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593 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Afebrile
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absence of a fever
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Apical pulse
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a central pulse located at the apex of the heart
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Apical-radial pulse
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measurement of the apical beat and the radial pulse at the same time
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Apnea
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a complete absence of respirations
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Arrhythmia
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a pulse with an abnormal rhythm
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Arterial blood pressure
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the measure of the pressure exerted by the blood as it pulsates through the arteries
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Arteriosclerosis
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a condition in which the elastic and muscular tissues of the arteries are replaced with fibrous tissue
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Auscultatory gap
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the temporary disappearance of sounds normally heard over the brachial artery when the sphygmomanometer cuff pressure is high and the sounds reappear at a lower level
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Basal metabolic rate
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(BMR) the rate of energy utilization in the body required to maintain essential activities such as breathing
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Body temperature
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the balance between the heat produced by the body and the heat lost from the body
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Bradycardia
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abnormally slow pulse rate, less than 60 per minute
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Bradypnea
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abnormally slow respiratory rate, usually less than 10 respirations per minute
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Cardinal signs
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see Vital signs
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Chemical thermogenesis
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the stimulation of heat production in the body through increased cellular metabolism caused by increases in thyroxine output
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Conduction
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the transfer of heat from one molecule to another in direct contact
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Constant fever
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a state in which the body temperature fluctuates minimally but always remains above normal
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Convection
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the dispersion of heat by air currents
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Core temperature
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the temperature of the deep tissues of the body (e.g., thorax, abdominal cavity); relatively constant at 37°C (98.6°F)
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Costal (thoracic) breathing
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use of the external intercostal muscles and other accessory muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscles
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Diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing
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contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm, observed by the movement of the abdomen, which occurs as a result of the diaphragm's contraction and downward movement
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Diastolic pressure
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the pressure of the blood against the arterial walls when the ventricles of the heart are at rest
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Dysrhythmia
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a pulse with an irregular rhythm
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Elasticity of the arterial wall
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pliability or expansibility of the vessels
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Eupnea
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normal, quiet breathing
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Exhalation
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(expiration) the movement of gases from the lungs to the atmosphere
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Expiration
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(Exhalation) the movement of gases from the lungs to the atmosphere
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External respiration
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the interchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli of the lungs and the pulmonary blood
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Febrile
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pertaining to a fever; feverish
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Fever
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elevated body temperature
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Fever spike
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a temperature that rises to fever level rapidly following a normal temperature and then returns to normal within a few hours
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Heat balance
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the state a person is in when the amount of heat produced by the body exactly equals the amount of heat lost
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Hematocrit
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the proportion of red blood cells (erythrocytes) to the total blood volume
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Hyperpyrexia
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see Hyperthermia
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Hypertension
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an abnormally high blood pressure; over 140 mm Hg systolic and/or 90 mm Hg diastolic
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Hyperthermia
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an extremely high body temperature (e.g., 41 degrees C [105.8 degrees F])
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Hyperventilation
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very deep, rapid respirations
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Hypotension
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an abnormally low blood pressure; less than 100 mm Hg systolic in an adult
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Hypothalamic integrator
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the center in the brain that controls the core temperature; located in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus
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Hypoventilation
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very shallow respirations
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Inhalation
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the act of breathing in; the intake of air or other substances into the lungs
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Insensible water loss
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continuous and unnoticed water loss
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Inspiration
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(Inhalation) the act of breathing in; the intake of air or other substances into the lungs
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Intermittent fever
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a body temperature that alternates at regular intervals between periods of fever and periods of normal or subnormal temperatures
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Internal respiration
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the interchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the circulating blood and the cells of the body tissues
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Korotkoff's sounds
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a series of five sounds produced by blood within the artery with each ventricular contraction
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Meniscus
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the crescent-shaped upper surface of a column of fluid
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Orthostatic hypotension
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decrease in blood pressure related to positional or postural changes from lying to sitting or standing positions
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Peripheral pulse
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a pulse located in the periphery of the body (eg, foot, wrist)
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Point of maximal impulse
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(PMI) the point where the apex of the heart touches the anterior chest wall
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Polypnea
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abnormally fast respirations
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Pulse
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the wave of blood within an artery that is created by contraction of the left ventricle of the heart
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Pulse deficit
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the difference between the apical pulse and the radial pulse
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Pulse oximeter
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a noninvasive device that measures the arterial blood oxygen saturation by means of a sensor attached to the finger
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Pulse pressure
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the difference between the systolic and the diastolic blood pressure
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Pulse rhythm
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the pattern of the beats and intervals between the beats
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Pulse volume
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the strength or amplitude of the pulse, the force of blood exerted with each heart beat
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Pyrexia
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a body temperature above the normal range, fever
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Radiation
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the transfer of heat from the surface of one object to the surface of another without contact between the two objects
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Relapsing fever
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the occurrence short febrile periods of a few days interspersed with periods of 1 or 2 days of normal temperature
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Remittent fever
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the occurrence of a wide range of temperature fluctuations (more than 2 degrees C [3.6 degrees F]) over the 24-hour period, all of which are above normal
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Respiration
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the act of breathing; transport of oxygen from the atmosphere to the body cells and transport of carbon dioxide from the cells to the atmosphere
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Respiratory character
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(Respiratory quality)
refers to those aspects of breathing that are different from normal, effortless breathing, includes the amount of effort exerted to breathe and the sounds produced by breathing |
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Respiratory quality
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refers to those aspects of breathing that are different from normal, effortless breathing, includes the amount of effort exerted to breathe and the sounds produced by breathing
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Respiratory rhythm
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refers to the regularity of the expirations and the inspirations
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Surface temperature
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the temperature of the skin, the subcutaneous
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Systolic pressure
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the pressure of the blood against the arterial walls when the ventricles of the heart contract
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Tachycardia
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an abnormally rapid pulse rate, greater than 100 beats per minute
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Tachypnea
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abnormally fast respirations, usually more than 24 respirations per minute
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Tidal volume
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the volume of air that is normally inhaled and exhaled
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Vaporization
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continuous evaporation of moisture from the respiratory tract and from the mucosa of the mouth and from the skin
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Ventilation
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the movement of air in and out of the lungs; the process of inhalation and exhalation
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Viscous
|
thick, sticky
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Vital signs
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measurements of physiological functioning, specifically body temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure; may include pain and pulse oximetry
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Auditory
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related to or experienced through hearing
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Awareness
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the ability to perceive environmental stimuli and body reactions and to respond appropriately through thought and action
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Cultural care deprivation
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lack of culturally assistive, supportive, or facilitative acts
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Cultural deprivation
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(Cultural care deprivation) lack of culturally assistive, supportive, or facilitative acts
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Culture care
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professional health care that is culturally sensitive, culturally appropriate, and culturally competent and is essential for the new millennium
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Gustatory
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referring to the sense of taste
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Kinesthetic
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refers to awareness of the position and movement of body parts olfactory
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Sensoristasis
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the need for sensory stimulation
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Sensory deficit
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partial or complete impairment of any sensory organ
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Sensory deprivation
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insufficient sensory stimulation for a person to function
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Sensory overload
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an overabundance of sensory stimulation
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Sensory perception
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the organization and translation of stimuli into meaningful information
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Sensory reception
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process of receiving environmental stimuli
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Tactile
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related to touch
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Visceral
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referring to viscera
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Visual
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related to sight
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Actual loss
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can be identified by others and can arise either in response to or in anticipation of a situation
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Advance health care directive
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a variety of legal and lay documents that allow persons to specify aspects of care they wish to receive should they become unable to make or communicate their preferences
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Algor mortis
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the gradual decrease of the body's temperature after death
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Anticipatory grief
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grief experienced in advance of the event
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Anticipatory loss
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the experience of loss before the loss actually occurs
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Autopsy
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an examination of the body after death to determine the cause of death and to learn more about a disease process
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Bereavement
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a subjective response of a person who has experienced the loss of a significant other through death
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Cardiac arrest
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the cessation of heart function
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Cerebral death
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the higher brain center or cerebral cortex is irreversibly destroyed
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Closed awareness
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a type of awareness in which the client is unaware of impending death
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Coroner
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a public official, not necessarily a physician, appointed or elected to inquire into the causes of death
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Do-not-resuscitate order (DNR)
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a physician's order that specifies no effort be made to resuscitate the client with terminal or irreversible illness in the event of a respiratory or cardiac arrest.
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Dysfunctional grief
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the state in which an individual or group experiences prolonged, unresolved grief and engages in detrimental activities
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End-of-life care
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care provided in the final weeks before death
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Euthanasia
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the act of painlessly putting to death persons suffering from incurable or distressing disease
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Grief
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emotional suffering often caused by bereavement
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Health care proxy
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a legal statement that appoints a proxy to make medical decisions for the client in the event the client is unable to do so
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Heart-lung death
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the traditional clinical signs of death: cessation of the apical pulse, respirations, and blood pressure
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Higher brain death
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(Cerebral death) the higher brain center or cerebral cortex is irreversibly destroyed
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Hospice
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the delivery of care for terminally ill clients either in health care facilities or in the client's home
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Living will
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a document that states medical treatments(s) the client chooses to omit or refuse in the event that the client is unable to make these decisions
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Livor mortis
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discoloration of the skin caused by break down of the red blood cells; occurs after blood circulation has ceased; appears in the dependent areas of the body
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Loss
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an actual or potential situation in which a valued ability, object, or person is inaccessible or changed so that it is perceived as no longer valuable
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Medical examiner
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a physician who usually has advanced education in pathology or forensic medicine who determines causes of death
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Mortician
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a person trained in the care of the dead; also called an undertaker
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Mourning
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the process through which grief is eventually resolved or altered
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Mutual pretense
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a type of awareness in which the client, family, and health personnel know that the prognosis is terminal but do not talk about it and make an effort not to raise the subject
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Open awareness
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a type of awareness in which the client and people around know about the impending death
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Palliative care
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symptom care of clients for whom disease no longer responds to cure-focused treatment
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Perceived loss
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the loss experienced by a person that cannot be verified by others
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Postmortem examination
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(Autopsy) an examination of the body after death to determine the cause of death and to learn more about a disease process
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Rigor mortis
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the stiffening of the body that occurs after death
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Shroud
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a large piece of plastic or cotton material used to enclose a body after death
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Undertaker
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a person trained in the care of the dead; also called a Mortician
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Aerobic
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requiring oxygen
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Anaerobic
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involves activity in which the muscles cannot draw out enough oxygen from the blood stream; used in endurance training
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Approximated
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closed tissue surfaces
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Bandage
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a strip of cloth used to wrap some part of the body
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Binder
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a type of bandage applied to large body areas (abdomen or chest) or for a specific body part (arm sling); used to provide support
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Collagen
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a protein found in connective tissue; a whitish protein substance that adds tensile strength to a wound
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Compress
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a moist gauze dressing applied frequently to an open wound, sometimes medicated
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Debridement
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removal of infected and necrotic tissue
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Decubitus ulcers
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any lesion caused by unrelieved pressure that results in damage to underlying tissue; formerly called decubitus ulcers, bed sores, pressure sores; also called Pressure ulcers
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Dehiscence
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the partial or total rupturing of a sutured wound; usually involves an abdominal wound in which the layers below the skin also separate
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Eschar
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thick necrotic tissue produced by burning, by a corrosive application, or by death of tissue associated with loss of vascular supply, bacterial invasion, and putrefaction
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Evisceration
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extrusion of the internal organs
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Excoriation
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loss of the superficial layers of the skin
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Fibrin
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an insoluble protein formed from fibrinogen during the clotting of blood
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Friction
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rubbing; the force that opposes motion
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Hematoma
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a collection of blood in a tissue, organ, or space due to a break in the wall of a blood vessel
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Hemorrhage
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excessive loss of blood from the vascular system
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Hemorrhagic exudate
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an exudate containing large amounts of red blood cells; also sanguineous exudate
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Hemostasis
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cessation of bleeding
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Immobility
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prescribed or unavoidable restriction of movement in any area of a person's life
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Irrigation (lavage)
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the washing out or flushing of a body cavity, organ, or wound with by a stream of water or other fluid which may or may not be medicated
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Ischemia
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deficiency of blood supply caused by obstruction of circulation to the body part
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Keloid
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a hypertrophic scar containing an abnormal amount of collagen
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Maceration
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the wasting away or softening of a solid as if by the action of soaking; often used to describe degenerative changes and eventual disintegration
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Manometer
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an instrument used to measure the pressure of fluids or gases
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Packing
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filling an open wound or cavity with a material such as gauze
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Phagocytosis
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the process by which cells engulf microorganisms, other cells, or foreign particles
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Pressure
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a compressing downward force on a body area
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Pressure ulcers
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any lesion caused by unrelieved pressure that results in damage to underlying tissue; formerly called decubitus ulcers, bed sores, pressure sores
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Primary intention healing
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tissue surfaces are approximated (closed) and there is minimal or no tissue loss, formation of minimal granulation tissue and scarring
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Purulent exudates
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an exudate consisting of leukocytes, liquefied dead tissue debris, and dead and living bacteria
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Pus
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a thick liquid associated with inflammation and composed of cells, liquid, microorganisms, and tissue debris
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Pyogenic bacteria
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bacteria that produce pus
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Reactive hyperemia
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a bright red flush on the skin occurring after pressure is relieved
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Regeneration
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renewal, regrowth, the replacement of destroyed tissue cells by cells that are identical or similar in structure and function
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Sanguineous exudate
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an exudate containing large amounts of red blood cells
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Secondary intention healing
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wound in which the tissue surfaces are not approximated and there is extensive tissue loss; formation of excessive granulation tissue and scarring
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Serous exudate
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inflammatory material composed of serum (clear portion of blood) derived from the blood and serous membranes of the body such as the peritoneum, pleura, pericardium, and meninges; watery in appearance and has few cells
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Shearing force
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a combination of friction and pressure which when applied to the skin results in damage to the blood vessels and tissues
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Sitz bath
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referred to as a hip bath, is used to soak a client's pelvic area
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Suppuration
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the formation of pus
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Vasoconstriction
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a decrease in the caliber (lumen) of blood vessels
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Vasodilation
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an increase in the caliber (lumen) of blood vessels
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Assessing
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the process of collecting, organizing, validating, and recording data (information) about a client's health status
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Cephalocaudal
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proceeding in the direction from head to toe
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Closed questions
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restrictive question requiring only a short answer
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Covert data (symptoms, subjective data)
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information (data) apparent only to the person affected that can be described or verified only by that person
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Cues
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any piece of information or data that influences decisions
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Data
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information
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Directive interview
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a highly structured interview that uses closed questions to elicit specific information
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Inferences
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interpretations or conclusions made based on cues or observed data
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Interview
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a planned communication; a conversation with a purpose
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Leading question
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a question that influences the client to give a particular answer
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Neutral question
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a question that does not direct or pressure a client to answer in a certain way
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Nondirective interview
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an interview using open-ended questions and empathetic responses to build rapport and learn client concerns
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Objective data
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information (data) that is detectable by an observer or can be tested against an accepted standard; can be seen, heard, felt, or smelled; also called overt data
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Open-ended questions
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questions that specify only the broad topic to be discussed and invite clients to discover and explore their thoughts and feelings about the topic
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Overt data
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information (data) that is detectable by an observer or can be tested against an accepted standard; can be seen, heard, felt, or smelled; also called Objective data
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Rapport
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a relationship between two or more people of mutual trust and understanding
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Review of systems
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a brief review of essential functioning of various body parts or systems; also called Screening examination
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Screening examination (review of systems)
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a brief review of essential functioning of various body parts or systems
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Signs
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Overt data or objective data. information (data) that is detectable by an observer or can be tested against an accepted standard; can be seen, heard, felt, or smelled
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Subjective data
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data that are apparent only to the person affected; can be described or verified only by that person
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Symptoms
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information (data) apparent only to the person affected that can be described or verified by only that person. systems/subjective data/covert data
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Validation
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the determination that the diagnosis accurately reflects the problem of the client, that the methods used for data gathering were appropriate, and that the conclusion or diagnosis is justified by the data
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Adventitious breath sounds
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abnormal or acquired breath sounds
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Alopecia
|
the loss of scalp hair (baldness) or body hair
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Angle of Louis
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the junction between the body of the sternum and the manubrium; the starting point for locating the ribs anteriorly
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Antihelix
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the anterior curve of the auricle's upper aspect
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Aphasia
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any defects in or loss of the power to express oneself by speech, writing, or signs, or to comprehend spoken or written language due to disease or injury of the cerebral cortex
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Astigmatism
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an uneven curvature of the cornea that prevents horizontal and vertical rays from focusing on the retina
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Auricle
|
flap of the ear
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Auscultation
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the process of listening to sounds produced within the body
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Blanch test
|
a test during which the client's fingernail is temporarily pinched to assess capillary refill and peripheral circulation
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Bruit
|
a blowing or swishing sound created by turbulence of blood flow
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Caries
|
tooth cavities
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Cerumen
|
the wax-like substance secreted by glands in the external ear canal
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Clubbing
|
elevation of the proximal aspect of the nail and softening of the nail bed
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Cochlea
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a seashell-shaped structure found in the inner ear; essential for sound transmission and hearing
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Conduction hearing loss
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the result of interrupted transmission of sound waves through the outer and middle ear structures
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Conjunctivitis
|
inflammation of the bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva
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Cyanosis
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bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by reduced oxygen in the blood
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Dacryocystitis
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inflammation of the lacrimal sac
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Diastole
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the period during which the ventricles relax
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Dullness
|
a thudlike sound produced during percussion by dense tissue of body organs such as the liver, spleen, or heart
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Duration
|
the length of time that a sound is heard
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Edema
|
the presence of excess interstitial fluid in the body
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Erythema
|
a redness associated with a variety of skin rashes
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Eustachian tube
|
the part of the middle ear that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx; stabilizes air pressure between the external atmosphere and the middle ear
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Exophthalmus
|
a protrusion of the eyeballs with elevation of the upper eyelids, resulting in a startled or staring expression
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External auditory meatus
|
the entrance to the ear canal
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Extinction
|
the failure to perceive touch on one side of the body when two symmetric areas of the body are touched simultaneously
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Fasciculation
|
an abnormal contraction or shortening of a bundle of muscle fibers
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Flatness
|
an extremely dull sound produced, during percussion, by very dense tissue, such as muscle or bone
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Gingivitis
|
red, swollen gingia (gums)
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Glaucoma
|
a disturbance in the circulation of aqueous fluid; causes an increase in intraocular pressure
|
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Glossitis
|
inflammation of the tongue
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Goniometer
|
a device used to measure the angle of a joint in degrees
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Helix
|
the posterior curve of the auricle's upper aspect
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Hernia
|
a protrusion (such as of the intestine through the inguinal wall or canal)
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Hordeolum (sty)
|
a redness, swelling, and tenderness of the hair follicle and glands that empty at the edge of the eyelids
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Hyperopia
|
abnormal refraction in which light rays focus behind the retina, farsightedness
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Hyperresonance
|
an abnormal booming sound produced during percussion of the lungs
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Incus
|
the anvil bone of the middle ear
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Inspection
|
the visual examination i.e. assessing by using the sense of sight
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Intensity
|
the loudness or softness of a sound, amplitude
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Intention tremor
|
involuntary trembling when an individual attempts a voluntary movement
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Jaundice
|
a yellowish color of the sclera, mucous membranes, and/or skin
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Lift
|
an abnormal anterior movement of the chest related to enlargement of the right ventricle
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Lobule
|
earlobe
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Malleus
|
hammer bone of the middle ear
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Manubrium
|
the handlelike superior part of the sternum that joins with the clavicles
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Mastoid
|
a bony prominence behind the ear
|
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Miosis
|
constricted pupils
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Mixed hearing loss
|
a combination of conduction and sensorineural loss
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Mydriasis
|
enlarged pupils
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Myopia
|
abnormal refraction in which light rays focus in front of the retina
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Normocephalic
|
normal head size
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One-point discrimination
|
the ability to sense whether one or two areas of the skin are being stimulated by pressure
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Ossicles
|
the three middle ear bones of sound transmission
|
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Otoscope
|
an instrument used to examine the ears
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Pallor
|
the absence of underlying red tones in the skin and may be most readily seen in the buccal mucosa
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Palpation
|
the examination of the body using the sense of touch
|
|
Parotitis
|
inflammation of the parotid salivary gland
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Percussion
|
the forceful striking of the chest with cupped hands to loosen secretions in the lungs; a method in which the body surface is struck to elicit sounds that can be heard or vibrations that can be felt
|
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Perfusion
|
passage of blood constituents through the vessels of the circulatory system
|
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Periodontal disease
|
disorder of the supporting structures of the teeth
|
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Pinna
|
Flap of the ear; Auricle
|
|
Pitch
|
the frequency or number of the vibrations heard during auscultation
|
|
Plaque
|
an invisible soft film consisting of bacteria, molecules of saliva, and remnants of epithelial cells and leukocytes that adheres to the enamel surface of teeth
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Pleximeter
|
in percussion, the middle finger of the dominant hand placed firmly on the client's skin
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Plexor
|
in percussion, the middle finger of the non-dominant hand or a percussion hammer used to strike the pleximeter
|
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Precordium
|
an area of the chest overlying the heart
|
|
Presbyopia
|
loss of elasticity of the lens and thus loss of ability to see close objects as a result of the aging process
|
|
Proprioceptors
|
sensory receptors that are sensitive to movement and the position of the body
|
|
Pyorrhea
|
purulent periodontal disease
|
|
Quality
|
a subjective description of a sound (e.g., whistling, gurgling)
|
|
Reflex
|
an automatic response of the body to a stimulus
|
|
Resonance
|
a low-pitched, hollow sound produced over normal lung tissue when the chest is percussed
|
|
Resting tremor
|
a tremor that is apparent when the client is at rest and diminishes with activity
|
|
S1
|
the first heart sound which occurs when the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid) close
|
|
S2
|
the second heart sound which occurs when the semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonic) close
|
|
Semicircular canals
|
in the inner ear; contain the organs of equilibrium
|
|
Sensorineural hearing loss
|
the result of damage to the inner ear, the auditory nerve, or the hearing center in the brain
|
|
Sordes
|
accumulation of foul matter (food, microorganisms and epithelial elements) on the teeth and gums
|
|
Stapes
|
stirrups bone of the middle ear
|
|
Sternum
|
the breastbone
|
|
Systole
|
the period during which the ventricles contract
|
|
Tartar
|
a visible, hard deposit of plaque and dead bacteria that forms at the gum lines
|
|
Thrill
|
a vibrating sensation over a blood vessel which indicates turbulent blood flow
|
|
Tragus
|
the cartilaginous protrusion at the entrance to the ear canal
|
|
Tremor
|
an involuntary trembling of a limb or body part
|
|
Triangular fossa
|
a depression of the antihelix
|
|
Two-point discrimination
|
the ability to sense whether one or two areas of the skin are being stimulated by pressure.
|
|
Tympanic membrane
|
the eardrum
|
|
Tympany
|
a musical or drumlike sound produced during percussion over an air filled stomach and abdomen
|
|
Vestibule
|
contains the organs of equilibrium; found in the inner ear
|
|
Visual acuity
|
the degree of detail the eye can discern in an image
|
|
Visual fields
|
the area an individual can see when looking straight ahead
|
|
Vitiligo
|
patches of hypopigmented skin, caused by the destruction of melanocytes in the area
|
|
Acquired immunity
|
a resistance of the body to infection in which the host receives natural or artificial antobodies produced by another source. Passive immunity
|
|
Active immunity
|
a resistance of the body to infection in which the host produces its own antibodies in response to natural or artificial antigens
|
|
Acute infection
|
those that generally appear suddenly or last a short time
|
|
Airborne precautions
|
methods used to reduce exposure to infectious agents transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei smaller than 5 microns
|
|
Airborne transmission
|
infectious agent transmitted by droplets or dust
|
|
Antibodies
|
immunoglobulins, part of the body's plasma proteins, defend primarily against the extracellular phases of bacterial and viral infections
|
|
Antigen
|
a substance capable of inducing the formation of antibodies
|
|
Antiseptics
|
agents that inhibit the growth of some microorganisms
|
|
Asepsis
|
freedom from infection or infectious material
|
|
Autoantigen
|
an antigen that originates in a person's own body
|
|
Bacteremia
|
bacteria in the blood
|
|
Bacteria
|
the most common infection-causing microorganisms
|
|
Bacteriocins
|
substances produced by some normal flora (e.g., enterobacteria), that can be lethal to related strains of bacteria
|
|
Bloodborne pathogens
|
those microorganisms carried in blood and body fluids that are capable of infecting other persons with serious and difficult to treat viral infections, namely hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and HIV
|
|
Body substance isolation
|
(BSI) generic infection control precautions for all clients except those with diseases transmitted through the air
|
|
Carrier
|
a person or animal that harbors a specific infectious agent and serves as a potential source of infection, yet does not manifest any clinical signs of disease
|
|
Cell-mediated defenses
|
also known as cell-mediated defenses, occur through the T-cell system. Cellular immunity
|
|
Cellular immunity
|
also known as cell-mediated defenses, occur through the T-cell system
|
|
Chemotaxis
|
the action by which leukocytes are attracted to injured cells
|
|
Chronic infection
|
infection that occurs slowly, over a very long period, and may last months or years
|
|
Cicatrix
|
scar
|
|
Circulating immunity
|
antibody-mediated defense; resides ultimately in the B lymphocytes and is mediated by the antibodies produced by B Cells. Humoral immunity
|
|
Clean
|
free of potentially infectious agents
|
|
Colonization
|
the presence of organisms in body secretions or excretions in which strains of bacteria become resident flora but do not cause illness
|
|
Communicable disease
|
a disease that can spread from one person to another
|
|
Compromised host
|
any person at increased risk for an infection
|
|
Contact precautions
|
methods used to reduce exposure to infectious agents easily transmitted by direct client contact or by contact with items in the client's environment
|
|
Cultures
|
laboratory cultivations of microorganisms in a special growth medium
|
|
Diapedesis
|
the movement of blood corpuscles through a blood vessel wall
|
|
Dirty
|
denotes the likely presence of microorganisms, some of which may be capable of causing infection
|
|
Disinfectants
|
agents that destroy pathogens other than spores
|
|
Droplet nuclei
|
residue of evaporated droplets that remains in the air for long periods of time
|
|
Droplet precautions
|
methods used to reduce exposure to infectious agents transmitted by particle droplets larger than 5 microns
|
|
Emigration
|
process in which leukocytes move through the blood vessel wall into the affected tissue spaces
|
|
Endogenous
|
developing from within
|
|
Exogenous
|
developing from without
|
|
Exudate
|
material, such as fluid and cells, that has escaped from blood vessels during the inflammatory process and is deposited in tissue or on tissue surfaces
|
|
Fibrinogen
|
a plasma protein that is converted to fibrin when it is released into the tissues and, together with thromboplastin and platelets, forms an interlacing network making a barrier to wall off an area
|
|
Fibrous (scar) tissue
|
connective tissue repair of wounds with tissue that can proliferate under conditions of ischemia and altered pH
|
|
Fungi
|
infection-causing microorganisms that include yeasts and molds
|
|
Granulation tissue
|
young connective tissue with new capillaries formed in the wound healing process
|
|
Humoral immunity
|
antibody-mediated defense; resides ultimately in the B lymphocytes and is mediated by the antibodies produced by B cells
|
|
Hyperemia
|
increased blood flow to an area
|
|
Iatrogenic infection
|
infections that are the direct result of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures
|
|
Immune defenses
|
Immune functions directed against identifiable bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other infectious agents. Specific defenses
|
|
Immunity
|
a specific resistance of the body to infection; it may be natural, or resistance developed after exposure to a disease agent
|
|
Immunoglobulins
|
Immunoglobulins, part of the body's plasma proteins, defend primarily against the extracellular phases of bacterial and viral infections. Antibodies
|
|
Infection
|
the disease process produced by microorganisms
|
|
Inflammation
|
local and nonspecific defensive tissue response to injury or destruction of cells
|
|
Isolation
|
practices that prevent the spread of infection and communicable disease
|
|
Leukocytes
|
white blood cells
|
|
Leukocytosis
|
an increase in the number of white blood cells
|
|
Local infection
|
an infection that is limited to the specific part of the body where the microorganisms remain
|
|
Macrophages
|
large phagocytes
|
|
Margination
|
the aggregating or lining up of substances along a surface or edge (eg, the lining up of white blood cells against the wall of a blood vessel during the inflammatory process)
|
|
Medical asepsis
|
all practices intended to confine a specific microorganism to a specific area, limiting the number, growth, and spread of microorganisms
|
|
Nonspecific defenses
|
bodily defenses that protect a person against all microorganisms, regardless of prior exposure
|
|
Nosocomial infections
|
infections associated with the delivery of health care services in a health care facility
|
|
Occupational exposure
|
skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties
|
|
Opportunistic pathogen
|
a microorganism causing disease only in a susceptible individual
|
|
Parasites
|
microorganisms that live in or on another from which it obtains nourishment
|
|
Passive immunity
|
a resistance of the body to infection in which the host receives natural or artificial antibodies produced by another source
|
|
Pathogenicity
|
the ability to produce disease; a pathogen is a microorganism that causes disease
|
|
Phagocytes
|
cells that ingest microorganisms, other cells, and foreign particles
|
|
Reservoir
|
a source of microorganisms
|
|
Resident flora
|
microorganisms that normally reside on the skin, mucous membranes, and inside the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts
|
|
Sepsis
|
the presence of pathogenic organisms or their toxins in the blood or body tissues
|
|
Septicemia
|
occurs when bacteremia results in systemic infection
|
|
Specific (immune) defenses
|
immune functions directed against identifiable bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other infectious agents
|
|
Sterile field
|
a specified area that is considered free from microorganisms
|
|
Sterile technique
|
practices that keep an area or object free of all microorganisms;
|
|
Sterilization
|
a process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores and viruses
|
|
Surgical asepsis
|
practices that keep an area or object free of all microorganisms; Sterile technique
|
|
Systemic infection
|
when pathogens spread and damage different parts of the body
|
|
Universal precautions (UP)
|
techniques to be used with all clients to decrease the risk of transmitting unidentified pathogens; currently, Standard Precautions incorporate UP and BSI
|
|
Vector-borne transmission
|
a vector is an animal or flying or crawling insect that serves as an intermediate means of transporting the infectious agent
|
|
Vehicle-borne transmission
|
a vehicle is any substance that serves as an intermediate means to transport and introduce an infectious agent into a susceptible host through a suitable portal of entry
|
|
Virulence
|
ability to produce disease
|
|
Viruses
|
nucleic acid-based infectious agents
|
|
Asphyxiation
|
lack of oxygen due to interrupted breathing
|
|
Burn
|
results from excessive exposure to thermal, chemical, electric, or radioactive agents
|
|
Carbon monoxide
|
an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is very toxic
|
|
Chemical restraints
|
medications used to control socially disruptive behavior
|
|
Electric shock
|
occurs when a current travels through the body to the ground rather than through electric wiring, or from static electricity that builds up on the body
|
|
Heimlich maneuver
|
subdiaphragmatic abdominal thrusts used to clear an obstructed airway
|
|
Physical restraints
|
any manual method or physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment attached to the client's body that restrict the client's movement
|
|
Restraints
|
protective devices used to limit physical activity of the client or a part of the client's body
|
|
Safety monitoring device
|
a position-sensitive switch that triggers an audio alarm when the client attempts to get out of the bed or chair
|
|
Scald
|
a burn from a hot liquid or vapor, such as steam
|
|
Seizure
|
a sudden onset of a convulsion or other paroxysmal motor or sensory activity
|
|
Seizure precautions
|
safety measures taken by the nurse to protect clients from injury should they have a seizure
|
|
Status epilepticus
|
continuous seizures
|
|
Active ROM exercises
|
isotonic exercises in which the client moves each joint in the body through its complete range, maximally stretching all muscle groups within each plane over the joint
|
|
Activity tolerance
|
the type and amount of exercise or daily activities an individual is able to perform
|
|
Activity-exercise pattern
|
refers to a person's pattern of exercise, activity, leisure, and recreation
|
|
Aerobic exercise
|
any activity during which the body takes in more or an equal amount of oxygen than it expends
|
|
Ambulation
|
the act of walking
|
|
Anabolism
|
a process in which simple substances are converted by the body cells into more complex substances (e.g., building tissue, positive nitrogen balance)
|
|
Anaerobic exercise
|
involves activity in which the muscles cannot draw out enough oxygen from the blood stream; used in endurance training
|
|
Ankylosed
|
permanently immobile joints
|
|
Anorexia
|
lack of appetite
|
|
Atrophy
|
wasting away; decrease in size of organ or tissue (e.g., muscle)
|
|
Base of support
|
the area on which an object rests
|
|
Bed rest
|
strict confinement to bed (complete bed rest), or the client may be allowed to use a bedside commode or have bathroom privileges
|
|
Calculi
|
renal stones
|
|
Catabolism
|
a process in which complex substances are broken down into simpler substances (e.g., breakdown of tissue)
|
|
Center of gravity
|
the point at which the mass (weight) of the body is centered
|
|
Contracture
|
permanent shortening of a muscle and subsequent shortening of tendons and ligaments
|
|
Crepitation
|
(1) a dry, crackling sound like that of crumpled cellophane, produced by air in the subcutaneous tissue or by air moving through fluid in the alveoli of the lungs; (2) a crackling, grating sound produced by bone rubbing against bone
|
|
Dorsal position
|
back-lying position without a pillow
|
|
Dorsal recumbent position
|
a back-lying position with the head and shoulders slightly elevated
|
|
Embolus
|
a blood clot (or a substance such as air) that has moved from its place of origin and is causing obstruction to circulation elsewhere (plural: emboli)
|
|
Exercise
|
a type of physical activity; a planned, structured, and repetitive bodily movement done to improve or maintain one or more components of physical fitness
|
|
Flaccid
|
weak or lax
|
|
Fowler's position
|
a bed sitting position with the head of the bed raised to 45 degrees
|
|
Gait
|
the way a person walks
|
|
High Fowler's position
|
a bed-sitting position in which the head of the bed is elevated 90 degrees
|
|
Hypertrophy
|
enlargement of a muscle or organ
|
|
Isokinetic (resistive) exercise
|
muscle contraction or tension against resistance
|
|
Isometric (static or setting) exercise
|
tensing of a muscle against an immovable outer resistance, which does not change muscle length or produce joint motion
|
|
Isotonic (dynamic) exercise
|
exercise in which muscle tension is constant and the muscle shortens to produce muscle contraction and active movement
|
|
Lateral position
|
a side-lying position
|
|
Line of gravity
|
an imaginary vertical line running through the center of gravity
|
|
Logrolling
|
a technique used to turn a client whose body must at all times be kept in straight alignment (like a log)
|
|
Lordosis
|
an exaggerated concavity in the lumbar region of the vertebral column
|
|
Low Fowler's position
|
a bed-sitting position in which the head of the bed is elevated between 15 and 45 degrees, with or without knee flexion
|
|
Mobility
|
ability to move about freely, easily, and purposefully in the environment
|
|
Orthopneic position
|
a sitting position to relieve respiratory difficulty in which the client leans over and is supported by an overbed table across the lap
|
|
Pace
|
number of steps taken per minute or the distance taken in one step when walking
|
|
Passive ROM exercises
|
another person moves each of the client's joints through its complete range of movement, maximally stretching all muscle groups within each plane over each joint
|
|
Physical activity
|
bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure and produces progressive health benefits
|
|
Prone position
|
face-lying position, with or without a small pillow
|
|
Range of motion (ROM)
|
the degree of movement possible for each joint
|
|
Semi-Fowler's position
|
partial Fowler's position.
a bed-sitting position in which the head of the bed is elevated to 30 degrees, with or without knee flexion |
|
Sims' position
|
side-lying position with lowermost arm behind the body and uppermost leg flexed
|
|
Spastic
|
describing the sudden, prolonged involuntary muscle contractions of clients with damage to the central nervous system
|
|
Supine position
|
a back-lying position without a pillow. Dorsal position.
|
|
Thrombus
|
a solid mass of blood constituents in the circulatory system; a clot (plural: thrombi)
|
|
Tripod (triangle) position
|
the proper standing position with crutches; crutches are placed about 15 cm (6 in) in front of the feet and out laterally about 15 cm (6 in), creating a wide base of support
|
|
Urinary incontinence
|
a temporary or permanent inability of the external sphincter muscles to control the flow of urine from the bladder
|
|
Urinary reflux
|
backward flow of urine
|
|
Urinary retention
|
the accumulation of urine in the bladder and inability of the bladder to empty itself
|
|
Urinary stasis
|
stagnation of urinary flow
|
|
Valsalva maneuver
|
forceful exhalation against a closed glottis, which increases intrathoracic pressure and thus interferes with venous blood return to the heart
|
|
Vital capacity
|
the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalationa
|
|
Bactericidal
|
bacteria-killing action
|
|
Callus
|
a thickened portion of the skin
|
|
Cleaning bath
|
a type of bath given chiefly for hygiene purposes
|
|
Corn
|
a conical, circular, painful, raised area on the toe or foot
|
|
Dandruff
|
a dry or greasy, scaly material shed from the scalp
|
|
Dental caries
|
tooth decay
|
|
Fissures
|
deep grooves, frequently occur between the toes as a result of dryness and cracking of the skin
|
|
Gingival
|
of or relating to the gums
|
|
Hirsutism
|
abnormal hairiness, particularly in women
|
|
Hygiene
|
the science of health and its maintenance
|
|
Ingrown toenail
|
the growing inward of the nail into the soft tissues around it, most often results from improper nail trimming
|
|
Pediculosis
|
infestation with head lice
|
|
Plantar warts
|
a wart on the side of the foot
|
|
Scabies
|
a contagious skin infestation caused by an arachnid, the itch mite
|
|
Sebum
|
the oily, lubricating secretion of glands in the skin called sebaceous glands
|
|
Sudoriferous glands
|
glands of the dermis that secrete sweat
|
|
Sweat glands
|
glands of the dermis that secrete sweat; Sudoriferous glands
|
|
Therapeutic baths
|
given for physical effects, such as to soothe irritated skin or to treat an area (e.g., the perineum)
|
|
Ticks
|
small gray-brown parasites that bite into tissue and suck blood and transmit several diseases to people, in particular Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and Tularemia.
|
|
Tinea pedis
|
athlete's foot (ringworm of the foot), which is caused by a fungus
|
|
24-hour food recall
|
client recalls all the food and beverages consumed during a typical 24-hour period
|
|
Anemia
|
a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells or hemoglobin
|
|
Anorexia nervosa
|
a disease characterized by a prolonged inability or refusal to eat, rapid weight loss, and emaciation in persons who continue to believe they are fat
|
|
Body mass index
|
(BMI) indicates whether weight is appropriate for height
|
|
Bottle mouth syndrome
|
describes the decay of the infant's teeth caused by constant contact with the sweet liquid in a bottle
|
|
Bulimia
|
an uncontrollable compulsion to eat large amounts of food and then expel it by self-induced vomiting or by taking laxatives
|
|
Caloric value
|
the amount of energy that nutrients or foods supply to the body
|
|
Calorie (c, cal, kcal)
|
a unit of heat energy equivalent to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water 1 C
|
|
Cholesterol
|
a lipid that does not contain fatty acid but possesses many of the chemical and physical properties of other lipids
|
|
Complete proteins
|
a protein that contains all of the essential amino acids as well as many nonessential ones
|
|
Demand feeding
|
child is fed when hungry
|
|
Diet history
|
a comprehensive assessment of a client's food intake that involves an extensive interview by a nutritionist or dietitian
|
|
Disaccharides
|
sugars that are composed of double molecules
|
|
Dysphagia
|
difficulty or inability to swallow
|
|
Enteral
|
through the gastrointestinal system
|
|
Enzymes
|
biologic catalysts that speed up chemical reactions
|
|
Essential amino acids
|
amino acids that cannot be manufactured in the body and must be supplied as part of the protein ingested in the diet
|
|
Fad
|
a widespread but short-lived interest, or a practice followed with considerable zeal
|
|
Fats
|
lipids that are solid at room temperature
|
|
Fat-soluble vitamins
|
A, D, E, and K vitamins that the body can store
|
|
Fatty acids
|
the basic structural units of most lipids made up of carbon chains and hydrogen
|
|
Food diary
|
a detailed record of measured amounts (portion sizes) of all food and fluids a client consumes during a specified period, usually 3 to 7 days
|
|
Food frequency record
|
a checklist that indicates how often general food groups or specific foods are eaten
|
|
Gastrostomy
|
an opening through the abdominal wall into the stomach
|
|
Glycerides
|
the most common form of lipids consisting of a glycerol molecule with up to three fatty acids
|
|
Glycogen
|
the chief carbohydrate stored in the body, particularly in the liver and muscles
|
|
Glycogenesis
|
the process of glycogen formation
|
|
Ideal body weight (IBW)
|
the optimal weight recommended for optimal health
|
|
Incomplete proteins
|
protein that lacks one or more essential amino acids; usually derived from vegetables
|
|
Iron deficiency anemia
|
a form of anemia caused by inadequate supply of iron for synthesis of hemoglobin
|
|
Jejunostomy
|
an opening through the abdominal wall into the jejunum
|
|
Kilocalorie (Kcal)
|
a unit of heat energy equivalent to the amount of of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water 1 degree Celsius. also called a Calorie.
|
|
Kilojoule (kJ)
|
a metric measurement referring to the amount of energy required when a force of one newton (N) moves one kilogram of weight one meter distance
|
|
Large calorie (Calorie, kilocalorie [Kcal])
|
a unit of heat energy equivalent to the amount of of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water 1 degree Celsius. also called a Calorie.
|
|
Lipids
|
organic substances that are greasy and insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol or ether
|
|
Lipoproteins
|
soluble compounds made up of various lipids
|
|
Macrominerals
|
any of the minerals that people require daily in amounts over 100 mg
|
|
Malnutrition
|
a disorder of nutrition; insufficient nourishment of the body cells
|
|
Microminerals
|
a vitamin or mineral
|
|
Mid-arm circumference (MAC)
|
a measure of fat, muscle, and skeleton
|
|
Mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC)
|
calculated by using reference tables or by using a formula that incorporates the triceps skinfold and the MAC
|
|
Minerals
|
a substance found in organic compounds, as inorganic compounds and as free ions
|
|
Monosaccharides
|
sugars that are composed of single molecules
|
|
Monounsaturated fatty acids
|
a fatty acid with one double bond
|
|
Nasoenteric tube
|
a tube inserted through one of the nostrils, down the nasopharynx, and into the alimentary tract
|
|
Nitrogen balance
|
a measure of the degree of protein anabolism and catabolism; net result of intake and loss of nitrogen
|
|
Nonessential amino acids
|
an amino acid that the body can manufacture
|
|
Nutrients
|
organic or inorganic substances found in food
|
|
Nutrition
|
the sum of all the interactions between an organism and the food it consumes
|
|
Nutritive value
|
the nutrient content of a specified amount of food
|
|
Obese
|
(obesity) weight greater than 20% of the ideal for height and frame
|
|
Oils
|
lipids that are liquid at room temperature
|
|
Overnutrition
|
a caloric intake in excess of daily energy requirements, resulting in storage of energy in the form of adipose tissue
|
|
Overweight
|
BMI 26-30 kg/m2
|
|
Partially complete protein
|
protein that contains less than the required amount of one or more essential amino acids; cannot alone support continued growth
|
|
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)
|
feeding catheter inserted into the stomach through the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the abdomen
|
|
Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ)
|
feeding catheter inserted into the jejunum through the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the abdomen
|
|
Polysaccharides
|
a branched chain of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of glucose molecules; starches
|
|
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
|
fatty acid with more than one double bond (or many carbons not bonded to a hydrogen atom)
|
|
Protein-calorie malnutrition
|
problem of clients with long-term deficiencies in caloric intake; characteristics include depressed visceral proteins (e.g., albumin), weight loss, and visible muscle and fat wasting
|
|
Pureed diet
|
a modification of the soft diet; liquid may be added to the food, which is then blended to a semisolid consistency
|
|
Regurgitation
|
the spitting up or backward flow of undigested food
|
|
Resting energy expenditure (REE)
|
the amount of energy required to maintain basic body functions
|
|
Saturated fatty acids
|
those in which all carbon atoms are filled to capacity (i.e., saturated) with hydrogen
|
|
Skinfold measurement
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an indicator of the amount of body fat, the main form of stored energy
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Small calorie (c, cal)
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the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 g of water 1 C
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Triglycerides
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substances that have three fatty acids; they account for over 90% of the lipids in food and in the body
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Undernutrition
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an intake of nutrients insufficient to meet daily energy requirements because of inadequate food intake or improper digestion and absorption of food
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Unsaturated fatty acid
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a fatty acid that could accommodate more hydrogen atoms than it currently does
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Urea
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a substance found in urine, blood, and lymph; the main nitrogenous substance in blood
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Vitamin
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an organic compound that cannot be manufactured by the body and is needed in small quantities to catalyze metabolic processes
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Water-soluble vitamins
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a water-soluble vitamin that the body cannot store, so people must get a daily supply in the diet; include C and B-complex
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Afebrile
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absence of a fever
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Apical pulse
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a central pulse located at the apex of the heart
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Apical-radial pulse
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measurement of the apical beat and the radial pulse at the same time
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Apnea
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a complete absence of respirations
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Arrhythmia
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a pulse with an abnormal rhythm
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Arterial blood pressure
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the measure of the pressure exerted by the blood as it pulsates through the arteries
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Arteriosclerosis
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a condition in which the elastic and muscular tissues of the arteries are replaced with fibrous tissue
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Auscultatory gap
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the temporary disappearance of sounds normally heard over the brachial artery when the sphygmomanometer cuff pressure is high and the sounds reappear at a lower level
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Basal metabolic rate
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(BMR) the rate of energy utilization in the body required to maintain essential activities such as breathing
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Body temperature
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the balance between the heat produced by the body and the heat lost from the body
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Bradycardia
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abnormally slow pulse rate, less than 60 per minute
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Bradypnea
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abnormally slow respiratory rate, usually less than 10 respirations per minute
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Cardinal signs
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Vital signs
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Chemical thermogenesis
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the stimulation of heat production in the body through increased cellular metabolism caused by increases in thyroxine output
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Conduction
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the transfer of heat from one molecule to another in direct contact
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Constant fever
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a state in which the body temperature fluctuates minimally but always remains above normal
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Convection
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the dispersion of heat by air currents
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Core temperature
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the temperature of the deep tissues of the body (e.g., thorax, abdominal cavity); relatively constant at 37°C (98.6°F)
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Costal (thoracic) breathing
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use of the external intercostal muscles and other accessory muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscles
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Diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing
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contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm, observed by the movement of the abdomen, which occurs as a result of the diaphragm's contraction and downward movement
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Diastolic pressure
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the pressure of the blood against the arterial walls when the ventricles of the heart are at rest
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Dysrhythmia
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a pulse with an irregular rhythm
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Elasticity of the arterial wall
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pliability or expansibility of the vessels
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Eupnea
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normal, quiet breathing
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Exhalation
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(expiration) the movement of gases from the lungs to the atmosphere
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Expiration
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Exhalation
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External respiration
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the interchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli of the lungs and the pulmonary blood
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Febrile
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pertaining to a fever; feverish
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Fever
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elevated body temperature
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Fever spike
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a temperature that rises to fever level rapidly following a normal temperature and then returns to normal within a few hours
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Heat balance
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the state a person is in when the amount of heat produced by the body exactly equals the amount of heat lost
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Hematocrit
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the proportion of red blood cells (erythrocytes) to the total blood volume
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Hyperpyrexia
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Hyperthermia
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Hypertension
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an abnormally high blood pressure; over 140 mm Hg systolic and/or 90 mm Hg diastolic
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Hyperthermia
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an extremely high body temperature (e.g., 41 degrees C [105.8 degrees F])
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Hyperventilation
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very deep, rapid respirations
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Hypotension
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an abnormally low blood pressure; less than 100 mm Hg systolic in an adult
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Hypothalamic integrator
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the center in the brain that controls the core temperature; located in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus
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Hypoventilation
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very shallow respirations
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Inhalation
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the act of breathing in; the intake of air or other substances into the lungs
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Insensible water loss
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continuous and unnoticed water loss
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Inspiration
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Inhalation
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Intermittent fever
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a body temperature that alternates at regular intervals between periods of fever and periods of normal or subnormal temperatures
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Internal respiration
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the interchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the circulating blood and the cells of the body tissues
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Korotkoff's sounds
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a series of five sounds produced by blood within the artery with each ventricular contraction
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Meniscus
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the crescent-shaped upper surface of a column of fluid
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Orthostatic hypotension
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decrease in blood pressure related to positional or postural changes from lying to sitting or standing positions
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Peripheral pulse
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a pulse located in the periphery of the body (eg, foot, wrist)
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Point of maximal impulse
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(PMI) the point where the apex of the heart touches the anterior chest wall
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Polypnea
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abnormally fast respirations
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Pulse
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the wave of blood within an artery that is created by contraction of the left ventricle of the heart
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Pulse deficit
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the difference between the apical pulse and the radial pulse
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Pulse oximeter
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a noninvasive device that measures the arterial blood oxygen saturation by means of a sensor attached to the finger
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Pulse pressure
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the difference between the systolic and the diastolic blood pressure
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Pulse rhythm
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the pattern of the beats and intervals between the beats
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Pulse volume
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the strength or amplitude of the pulse, the force of blood exerted with each heart beat
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Pyrexia
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a body temperature above the normal range, fever
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Radiation
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the transfer of heat from the surface of one object to the surface of another without contact between the two objects
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Relapsing fever
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the occurrence short febrile periods of a few days interspersed with periods of 1 or 2 days of normal temperature
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Remittent fever
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the occurrence of a wide range of temperature fluctuations (more than 2 degrees C [3.6 degrees F]) over the 24-hour period, all of which are above normal
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Respiration
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the act of breathing; transport of oxygen from the atmosphere to the body cells and transport of carbon dioxide from the cells to the atmosphere
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Respiratory character
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Respiratory quality
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Respiratory quality
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refers to those aspects of breathing that are different from normal, effortless breathing, includes the amount of effort exerted to breathe and the sounds produced by breathing
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Respiratory rhythm
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refers to the regularity of the expirations and the inspirations
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Surface temperature
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the temperature of the skin, the subcutaneous
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Systolic pressure
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the pressure of the blood against the arterial walls when the ventricles of the heart contract
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Tachycardia
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an abnormally rapid pulse rate, greater than 100 beats per minute
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Tachypnea
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abnormally fast respirations, usually more than 24 respirations per minute
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Tidal volume
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the volume of air that is normally inhaled and exhaled
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Vaporization
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continuous evaporation of moisture from the respiratory tract and from the mucosa of the mouth and from the skin
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Ventilation
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the movement of air in and out of the lungs; the process of inhalation and exhalation
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Viscous
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thick, sticky
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Vital signs
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measurements of physiological functioning, specifically body temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure; may include pain and pulse oximetry
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