Dynamics Chapter 1 - Key Terms

acute care

Hospitals or urgent care; usually given in short term

assisted living facility

provides housing, group meals, personal care, support services, and social activities in a community setting

complementary care

alternative care used in conjunction with traditional medical care

custodial care

Care provided by non-medical professionals that aims to assist and individual in their ADL's

extended care facility

provides healthcare and helps with the ADL's to all people

general practitioner

a physician who diagnoses and treats a variety of common health problems

Hippocratic Oath

the moral basis for many medical regulations and guidelines still in use today

home health care

care that takes place in a person's home

homeopathy

a holistic system of healing that focuses on stimulating the body's ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highly diluted substances

hospice

a care provided to reduce pain, symptoms, and stress during the last stages of a terminally ill patient

independent living facility

a group of apartments or houses for residents who can take care of themselves and are mobile, yet need some help with daily activities; it may offer meals and other social activities in a community setting

inpatient

person who is admitted to an acute care facility for more than 24 hours

interdisciplinary team

a group of health care professionals with varied medical educations, backgrounds, and experiences who work together to deliver the best possible care for each patient

microbiology

The study of microorganisms and their effects on humans

Outpatient/Ambulatory

a patient who is discharged within 23 hours, but may require ongoing treatment, care, and education

pandemic

worldwide epidemic

prognosis

a medical prediction of the outcome of a disease

Rehabilitation centers

a health care facility that specializes in services for patients needing physical or emotional rehabilitation or treatment of chemical dependency

sphygmomanometer

blood pressure cuff

stethoscope

instrument used for listening to internal body sounds

subacute care facility

a healthcare facility that provides cheaper care for patients with complex medical and rehabilitative needs

chronic

A disease or condition that lasts for over 3 months

acute

a disease that comes sharply and suddenly; requires urgent care

specialist

a doctor trained to handle particular health problems

transverse

Divides body into upper and lower parts

superior

Higher on the body, nearer to the head

inferior

Lower on the body, farther from the head