essentials in nursing word list

Medical asepsis

"clean technique," is a set of routine practices in healthcare to reduce the number and spread of microorganisms, preventing infection without necessarily eliminating all microbes

Surgical asepsis

also called sterile technique, is the practice of removing all microorganisms (pathogenic and non-pathogenic) from an area or object to prevent introduction into a sterile body cavity or open wound

Contaminated

the unwanted introduction of harmful agents (like pathogens, blood, chemicals, or radioactive material) onto clean/sterile surfaces, instruments, or directly onto/into a patient, making them unsafe for intended use or posing a health risk, requiring proper cleaning (decontamination) or disposal

Cheilosis

is an inflammatory condition causing redness, cracks, sores, and crusting at the corners of the mouth, often due to saliva trapping from ill-fitting dentures, lip-licking, or nutritional deficiencies

Gingivitis

is defined in nursing and clinical practice as a common, non-destructive, and early form of periodontal (gum) disease characterized by inflammation, irritation, redness, and swelling of the gingiva—the tissue surrounding the base of the teeth

Glossitis

inflammation of the tongue, characterized by swelling, redness, smoothness (due to papillae loss), pain, and changes in color, impacting chewing, swallowing, and speech

Pediculosis

a common parasitic infestation by lice (head, body, or pubic), characterized by intense itching, redness, and visible nits/lice

Perineum

is the diamond-shaped area between the anus and genitals (vulva in females, scrotum in males)

Stomatitis

inflammation, soreness, or ulceration of the mouth's mucous membranes, affecting tissues like the tongue, gums, cheeks, and lips

Abduction

refers to the movement of a limb or body part away from the midline (center) of the body

Adduction

the movement of a body part, like a limb or finger, toward the midline or center of the body

Atrophy

the wasting or shrinkage of cells, tissues, or organs, leading to decreased size, strength, and function

Contracture

a permanent shortening of a muscle or joint and become very stiff

Dorsiflexion

the upward, backward bending of the foot (or hand) toward the shin (or forearm)

Fowler’s Position

sitting a patient up with the head of the bed elevated between 45 and 90 degrees, with knees slightly bent, to improve breathing, ease eating/swallowing, aid digestion, and help with post-operative recovery by using gravity to lower the diaphragm for better lung expansion and comfort.

Lateral position

side-lying, involves positioning a patient on their left or right side, commonly used for comfort, pressure relief (sacrum, heels), maintaining open airways (unconscious/seizure patients), reducing aspiration risk (post-throat surgery), and for surgical access (kidney, hip, thoracic). Proper technique involves supporting bony prominences with pillows (head, back, between knees, under upper arm) to maintain spinal alignment, prevent skin breakdown, and ensure patient comfort and safety.

Modified lateral/Oblique position

a patient positioning technique where the individual lies on their side (left or right) but is partially turned onto their abdomen, creating a "side-lying" position with more forward rotation than a true lateral position

Plantar flexion

the downward movement of the foot and ankle, increasing the angle between the foot and the leg, such as pointing the toes, standing on tiptoes, or pressing a car pedal

 Supine Recumbent

is a position where the patient lies flat on their back, often with a pillow for support, used for physical exams and surgery

Dorsal Recumbent

is similar but involves bent knees with feet flat on the surface, commonly used for abdominal/pelvic examinations and catheterization

Trochanter Roll

a positioning technique using a rolled-up towel, blanket, or foam cylinder placed against the lateral thigh (from the iliac crest to mid-thigh) of a supine patient. This prevents the hip and leg from rotating outward

Emesis

vomiting, defined by nurses as the forceful, involuntary, or voluntary retrograde expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth or nose

Enteral Nutrition

(EN), or tube feeding, is the delivery of liquid nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract via tubes (nasogastric, gastrostomy, jejunostomy) for patients with a functioning gut who cannot meet their nutritional needs orally.

Hematocrit

(Hct) is a blood test measuring the volume percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in whole blood, typically expressed as a percentage, reflecting the ratio of RBCs to plasma

Nasogastric Tube

(NG) tube is a thin, flexible, temporary tube inserted through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. Primarily used in nursing for short-term enteral feeding, medication administration, or gastric decompression (removing fluids/gas), these devices ensure nutrition when oral intake is impossible. 

NPO

nursing abbreviation for the Latin phrase nil per os, translating to "nothing by mouth." It is a strict directive indicating a patient must not consume any food, beverages, or oral medications, often ordered pre-operatively or before diagnostic procedures to prevent aspiration. 

Parenteral Nutrition

the intravenous administration of customized nutrients—including amino acids, lipids, dextrose, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals—directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. It is used when the GI tract is non-functional, inaccessible, or incapable of meeting nutritional needs, often via a central line. 

PEG Tube

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy tube is a medical device inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach, using endoscopy to facilitate long-term enteral feeding, hydration, and medication administration for patients with swallowing difficulties, neurological disorders, or head/neck trauma

Anuria

the absence or near-absence of urine production.

Defecation

the final act of digestion involving the voluntary and involuntary elimination of semi-solid waste (feces) from the rectum through the anus.

Dysuria

as any pain, discomfort, or burning sensation experienced during urination.

Enuresis

the involuntary, repeated discharge of urine—daytime (diurnal) or nighttime (nocturnal)—in children aged 5 or older, who are developmentally capable of bladder control.

Flatulence

the passage of gas from the digestive system through the rectum.

Nocturia

the complaint that an individual has to wake up at night one or more times to void (urinate).

Neurogenic bladder

a dysfunction of the lower urinary tract caused by damage to the brain, spinal cord, or nerves, resulting in the inability to control the bladder, leading to urinary retention, incontinence, or both.

Oliguria

a significant reduction in urine output, generally less than 400–500 mL per day in adults, or less than 0.5 mL/kg/hour in adults and children

Polyuria

the production and excretion of an abnormally large volume of urine, typically exceeding 2.5 to 3 liters per 24 hours in adults

Stool

the solid or semi-solid waste material discharged from the body during defecation.

Void

to urinate or empty the bladder, representing the voluntary or involuntary release of urine from the body.

Dehiscence

the partial or total separation of previously approximated surgical wound edges, resulting from a failure of the healing process

Evisceration

a surgical emergency involving the protrusion of internal organs (viscera), usually intestines, through a dehisced (opened) abdominal incision

Infection

the invasion, colonization, and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) within body tissues, triggering an immune response

inflammation

is the body’s protective, localized vascular and cellular response to tissue injury, infection, or irritation

Pathogen

is defined as any disease-producing microorganism or agent—commonly referred to as a germ—that invades the body and causes infection or disease

Phagocytosis

a critical immune process where specialized white blood cells (phagocytes, such as macrophages and neutrophils) engulf, ingest, and destroy foreign particles, cellular debris, and microorganisms

Purulent

purulent is an adjective used to describe drainage, exudate, or tissue that contains, consists of, or produces pus

Sanguineous

bright red, fresh blood that drains from a wound, commonly occurring during the initial inflammatory stage of healing

Serosanguinous

drainage is a thin, watery, pale pink to light red wound exudate composed of both serum (clear yellow fluid) and blood (sanguineous).

Serous

describes a thin, watery, clear, or slightly yellow drainage (exudate) that leaks from wounds, tissues, or surfaces during the inflammatory phase of healing

Atelectasis

the partial or complete collapse of pulmonary alveoli (air sacs), resulting in impaired gas exchange, reduced lung volume, and hypoxemia

Circumoral cyanosis

the bluish discoloration of the skin specifically surrounding the mouth and lips, indicating localized increased oxygen extraction or reduced perfusion

Hemoptysis

refers to the coughing up of blood or blood-stained sputum originating from the lower respiratory tract (lungs and airways)

Incentive Spirometry

is a handheld, bedside device used in nursing to encourage slow, deep breathing (maximum inspiration) to expand lungs, prevent atelectasis, and clear mucus, typically post-surgery or for respiratory illness

Mucus

a viscous, lubricating, and protective gel-like secretion produced by epithelial cells within mucous membranes, designed to line body cavities (respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital) to trap foreign particles, bacteria, and debris

Pneumothorax

is the accumulation of air in the pleural space between the lung and chest wall, resulting in a partial or complete collapsed lung

Stridor

an abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound caused by turbulent airflow through a partially obstructed or narrowed upper airway

Tenacious sputum

refers to mucus that is extremely thick, sticky, viscous, and difficult for the patient to expectorate (cough up)

Anaphylactic reaction

Anaphylaxis is a rapid, systemic, and life-threatening allergic reaction triggered by immune system overreaction (often IgE-mediated) to allergens. It is characterized by severe, multi-system dysfunction—including breathing difficulties, airway obstruction, hypotension, and shock—requiring immediate recognition and prompt administration of epinephrine.

Contraindicated

a specific medication, procedure, or treatment should not be used because it may cause severe harm, allergic reactions, or life-threatening complications for a patient

Intradermal injection

a nursing procedure involving the shallow administration of a small volume of medication (usually < 0.5 mL) directly into the dermis, located just below the epidermis, at a 5- to 15-degree angle

Intramuscular injection

An intramuscular (IM) injection is a nursing technique that delivers medication deep into muscle tissue—commonly the deltoid, vastus lateralis, or ventrogluteal sites—for rapid absorption via the rich blood supply. It is administered at a 90-degree angle to the skin using a quick, dart-like motion, often utilizing the Z-track method to minimize skin irritation and leakage.

Intravenous route

the parenteral administration of fluids, medications, blood products, or nutrients directly into a patient’s vein, ensuring immediate bioavailability and rapid onset of action. It is used for prompt therapeutic effects, fluid resuscitation, or when oral intake is unfeasible, bypassing the digestive

Parenteral

Parenteral in nursing refers to the administration of medications or nutrition bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, usually via injection or IV infusion directly into the body. It allows for rapid absorption and is used when oral intake is not possible

Subcutaneous injection

a nursing procedure involving the administration of medication into the adipose (fatty) tissue layer directly below the dermis and epidermis. Used for slow, sustained absorption of medications like insulin or heparin, it involves injecting at a 45–90° angle, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm