Nursing Exam Review - Key Concepts and Lab Values

Flashcards covering essential nursing concepts, lab values, and critical care topics to aid in exam preparation.

CBC

Complete Blood Count, a test that evaluates overall health and detects a variety of disorders.

H and H counts

Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood and the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.

Platelet counts

Measures the number of platelets in the blood, important for blood clotting.

White cell counts

The total number of white blood cells in the blood, crucial for immune response.

Normal PT

Prothrombin time, it measures how long it takes for blood to clot.

INR

International Normalized Ratio, a standardized way to measure PT, used to monitor blood-thinning medications.

ABGs

Arterial Blood Gases, tests that measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that carry an electric charge, essential for various physiological functions.

BUN

Blood Urea Nitrogen, a test that measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood and assesses kidney function.

Creatinine

A waste product from muscle metabolism, commonly used to evaluate kidney function.

Therapeutic communication

An interactive process that promotes patient understanding and rapport.

Grief

A natural response to loss, can manifest in various forms such as normal, complicated, or disenfranchised grief.

SLE

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems.

Classic triad of SLE

Fever, arthralgia, and rash.

Pancytopenia

A reduction in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Nephritis

Inflammation of the kidneys, common in SLE.

Epinephrine

A medication used to treat severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.

Type One Hypersensitivity

Immediate allergic reaction, commonly involves anaphylaxis.

Oxygen saturation

The percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen, measured by a pulse oximeter.

Lyme Disease

A tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, characterized by flu-like symptoms and erythema migrans.

Erythema migrans

A distinctive rash associated with Lyme disease.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that can lead to AIDS.

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the final stage of HIV infection characterized by a CD4 count less than 200 or opportunistic infections.

Opportunistic infections

Infections that occur more frequently and with greater severity in individuals with weakened immune systems.

C D Four count

A measure of immune system health in individuals with HIV/AIDs.

Kaposi Sarcoma

A type of cancer that can occur in people with AIDS, characterized by lesions on the skin.

Colorectal cancer screening

Recommended to start at age 45, involving colonoscopy.

Tumor lysis syndrome

A potentially fatal complication that can occur after treatment of cancer, where tumor cells break down rapidly.

DIC

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, a serious condition involving widespread clotting and bleeding.

Superior vena cava syndrome

A condition caused by obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava, often seen in patients with lung and breast cancer.

Cancer staging

The process of determining the extent of cancer in the body.

Oncologic emergencies

Acute and severe complications arising from cancer or its treatment.

Bioterrorism

The intentional release of biological agents to cause harm.

Disaster triage

The process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition.

Standard precautions

Infection control guidelines to prevent transmission of diseases.

Cautions for skin cancer

Acronym for warning signs: Change in mole, A symmetry, B order, C olor, D iameter, E volving.

Patient teaching for SLE

Include sun protection and the use of immunosuppressive medications.

High altitude sickness

A condition that occurs when the body cannot get enough oxygen at high altitudes.

Primary survey

Initial assessment of a patient to identify life-threatening conditions.

Secondary survey

Comprehensive assessment following stabilization of life-threatening conditions.

Antiretroviral therapy

Medications used to treat HIV infection and prevent opportunistic infections.

Glasgow Coma Scale

A scale used to assess a patient's level of consciousness.

Neuro assessment

Evaluation focused on the nervous system and brain function.

Respiratory assessment

Evaluation of the respiratory system including respiratory rate and breath sounds.

Age of onset for SLE

Typically occurs between ages 20 and 40.

Reassurance in emergencies

It's important to calm patients and communicate clearly during crisis situations.

Postmortem care

Care provided to a deceased patient, including positioning and cleaning.

Medical compliance

The extent to which patients follow prescribed treatments and recommendations.

EHR

Electronic Health Record, a digital version of patients' paper charts.

Nerve compression syndrome

A condition caused by pressure on a nerve, potentially leading to pain or functional impairment.

Forced vital capacity

The maximum amount of air a person can forcibly exhale after a maximum inhalation.

Effective hand hygiene

The practice of washing hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of infection.

Intervention prioritization

The process of determining which intervention is most critical based on patient condition.

Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)

A U.S. law that requires hospitals to treat emergency patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Psychosocial issues

Concerns relating to psychological and social problems that affect a patient's mental health.

Systematic assessment

A thorough evaluation approach to identify patient needs and issues.

Age-related cancer risk factors

Genetic and lifestyle factors increasing the likelihood of developing certain cancers.