Prac Vocab 1

Registered Nurse (RN)

A nurse who has passed a national licensure exam given by the state, after he/she has complete a course of study that is two to five yrs in length.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A nurse who administered anesthesia monitors patients during surgery and assists the anesthesiologist.

Clinical nurse specialist(CNS)

A nurse who specializes in a specific nursing area, such as intensive care, trauma or emergency care, psychiatry, pediatrics neonatal, and geriatrics.

Neonatal

Concerning the first 28-30 days after birth

Nurse practitioner (CRNP)

An advanced practice registered nurse. Trained to assess patients needs and be able to diagnose and provide medication.

Licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN, LVN)

A nurse who is required to complete a one to 2 yr state approved curriculum and pass a national licensure exam administered by the state.

Certified nurse assistant (CNA)

A nurse who is trained on the job or educated in the classroom which may include a high school course. Receives certification or registration by completing a 75--120 hrs state approved program and passing a national licensure exam administered by the state.

Geriatric assistant

A CNA who cares for the elderly

Home health care assistant

A CNA who travels to a patient's home to provide health services.

supine position

lying face up

prone position

lying face down

Sims position

A position in which the patient lies on his/her left side with the right knee drawn up to the abdomen. This is used for rectal exams or enemas.

Fowler's position

A position in which the patient lies on his/her back with the head elevated. This position facilitates breathing and is most frequently used at 45 degree angle

dangling position

patient sits with their legs over the side of the bed.

diaphoresis

profuse sweating

cyanosis

A condition in which a patient has a bluish color due to circulatory difficulties

Pressure ulcers

Decubitus ulcers, or bed sores pressure ulcers develop when a patient confined to bed is not turned often nor kept clean and dry

Distal

further from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment

mitered corner

a corner that is made by folding and tucking the sheet so that it lies flat and neat against the mattress

intake and output

The measurement of the patient's fluid intake and output

edema

puffy swelling of tissue from the accumulation of fluid

Intravenous (IV)

A tube used to put a substance into the patient's vein

irrigation

Giving fluids through tubes inserted into the body

emesis

vomiting

Isolation

Protects the patient and the person entering the room

Standard Precautions

Rules and recommendations that all healthcare workers must follow to prevent the spread of disease caused by bloodborne and body fluid pathogens, and practice handwash, wear PPE.

reverse isolation

Used to protect certain patients from infectious organisms by healthcare workers and visitors wearing PPE.