Fundamentals of Nursing – Hygiene, Mobility & Diagnostics

A set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key nursing concepts in hygiene, mobility, specimen collection, laboratory values, and diagnostic imaging.

ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)

Basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding.

IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)

More complex skills needed for independent living, e.g., managing finances, meal preparation, shopping.

Contracture

Permanent shortening of a muscle resulting in limited joint mobility.

Footdrop

Plantar-flexed deformity caused by prolonged immobility that impairs dorsiflexion of the foot.

Range of Motion (ROM)

The full movement potential of a joint in any direction.

Isotonic

Activity in which muscles shorten and produce active movement (e.g., walking, lifting).

Isometric

Muscle contraction without joint movement or muscle shortening (tighten/hold release).

Isokinetic

Muscle contraction with variable resistance at a constant speed, usually with rehab equipment.

AM Care

Morning hygiene routine; toileting, face/hand wash, mouth care, bathing, skin assessment, bed linens, tidying—encourage patient independence.

PRN Care

Hygiene provided as needed (e.g., change sweaty linens, oral care q2h for comatose patients).

HS (Hour-of-Sleep) Care

Bedtime care: toileting, wash/ oral care, back massage, fresh linens, safe positioning.

Bedpan

Standard receptacle used for elimination by immobile patients.

Fracture Pan

Low-rim bedpan for patients with hip, spinal, or neck injuries.

3 P’s

Nursing reminder to assess Potty, Position, and Pain every 2–4 hours.

Eye Care Technique

Clean from inner to outer canthus with warm, moist cloth; use a new section each wipe.

Artificial Tears/Saline

Instill q4h when blink reflex is absent to moisten unconscious patients’ eyes.

Hearing Aid Whistling

High-pitched sound indicating device is on and not seated correctly in ear.

Foot Care Precautions

Do not soak; dry between toes; moisturize; avoid nail cutting; consult podiatry; wear cotton socks & proper shoes.

Ergonomics

Use of proper body mechanics and equipment to prevent caregiver injury during patient handling.

Gait Belt

Wide strap placed around patient’s waist to support safe ambulation or transfers.

Trochanter Roll

Blanket/roll placed alongside hip to prevent external rotation of the leg in supine patients.

Graduated Compression Stockings

Elastic hosiery that promotes venous return; remove during bathing and skin checks.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Lab panel measuring WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, and platelets to assess infection, anemia, and clotting.

WBC Normal Range

5,000–10,000 /mm³; elevated in infection, low in immunosuppression.

HGB Normal Range

12–18 g/dL; indicates oxygen-carrying capacity and bleeding status.

HCT Normal Range

40–50 %; parallels HGB as an anemia indicator.

RBC Normal Range

4.2–5.9 million/mm³; decreased with bleeding or anemia.

Platelet Normal Range

100,000–400,000 /mm³; essential for blood clotting.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

Measures Na, K, Ca, Cl, CO₂, glucose, BUN, creatinine for metabolic/kidney status.

Sodium Normal Range

135–145 mEq/L; abnormal values cause hypo-/hypernatremia.

Potassium Normal Range

3.5–5.0 mEq/L; vital for cardiac rhythm, muscle function.

BUN Normal Range

8–20 mg/dL; elevated in renal impairment or dehydration.

Creatinine Normal Range

0.7–1.4 mg/dL; specific indicator of kidney function.

Critical Lab Value

Result outside life-threatening limits that requires immediate patient assessment and provider notification.

SBAR Report

Structured communication: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.

Prothrombin Time (PT)

Normal 10–13.1 sec; evaluates extrinsic clotting pathway.

INR Therapeutic Range

2.0–3.0 for anticoagulation; 2.5–3.5 for mechanical heart valves (normal 0.88–1.16).

aPTT (Heparin Monitoring)

Therapeutic ≈99 sec; normal 27.5–37.4 sec; assesses intrinsic pathway.

Albumin Normal Level

3.5–5.5 g/dL; reflects protein/nutritional status and oncotic pressure.

Blood Culture Protocol

Draw two sets from different sites 15 min apart—collect aerobic bottle first, then anaerobic—to avoid contamination.

24-Hour Urine Collection

Save all urine for 24 h; start and stop at the same clock time next day using final void.

X-Ray

Radiographic exam for bones/obstructions; uses ionizing radiation; ‘negative’ means normal finding.

CT Scan

Cross-sectional imaging with or without oral/IV contrast; emits radiation.

MRI

Detailed anatomic imaging using magnetic fields; no radiation; contrast may be used.

Ultrasound

Sound-wave imaging of organs and blood flow; no radiation or contrast needed.

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Bath

Antimicrobial wipe bath used to lower infection risk; not applied to genital area.

Safe Patient Handling Equipment

Lifts, transfer boards, and other devices that facilitate movement while preventing injury.