Nursing Hygiene, Positioning, Transfers, ROM, and VTE Prevention – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to hygiene, positioning, transfers, ROM, and venous thromboembolism prevention from the lecture notes.

Bed bath

A hygiene procedure performed in bed to cleanse a patient, which can be complete or partial and serves as an opportunity for assessment.

Complete bed bath

A full cleansing where the patient is totally dependent and the nurse performs all bathing tasks, including perineal care.

Partial bed bath

Cleans only body parts that cause discomfort or are dirty, with some tasks possibly delegated to the patient.

Sponge bath

A non-immersive cleansing method using a wet cloth or sponge.

Tub bath

A bath in which the patient is immersed in a tub.

Shower

A cleansing method using a water stream, typically standing or seated after safety checks.

Disposable bed bath wipes

Pre-moistened wipes used to clean a patient without running water.

CHG bath (chlorhexidine)

An antiseptic bath used to reduce microbial growth and hospital-acquired infections, available as wipes or solution.

Therapeutic bath

A bath used for symptom relief or comfort (e.g., oatmeal or Epsom salt baths).

Perineal care

Cleansing of the genital and anal areas with privacy and respect.

Oral care

Caring for the teeth and mouth to maintain health, usually performed twice daily and with attention to patient positioning and ability.

Dentures

Patient’s removable personal dental appliances; handle with care, store labeled, and manage adhesives as needed.

Unconscious patient

A patient at high risk for aspiration during oral care; requires sideline positioning, suction, elevated head of bed, and careful technique.

Sideline (lateral) position

Position lying on the side, used to reduce aspiration risk and to facilitate procedures like oral care.

Supine position

Position lying on the back, facing upwards.

Prone position

Position where the patient lies on their stomach, face down.

Semi-Fowler's position

Head of bed elevated to 30-45 degrees, promoting lung expansion and reducing aspiration risk.

Fowler's position

Head of bed elevated to 45-60 degrees, typically used for comfort, feeding, or respiratory distress.

High Fowler's position

Head of bed elevated to 60-90 degrees, often used for severe dyspnea, feeding, or during procedures.

Elevated head of bed

Raising the head of the bed to help breathing and reduce aspiration risk.

Shaving

Face and neck hair removal; requires caution with patients on anticoagulants due to bleeding risk and uses appropriate razor.

Anticoagulants

Blood-thinning medications that increase bleeding risk during shaving or nail care.

Nail care

Trimming and filing nails; often requires a provider order in hospitals, especially for diabetics or those with poor circulation.

Foot care

Care of feet and nails; includes checking for neuropathy, inspecting daily, and advising proper footwear.

Occupied bed

Making or changing a bed while a patient remains in it; requires assessment of environment and equipment.

Log roll

A three-person technique to turn a patient while maintaining spinal alignment.

Draw sheet

A sheet placed under the patient to assist with repositioning and reduce friction.

Friction-reducing device

Equipment (e.g., air mattress) used to slide a patient with less friction during repositioning.

Bed to chair transfer

Moving a patient from the bed to a chair; involves planning, alignment, and safety precautions.

Gait belt

A belt used to assist and control a patient during ambulation.

Ambulation devices

Assistive devices such as canes, walkers, and crutches used for walking with weight-bearing considerations.

Weight bearing status

Orders that define how much weight a patient can put on a limb (FWB, PWB, NWB, or weight bearing as tolerated).

Virchow’s triad

Three factors raising DVT risk: hypercoagulability, venous wall abnormalities, and venous blood flow stasis.

Hypercoagulability

Increased tendency of blood to clot.

Venous wall abnormalities

Structural venous issues (e.g., varicose veins) that increase thrombosis risk.

Blood flow stasis

Slow or stagnant blood flow that predisposes to clot formation.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) signs

Unilateral swelling, warmth, redness, and tenderness indicating a possible clot.

SCDs (Sequential Compression Devices)

Pneumatically controlled devices that improve venous return to prevent DVT; must be turned on and checked for skin integrity.

TED stockings

Compression stockings used to prevent clots; must be properly sized and checked for skin integrity; removed for skin inspection per policy.

Capillary refill

Time required for color to return to the nail bed after pressure; normally under 2-3 seconds, used to assess circulation.