health science theory

Word Root

The main part of a word.

Prefix

A part added to the beginning of a word to further define the root.

Suffix

A part added to the end of a word, which usually describes what is happening to the root.

Combining Vowel

A vowel (like 'o') used between word parts to make pronunciation easier.

Eponyms

Medical terms named after the person who discovered them (e.g., Alzheimer's disease).

Suffix -itis

Indicates inflammation of.

Word Root encephal(o)

Refers to the brain.

Trailing Zeros

Never use a trailing zero (e.g., write 5 mg, not 5.0 mg) because the decimal can be missed, leading to an overdose.

Leading Zeros

Always use a leading zero (e.g., write 0.5 mg, not .5 mg) to ensure the decimal point is not missed.

Banned Abbreviations

Know which abbreviations are banned and what to write instead, such as not using sc, SC, or SQ; instead, write out 'subcutaneously' or 'sub-Q'.

Growth

Refers to measurable physical changes (like height and weight).

Development

Refers to the changes in intellectual, emotional, and social skills.

Infancy

Birth to 1 year; rapid physical growth (weight triples); presence of reflexes like the Moro (startle) reflex; complete dependence on others.

Early Childhood

1 to 6 years; slower growth; learns bladder and bowel control; vocabulary expands to 1,500-2,500 words.

Late Childhood

6 to 12 years; 'slow and steady' growth; life centers around school; learns to use logic.

Adolescence

12 to 18 years; rapid 'growth spurt'; development of sexual organs (puberty); needs reassurance, support, and understanding.

Middle Adulthood

40 to 65 years; physical signs of aging (e.g., wrinkles) appear; women experience menopause.

Late Adulthood

65+ years; ongoing physical decline.

Jean Piaget

Identified cognitive stages of development.

Assimilation

Taking in new information.

Accommodation

Changing ideas based on new information.

Abraham Maslow

Developed the Hierarchy of Needs.

Physiological Needs

The most basic level of needs, such as food and water.

Self-Actualization

The highest level of needs, or reaching full potential.

Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Identified the 5 stages of grief.

Stages of Grief

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

Hospice

Philosophy to provide palliative (comfort) care and allow a patient to die with dignity.

Patient Self-Determination Act

The federal law giving individuals the right to make decisions about their own medical care.

Death

Often referred to as the 'final stage of growth'.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious acts that help people cope.

Projection

Blaming another person for your own actions.

Displacement

Transferring feelings from one person onto someone else.

Rationalization

Using a reasonable excuse to avoid the real reason.

Bulimia

Binge eating followed by purging.

Anorexia nervosa

Drastic food reduction.

Culture

The set of values, beliefs, and customs passed down in a group.

Ethnicity

Classification based on national origin and/or culture.

Race

Classification based on physical or biological characteristics like skin color.

Stereotyping

The assumption that everyone in a particular group is the same.

Prejudice

A strong belief about a person or subject formed without reviewing facts.

Bias

A preference that inhibits impartial judgment.

Nuclear family

Family structure consisting of mother, father, and children.

Extended family

Family structure that includes grandparents, aunts, etc.

Patriarchal

Family structure where the father is the authority.

Matriarchal

Family structure where the mother is the authority.

Personal Space

Different cultures have different needs for space.

Acculturation

The process of learning the beliefs and behaviors of a dominant culture.

Holistic Care

Care that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and mental needs of the 'whole person'.

Biomedical Health Care

The 'Western' system focusing on treating disease with medicine and technology.

Alternative Methods

Other methods such as Mind and body control (e.g., relaxation, meditation).

Religion vs. Spirituality

Religion is an organized system of belief in a higher power; Spirituality relates to an individual's beliefs about their connection to others and a higher power.

Atheist

Does not believe in any deity.

Polytheist

Believes in many gods.

Culturally Competent Care

Requires regarding each person as a unique individual.