NCLEX Practice Flashcards: Wellness, Illness, Infection, Pain, Sleep, Stress, and Safety (Pages 1-5)

This set covers key concepts from topics on wellness and illness, infection control, pain, sleep, stress management, and safety as presented in the notes.

High-level wellness

Optimal level of health according to Dunn’s Theory of High-Level Wellness.

Wellness–illness continuum

A continuum from optimal wellness to death, describing health as a dynamic state.

Social determinants of health

Nonmedical factors shaping health, such as safe housing and neighborhoods.

Health literacy

Ability to understand and use health information.

Prodromal phase

Early illness phase when a person feels unwell but symptoms are not yet evident.

Chronic illness

A long-term illness that can have remission and exacerbation.

Prodrome

Feeling unwell before clear symptoms appear; nonspecific signs.

Stress-related illnesses

Conditions that can be worsened by stress, such as hypertension, diabetes, and migraines.

Stress management techniques

Strategies to reduce stress, including exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques.

Recovery phase

Stage in which a patient regains independence gradually.

Portal of exit

Route by which an infectious agent leaves the host (e.g., bodily fluids).

Virus

A pathogen that requires a host cell to reproduce.

Health-care–associated infection (HAI)

Infection acquired in a health care setting.

Primary defenses

The body's first line of defense, including skin and mucous membranes.

Tertiary defenses

Lymphocytes and phagocytes; components of the immune response.

Localized infection

Infection confined to a specific area of the body.

Airborne precautions

Precautions for airborne pathogens requiring a negative-pressure room and respirator protection.

Standard precautions

Hand hygiene, use of PPE, and sharps safety to prevent transmission.

Poor nutrition, stress, chronic illness

Factors that can decrease the body’s defense against infection.

Talking with patient; providing reading

Psychological strategies to reduce the isolation impact on patients.

Closes the gate (Gate Control Theory)

Broad nerve fiber stimulation can close the pain gate to transmission of pain signals.

Nerve damage

Not a method to close the pain gate; can contribute to pain.

Radiating pain

Pain that starts at one location and travels to another area (e.g., abdominal to back).

Diffuse, deep somatic pain

Pain that is widespread and lasts long, often from bones, joints, or connective tissue.

Phantom limb pain

Neuropathic pain experienced in a limb that is no longer present.

Massage

Nonpharmacological method that can release endorphins and help close the pain gate.

Acetaminophen maximum daily dose

Maximum safe daily dose for adults: 4 g per 24 hours (3 g recommended in some guidelines).

Respiratory depression

Most serious complication when administering opioids.

Newborn sleep requirements

Newborns typically require about 16–18 hours of sleep per day.

Lack of restorative sleep

Fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration related to insufficient restorative sleep.

Healthy People 2030

A government program that sets national health goals and benchmarks.

Seeking help phase

Illness phase that involves seeking professional care.

Diabetes mellitus

An example of a chronic illness.

Cortisol

The stress hormone released during the fight-or-flight response.

Regular exercise and relaxation techniques

Effective long-term coping strategies for stress.

Protozoa

Single-celled animal-like microorganisms that can live in water.

Indirect contact transmission

Transmission via contaminated objects or surfaces rather than direct touch.

Infectious agent

The first link in the chain of infection; the organism causing disease.

Airborne precautions

Precautions for airborne pathogens; requires negative-pressure rooms and respirators.

Catheter-associated UTI

An example of a health-care–associated infection (HAI).

Substance P

A neurotransmitter associated with pain transmission and inflammation.

Cramping or aching pain

Common description of visceral pain.

Cold

A nonpharmacological intervention suitable for acute injuries to reduce pain and inflammation.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that block prostaglandin synthesis.

Naloxone (Narcan)

Opioid reversal agent used to treat respiratory depression and overdose.

8.5–9.5 hours

Recommended nightly sleep duration for adolescents.

REM sleep

Stage of sleep associated with dreaming.

Restorative sleep

Sleep that restores energy; lack leads to grogginess.

Sleep apnea

Sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessation of breathing during sleep.

Provide a quiet, dim environment

A sleep-promoting intervention in hospitalized patients.

Secondary defenses

Immune responses involving additional defenses such as inflammation and fever.

Contact precautions

Protective measures when entering rooms with contagious patients, including gloves and gowns.

TENS unit

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation used to modulate pain signals.

Guided imagery

A nonpharmacological stress-management technique using mental visualization.

Stress

A factor that can negatively affect both rest and immune system function.