Terms: Hygiene

axilla

underarm area or armpit

bedpan

device for receiving feces or urine from a patient who is confined to bed; may be used for specimen collection

canthus

angle at the medial and lateral margins of the eyelid (inner and outer corners of the eye)

cerumen

yellowish or brownish waxy secretion produced by vestigial apocrine sweat glands in the external ear canal; earwax

circumorbital

around an orbit; often referring to the eye

dentures

artificial teeth not permanently fixed or implanted

febrile

body temperature above normal

hygiene

the science of health and its maintenance; system of principles for preserving health and preventing disease

labia majora

two large folds of tissue extending from the mons pubis to the perineal floor; lip

labia minora

smaller fold of tissue covered by the labia majora; lip

medical asepsis

a group of techniques that inhibit the growth and spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Sometimes referred to as clean technique

modified left prone recumbent position

position in which the patient lies on the side with knee and thigh drawn upward toward the chest. The modified left prone recumbent position is appropriate for the enema procedure and administration of a rectal suppository; Sim’s position

oral hygiene

care of the oral cavity (mouth)

pathogenic

capable of causing disease

perineal care

care given to the genitalia

pressure injury

tissue ischemia ( lack of blood flow to an area ) from unrelieved pressure results in skin breakdown; also called bed sores

prone

lying face down on the abdomen

range of motion ( ROM )

normal movement that any given joint is capable of making. Any body action involving the muscles, joints, and natural directional movements

supine

being in the horizontal position; lying horizontally on the back

syncope

a transient loss of consciousness due to inadequate blood flow to the brain ( fainting )

umbilicus

point on the abdomen at which the umbilical cord joined the fetus. In most adults it is marked by a depression

urinal

a device for receiving urine; may be used with male or female; may be used for specimen collection

vasoconstriction

when the lumen of the blood vessel narrows, thus hindering blood flow and resulting in less edema

vasodilation

when the lumen of the blood vessel widens, thus increasing the blood flow

vertigo

the sensation that the outer world is revolving about oneself or that one is moving in space

pressure ulcer

older term for pressure injury