Lecture Notes – Video Flashcards: Key Vocabulary (Medical Nursing Topics)

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards drawn from the video notes, covering key topics in diabetes emergencies, cardiopulmonary signs, infectious diseases, ophthalmic care, osteoporosis, postoperative nursing, aging psychology, and related nursing actions.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A diabetes complication characterized by significant hyperglycemia (often glucose >300 mg/dL) and metabolic disturbances that require urgent management.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A drop in blood pressure when moving from lying to standing, typically a decrease of ≥20 mmHg systolic or ≥10 mmHg diastolic within a few minutes.

Edema (extremities)

Swelling of the limbs; may be accompanied by changes such as extremity temperature differences (e.g., cooler if edema is present).

Strep Throat Diagnosis

Diagnosis made by throat culture (and can be confirmed with rapid strep testing) to detect Streptococcus infection.

Complications of Streptococcal Infection

Possible heart and kidney involvement, including rheumatic heart disease and glomerulonephritis.

Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment and Resistance

Long-term antibiotic therapy; completing the full course is essential to prevent drug resistance; active TB requires isolation.

Meningitis (Viral vs Bacterial)

Viral meningitis: rest and IV fluids; bacterial meningitis: antibiotics and isolation; vaccines help prevent bacterial meningitis.

Nuchal Rigidity

Stiff neck, a classic sign of meningitis.

Droplet Precautions

Infection-control measures for diseases spread via respiratory droplets; use appropriate PPE and isolation as indicated.

Seizure Precautions

Protect the head, maintain airway, keep the area clear, have suction at the bedside, and time the seizure onset; administer emergency meds if lasting >3 minutes.

Lacrimal Occlusion (Nasolacrimal Duct Occlusion)

Applying pressure to the inner canthus to reduce systemic absorption of ophthalmic medications.

Cataracts

Clouding of the eye’s lens causing blurred vision; treated with surgical lens removal.

Postoperative Cataract Care

Eye patch, avoid lifting/straining, sleep on the unaffected side, and follow physician’s instructions.

Finasteride (Proscar)

A 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used for BPH and hair loss; can cause decreased libido as a side effect.

Osteoporosis Prevention

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol intake.

Postmastectomy Nursing Considerations

Avoid blood pressures and IVs in the operated arm; encourage range-of-motion exercises and monitor for complications.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Erik Erikson)

Final psychosocial stage in old age; achieving a sense of fulfillment and acceptance vs. regret and despair.

Aging Changes

Physiological changes such as reduced skin elasticity and decreased ciliary motion that affect protection and function.

Hypoxia Signs

Early indicators include tachycardia, tachypnea, restlessness, and cyanosis indicating low oxygen levels.

Angina Lifestyle Education

Lifestyle modifications (smoking cessation, lowering cholesterol, increasing physical activity) to manage or reduce angina risk.