NUR140 Exam 1 – Infection Control, Safety & Mobility Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering infection control, safety, vital signs, and mobility concepts for NUR140 Exam 1.

Contact Precautions

Isolation method for infections such as wound infections, RSV, scabies, or herpes; requires gown and gloves for anyone entering the room with removal before exit.

Droplet Precautions

Isolation for illnesses spread by large respiratory droplets (e.g., rubella, pertussis, mumps); caregivers and visitors wear a surgical mask.

Airborne Precautions

Isolation for measles, varicella, or tuberculosis; requires a fit-tested N95 (or higher) respirator.

Protective Isolation

Reverse isolation to protect immunocompromised clients; patient wears a mask when leaving the room.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Barrier apparel—gloves, gowns, masks, eyewear—used to reduce exposure to infectious materials.

Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)

Infection acquired in a healthcare setting; increases morbidity, mortality, and cost of care.

Signs of Inflammation

Localized or systemic responses such as swelling, fever, abdominal pain, cough, or chills.

Signs of Infection

Clinical indicators like sore throat, fever, chills / sweats, shortness of breath, or burning with urination.

Chain of Infection

Six links (agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode, portal of entry, host); broken by hand hygiene, vaccination, and isolation.

Needlestick Injury Prevention

Use safety-engineered needles, activate safety device immediately, and dispose when sharps container is <¾ full.

Falls Risk Assessment

Evaluation of hazards and patient factors; interventions include low-positioned bed, locked brakes, reachable call bell, and proper rail use.

Physical Restraints

Devices limiting movement when a patient is a danger to self/others; apply to bed frame, allow two-finger slack, and perform frequent checks, ROM, nutrition, and skin care.

RACE

Fire response mnemonic: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate.

PASS

Fire-extinguisher steps: Pull the pin, Aim at base, Squeeze handle, Sweep side to side.

National Patient Safety Goals

Joint Commission standards focusing on correct patient ID, effective communication, and safe medication use.

ISBARR

Structured communication: Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation, Read-back.

Seizure Precautions

Safety measures such as padded bed rails, oxygen and suction readiness, and no tongue blades.

Orthostatic Hypotension

Drop ≥20 mm Hg systolic or ≥10 mm Hg diastolic upon standing; diagnosed after 1–3 min post-position change.

Apical Pulse

Heart rate auscultated for one full minute at the apex (5th ICS, left mid-clavicular line).

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

Cyclic breathing with crescendo-decrescendo depth followed by apnea; seen in brain injury or end-of-life.

Kussmaul's Respiration

Deep, rapid, regular breathing associated with metabolic acidosis (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis).

Pulse Oximetry

Non-invasive measurement of oxygen saturation; normal ≥95%.

Active Range of Motion (AROM)

Joint movement performed independently by the patient.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

Joint movement performed for the patient without their muscle effort.

Semi-Fowler's Position

Head of bed elevated 30°–45°; facilitates breathing and tube feeding.

Fowler's Position

Head of bed elevated 45°–60°; used for respiratory ease and some procedures.

Trendelenburg Position

Supine with head lower than feet; sometimes used for hypotension or certain surgeries.

Antiembolism Stockings

Elastic hosiery that promotes venous return and prevents DVT; apply per skill checklist.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, often in the leg, risk increased by immobility.

Incentive Spirometer

Device encouraging deep breathing to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia.

Foot Drop

Plantar-flexed position due to weakness or nerve damage; prevented with splints or foot boards.

Flexion

Movement that decreases the angle between two bones (bending).

Extension

Movement that increases the angle between bones (straightening).

Abduction

Movement of a limb away from the midline.

Adduction

Movement of a limb toward the midline.

Dorsiflexion

Moving toes upward toward the shin.

Plantarflexion

Pointing toes downward away from the body.