Fundamentals of Nursing: Essential Key Concepts

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering nursing fundamentals including patient mobility, nutrition, bowel elimination, and urinary care based on chapters 28, 30, 40, and 41.

Muscle atrophy

The wasting away of muscle tissue due to immobility.

Contracture

The permanent shortening of muscle or joint tissue.

Proprioception

The sense of position; loss of this sense is a nervous system complication of immobility.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A dangerous blood clot that forms when blood pools in the legs due to lack of movement.

Urinary stasis

A complication of immobility that can lead to UTIs and the formation of kidney stones.

Impaired Mobility

A nursing diagnosis applied when a patient cannot move well.

Activity Intolerance

A nursing diagnosis used when a patient becomes exhausted with physical activity.

Early ambulation

The gold standard nursing intervention to prevent complications by getting the patient up and walking as soon as possible.

Isotonic exercise

Physical activity where the muscle contracts with movement.

Isometric exercise

Physical activity where the muscle contracts without movement.

Carbohydrates

The primary energy source for the body, providing $4\text{ kcal/g}$; available in simple or complex forms.

Fats

A macronutrient providing $9\text{ kcal/g}$ (twice as much energy as carbs); includes saturated, unsaturated, and essential types like Omega-3.

Proteins

Nutrients made of amino acids essential for building and repairing tissue, providing $4\text{ kcal/g}$.

Complete proteins

Proteins that contain all 9 essential amino acids, found in eggs, meat, and dairy.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins including Vitamin A (vision/skin), Vitamin D (bones/calcium), Vitamin E (protection), and Vitamin K (blood clotting).

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins including Vitamin C (immunity) and B Vitamins (energy/nerves/DNA) like Folic acid ($B_9$) and $B_{12}$.

Nasogastric (NG) tube

A tube inserted from the nose to the stomach for short-term nutritional therapy or bowel decompression.

PEG tube (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy)

A long-term enteral feeding tube commonly used for neurologically impaired patients.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Individualized formula given via PICC line or central venous catheter when the GI tract is not functioning.

Impaction

A serious bowel complication where hard stool becomes stuck in the colon.

Sigmoid colostomy

A bowel diversion that produces solid stool and allows for regular bowel function.

Ileostomy

An opening from the small intestine that results in constant liquid drainage and requires an appliance at all times.

Valsalva

The act of straining during bowel elimination, which should be avoided.

Anuria

A severe problem characterized by the total absence of urine production.

Oliguria

A kidney-related problem characterized by very low volumes of urine output.

Polyuria

An excessive output of urine, often seen in conditions like diabetes.

Dysuria

Painful urination, frequently a symptom of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Hematuria

The presence of blood in the urine.

Specific gravity

A urinalysis measurement that indicates hydration status by balancing water and solutes.

Coudé catheter

A catheter with a curved tip specifically designed for patients with an enlarged prostate.

Clean-catch method

The best method for obtaining a urine culture, where the patient cleanses the area and catches the midstream urine in a sterile cup.

Kegel exercises

Physical exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor to help manage urinary incontinence.