Term | Definition |
Abduction | Moving an arm or leg from center of the body |
Abnormality | Condition different from normal |
ADL Activities of Daily Living | Activities or task such as grooming , bathing, exercise |
Adduction | Moving arm or leg toward the center of the body |
Alignment | Formed into a straight line |
Allergic | Hypersensitive reaction of the body to a specific substance |
Alveoli | Tiny air sacks in the lungs |
Alzheimer's Disease | Chronic degenerative brain disease resulting in loss of memory, personality, and judgement |
Ambulatory | Able to walk in the up right position |
Ambulating Device | A device used to assist walking such as a walker, crutches or cane. |
Amino Acids | Units of protein structure |
Anatomy | Parts of the body |
Anterior | Front |
Anus | Opening to the Rectum |
Anxiety | A feeling of worry or uneasiness |
Apathy | Lack of emotion over a situation |
Aphasia | Loss of language or verbal communication |
Appendage | Attatchment |
Arteries | Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart |
Arterioles | Tiny arteries, which carry blood from large arteries to capillaries |
Arthritis | Chronic disease of the joints resulting in stiffness and pain |
Aseptic | Free of microorganisms |
Aspiration | Inhaling of food, liquid, mucus, or vomit into air passages |
Assessment | Observing and reporting |
Asthma | Disease of the Bronchi which causes difficult breathing wheezing, and tightness of the chest |
Atrium | Upper chamber of the heart |
Atrophy | Wasting away of muscle |
Axilla | Refers to the area under the arm known as the arm pit |
Base of support | Feet when standing and hips when sitting |
Behavior | Actions that can be observed and messured |
Bifocal | Two different prescriptions in one eye glass lens |
Bile | Substance manufactured by the liver |
Bladder | Urinary organ |
Blood pressure | Force of blood against artery wall |
Brachial | On the arm |
Bronchi | Tubes that connect trachea to the lung |
Bulb | End of thermometer containing mercury |
Calibrated | Marked with graduated lines as on a thermometer |
Capillaries | Small blood vessels which carry nutrients individuals cells |
Carbohydrate | Nutrient derived from Plants-sugars and startches |
Cardivascular | Refers to heart and blood vessels |
Cartilage | Gristle like pad between bones |
Cataract | Clouding of the lens of the eye |
Catheter | Urinary sterile tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine |
Cc | Cubic centimeter 1000 cc=1 quart |
Center of Gravity | Place where mass or bulk of object is centered |
Centimeter cm | Metric measurment of height |
Cerebellum | Part of the brain in the back of the skull that regulates muscular activity |
Cerebral Hemisphere | Division of the brain into two parts |
Cerebrum | Part of the brain which is the center of thinking, memory and learning |
Cerebral Palsy | Chronic disease of the nervous system resulting in uncontrollable movement |
CNA | Certified Nursing Assistant |
Chronic | Ongoing |
Chronological | Charted in the order in which events occurred |
Cilia | Microscopic hair like appendage that sweep foreign matter out of the trachea and bronchi |
Closed urinary drainage system | The complete drainage unit which connects the catheter, drainage and collection tube |
Coccyx | Tailbone |
Code of ethics | How a particular group conducts itself regarding a set of moral principles or values |
Coercion | Use of force |
Colon | Large intestine |
Communication | The process of engaging thoughts,opinions, and information by speech or writing |
Compassion | Sorrow for the suffering of others, with the desire to help |
Concentrated | Containing less water |
Confidential | Trust, not sharing information about residence, except within the healthcare team |
Confrontation | Argument |
Contracture | Permanent shortening of the muscle |
Contraindicated | Indicates against, not acceptable for treatment of a condition |
Cynosis | Blueish color of the skin due to lack of oxegyn |
Cystic | Infection of the bladder |
Decubitus ulcer | Bed sore, Pressure sore |
Defecate | Have a bowel movement |
Degeneration | Worsening condition |
Dehydration | Condition when more fluid is put out than is being but in |
Dementia | Mental deterioration, loss of ability to think clearly |
Depression | Feelings of uselessness, sadness, or lonliness |
Dermis | Inner layer of skin |
Diabetes mellitus | Disease in which insufficient insulin is secreted from the pancreas |
Diaphragm | Muscle which separates the chest cavity from the abdomin |
Diastolic | Blood pressure when hear relaxes |
Digestion | Conversion of food into a form that is soluble |
Digestive Track | Body system which digests food |
Discrimination | Act of treating someone unfairly based on age, sex,race, religion, or ethnicity |
Disinfection | Process of killing microorganisms |
Documentation | Written information in the medical record |
Dressing | Clean, cloth covering for a wound or sore |
Duodenum | First loop of a small intestine where most of digestion occurs |
Economic Deppression | A period in history when banks failed and many families lost their homes, jobs, and possessions. |
Edema | Collection of excess fluid in tissues. Swelling due to increased fluid in tissue |
Elasticity | Ability to expand and contract |
Electrolyte | Elements which are capable of conducting electricity |
Elimination | Process of removal of waste products from the body |
Emesis | Vomit |
Empathy | Ability to identify, experience the feelings and thoughts of another person |
Endocrine System | System of glands, which secrete hormones into the blood |
Enema | Insertion of fluid into the rectum and colon |
Enriched | Vitamins added to product |
Environment | Physical and social surroundings |
Epidermis | Outer layer of skin |
Epiglottis | Cartilage which covers the opening of the trachea when foods and fluids are swallowed |
Equilibrium | A state of rest or balance |
Erythema | Redness of the skin |
Eshar | Scab |
Ethnic Orgin | Referring to a cultural group as race |
Evaporation | Give off moisture |
Excretion | Eliminating or expelling from the body such as waste or harmful material |
Exocrine System | System of glands which secrete hormones into a body cavity or directly outside the body |
Expectorate | To spit |
Extension | Straighten arm or leg |
Extinguish | To eliminate behavior |
Fallopian Tubes | Tiny tubes connecting the ovaries with the uterus |
Fast | Period of time without eating |
Fat soluble | Dissolves in fat rather than water |
Feces | Solid or semi solid body waste material resulting from a bowel movement |
Flexion | Bending a joint |
Fluctuation | Continual change from one condition or position to another |
Follicle | Tube holding hair root |
Fortified | Vitamins and minerals added |
Gait Belt | A belt placed around a patients waist to assist in transfer |
Gastric Juice | Digestive fluid secreted by the stomache |
Gauze | Thin mesh like cloth |
Genetic | Inherited |
Geography | A particular place on the earth |
Glaucoma | Increased pressure in eye |
Glucose | Simple sugar to which food is converted |
Glycerine | A fluid that allows the mouth to remain soft and moist |
Goal | Outcome expected for residents plan of care |
Gravity | Attraction the earth has to an object |
Gregarious | Outgoing, talkative |
Hanukkah | Jewish holiday |
Heimlich Maneuver | Application of abdominal thrusts to clear airway from obstruction |
Hemiplegia | Paralysis on one side of the body |
Hemoglobin | Red substance in blood |
Heredity | Traits with which we were born |
Hoarding | Act of gathering, saving a supply in a guarded or hidden place |
Homeostasis | Body's attempt to keep its internal environment stable and in balance |
Hormones | Fluid which starts a set of reaction within the body |
Hypertention | High blood pressure |
Hypotention | Low blood pressure |
Imminent | Likely to happen soon |
Immobile | Unable to move |
Immune | Protected against infected |
Immune system | System of the body which protects the invasion of certain diseases |
Incontinence | Inability to control bladder and or bowels |
Indwelling catheter | Catheter inserted into the bladder which connects to drainage tubing and urinary drainage bag |
Infection | Invasion of the body by disease producing organisms |
Inflamed | Red, swollen |
Inflammation | Tissue reaction to disease or injury displayed by redness, heat, swelling, and pain |
Inhibiting | Preventing, limiting |
Initiate | Start |
Insulin | Hormone secreted from pancreas |
Integumentary System | System which includes hair, nails, sweat glands, and oil glands. |
Interaction | Conversation, communication relating to others |
Kidneys | Two bean shaped organs which filter the blood |
Kilogram | Metric measurement of weight 1 kg = 1000 grams |
Kosher | Jewish dietary laws |
Labia | Folds of skin surrounding the female genital area |
Larnyx | Voice Box |
Learned Helplessness | Belief that one has no effect on what happens to him/her |
Legal | According to the laws of the community, state, or nation |
Libel | False, damaging written statement |
Linear | Following in order along a line |
Long-Term Health Care Facility | Facility providing nursing care serving as a hospital and residence home over a long period of time |
Lubricate | To oil or greese |
Lungs | Two spongy, cone shaped organs in the chest cavity |
Lymph Nodes | Small glands which filter body fluid |
Lymph Vessels | Structures which collect body fluid |
Malpractice | Failure to a professional person to render proper services through neglect or intent |
Manipulative | To manage or influence others behaivors |
Masterbation | Sexual self stimulation |
Metabolism | Process by which energy is made available for use by the body. Breakdown of food and oxygen in the cells |
Microorganizims | Tiny living object only seen with microscope |
Mobility | Being able to exercise movement |
Motivate | Give reason for doing something |
Mucus | Secretion from the mucus membrane |
Multiple Sclerosis | Chronic degenerative disease of the nervous system resulting in decreased ability to move |
Myth | A popular belief which may not be true |
Nasogastric Tube | Tube inserted through the nose into the stomach |
Negligence | Failure to preform ones duty through omission or carelessness |
Nephritis | Infection of the kidneys |
Nephrons | Microscopic filtering unit in kidneys |
Neurons | Specialized cells of the nervous system |
Nueter | Having no sexual characteristics |
Nursing Approch | Health care plan, guidelines and instructions that meet the individuals needs and nursing plan of care |
Nursing Assistant | Member of health care team who provides care to the resident, meeting his/her physical and psycho social needs |
Nurturing | Caring for others |
Nutrients | Substance which sustain life |
Nutrition | Science of foods and their actions upon health |