Elimination/fluids/nutrition/sleep/IV therapy

Micturition

The act of urination or voiding.

Anuria

Urine output less than 100 mL/day.

Oliguria

Low urine output less than 400 mL/day.

Polyuria

Excessive urine output over 2500 mL/day.

Diuresis

Increased urine production.

Hematuria

Blood in the urine.

Residual urine

Urine left in bladder after voiding.

Distention

Stretching of bladder due to urine retention.

Functional incontinence

Inability to reach toilet in time due to outside factors.

Total incontinence

Complete inability to control urination.

Retention with overflow

Overfilled bladder causing urine leakage.

Cystitis

Inflammation or infection of bladder.

Bladder scanner

Ultrasound device measuring bladder urine volume.

Bladder training program

Behavioral method to improve bladder control.

Foley/indwelling catheter

Catheter left in bladder for continuous drainage.

Straight catheter

Catheter inserted and immediately removed after drainage.

Clean catch urine

Midstream specimen collected after cleaning.

Midstream

Portion of urine stream collected after initial flow begins.

Urinalysis (UA)

Laboratory examination of urine.

Urine for culture and sensitivity

Test identifying bacteria and effective antibiotics.

Lithotomy position

Position with legs in stirrups for procedures.

Defecation

Passage of stool from rectum.

Feces/Stool

Solid waste eliminated from bowel.

Diarrhea

Frequent loose watery stools.

Impaction

Hardened stool unable to pass normally.

Disimpaction

Manual removal of impacted stool.

Peristalsis

Wave-like contractions moving GI contents forward.

Flatus

Gas expelled from intestines.

Laxative

Substance promoting bowel movement.

Enema

Solution inserted rectally to stimulate bowel evacuation.

Suppository

Medication inserted into rectum or vagina.

Rectal tube

Tube used to release intestinal gas.

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in rectal/anal area.

Occult blood

Hidden blood in stool.

Bowel sounds

Sounds from movement in intestines.

Incontinence

Involuntary loss of bowel or bladder control.

Diffusion

Movement of particles from high to low concentration.

Osmosis

Movement of water toward higher solute concentration.

Electrolyte

Charged mineral in body fluids.

Acidosis

Blood pH below 7.35.

Alkalosis

Blood pH above 7.45.

pH

Measure of acidity or alkalinity.

Edema

Excess fluid in tissues causing swelling.

Dehydration

Deficit of body fluids.

Specific gravity

Measure of urine concentration.

Hematocrit (Hct)

Percentage of red blood cells in blood.

Third spacing

Fluid shift into spaces unavailable for circulation.

Milliequivalent

Unit measuring electrolyte combining power.

Nutrient

Substance providing energy and body maintenance.

Malnutrition

Inadequate or imbalanced nutrient intake.

Anorexia

Loss of appetite.

Nausea

Sensation of needing to vomit.

Vomiting (emesis)

Forceful expulsion of stomach contents.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Aspiration

Inhalation of food or fluid into airway.

Enteral feeding tube

Tube delivering nutrition into GI tract.

Nutritional supplement

Product adding nutrients to diet.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

Weight-to-height calculation.

Overweight

BMI 25–29.9.

Underweight

BMI less than 18.5.

Obesity

BMI 30 or greater.

Anthropometry

Body measurements used in nutritional assessment.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

Calories needed to maintain basic body functions at rest.

Kilocalorie (calorie)

Unit of energy from food.

Positive nitrogen balance

Nitrogen intake exceeds losses.

Negative nitrogen balance

Nitrogen losses exceed intake.

Saturated fats

Solid fats linked to higher LDL cholesterol.

Unsaturated fats

Liquid fats associated with healthier cholesterol levels.

MyPlate

USDA guide for balanced eating.

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA/DRI)

Daily nutrient intake recommendations.

Failure to thrive

Declining health with weight loss and decreased function.

Circadian rhythm

Internal 24-hour sleep-wake clock.

Sleep

State of reduced consciousness needed for restoration.

Rest

Reduced activity leading to refreshment.

REM sleep

Dreaming stage important for memory.

NREM sleep

Non-dream sleep restoring physical function.

Sleep hygiene

Habits promoting healthy sleep.

Sedative

Medication calming anxiety or excitement.

Hypnotic

Medication inducing sleep.

Isotonic

IV solution with same concentration as blood.

Hypotonic

IV solution moving fluid into cells.

Hypertonic

IV solution pulling fluid out of cells.

Infiltration

IV fluid leaking into surrounding tissue.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein.

Circulatory overload

Excess IV fluid causing pulmonary edema.

Electronic infusion device (EID)

IV pump controlling fluid rate.

Keep vein open (KVO)

Slow IV rate maintaining vein access.

Drop factor

Number of drops per mL in IV tubing.

Mini drop/micro drop

IV tubing delivering 60 gtt/mL.

Intermittent infusion device (saline lock)

IV catheter used intermittently without continuous fluids.

Venipuncture

Puncturing a vein for blood draw or IV insertion.