1040 Final Review – Key Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing genetics, reproduction, obstetrics, pediatrics, adolescence, adult development, and common health issues covered in Units 1, 4-7, 11-15, and 17-20.

Family (health-care definition)

Two or more people who share resources and give one another physical, emotional, or spiritual support.

Semi-permeable family boundary

Healthy balance of privacy and interaction that lets a family maintain its identity while engaging with the outside world.

Family attachment & commitment

Emotional bonds and dedication among members that strengthen family functioning and survival.

Chromosomal abnormality

Any numeric or structural change in chromosomes that can cause genetic disease or miscarriage.

Monosomy

Missing one chromosome from a pair; usually lethal except for Turner Syndrome (45,X).

Turner Syndrome

Only viable human monosomy; females have a single X chromosome and characteristic physical findings.

Trisomy

Presence of three copies of a chromosome instead of two (e.g., Trisomy 13, 18, 21).

Trisomy 13 (Patau)

Chromosomal disorder causing severe anomalies and high infant mortality.

Trisomy 18 (Edwards)

Chromosomal disorder with growth restriction, clenched fists, and poor prognosis.

Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome)

Most common viable trisomy, associated with intellectual disability and characteristic features.

Mosaicism

Presence of two or more genetically different cell lines in one individual (e.g., some cancers, Klinefelter mosaic).

Klinefelter Syndrome

Male chromosomal disorder (47,XXY) causing tall stature, infertility, and low testosterone.

Newborn metabolic screening

Mandatory testing for recessive disorders to permit early intervention and improved outcomes.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Recessive metabolic defect detected on newborn screen; requires lifelong low-phenylalanine diet.

Genetic counseling

Process of risk identification, testing, and explanation of genetic findings to patients and families.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Placental hormone detected by pregnancy tests that maintains the corpus luteum.

Corpus luteum

Ovarian structure that secretes progesterone to sustain early pregnancy.

Teratogen

Any agent capable of crossing the placenta and causing birth defects.

Pre-embryonic teratogen effect

An all-or-nothing response before implantation; usually no effect or total loss of pregnancy.

Embryonic stage (3–8 weeks)

Organogenesis period; highest susceptibility to major structural defects from teratogens.

Fetal stage (>8 weeks)

Teratogens produce minor structural or functional defects; CNS remains vulnerable.

Progesterone (pregnancy)

Hormone that relaxes uterine muscle, dilates vessels, slows GI motility, and prevents preterm labor.

Preeclampsia

Pregnancy complication with hypertension, proteinuria, and symptoms such as facial edema, headache, and visual changes.

Clonus

Rhythmic ankle spasms on dorsiflexion; a sign of severe preeclampsia.

Ectopic pregnancy

Implantation outside the uterus—often in a tube—risking rupture and hemorrhagic shock.

Hypovolemic shock

Life-threatening circulatory collapse from severe blood loss, as in ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Placenta previa

Placental implantation over or near the cervical os causing painless vaginal bleeding; managed with bedrest and C-section.

AROM (Artificial Rupture of Membranes)

Intentional breaking of amniotic sac; performed only when fetal head is engaged to avoid cord prolapse.

Umbilical cord prolapse

Descent of cord beside or past presenting part after ROM, leading to fetal hypoxia.

Uterine rupture

Tearing of uterine wall, often linked to VBAC; requires emergency C-section.

VBAC

Vaginal birth after Cesarean; carries small risk of uterine rupture.

VEAL CHOP mnemonic

Variable-Cord, Early-Head, Accelerations-Okay, Late-Placenta: links FHR patterns to causes and actions.

Growth (infant)

Increase in physical size and weight.

Development (infant)

Progressive acquisition of skills and functional abilities.

Separation anxiety

Distress beginning around 8 months when infant is away from primary caregiver.

Object permanence

Understanding by 12 months that objects continue to exist when out of sight.

Rear-facing car seat rule

Keep child rear-facing until at least age 2 or until exceeding seat height/weight limits.

Chest clip placement

Harness clip should rest at armpit level and fit snugly across the child’s chest.

Toddler negativism

Typical “No!” response expressing autonomy and limited vocabulary, not rebellion.

Echolalia

Parrot-like repetition of words; concerning for autism if it persists beyond 30 months.

Parallel play

Toddler play style of side-by-side activity without shared goals.

Preoperational thinking

Preschool stage characterized by egocentrism, magical ideas, and animism.

Nightmare

Frightening dream from which a child awakens and seeks comfort; reassure without taking to parents’ bed.

Permanent teeth eruption

Begins around age 6 when deciduous teeth are replaced.

School refusal

Avoidance of school to escape negative stimuli or gain attention; not due to true illness.

Childhood obesity nursing role

Collaborate with parents to modify diet, activity, and lifestyle for healthier weight.

Adolescent invulnerability

Cognitive sense that “nothing bad will happen,” leading to risk-taking behaviors.

Dating safety code word

Pre-arranged signal adolescents use to summon help if a date feels unsafe.

Consistent discipline (teen)

Predictable rules and consequences that respect adolescents’ viewpoint while setting limits.

Syphilis lesion

Painless chancre caused by Treponema pallidum.

Herpes simplex lesion

Painful vesicular ulcer caused by HSV.

Chlamydia & PID

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most frequent cause of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Gonorrhea treatment

Ceftriaxone (third-generation cephalosporin) is first-line due to resistance patterns.

HPV and cervical cancer

History of human papillomavirus infection increases risk of malignant cervical changes.

Cystocele

Bladder prolapse into the vagina forming an anterior bulge.

Cervical cap

Barrier method that requires spermicide and must stay in place 6–8 h post-coitus.

Diaphragm (contraceptive)

Flexible dome placed over cervix with spermicide; keep in 6–8 h after intercourse.

PMS/PMDD diet

Limit sugar, salt, alcohol, caffeine; choose complex carbs, whole grains, lean protein, fruits, vegetables.

Perimenopause

Gradual hormonal decline before menopause with hot flashes, irregular menses, mood changes; contraception needed for 12 months after last period.

Testosterone therapy monitoring

Serum testosterone checked every 6–12 months once replacement begins.

Transdermal testosterone teaching

Apply gel/patch where others won’t contact to prevent accidental exposure.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Non-malignant prostate enlargement common in older men causing urinary symptoms.

Watchful waiting (BPH)

Preferred initial management; patient monitors symptoms before active treatment.

Intimacy vs Isolation

Erikson’s early-adulthood stage focused on forming close, trusting relationships.

Motivational interviewing

Patient-centered technique that explores personal goals to elicit behavior change.

Self-regulation

Setting personal goals and consistently following through to maintain health behaviors.

Generativity vs Stagnation

Erikson’s middle-adulthood stage balancing productivity and concern for others against self-absorption.

Empty nest syndrome

Feelings of loss or purpose when last child leaves home.

Sandwich generation

Adults simultaneously caring for children and aging parents.

Midlife crisis

Period of self-reflection and distress over unmet goals in middle adulthood.

Shingrix vaccine

Recombinant zoster vaccine recommended for adults ≥50 years to prevent shingles.

Presbyopia

Age-related loss of near-focus; reading held at arm’s length.

Presbycusis

Gradual age-related high-frequency hearing loss.

Cataract

Clouding of the eye’s lens causing blurred vision; surgically correctable.

Glaucoma

Increased intraocular pressure risking optic nerve damage; treated with drops.

Health coach role

Nurse helps patients overcome barriers, learn meds, and adopt healthy lifestyles.

Colon cancer screening age

Begin average-risk screening at 45 years (annual FIT or colonoscopy every 10 years).

Osteoporosis risk factors

Small-boned Caucasian/Asian women, early menopause, aging, family or fracture history, low sex hormones.

Weight-bearing exercise

Activities like walking or lifting that stimulate bone growth and prevent osteoporosis.

Fall prevention at home

Remove loose rugs/clutter to decrease fracture risk in osteoporotic patients.

Smoking & bone density

Nicotine lowers estrogen/testosterone and accelerates bone loss.

Long-acting opioids & testosterone

Chronic opioid use can suppress testosterone but is not a contraindication for replacement therapy.