Nursing Assistant Headmaster Vocab

Abandonment

to leave or desert someone. To withdraw medical care from a patient without

providing sufficient notice to the patient.

Abdominal thrust

Method of attempting to remove an object from the airway of someone who

is choking.

Abductor wedge

A health device that enables the user to maintain proper leg positioning while

recovering from hip replacements or fractures.

Abnormal vital signs

A vital sign that is outside the normal range (body temperature, pulse,

respirations, or blood pressure).

a. normal temperature

97-99 degrees

b. normal pulse

60-100 beats per minute

c. normal respirations

12-24 respirations per minute (varies slightly between sources)

d. normal blood pressure

90

60

-

129

79

hypertensive crisis (emergency)

180

120

Abuse

the willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment

with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish.

Accidents

an unfortunate event resulting from carelessness or ignorance. Can be prevented.

Activities

things that are done for enjoyment or recreation, often done in groups. Helps the

residents socialize.

Acute

an acute condition has a sudden onset and short recovery time

Adaptive

adaptive equipment/devices help residents complete activities of daily living.

Adaptive devices

Devices that allow a person to perform ADL related tasks they would not

otherwise be able to perform. Examples include Items such as special eating utensils, raised

toilet seats, reachers, walkers, canes, etc.

Adduction

Moving a body part toward the midline of the body.

ADL

activities of daily living include things like dressing, grooming, bathing, walking, using the

restroom, etc.

Admitting resident

admission of a resident into a long-term care facility.

Advanced directives

legal documents that allow people to decide what medical care they wish

to have if they are unable to make these decisions themselves.

Affected side

a weakened side of the body due to a stroke or injury; also called involved side.

Aging process

the biological changes that take place over time and affect the structure and

functioning of the body; Pertains to getting older.

Agitation

The state of being restless, irritable, tense, or troubled

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a disease of the immune system transmitted

through blood products especially by sexual contact or contaminated needles.

Alzheimer's

A progressive incurable disease that causes tangled nerve fibers and protein

deposits to form in the brain, which eventually causes dementia.

Ambulation

to walk

Angina

Chest pain due to lack of blood flow to heart muscle.

Anti-embolic stocking

Special stockings used to help prevent swelling, prevent blood clots, and

improve circulation; Also called elastic stockings or TED stockings.

Antibiotics

medications prescribed for bacterial infections.

Aphasia

loss of speech due to injury or illness.

Apnea

absence of breathing.

Appropriate response

responding to a situation correctly or in a way other professionals with

similar skills and experience would.

Arthritis

inflammation of the joints causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.

Aspiration

inhaling food, drink, or other materials into the lungs.

Assistive device

special equipment that helps a person who is ill or disabled to perform

activities of daily living; also called adaptive devices.

Attitudes

a general way of holding the body

Authorized duty

duties a person is authorized to complete.

Axillary temperature

temperature taken at the armpit. Least accurate way to measure

temperature. One degree lower than and oral temperature.

Bacteria

a type of microorganism (germ) that can cause disease. Some bacteria are considered

beneficial and are normally present in the body such as normal gut bacteria.

Basic needs

things people cannot live without, such as water, food, clothing, and shelter.

Bathing

the act of washing oneself or another person. Can be complete, partial, tub, or shower,

it is part of the hygiene.

Bed bath

giving a complete bath in bed.