease and the chances of recovery
Projection- an unconscious mental mechanism similar to rationalization in which a person attributes to another his own inappropriate
Pronation – Turning downward
Prostate gland – gland of the male reproductive system
Prosthesis- an artificial substitute for a missing body part
Proteins- basic material of every body cell; an essential nutrient
Prone position – lying flat on the abdomen
Professionalism- a code of conduct that meets and/or exceeds performance standards for the job
Proximal – closest to the point of attachment
Pruritus – localized itching
Psychological abuse – mistreatment by threatening, belittling or causing emotional harm
+Pulse deficit- the difference between the number of beats counted, at the same time, at the heart (apical) and the wrist (radial)
Pureed diet – a diet that meets nutritional needs with foods, which have been placed through a blender.
Pyrexia – a condition in which the temperature is abnormally high
Quadriplegia- paralysis of all four limbs (both legs and both arms)
Quart- a household unit of measurement of fluid volume – equal to 32 ounces
Radial pulse – the pulse felt at a person’s wrist at the radial artery
Range of motion – exercises designed to move each joint to its full range
Rationalization – an unconscious mechanisın in which socially acceptable reasons to explain behavior and feelings are developed
Reality orientation- the process of reorienting a confused resident to the “here and now”
Receiver – the one who receives and interprets the message from the sender
Rectocele – protrusion of part of the rectum into the vagina
Reminiscence- remembering and talking about past events
Renal calculi – kidney stones
Report – an account of the resident care and observations
Reservoir- a source that contains infectious organisms
Residents – persons cared for in a long-term facility
Resident Council- meetings held by residents of the skilled nursing facility for the purpose of resolving issues with staff and communicating with each other
Respiratory arrest – when breathing stops
Respiratory distress – difficult, labored or painful breathing
Respiratory system – the system containing the nose, airways and lungs
Restorative care – care given to return resident to a level of functioning that is closer to normal or previous level
Restraints- a device that restricts a resident’s limbs free movement used to protect resident or others
Retention – inability to excrete urine that has been produced
Reverse Trendelenberg- a position in which the resident is lying on their back with feet higher than the head
Rigor mortis – rigidity of skeletal muscles
Root word- a word element that contains the basic meaning of the word
Rotation – act of turning about the axis of the center of a body
Scabies- communicable disease caused by a mite and transmitted by close contact with an infected source
Scaly- dry, thin, flaky skin
Scope of practice- skills which the health care worker (e.g. CNA, RN, LVN, etc.) is legally permitted to perform by state regulations
Seizure – severe involuntary shaking and jerking of the body
Semi-Fowler’s position- a sitting position which the head raised at a 45 degree angle
Sender – the one who conveys a message
Sensory- concerning the five senses
Sexual abuse – use of physical means to force sexual acts
Sexually transmitted disease (STD) – a disease that is passed from one to another through sexual contact
Shallow breathing- very light breathing which does not provide enough oxygen
Shearing – when skin sticks to a surface and muscles slide in the direction the body is moving
Shroud – something that covers
Side rails- bars which can be raised at the side of bed and are used for positioning and safety
Sim’s position- halfway between side-lying and prone; usually left side lying for enema’s or other rectal treatments
Skeleton- the bony framework of the body containing 206 bones
Skilled nursing care- care provided in long-term care facility
Skin – the external covering of the body
Skin tears – shallow injuries where the epidermis is ripped or torn
Slander – false oral statements that injure the reputation of another
Social Services – a department which provides many of the non-medical needs of the resident
Soft diet – includes low residue, mildly flavored, unseasoned or slightly seasoned liquids or semi-solid foods that are easily digested
Soft protective device – a device used to protect the resident from harm
Specimen- a sample of body fluid that is sent to the laboratory for testing
Sphygmomanometer- an instrument used to measure a patient’s blood pressure
Sputum – matter brought up from the lungs, phlegm
Standard precautions- practices used to prevent the spread of infection
Stasis pneumonia- pneumonia that results from extended inactivity combined with inability to clear airways adequately
STAT – immediately
Sterilization- a process that destroys all microorganisms
Stertorous – characterized by a deep snoring sound; accompanies certain diseases like apoplexy
Stethoscope – an instrument used to listen to sounds in the patient’s body, such as the heartbeat or breathing sounds
Stool – another name for feces
Streptococcus– bacteria which is capable of destroying tissue and blood cells
Stroke – any sudden attack of a disease or illness, especially apoplexy or paralysis
Stoma – an ostomy
Stool- feces
Subacute care – comprehensive care for persons with acute illness
Subjective data – That which is reported by a person and is not observed by others using the senses
Sundowning- state in which a resident becomes disoriented during sleeping/night time hours
Suffix- a word element placed at the end of a word that changes it’s meaning
Superior – toward the head
Supine position- lying flat on the back
Supination – turning upward
Suppository – a solid lubricant placed into the rectum for bowel evacuation
Sympathy – affinity between persons or of one person for another.
Syphilis – infectious venereal disease with lesions that involve any organ or tissue
System – a group of organs
Systolic blood pressure- the sound made when the heart muscle is contracting; when taking the patient’s blood pressure, the systolic blood pressure is recorded as the top number. Normal systolic is 100 to 140 mm Hg
Tachycardia- a fast heartbeat with a pulse rate above 100 beats per minute in adults
Tachypnea – Rapid breathing; respirations are usually more than 24 per minute
TCDB – tum, cough and deep breathe; an intervention to prevent the development of pneumonia or atelectasis
TED hose – anti-embolic hose/elastic stocking
Tendon – white fibrous connective tissue that unites muscle with another part
Terminal – No reasonable expectation of recovery
Testes – male gonads, reproductive glands
Theft – taking anything that does not belong to you
Therapeutic diets- a planned intake of food and fluid to treat a specific disease condition
Thickened liquids – fluids with an added substance to allow the fluid diet to be retained
+ Thready- a fine, scarcely felt pulse
Thrombophlebitis- inflammation of a vein prior to the development of a blood clot
Thrombus – clot of blood formed within a blood vessel
Thyroid gland – gland at base of the neck that produces thyrocalcitonin and thyroxine
Thyroxine – hormone of the thyroid gland that contains iodine
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)- meeting an individual’s entire nutritional needs by providing high-density nutrients directly into the bloodstream opening made into anterior trachea
Traction – the state of being pulled or drawn
Transfer- the process of moving a resident from one area to another
Transmission- based precautions isolation procedures that prevent the spread of infection by interrupting the way in which the disease is spread
Trapeze – horizontal bar suspended overhead down the length of the bed
Tremor – involuntary trembling
Trendelenberg – a position in which the resident’s feet are lower than the head
Trochanter rolls- a rolled bath blanket placed under the resident from above the hips to below the hips at the start of the upper thigh to prevent the hip from rotating outward
Tuberculosis – a communicable lung infection easily spread by sneezing and coughing
Tympanic temperature- the core temperature measured by placing the special thermometer probe in the ear canal
Ulcer – open sore caused by inadequate blood supply
Unconscious – a state in which an individual lacks sensory awareness and is unaware of surroundings or environment
Unoccupied bed- a bed which is empty
Ureter – narrow tube that conducts urine from the kidney to the bladder
Urethra – mucus-lined tube conveying urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body
Urgency – need to urinate
Urinal – a device to collect urine from a male
Urinalysis – laboratory analysis of urine
Urinary bladder – receptacle for urine before it is voided
Urinary drainage bag – a bag that collects the urine from a resident
Urinary incontinence- involuntary loss of urine
Urination- the act of passing urine
Urine- waste fluid passed by the kidneys to the bladder for storage until excreted out of the body through the urethra
Urinary system- the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra
Uterus – organ of gestation, womb
Vagina – female organ of copulation that receives the penis during intercourse
Validation therapy – techniques to help one feel self-confident
Varicose veins – abnormally and irregularly swollen or dilated veins
Veins – blood vessels that return blood to the heart
Venereal – infection relating to sexual indulgence
Verbal communication – oral/spoken transmission of messages
Vertebrae – bones surrounding the spinal cord
Vessel – tube or canal in which body fluid is contained
Violation- to break a regulation or law either intentionally or unintentionally
Virus- the smallest disease-causing microbe; depends on the invaded host for reproduction
Vitamins- general term for various unrelated organic substances found in many foods in minute amounts that are necessary for normal metabolic function of the body
Voice pitch- a subjective quality of sound which depends on frequency and intensity
Voice tone- the character and duration of sound
Void – to release urine from the bladder
VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococcus)- intestinal microorganism resistant to most antibiotics, in particular, Vancomycin
Vulvovaginitis – inflammation of the vulva and vagina
Waterbed- a water-filled mattress used to prevent development of pressure sores
Workplace violence – any violence in the workplace
