Term | Definition |
tuning fork | a device used to check hearing |
otoscope | a device used to examine the ears |
opthalmoscope | a device used to examine the eyes |
stethoscope | a device used to listen to the heart |
sphygmomanometer | a devise used to take blood pressure |
ID band | a plastic bracelet used on every admission |
consultation report | a specialist dictates his findings |
hospital number | a unique number assigned to each client |
stores | all equipment and supplies, other than those that must be sterilized, are obtained here |
MAR | any medication given to a client must be recorded and signed for |
business office | billing provincial or territorial plans |
acute care | care for a client with an illness expected to run a short course |
palliative care | care for a person with a terminal illness |
chronic care | care for someone with a chronic illness |
admission sheet/face sheet | chart beings with this |
dictation room | confidential room for doctors to dictate |
cross coverage | covering two units |
maintenance/ environmental engineering | ensures that equipment is safe and operational |
shift report | essential client information passed on to the next shift of nurses |
admission interview/assessment form | gathers a basic health history |
pneumatic tube | interconnecting tunnels that connect all units |
paging systems | internal communication systems |
nurses notes | kept mostly by nurses |
critically ill | medical crisis |
dumbwaiter | mini-elevator for small objects |
dr's order sheets | must be dated and signed each time a new order is given |
risk management/infection control | oversees infection control policies and procedures within the facility |
progress notes | physician's assessment of the clients response to treatment |
hospital card | plastic card imprinted with essential client information |
hospital stickers/ID labels | preprinted with essential client information |
signature sheet | provides a method of tracking initials |
nutritional services | provides all clients meals |
medical records/ health info services | responsible for all charts generated within the hospital |
pharmacy | responsible for all medication used in the hospital |
information services | responsible for communication systems within the hospital |
public relations | responsible for community liaison |
employee health services | responsible for employees' work related medical needs |
human resources/ employee services | responsible for recruiting and interviewing new employees |
materials management dept | responsible for sterilizing and distributing sterile equpiment |
laundry | responsible for supplying client care units with clean laundry |
purchasing dept | responsible for taking inventory |
environmental services | responsible for the cleanliness of the facility |
critical value | result that deviates from normal and causes concern |
waiting room | room for friends and relatives to visit |
client/patient teaching room | room used for teaching outpatients |
clean utility room | stores frequently used supplies |
medication room | stores medications and IV drug solutions |
housekeeping supply room | stores pails, mops, other cleaning supplies |
dirty utility room | stores used equpiment and supplies |
storage room | stores wheelchairs, IV poles, gurneys, etc |
conference room | team conferences, meetings, client interviews |
scope of practice | the boundaries of a persons responsibilities |
nurse's station | the head office |
clinical secretary/ ward clerk | "the hub of the wheel" |
volunteer services | unpaid workers who visit patients |
treatment room | used to perform examinations and minor procedures |
admitting/client registration | usually the first point of contact; tracks all admissions and discharges; tracks all admissions and discharges; takes a daily census |
graphic record | vital signs |