Nursing Concepts and Practices Exam 3

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to nursing concepts, roles, and clinical practices.

Public Health

Health activities aimed at improving the health of populations and communities.

Community Health

A discipline that focuses on the health of individuals within a group or community.

Levels of Prevention

Primary: Prevent disease (vaccines, education)

Secondary: Early detection (screenings, BP checks)

Tertiary: Manage disease (rehab, meds)

Nursing Process

A systematic method used by nurses to plan and provide patient care.

Ethics in Nursing

Moral principles that guide nursing practice and patient care.

Informatics in Nursing

The use of information technology to improve patient care and healthcare outcomes.

Chronic Illness

A long-term health condition that may not have a cure, requiring ongoing medical attention.

Acute Illness

A sudden onset illness that is typically severe in nature and lasts a short period of time.

SCDs

Sequential Compression Devices used to prevent blood clots in immobile patients.

TED Hose

Thrombo-Embolic Deterrent stockings that promote venous return and prevent swelling.

Body Mechanics

Proper body movement techniques to prevent injury while providing care.

Delegation in Nursing

The process of assigning tasks and responsibilities to other members of the healthcare team.

Nursing Theories

Conceptual frameworks that guide nursing practice beyond basic skills.

Communication in Nursing

The process of exchanging information between nurses and patients.

Cultural Competence

Awareness and respect for cultural differences in healthcare.

Asepsis

The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms; essential for preventing infection.

Vital Signs

Clinical measurements that indicate the state of a patient's essential bodily functions.

Informed Consent

The process of obtaining permission from a patient to proceed with a treatment or procedure.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; regulates patient health information privacy.

Documentation in Nursing

The recording of patient information and care provided in a clear and concise manner.

Cognitive Alteration

Changes in a person’s cognitive abilities, often affecting their perception and understanding.

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare among various populations.

Telehealth

The use of telecommunications technology to provide healthcare remotely.

Health Literacy

The degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand basic health information needed to make informed health decisions.

Social Determinants of Health

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes.

Integrative Health

A holistic approach to healthcare that considers the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of patients, integrating conventional and alternative therapies.</span>

What is the difference between SCDs and TED hose?

SCDs: Mechanical compression that inflates/deflates → prevents DVT

TED hose: Constant compression stockings → improve circulation

What is the most reliable indicator of pain?

The patient’s self-report (even if it doesn’t match appearance).

What are the phases of the nurse-patient relationship?

Orientation: Introduce, build trust

Working: Provide care

Termination: End relationship

What are the 6 links in the chain of infection?

Infectious agent → Reservoir → Portal of exit → Transmission → Portal of entry → Susceptible host

Difference between medical and surgical asepsis?

Medical asepsis is a clean technique, like hand washing, to reduce microorganisms and their spread. Surgical asepsis uses a sterile technique to eliminate microorganisms completely.

Common signs of infection

Fever, redness, swelling, warmth, pain, drainage

What are SMART goals?

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound

Independent vs dependent interventions

Independent interventions are actions that nurses can initiate without a healthcare provider's orders, while dependent interventions require a provider's orders for execution.

What are key principles of documentation?

Accurate, timely, objective, complete

What is an incident report used for?

Document unexpected events/errors for safety improvement (NOT part of chart)

Benefits of informatics

Reduces errors, improves communication, increases efficiency

Why is safety considered an “umbrella concept”?

It applies to ALL aspects of patient care

Examples of safety interventions

Fall precautions, proper ID checks, safe med admin

What are key safety concerns in healthcare?

Falls, infections, medication errors, equipment misuse