NUR140 Exam 1 – Core Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential infection control, safety, vital-sign, and mobility concepts for NUR140 Exam 1.

Contact Precautions

Isolation method for infections such as wound infections, RSV, scabies, and herpes; at minimum requires gown and gloves for caregivers and visitors, removed before exiting the room.

Droplet Precautions

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

Respiratory (Airborne) Precautions

Measures for measles, varicella, and tuberculosis; N95- or higher-level respirator required with fit testing.

Protective Isolation

Reverse isolation that protects immunocompromised clients; the client wears a mask when leaving the room.

N95 Respirator

Tight-fitting mask that filters at least 95% of airborne particles; used for airborne precautions such as TB.

Hand Hygiene

Before/after every patient contact and after touching any surface; soap and water or alcohol gel, except MUST use soap and water for C. difficile.

Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)

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

Signs of Inflammation

Localized swelling, fever, abdominal pain, coughing, and chills indicating tissue response to injury or infection.

Chain of Infection

Sequence of events (agent, reservoir, exit, transmission, entry, host) broken by hand hygiene, vaccines, and PPE use.

Needlestick Injury Prevention

Use safety needles, activate safety devices immediately, and dispose of sharps before container is ¾ full.

Fall Risk Interventions

Lock brakes, keep bed low, position rails appropriately, and place call bell and belongings within reach.

Physical Restraints

Used only when client is a danger to self/others; applied to bed with quick release knot, two-finger slack, and frequent monitoring.

RACE

Fire response acronym: Rescue, Alarm, Contain/Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate.

PASS

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

National Patient Safety Goals – Identification

Use two patient identifiers (e.g., name and DOB) before care, treatment, or services.

ISBARR

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

Seizure Precautions

Pad rails, have oxygen and suction ready, keep bed low, and do not restrain limbs during seizure activity.

Home Oxygen Safety

No smoking, keep tank upright, store away from heat sources, and check tubing for kinks.

Body Mechanics

Use wide base, bend at knees, keep load close, and avoid twisting to prevent musculoskeletal injury.

Normal Blood Pressure

Systolic <120 mm Hg and diastolic <80 mm Hg (120/80).

Stage 1 Hypertension

Systolic 130–139 mm Hg or diastolic 80–89 mm Hg.

Orthostatic Hypotension

Drop ≥20 mm Hg systolic or ≥10 mm Hg diastolic within 1–3 minutes of position change; treat with slow position changes and compression stockings.

Apical Pulse

Heartbeat at apex, assessed for one full minute when giving certain cardiac drugs or during CV assessment.

Eupnea

Normal respiratory rate and rhythm (12–20 breaths/min).

Cheyne–Stokes Respiration

Cyclic breathing with gradual increase and decrease in depth followed by apnea; seen in stroke or brain tumor.

Kussmaul Respiration

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

Pulse Oximetry

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

Active Range of Motion (ROM)

Patient independently moves joints through full range without assistance.

Passive Range of Motion (ROM)

Nurse or caregiver moves the patient’s joints when the patient cannot assist.

Fowler’s Position

Head of bed elevated 45–60°; improves breathing and is used for feeding or respiratory therapy.

Trendelenburg Position

Bed tilted so head is lower than feet; used for certain cardiac, respiratory, or neurologic indications.

Crutch Fit

Crutch tops 1–2 inches below axilla with elbows flexed 15–30°; prevents nerve damage and improves stability.

Anti-embolism Stockings

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

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Formation of clot in deep veins due to immobility; prevented with ambulation and compression devices.

Atelectasis

Collapse of alveoli from immobility; prevented with incentive spirometer, deep-breathing, and coughing.

Foot Drop

Plantar-flexion contracture from prolonged bed rest; prevented with splints and foot boards.

Flexion

Bending movement that decreases the angle between bones (e.g., elbow bend).

Extension

Straightening movement that increases the angle between bones.

Abduction

Movement away from the body’s midline.

Adduction

Movement toward the body’s midline.

Dorsiflexion

Pulling toes upward toward the shin.

Plantarflexion

Pointing toes downward away from the body.