Mark Klimek Nursing Review Vocabulary Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering key nursing concepts, pediatric conditions, and medical-surgical emergencies based on the Mark Klimek review notes.

Abruptio Placenta

The premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, typically characterized by painful vaginal bleeding and occurring most commonly in the third trimester.

Accutane (Isotretinoin)

A potent retinoid medication and analog of Vitamin A used for severe acne; it is highly teratogenic and requires strict health teaching regarding the prevention of birth defects.

Acute Glomerular Nephritis (AGN)

An inflammation of the kidney's basement membrane usually caused by an antigen-antibody reaction following a Group A beta-hemolytic strep infection, characterized by dark, tea-colored urine.

APGAR Scale

A quick objective method used to evaluate the vital functions of a newborn at $1$ and $5$ minutes after birth, assessing heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflexes, and color.

Acrocyanosis

A normal finding in newborns where the extremities are blue while the body is pink; it is the most common reason a healthy baby receives a score of $9$ on the APGAR scale.

Intermittent Claudication

Pain in the calf that occurs upon walking, frequently associated with Buerger’s Disease (Thromboangiitis obliterans).

Curling’s Ulcer

A stress-induced gastrointestinal ulcer commonly seen in burn patients, typically prevented with $H_2$ receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors.

Metastasis

The process by which cancer spreads from a primary site to a distant site in the body.

Alopecia

The loss of hair, which is a common integumentary side effect of chemotherapy (usually temporary) and radiation (often permanent).

Decompensation

The failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation after compensatory mechanisms like hypertrophy and tachycardia are no longer effective.

Logan Bow

A metal apparatus applied to an infant's face after a cleft lip repair to protect the suture line and prevent stress on the area.

Steatorrhea

The presence of large, pale, foul-smelling, and greasy stools, commonly found in patients with Celiac Disease or Cystic Fibrosis ($CF$).

Hemianopsia

The loss of half of the field of vision, common in stroke victims, requiring the patient to be taught the 'scanning' technique of moving the head side-to-side.

Aphasia (Global)

A condition occurring after a CVA where the client experiences both receptive and expressive language deficits.

Otolaryngotrachealbronchitis (LTB)

Commonly known as Croup, a viral condition characterized by a barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and labored breathing.

Iontophoresis (Sweat Test)

The classic diagnostic test for Cystic Fibrosis ($CF$) that measures the amount of chloride in the patient's sweat.

Pyloric Stenosis

A narrowing of the pyloric sphincter characterized by an olive-sized bulge under the right ribcage and projectile, non-bile-stained vomiting in infants.

$L/S$ Ratio (Lecithin/Sphingomyelin)

A diagnostic test of amniotic fluid where a ratio greater than $2.0$ indicates that the fetal lungs are mature.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

A life-threatening complication in quadriplegic patients involving severe hypertension and bradycardia, often triggered by a full bladder or bowel.

Chvostek’s Sign

A clinical sign of hypocalcemia demonstrated by tapping the cheek to elicit a facial twitch or spasm.

Trousseau’s Sign

A test for hypocalcemia where a carpopedal spasm is induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm.

Raynaud’s Syndrome

An arterial disease characterized by spasms of the digits, causing them to feel cold and appear pale or blue in response to cold or stress.

Trigeminal Neuralgia (Tic Douloureux)

A condition affecting cranial nerve $5$, resulting in episodes of severe, stabbing, one-sided facial pain.

Montgomery Straps

Adhesive straps used in wound care to secure dressings without the repeated application and removal of tape, thereby protecting the skin.

Glasgow Coma Scale ($GCS$)

A neurological assessment tool that scores a patient's best eye-opening, verbal, and motor responses, where a score of $7$ or below indicates a coma.