anatomy the study of the structure of animals physiology the science dealing with the functioning of organisms perineal of or relating to the perineum organism a living thing that can act or function independently flexion the state of being flexed (as of a joint) immerse cause to be submerged limb one of the jointed appendages of an animal appendage a part that is joined to something larger reproductive producing new life or offspring secretion the organic process of releasing some substance excretion the bodily process of discharging waste matter mucous membrane mucus-secreting membrane lining all body cavities or passages that communicate with the exterior exterior situated in the outdoors or outside of a building rectal of or involving the rectum rectum the terminal section of the alimentary canal alimentary canal tubular passage of mucous membrane and muscle extending about 8.3 meters from mouth to anus; functions in digestion and elimination extension act of expanding in scope scope the state of the environment in which a situation exists passive lacking in energy or will abduction the criminal act of carrying someone away by force edit prepare for publication or presentation by revising publication the act of issuing printed materials presentation the act of formally giving something, as a prize revising editing that involves writing something again editing putting something into acceptable form acceptable worthy of approval or satisfactory worthy an important, honorable person honorable deserving of esteem and respect esteem the condition of being honored honored having an illustrious reputation; respected ultimately as the end result of a succession or process succession the action or process of taking over an office or position acquisition agreement contract governing the merger of two or more companies descent a movement downward downward extending or moving from a higher to a lower place extend stretch out over a distance, space, time, or scope illustrious widely known and esteemed widely to a great degree degree a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series identifiable capable of being recognized capable having ability capacity capability to perform or produce produce bring forth or yield bring forth bring into existence yield give or supply perform get done existence the state or fact of being supply circulate or distribute or equip with circular having a circular shape distribute give to several people drift be in motion due to some air or water current seldom not often median value the value below which 50% of the cases fall convalescent returning to health after illness or debility debility the state of being weak in health or body isolation the act of setting something apart from others conductor the person who leads a musical group compassionate showing or having sympathy for another's suffering sympathy sharing the feelings of others, especially sorrow or anguish affinity a natural attraction or feeling of kinship harmony compatibility in opinion and action kinship relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or adoption compatibility capability of existing in harmonious combination presumption a premise that is taken for granted premise a statement that is held to be true granted acknowledged as a supposition supposition the cognitive process of conjecturing cognitive relating to or involving the mental process of knowing legendary so celebrated as to having taken on the nature of a myth alimentary of or providing nourishment myth a traditional story serving to explain a world view theory a belief that can guide behavior thesis an unproved statement advanced as a premise in an argument AN an associate degree in nursing state the way something is with respect to its main attributes attribute a quality belonging to or characteristic of an entity abstraction the process of formulating general concepts entity that which is perceived to have its own distinct existence distinct constituting a separate entity or part hypertension a disorder in which blood pressure remains abnormally high hypoglycemia abnormally low blood sugar usually resulting from excessive insulin or a poor diet hyperglycemia abnormally high blood sugar usually associated with diabetes glucose a monosaccharide sugar that has several forms insulin hormone secreted by the isles of Langerhans in the pancreas pancreas a large elongated exocrine gland located behind the stomach pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas inflammation painful swelling of body tissues due to injury or irritation body weight the weight of a person's body irritation an uncomfortable feeling of mental painfulness or distress lukewarm moderately warm cool neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat cold having a low or inadequate temperature inadequate not sufficient to meet a need extremity the outermost or farthest region or point insulin reaction hypoglycemia produced by excessive insulin in the system causing coma coma a state of deep and often prolonged unconsciousness infection the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms adult-onset diabetes mild form of diabetes mellitus that develops gradually in adults; can be precipitated by obesity or severe stress or menopause or other factors; can usually be controlled by diet and hypoglycemic agents without injections of insulin adult-onset diabetes mellitus mild form of diabetes mellitus that develops gradually in adults; can be precipitated by obesity or severe stress or menopause or other factors; can usually be controlled by diet and hypoglycemic agents without injections of insulin hypoglycemic of or relating to hypoglycemia obesity the condition of being excessively overweight sedentary requiring sitting or little activity insulin reaction hypoglycemia produced by excessive insulin in the system causing coma resistance any mechanical force that tends to slow or oppose motion juvenile-onset diabetes severe diabetes mellitus with an early onset onset the beginning or early stages heredity the transmission of genetic factors to the next generation blood pressure the pressure of the circulating blood against the walls of the blood vessels; results from the systole of the left ventricle of the heart; sometimes measured for a quick evaluation of a person's health cholesterol a substance in the blood that can cause heart disease heart disease a disease of the heart heart the hollow muscular organ located behind the sternum ethnic distinctive of the ways of living of a group of people neurological disorder a disorder of the nervous system disorder a condition in which things are not in their expected places chronic long-lasting or characterized by long suffering progressive favoring or promoting modern or innovative ideas stroke a single complete movement dementia mental deterioration of organic or functional origin multiple sclerosis a chronic progressive nervous disorder involving loss of myelin sheath around certain nerve fibers Parkinson's disease a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by tremor and impaired muscular coordination brain the center of the nervous system spinal cord a major part of the central nervous system which conducts sensory and motor nerve impulses to and from the brain; a long tubelike structure extending from the base of the brain through the vertebral canal to the upper lumbar region diabetes mellitus diabetes caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and characterized by polyuria metabolic disorder a disorder or defect of metabolism bloodstream the blood flowing through the circulatory system of age having attained a specific age; essential basic and fundamental basic reduced to the simplest and most significant form possible fundamental being or involving basic facts or principles principle a basic generalization that is accepted as true fact a piece of information about events that have occurred macular degeneration eye disease caused by degeneration of the cells of the macula lutea and results in blurred vision; can cause blindness respiratory distress syndrome an acute lung disease of the newborn visually impaired having greatly reduced vision reduced made less in size or amount or degree postmortem occurring or done after death dignity the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect combative having or showing a ready disposition to fight resuscitate cause to regain consciousness regain get or find back; recover the use of consciousness an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself unconscious lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception sensory relating to or concerned in sensation perception the process of becoming aware through the senses accompany go or travel along with along in line with a length or direction fecal impaction accumulation of hardened feces in the rectum or lower colon which the person cannot move colon the part of the large intestine between the cecum and rectum cecum the cavity in which the large intestine begins and into which the ileum opens ileum the part of the small intestine between the jejunum and the cecum jejunum the part of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum intestine the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus alimentary canal tubular passage of mucous membrane and muscle extending about 8.3 meters from mouth to anus; functions in digestion and elimination micro-organism any organism of microscopic size organism a system considered analogous to a living body analogous similar or equivalent in some respects living pertaining to living persons compassionate showing or having sympathy for another's suffering spasm a painful and involuntary muscular contraction muscle spasm a painful and involuntary muscular contraction involuntary muscle a muscle that contracts without conscious control and found in walls of internal organs such as stomach and intestine and bladder and blood vessels (excluding the heart) blood vessel a vessel in which blood circulates point a distinguishing or individuating characteristic distinguish mark as different individuation the quality of being individual sedentary requiring sitting or little activity contract make or become more narrow or restricted narrow not wide degree a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series restricted subject to an act of limitation scope the state of the environment in which a situation exists limitation an act of restricting (as by regulation) scrutinize examine carefully for accuracy accuracy the quality of being near to the true value value the quality that renders something desirable render give or supply examine observe, check out, and look over carefully or inspect _____________________________________________________ What is a care plan? It’s the plan of care developed by the nurse. It is kept in the patient’s chart. It may include items such as: turn pt every hour or ambulate pt three times per day. What is a policy book? It is the book that contains the policies and procedures. It is usually found at the nurses station. What is the MSDS book? It contains the material safety data sheets that give emergency information if a worker is exposed to a chemical. When do we wear gloves? If it’s wet and warm (or cold) and not yours. What do you look for in a patient with a cast? You want to make sure they have good circulation. You do this by pressing on the fingers or toes and make sure the blood is circulating. It should turn light when you press on it but then go back to its normal color. Are the toes warm and pink? What’s a suffix? suf·fix (sŭf'ĭks) An affix added to the end of a word or stem, serving to form a new word or functioning as an inflectional ending, such as -ness in gentleness, -ing in walking, or -s in sits. …itis, …pnea What’s a prefix pre·fix (prē'fĭks') To put or attach before or in front of. Dys.. Dyspnea dysuria dysphagia What’s in a liquid diet Full liquids Ice cream, cream soups, milk shakes What’s in a clear liquid diet? You have to be able to see the bottom of the glass at room temperature. Jello, popsicle, broth, juice What are microorganisms? Fungi such as yeast Bacteria such as staph and strep Viruses such as chicken pox, herpes and HIV When in doubt wash your hands. Patient safety is always a priority. Microbes mi·crobe (mī'krōb') A minute life form; a microorganism, especially a bacterium that causes disease. They can be seen under a microscope Asepsis A is the prefix which means without Sepsis is the suffix meaning with pathogen or bacteria. Therefore asepsis means without infection or bacteria and sepsis would mean with bacteria or infection. Sterile field If you are helping a nurse change a sterile dressing do NOT lean over the dressing. Bacteria and germs from your hair and clothes can fall in the dressing. Dispose of the dirty dressing in a biohazard container. (Red garbage bag) Autoclave This is a steam machine that is used to sterilize equipment and instruments. After it is sterilized the instruments are specially packaged to stay sterile. When do you use a mask? When there are droplets in the air. Such as a patient with chicken pox, TB or flu. Isolation If a patient is in isolation everything that comes out of the room is dirty. This includes food trays, blood pressure cuffs, garbage. They should be placed in isolation bags. Faucets and door knobs They are dirty, dirty, dirty. Yuk, everyone turns them on with their dirty hands. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet. Wash your hands Antibiotic resistance Antibiotics have been overused so much that bacteria have mutated and are now resistance to antibiotics. In other words there are bacteria that we can’t kill. This leads to nosocomial infections. In case of fire Read the facilities plan for escape. It is usually located at the nurses station. It is best to check this out BEFORE the fire. Privacy Patients have the right to privacy if they choose to masturbate in public they should be moved to a private place. Oxygen You can turn it down. If the order says 3 L and you go in the room and it is 6 L you can turn it down to 3 L. But, you should let the nurse know. Good body mechanics Don’t twist or pivot. Save that for the dance floor. Aphasia Unable to speak or communicate. Incident forms The CNA can fill them out and sign them. Temperature range 95-105 Why do we wash hands? To decrease the number of nasty little pathogens living on your grubby little paws. It is considered a form of medical asepsis. Decrease burns When you give a patient coffee or soup always remind them that it is HOT! Confusion Confused patients may not recognize danger. They may go in the street, brush their teeth with a knife…. Wheelchair safety The safest position for a wheelchair is with the front wheels in a forward position. Abdominal Thrust/Heimlich Thrust used to remove a foreign object on which a person is choking. Abduction (in range of motion) To move away from the midline of the body. Adduction (in range of motion) To bring closer to the midline of the body. ADL’s Activities of daily living These are things a person does every day such as brushing teeth, combing hair, feeding themselves. Admitting a resident The process of admitting a patient/resident to a nursing facility. Includes orienting patient to room, introducing yourself, explaining the daily schedule and routing. Aging process The process of getting older. Includes hair turning gray, getting wrinkles, losing muscle tone and bone density. AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency A disease caused by HIV, a blood borne virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Alzheimer’s The most common type of dementia. Characterized by the permanent and progressive loss of the ability to think and remember caused by damage to the brain. Ambulate with assistance Helping the patient/resident walk. Anemia Decrease in the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen. Angina Pectoris The classic chest pain that is felt as a result of the heart muscle being deprived of oxygen. Anterior Forward or front Antibiotics Medications used to fight or kill bacteria Anxiety A feeling of uneasiness, dread, apprehension, or worry. Apical pulse Listening for pulse over apex of heart. Place the diaphragm (disk part) of the stethoscope over your heart. Your heart is found in the middle of your chest and toward the left side. Aphasia A general term for a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to communicate with others May be expressive (ability to talk) or receptive (ability to understand). Appropriate Response Responding in the correct way. Arteries Large vessels that carry blood away from the heart. Arteriosclerosis Hardening of the arteries Arthritis Inflammation of joints, usually associated with pain and stiffness. Aseptic Free of bacteria Aspiration The accidental inhalation of foreign material into the airway Atrophy The loss of muscle size and strength. Axillary temperature Temperature taken under the arm Bacteria A microbe that may cause infection. Bargaining One of the stages of grief. Trying to make a deal. Example: a person who is dying tells God they will go to church every day if he heals them Basic needs Things we need to survive such as food, water, shelter, air. Bed bath Bathing a person who is bedridden. Bedsore Decubitus ulcer or pressure sore. A sore caused by lying in the same position for too long. Blood pressure The force that blood vessels exert against the artery walls. One of the vital signs measured. Bodily fluids Fluids that come out of the body such as: urine, emesis, feces, semen, vaginal secretions, mucous. Body language Non verbal communication. Example: rolling eyes, putting hands on hips, shaking your finger. Body mechanics The efficient and safe use of the body. Example: bending at the knees to pick up a heavy object. Bowel and bladder programs Training a person who has had a stroke or accident to use the bathroom independently. Call light A system that allows a patient or resident to call for help. Usually consists of a control light, a light in the hall and a panel at the nurses station. Cancer The abnormal growth of cells Cane A device used to help a patient ambulate. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR Chest compressions and respirations used to keep a persons blood circulating after cardiac arrest. Cardiovascular system The body system that circulates our blood. Heart, arteries, veins. Care plan A plan of care designed by the nurse for the patient. Example: a patient with a bedsore should be turned at least once an hour. Cataracts The gradual yellowing and hardening of the lens of the eye. Catheter drainage bag The bag attached to an indwelling catheter that urine is collected in. Central nervous system The brain and spinal cord, responsible for receiving information and processing it. Cerebral vascular accident A stroke Charge nurse The nurse in charge of the unit. Chart The notebook where the patient/resident’s medical records are kept. Chemotherapy The use of medication to destroy malignant cancer cells Choking An airway obstruction Chronic disease An illness that is ongoing and needs to be controlled through continuous medications or treatment. Circulatory system The system that moves blood throughout the body. Cleaning up of spills Cleaning up anything that has spilled on the floor that could lead to a fall. Example: juice or urine on the floor that needs to be cleaned up. Clear liquid diet A patient needs to have only clear liquids. Example: jello, juices, broth Clergy A spiritual leader Cold compress A cold pack put on a person to decrease pain or swelling. Example: an ice pack Colostomy An alternative way of eliminating feces from the large intestine. The intestine is pulled out through the abdominal wall and a stoma is formed. Colostomy bag The bag attached to the stoma opening to collect feces. Combative resident A patient who fights or hits at others. Communication The exchange of information Communication with depressed Exchanging information with someone who is depressed. Resident The patient Compensation Being paid or rewarded Confidentiality Keeping personal information private. Confused resident A patient who is unable to remember or recognize his surroundings. Congestive heart failure When the heart is unable to meet the demands of the body. The heart is not able to pump enough blood. Constipation When a person has been unable to have a bowel movement. Constrict blood vessels The blood vessels get small. Constricted blood vessels may cause poor circulation because the vessels are too small for the blood to pump through. Contaminated Adjective used to describe an object that is soiled by pathogens DIRTY Example: The linens were contaminated. Contamination Soiled by pathogens. Example: We want to prevent contamination of the patients linens. Contracture A condition that occurs when a persons joint is in the same position for too long. The tendons shorten and become stiff and they lose function and mobility. Converting units Converting ml’s to cc’s Converting Fahrenheit to Celsius. Converting pounds to grams Coping mechanisms Conscious and deliberate ways of dealing with stress. Example: deep breathing when your stressed are counting to 100 Coughing excessively Coughing a whole bunch CVA resident A resident who has had a stroke Cyanosis Blue or gray discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen Decubitus ulcer A pressure sore or bed sore caused by being in the same position for too long. Dehydration Too little fluids in the tissues of the body. Dementia The permanent and progressive loss of the ability to think or remember Denial One of the stages of grief. The person refuses to accept the diagnosis or feels a mistake has been made. Dentures False teeth Depression An alteration in a person’s mood that causes him to lose pleasure in or interest in what is usually pleasurable. Dermatitis Inflammation of the derma (Skin) Diabetes An endocrine disorder that results when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. Diabetes mellitus Type I diabetes: before age 30 Or type II diabetes: usually obese adults Dialysis A procedure to remove waste products and fluids from the body when the kidneys fail. Diaphragm The large flat surface of the stethoscope that is used to hear loud, harsh sounds. The strong dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and assist in breathing. Diastolic The pressure that the blood exerts against the arterial walls when the heart muscle relaxes; the second blood pressure measurement. Diet The food a person eats May have a special diet such as low fat diet, diabetic diet, clear liquid diet. Dietician A person who has a degree in nutrition. Digestion The process of breaking food down into simple elements. Digestive system Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. Discharging resident Preparing and sending a patient/resident home or to another facility. Disease producing organisms Organisms that cause disease Example: bacteria, viruses, funguses like strep, staph, HIV Disinfectants The use of strong chemicals to kill pathogens on non-living objects that come in contact with body fluids or substances, such as bed pans, urinals, and over-bed tables. Dizziness Feeling light headed, the room may feel like it is spinning. DNR Do Not Resuscitate An order stating that a person’s wishes say that they do not want unusual efforts to save their lives. NO CPR Documentation Things that are written in a chart to make a record of the patient or residents care. Draw/lift sheet A small flat sheet that is placed in the middle of the bottom sheet covering the area of the bed from above the person’s shoulders to below the buttocks. Dressing resident Assisting the resident to put on their clothes. Dry skin Skin that has decreased moisture Dying process The end of life. Things that happen as a person is dying Example: decreased respirations, decreased level of consciousness Dysphagia Difficulty swallowing Dyspnea Labored or difficulty breathing Dysuria Difficulty or painful urination. Edema Too much fluid in the bodies tissues Elastic stockings TED hose or anti embolism stockings that are put on the patient to prevent blood clots and improve circulation. Electrical equipment Equipment that is plugged into electricity. Example: the bed, coffee pot, blood pressure machine. Elimination of wastes Eliminating waste from body through urine and feces. Emesis basin A basin for patients to vomit in. Emotional abuse Being verbally mean to a patient or resident. Dialysis Dialysis is a method of removing toxic substances (impurities or wastes) from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so. Dialysis is most frequently used for patients who have kidney failure, but may also be used to quickly remove drugs or poisons in acute situations. This technique can be life saving in people with acute or chronic kidney failure. Diarrhea Diarrhea or diarrhoea a condition in which the sufferer has frequent watery, loose bowel movements Disoriented resident A resident who is confused Emotional Labiality refers to the pathological expression of laughter, crying, or smiling. Patients with dementia may go from laughing to crying without any apparent cause. Emotional needs People need to feel a sense of belonging and self worth. Empathetic Cognizant of and comprehending the needs, feelings, problems, and views of others Empathy is commonly defined as one's ability to recognize, perceive and directly experientially feel the emotion of another. Emphysema Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue; destruction of structures supporting the alveoli; and destruction of capillaries feeding the alveoli. The result is that the small airways collapse during expiration, leading to an obstructive form of lung disease Symptoms include: shortness of breath on exertion--typically when climbing stairs or inclines (and later at rest), hyperventilation and an expanded chest. As emphysema progresses, clubbing of the fingers may be observed, a feature of longstanding hypoxia. Enema Introduction of fluid into the large intestine to empty the intestines. Endocrine System The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones. These hormones regulate the body’s growth, metabolism (the physical and chemical processes of the body), and sexual development and function. The hormones are released into the bloodstream and may affect one or several organs throughout the body. Ethical Code Acting in a moral and right way. Doing no harm to others. Ethics Acting in an ethical way and doing no harm to others. Ethical issues in health care: end of life, abortion, stem cell research. Extremity an external body part that projects from the body Eye glasses Glasses worn to improve vision Evacuation Moving residents/patients to a safe area. If there is a fire you would evacuate your patients. Exercise Activity to strengthen muscle and increase endurance Falls Patient falling. Fatigue Feeling tired Fecal impaction An immovable collection of compressed or hardened feces in the colon or rectum. Feeding resident Assisting a patient/resident to eat Feeding tube A tube through which food can be administered. They can be placed in a variety of locations. Fire safety procedures R: rescue A: alarm C: confine E: extinguish Flexed/flexion To bend (something pliant or elastic) Fluid intake Amount of fluid a person takes in. Should be recorded every shift. Foley catheter An indwelling catheter Foot board A board placed at the end of the bed to prevent foot drop Foot care Caring for feet. Included cleaning, drying and applying lotion, making sure shoes fit properly. Foot drop A weakness of muscles that are involved in flexing the ankle and toes. Fowlers position is a position where the head is raised above the feet Fractures Breaks in bones Frequent urination Peeing lots! A patient with frequent urination may wet the bed. Gait belt Provides a secure way to steady or guide patients when transferring or Gastrostomy tube This is an insertion of a feeding tube into the stomach Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on health promotion and the prevention and treatment of disease and disability in later life Gerontology is the study of the elderly, and of the aging process itself Germ transmission Spreading germs from one person or area to another. This can be prevented by washing your hands. Gloves A personal protection device used to keep germs and body fluids off of workers hands. Grand Mal A seizure that involves tonic clonic activity. Relaxing and tightening of the muscles that causes jerking. Grieving process The process people go through after a loss Group setting Doing things in groups of people. Patients in the dining room eat in a group setting. Hair care Caring for hair, includes washing, brushing, braiding. Hallucination A hallucination is a sensory perception experienced in the absence of an external stimulus, as distinct from an illusion, which is a misperception of an external stimulus. Hallucinations may occur in any sensory modality - visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile Hand tremors When hands shake. May be associated with Parkinson's. Hazardous substance A substance that may be harmful such as blood, body secretions or chemicals. Health care team The team that takes care of the resident/patient Includes doctors, nurses, aide, PT, OT, speech, social work and others. Hearing aid A device to make sound louder so those with hearing impairment can hear. Hearing impaired Hard of hearing Heart attack A myocardial infarction. The heart is damaged from lack of blood supply. Heart muscle The heart is a muscle. When a person has a heart attack the heart muscle is damaged. Hemiplegia/Hemiparesis is a condition where a vertical half of a patient's body is weak or paralyzed, i.e. one arm and its corresponding leg do not function properly. Hepatitis B Blood born hepatitis which causes a viral infection of the liver. Hereditary is the transfer of characteristics from parent to offspring Some diseases are hereditary. Hip prosthesis A hip that has been surgically replaced. HIPAA The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1996. Assures privacy for patients. Huntington’s disease Huntington's disease (HD) results from genetically programmed degeneration of brain cells, called neurons, in certain areas of the brain. Hypertension High blood pressure Hyperventilation Breathing too fast Hypoglycemia Blood sugar is too low Hydration Adequate fluid intake. Sentence: the patient needs to drink so they have good hydration. A person who is not hydrated is dehydrated. Immobility The inability to move Ice pack A bag of ice used to decrease swelling. Ice packs should never be put directly on the patient. There should be a towel between skin and ice. Incontinence Loss of control of bowel and bladder. Indwelling catheter A foley catheter. A catheter with a balloon that is put in the patients bladder to keep the urine draining. Infection An infection is the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species Enough bacteria or virus builds up to make a person sick In house transfer A resident/patient is moved from one room to another in the same facility. In service A teaching service at work. In services may be part of staff meetings. Initial Observations What you observe in a patient the first time you see them. If you walk in the room and the patient is lying on the floor then your initial observation would be patient is lying on floor. Input and Output What goes in the patient such as water and food. What comes out of the patient such as urine and vomit. Input and output are recorded every shift. Insulin A hormone secreted by the pancreas. Given by injection to patients with diabetes. Integumentary system consisting of the skin, hair and nails Interpersonal skills The skills needed to communicate and interact with others. Includes verbal and nonverbal communication. Isolation When a person with an infection is kept separate from others. Ischemia Loss of blood flow to an organ or tissue. A stroke is ischemia to the brain. A heart attack is ischemia to the heart. Pressure sores are caused by ischemia to the skin. Job description The list of what you are required to do in your job. Job interview Meeting where you are asked questions by an employer. Linen Sheets, pillow cases, blankets Low sodium diet A diet low in salt. Used for patients with heart problems and hypertension Lethargy Lack of energy. Sleep like state. Making an occupied bed Making a bed with a person in it. Mask A person protection device used to protect face and nose. You should wear a mask if working with a patient with TB or chicken pox because they are airborne. Measuring height Measuring to see how tall a person is Mechanical soft diet is used for patients who have limited chewing or swallowing mobility but are able to tolerate a greater variety and texture of foods. Medications Medicines given to a resident. May be prescription or over the counter. Mentally impaired A resident who is confused due to memory loss or mental retardation. Military time Minerals Dietary needs such as iron, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Mistreatment Treating someone wrong or badly. Morning care Brushing teeth, combing hair, getting dressed. Things that must be done when helping a resident in the morning. Also called AM care. Mouth care Brushing teeth, wiping mouth, moisture for lips. Oral care should be done morning and night and every two hours on an unconscious person. Mucous membrane are tissues that line body cavities or canals such as the throat, nose, mouth, urethra, ... Mucous Secretion from nose or other mucous membrane. Multiple sclerosis A degenerative disease of the nerves caused by demylination. Musculoskeletal system consists of the skeletal system -- bones and joints Nail care Cleaning under a patients nails. Filing nails. We do not cut a patients toe nails! Nasal cannula A tube to administer oxygen through a patients nose. Neglect Failing to take care of a resident. Not doing your job. Needles Sharp objects used to give injections. Non contagious disease Diseases that cannot be spread from one person to another. Ex: cancer, diabetes, MS, appendicitis. NPO Nothing by mouth Nursing assistant behavior How the nursing assistant acts. Should be polite, respect confidentiality, get along with coworkers. Nursing assistant’s role The nursing assistant is to assist the nurse in caring for the resident. Nutrition Food intake Objective Information that can be obtained from observation. Objective data would include vital signs, skin color or sweating. Observation Something you see or watch. You observe that the patient is lying on the floor or eating dinner. Ombudsman A liaison for patients/residents in nursing homes. Observes the care and talks with residents works to resolve problems. Oral care Mouth care Oral hygiene Keeping the mouth clean by brushing teeth or swabbing teeth and mouth. Making sure lips are moist. Should be done every two hours on an unconscious person. Oral temperature Taking a temperature in a persons mouth Orientation Is aware of surroundings. Person, place and time. Osteoarthritis. degenerative arthritis is a joint disease caused by the breakdown and loss of the cartilage of one or more joints Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a generalized, progressive loss of bone density causing skeletal weakness. Ostomy bag Bag to collect feces from ostomy. Over the bed table A bed side table that can go over the bed so the patient can eat or write on it. Oxygen A chemical element consisting of eight protons, eight neutrons and eight electrons. Two hydrogen atoms combine with one oxygen atom to form a molecule of water What we need to breath! Pain An unpleasant sensation Paralysis Inability to move due to disease or injury Paranoia Believing others are out to get you or do you harm. Podiatrist A foot doctor Psychiatrist A doctor that provides psychiatric care. Paraphrasing means rephrasing someone else’s words. The patient says, “I’m very sad and I want to die” You say, “You are feeling very upset and hopeless” Parenteral nutrition is the practice of feeding a person intravenously Parkinson’s disease Partial Assistance Helping a patient who can do something's for themselves. Passive lacking in energy or will Passive ROM: you would do range of motion for the patient. Pathogens Organisms that cause infection Patience good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence Perineal care Cleaning a person’s genitals and rectal area. Peripheral vascular disease Peristalsis Contractions of the muscles in the intestine and GI tract that moves food forward. Personal Care ADL’s Activities of daily living such as hygiene, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom. Personal possessions Things that belong to the patient Phantom pain Pain in amputated limb. Physical needs Breathing, cleanliness, food, elimination. Thing that are not emotional needs. Physician’s authority By authority of the MD Pill Rolling When present, a ‘pill rolling’. tremor at rest involves the thumb and index finger Common in Parkinson's Plaque A small growth in arteries, or teeth. Arterial plaque Dental plaque Plate rim Post mortem care Caring for someone who has died Privacy the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others PRN As needed Progressive Continuous A progressive disease is one that progresses or gets worse. Prone is a position of the body lying face down. Prosthesis An artificial body part Protective equipment Supplies to keep you from getting contaminated like gloves and mask Providing privacy Includes closing doors and curtains, keeping a patient covered in the halls. Psychological needs Non-physical needs such as belonging, love and self esteem Pulmonary disease Diseases of the lungs Pulse A vital sign where a person’s heart beat is measured by feeling an artery. Quadriplegia Paralysis from the neck down Radial Ramps Wheelchair ramps are used to allow a chair to be moved up an area instead of stairs. Range of motion Moving joints through their maximum movements Rectal temperature A temperature taken in the rectum. (Bum) Rehabilitation Rehabilitation means the restoration of, or improvement in reminiscing To recollect and tell of past experiences or events. Reporting abnormal changes Telling the nurse if the patient has a problem. The vital signs have changed or the patient is not acting right. Reporting observations Telling the nurse what you see. Reposition residents Moving the resident in bed or in a chair. Resident independence Allowing the patient to do as much for themselves as they can. Resident rights Right to respect, privacy, dignity…. Residents chart A chart where patients medical records are kept Resident’s family Family members of resident Respectful treatment Treating someone with dignity respirations The number of time a person breaths in one minute Respiratory condition The condition of a person’s ability to breath Right to refuse care Patient’s/residents have the right to say no. Responding to residents behavior How you react to a residents actions. If a patient hits you, you do not hit them back Restorative care is a planned, systematic program that focuses on helping each client obtain and maintain the highest level of function. Restrained resident A patients whose mobility is limited by restraints restraints Confining a person with physical or chemical restraints. Drugs or tying someone down. resuscitation CPR Right to refuse care Patients have the right to say NO to treatment Safety and security needs Things to keep a patient safe and secure like not letting Alzheimer’s patient wander, keeping night lights in room Helping a resident feel comfortable and like they belong scale A device to weigh someone security Keeping people safe. Lights in parking lots, locks on doors. seizure A sudden intense firing of neurons in the brain that causes tonic clonic movement. Self actualization Self esteem psychology, self-esteem or self-worth is a person's self-image at an emotional level; Sensory system The five senses Smelling Tasting Feeling Seeing Hearing Sexual needs Need for physical contact spills Water, urine or other liquid substance on the floor. Sitz bath A basin a patient can sit in to clean perineal care. Sharps container Container for used needles shaving Removing hair with a razor Shearing of skin Dragging or sliding a patient across the bed sheets, Side rails Rails on side of bed Simple fracture A broken bone in one spot that does not come out of skin Skin breakdown Pressure sore, or ulcer sleep A natural periodic state of rest for the mind and body, in which the eyes usually close and consciousness is completely or partially lost, smoking Inhaling tobacco Social needs Need to be with others. Social well being Interacting and being around others Soiled linen Dirty sheets, blankets and pillow cases Specimen A sample needed for the lab. Example: urine specimen, blood specimen Spiritual needs Religious or personal belief needs. Need for prayer, visit by religious clergy Sputum test Test for lab. Sputum is what you cough up from lungs. Standard precautions Universal precautions: treating all people like they have an infectious disease and always using gloves. sterilization Sterilizing instruments so that all bacteria is killed. Usually with heat. Stealing Taking something that does not belong to you. Stool specimen Specimen of feces for lab test. Stress A physical or emotional factor that change the body’s normal balance or equilibrium Stroke A disorder that occurs when a the blood flow to part of the brain is obstructed causing the tissue in the brain to die. Strong side The side of the body that is not affected by weakness Subjective Information that cannot be objectively measured. The patient has to tell you how much pain they are in or if they are sad. You cannot look at a person and measure their feelings. Sun downing The worsening of behavioral symptoms in the afternoon or evening when the sun goes down in a person with dementia. supine Lying on back with head supported on a pillow. suicide Taking your own life Supplemental feedings Extra feedings like ensure given to a patient who needs extra calories. swelling Inflammation in tissue of body. A person with a sprained ankle will have swelling. systolic The pressure of the blood on the arteries when the vessels are contracted. tachycardia A rapid heart rate TED hose Anti embolitic stockings put on a patient to prevent blood clots and improve circulation. Tendons Bands of connective tissue that connect skeletal muscles to bones Terminal illness Illness that results in death TIA Transient Ischemic Attack mini stroke Thrombus A blood clot tips The bottom of a cane or walker TPR Temperature Pulse Respirations Trachea The passage that carries air from the larynx to the lungs called the windpipe. tracheosotomy An artificial opening to the trachea to allow a person to breath. transferring Moving a patient from one area to another. From a bed to a chair Transporting food Moving food from one area to another. Food must be covered. Treating residents with respect Being courteous and treating people like you would want to be treated. Tub bath Bathing in a bath tub Tube feeding Feeding through a tube in nose or stomach. tuberculosis A bacterial infection that usually affects lungs but can affect other body parts. Is spread through the air, coughing, laughing, sneezing. Twice daily Two times a day Tympanic temperature Temperature taken in the ear Unaffected side The side that is not weak or has not been affected by a stroke or disease. Unconscious resident a resident who is not awake and cannot care for self. uniform scrubs unsteady Unbalanced, falls easily. Urinary catheter bag The bag that is attached to a foley or indwelling catheter and collects urine. Urinary system Kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra urination Voiding urine Urine filter/strainer A small cup or container with filter to strain urine to look for kidney stones. Varicose veins Pooling of blood in the veins just underneath the skin. Ventilation breathing Visually impaired Unable to see Vital signs Key measurements of a person health: Blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature Vomiting Throwing up, emesis, spewing, upchucking, hurling walker A device with four legs used to help a patient be steady while walking wandering A patient who walks aimlessly, usually with Alzheimer's Warm and cold applications Using heat or cold to improve circulation or decrease swelling. Weak side The side that is not strong Weighing resident Putting a patient on a scale to see how much they weigh Weak side The side that is not wrong. Usually in a stroke patient Wheelchair safety Putting brakes on a wheelchair. White blood cells Cells in the blood that fight infection. Lou Gehrigs Disease ALS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles Anxiety A vague uneasy feeling amputation Surgical or traumatic removal of an extremity. Angina pectoris Transient chest pain aphasia Difficulty speaking asthma Narrowing of the airways which causes difficulty breathing bedsore Pressure ulcer or decubitus ulcer caused by laying or sitting in the same position for too long Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. bronchitis Inflammation of the bronchi cancer Abnormal growth of cells cataract Clouding of the eyes lens Cerebral palsy The term cerebral palsy refers to any one of a number of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination but don’t worsen over time colostomy Surgical opening of the large intestine Congestive heart failure The heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the demands of the body. Coronary artery disease Obstruction of blood flow in the coronary arteries. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease emphysema cystitis Inflammation or infection of the bladder dementia Confusion and memory loss such as Alzheimer’s depression Alteration in a person’s mood that causes him to lose please or interest in things that are usually pleasurable. diabetes An endocrine disorder that results when the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin Down syndrome A developmental disability that is the result of having 47 chromosomes instead of 46. People have mental retardation and physical characteristics. dysphagia Difficulty swallowing dyspnea Difficulty breathings epilepsy Seizure disorder emphysema Disorder of the alveoli in the lungs. COPD Glaucoma Build up of pressure in eye due to excessive fluid. Hepatitis Viral infection of the liver hypothyroidism Too little thyroid function hyperthyroidism Too much thyroid function. Kidney stones A painful disorder caused by a build up of minerals in the kidneys. malignant Adjective used to describe a cancerous tumor menopause The cessation of menstuation and fertility that women typically experience in their early 50’s Obsessive compulsive disorder An anxiety disorder that causes a person to suffer intensely from recurrent unwanted thoughts that are usually associated with rituals. Panic disorder A mental health disorder where a person experiences episodes of sudden overpowering fright and anxiety. pediculosis lice pneumonia Inflammation of the lungs Rheumatoid arthritis Inflammation of the joints. Involves more than one joint. May affect multiple body systems. SAD Seasonal affective disorder Depression that occurs during winter months. shingles Herpes zoster occurs after chicken pox Causes blisters, usually follows a nerve pattern Stasis leg ulcer Leg ulcer caused by poor circulation syphilis Bacterial sexually transmitted disease vertigo dizziness Whooping cough Pertusis Bacterial infection that causes serious cough Yeast infection Overgrowth of yeast in the vagina _________________________________________________________ Abduction Abuse Acute Care Adduction Advanced Directives Apnea Assault Assessment Assisted Living Atrophy Battery Constipation Contracture Diarrhea DVT Dysphagia Dyspnea Expressive Aphasia Extension Fetal Position Flexion Fluid Balance Foot Drop Fowler's Position Fracture Pan Handroll Hat Hemiparesis Hemiplegia HIPAA Home Health Care Hospice Hypertension Incontinence Long-Term Care Malpractice Neglect NPO OBRA OSHA Palliative Care Paraplegia Passive Range Of Motion Prone Position Providers Quadriplegia Range Of Motion Receptive Aphasia Rehabilitation Rotation Semi-Fowler's Position Sexual Harassment Sims Position Skilled Care Specimen Stoma Supine Position TIA Trendelenburg Position _______________________________________________________ abdominal thrust abuse acceptance accidents activities acute adduction ADL admission admitting resident affected side aging process AIDS alarms Alzheimer's ambulation amputees anemia anger Angina pectoris anorexia anterior antibiotics aphasia apical appropriate response arteries arteriosclerosis arthritis aseptic aspiration assistive device atrophy attitudes axillary temperature bacteria bargaining basic needs bath water temperature bathing bathing resident bed height bed position bedrest biohazard bladder training blindness blood pressure blood pressure reading bodily fluids body alignment body fluids body language body mechanics body temperature bowel program break time breathing burnout call light cancer cardiac arrest cardiopulmonary resuscitation cardiovascular system care plan cast cataracts catheter care central nervous system cerebral vascular accident charge nurse chemotherapy choking chronic circulation clarification cleaning cleaning spills clear liquid diet clergy cold compress colostomy colostomy bag combative resident communication compressions confidentiality confused resident congestive heart failure constipation constrict contact isolation contamination contracture converting measures COPD coping mechanisms coughing excessively CPR CVA cyanosis decubitus ulcer dehydration demanding resident dementia denial dentures depression dermatitis diabetes dialysis diaphragm diet dietitian digestion discharging resident disinfection disoriented disoriented resident disposing of contaminated materials disrespectful treatment dizziness DNR documentation draw/lift dressing droplets dry skin dying dysphagia dyspnea dysuria edema elastic stockings electrical equipment elimination emesis basin emotional abuse emotional needs emotional support empathy end of life care endocrine system enema ethics evacuation extension extremity eye glasses facility policy falls fatigue faulty equipment fecal impaction feeding fingernail care fire fire safety flexion Foley catheter foot board foot care foot drop Fowler's position fractures frequent urination gait belt gastrostomy tube geriatrics germ transmission gerontology gloves grand mal seizure grieving process group settings hair care hand tremors hand washing health-care team hearing aid hearing impaired heart heart muscle height Heimlich maneuver hemiplegia hepatitis B hereditary hip prosthesis HIPAA HIV hydration hypertension hypoglycemia ice bag immobility immune system incontinence indwelling catheter infection infection control initial observations in-service programs insulin intake and output integumentary system interpersonal skills intravenous therapy ischemia isolation job description job interview kidney failure lift/draw sheet linen low sodium diet mask Maslow material safety data mealtime measuring height mechanical soft diet medical asepsis medical record medications memory loss mentally impaired microorganisms minerals mistakes mistreatment mobility money mouth care moving mucous membrane Multiple Sclerosis muscle spasms musculoskeletal system myocardial infarction nasal cannula neglect non-contagious disease nonverbal communication nosocomial infection NPO nurses station nurse's station nursing assistant's role nutrition objective official records ombudsman open bed oral care oral hygiene oral temperature orientation oriented orthotic device osteoarthritis osteoporosis overbed table oxygen paralysis paranoia Parkinson's partial assistance passive pathogens pathologic process patience perineal care peristalsis personal care personal hygiene personal items personal protective equipment personal stress pet therapy phantom pain physical needs physical therapist physician's authority plaque plate rim podiatrist policy book positioning resident positive attitude post mortem care postural supports precautions pressure ulcers preventing falls privacy progressive prone prostate gland prosthesis protective equipment providing privacy psychiatrist psychological needs pulmonary disease pulse quadrant quadriplegia radial ramps range of motion reality orientation rectal reddened/discolored area rehabilitation religious service reminiscing reporting reposition resident resident abuse resident belongings resident independence resident rights resident unit Resident's Bill of Rights resident's chart resident's environment resident's families respectful treatment respirations respiratory symptoms responding to resident behavior restorative care restraints resuscitation right to equal care rights saliva scabies scale secretions seizure self-actualization self-esteem sexual activity sexual expression sexual needs sexually transmitted diseases sharps container shaving shearing of skin side rails Sims position Sitz bath skin integrity smoking social needs social worker soiled linen specimen spilled food spills spiritual needs standard precautions state survey stealing stereotypes sterilization stethoscope stool specimen stress stroke strong side subjective suicide sundowning supine supplemental feedings suspected abuse swelling systolic tachycardia telephone etiquette temperature terminal illness threatening resident thrombus tips toenails toileting schedule trachea transfers transport bag transporting food treating residents with respect tub bath tube feeding tubing twice daily tympanic temperatures unaffected unconscious uniform unopened mail unsteady urinary catheter bag urinary system urination urine urine specimen vaginal drainage validation therapy vision change vital signs vitamins vomitus walker wandering resident water faucets water temperature weakness weighing weight wheelchair safety white blood cells withdrawal ____________________________________________ Common Medical Roots CNA medical terminology can be quite confusing to the average person. However, when you understand the root meanings of these words, you will find that learning medical terms is actually very simple. For example, words that contain the root “dermat†deal with skin. Other common roots and their meanings are as follows: Cardio and Corono - Heart Encephao and Cerebro - Brain Cranio - Skull Dermato - Skin Vasculo - Blood Vessels Phlebo and Veno - Veins Neuro - Nerves Colo - Colon Osteo - Bones Oto - Ears Pneumo - Lungs Reno and Nephro - Kidneys Thoraco - Chest Important Medical Terms The above roots can help you learn many of the medical terms you will need to know while working as a CNA. However there is a vast array of other medical terms you will encounter during your career, and some of the more common ones are listed below. Keep in mind that this is just a sample, and you will learn many more terms during your CNA training. Ambulate - To Move from One Place to Another Aphasia - Inability to Speak or Understand Speech Angina - Chest Pain Anterior - Front of the Body Lateral - Side of the Body Posterior - Back of the Body Proximal - Center of the Body Aspirate - To Suck In Aseptic - Preventing Infection Atrophy - Progressive Decline Contracture - Shortening of a Joint or Muscle Cyanosis - Blue Coloration of the Skin or Mucous Membranes Debacutis - Bed Sores, Lesions or Ulcers Dysphagia - Difficulty Swallowing Dypsnea - Shortness of Breath Edema - Significant Swelling Emesis - Vomit Incontinent - Inability to Control Bladder or Bowels Logrolling - Rolling Patients to the Side Micturition - Urinating Prosthesis - Artificial Limb or Other Body Part Prone Position - Lying on the Belly Supine Position - Lying Face-Up Trendelenburg Position - Lying Face-Up With Feet Elevated Purulent - Relating to Pus Serous - Thin and Watery Essential Medical Abbreviations In addition to the many medical terms you will need to learn during your nurse assistant training, you will also need to learn a variety of medical abbreviations. Your work order sheets will typically contain many abbreviations that will dictate your daily tasks. Although this list is also quite extensive, some of the most essential abbreviations you must be aware of include: AC - Before Meals AMB - Ambulate BID - Twice Per Day BM - Bowel Movement BP - Blood Pressure Cl Liq - Clear Liquids C/O - Complains Of DC - Discontinue FBS - Fasting Blood Sugar FF - Force Fluids HOB - Head of Bed I&O - Intake and Output NPO - Nothing By Mouth N&V - Nausea and Vomiting OOB - Out of Bed PC - After Meals PO - By Mouth PRN - As Necessary QD - Every Day QH - Every Hour QID - Four Times Per Day ROM - Range of Motion SOB - Shortness of Breath TID - Three Times Per Day TX - Treatment VS - Vital Signs W/C - Wheelchair As a CNA student, you will need to learn a large variety of medical terminology and abbreviations. However, understanding root meanings can make the process easier.
