HOSA NOTES FOR CLINICAL NURSING

Body Mechanics

The safest and most efficient way to transport, applying mechanical principles of movement to the body.

Center of Gravity

The point in a person’s body where weight is evenly distributed, typically located in the pelvis.

Base of Support

The area beneath an object or person that includes every point of contact that the object or person makes with the supporting surface.

Line of Gravity

An imaginary vertical line running from the head to the base, ideally straight for maximum efficiency.

Promoting Client Mobility

Encouraging clients to walk and move to prevent disorders related to immobility.

ROM

Range of Motion, the extent of movement in a joint.

PROM

Passive Range of Motion, where the nurse moves the client's joints.

AROM

Active Range of Motion, where a client performs physical activity individually.

Dangling

Sitting on the edge of the bed with feet hanging to prepare clients to stand or walk.

Transfer Belt

A device used by nurses to assist in transferring patients safely.

Fowlers Position

Lying on the back with the head elevated.

Supine Position

Lying on the back.

Prone Position

Lying on the stomach.

Sims Position

Lying on the side with the knee raised.

Dorsal Lithotomy Position

Lying on the back with feet raised in stirrups.

Lateral Position

Lying on the side.

Pressure Ulcers

Injury to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin.

Blood Clots

A mass that forms when blood congeals, can be a risk due to immobility.

Constipation

Difficulty in emptying the bowels, often associated with immobility.

Muscle Weakness/Atrophy

Loss of muscle strength or mass due to inactivity or lack of use.

Active ROM

Range of motion exercises performed by the client independently.

Passive ROM

Range of motion exercises performed by the nurse on the client.

Isometric Exercises

Exercises where the client tightens and releases muscle groups without changing their length.

Evaluate Fall Risk

Assessment of clients’ likelihood of falling, particularly important for those with mobility issues.

Thermal Regulation

The body’s ability to maintain its temperature within certain boundaries.

Graphical Method of Monitoring Vitals

A method that visualizes large amounts of patient information quickly.

Body Temperature

The measure of the body's ability to generate and get rid of heat.

Normal Body Temperature

Average temperature is around 37°C (98.6°F).

Hyperthermia

Elevated body temperature, often due to failed thermoregulation.

Hypothermia

Dangerously low body temperature.

Pulse Rate

The number of heartbeats per minute.

Normal Pulse Rate

60-100 beats per minute for adults.

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate, typically below 60 BPM.

Tachycardia

An abnormally fast heart rate, typically over 100 BPM.

Urine Characteristics

Normal urine color is light yellow/amber, clarity is clear, and odor is aromatic.

Urinary Retention

Inability to fully empty the bladder.

Catheter

A tube inserted into the body to drain fluids.

UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

An infection caused by microorganisms in the urethra.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units.

Nephrotic Syndrome

A kidney disorder causing the body to excrete too much protein in urine.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells.

Sickle Cell Disease

A genetic disorder causing sickle-shaped red blood cells.

Kawasaki Disease

An inflammation of blood vessels in children.

Hernia

Protrusion of an organ through the tissue that usually contains it.

Cleft Lip and Palate

Congenital deformities occurring together, affecting feeding and speech.

Otitis Media

An acute infection of the middle ear.

Ventricular Septal Defect

A defect causing a left-to-right shunt of oxygenated blood.

Tetralogy of Fallot

A congenital heart defect that consists of four abnormalities.

Congenital Defects

Physical abnormalities present at birth.

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system.

Asthma

A chronic condition that affects the airways.

Laryngotracheobronchitis

A viral infection causing inflammation in the airways.

Enuresis

Involuntary urination in children over the age of five.

Pregnancy Complications

Conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes that can occur during pregnancy.

Prenatal Development Stages

Three stages: zygote (fertilization), embryo (organ development), fetus (growth until birth).

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

A severe developmental disorder caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)

Infections commonly spread through sexual contact.

Chlamydia

A common STI caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.

Syphilis

An STI caused by Treponema pallidum, characterized by stages of development.

Candidiasis

A fungal infection caused by Candida species, often in the genital area.

Hearing Aid Care

Regular cleaning and battery replacement are important for effective function.

Pain Transmission Phases

Transduction, Transmission, Perception, Modulation.

Pain Rating Scales

Tools used to assess and quantify pain levels.

Nursing Diagnoses for Pain

Possible diagnoses include Acute Pain, Chronic Pain, and Ineffective Coping.

Physical Measures for Pain Relief

Techniques like massage, heat/cold application, and exercise.

Analgesics

Medications used to relieve pain.

Complementary Techniques for Pain Management

Methods such as distraction, relaxation, and support groups.

Nausea and Vomiting Symptoms

Weakness, drop in pulse/BP, and discomfort.

Thermal Safety in Nursing

Monitoring temperature and skin condition is critical during heat and cold applications.

Normal Urine Output

250-400 mL per void, 500-2400 mL in 24 hours.

Documentation of Care

Accurate recording of client care and relevant information.

Fluid Intake Monitoring

Record any fluids consumed by clients accurately.

Labeling Specimens

Label specimen containers clearly including necessary identification.

Home Pregnancy Tests

Tests that measure HCG levels in urine to confirm pregnancy.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

A method of fertilizing eggs outside the body before implantation.

Gestational Diabetes

High blood sugar that develops during pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia

A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube.

Miscarriage

Loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks.

Postpartum Depression

A severe mood disorder that can occur after childbirth.

Contraception Methods

Various methods to prevent pregnancy including hormonal, barrier, and surgical.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Techniques such as IVF and artificial insemination to aid conception.

Dystocia

Difficult or abnormal labor and delivery.

Contraction Frequency

The timing and spacing of contractions during labor.

Active Labor

The stage of labor characterized by intense contractions.

Labor Stages

Three main stages: dilation, birth, and delivery of the placenta.

Breastfeeding Benefits

Supports infant nutrition and maternal health postpartum.

Pain Management Goals

To relieve and manage pain effectively for patients.

Pharmacologic Therapy

Use of medications to manage and alleviate pain.

Emotional Impact of Pain

Pain can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and isolation.

Assessment of Pain Characteristics

Evaluating pain's character, location, and coping strategies.

Therapeutic Communication

Effective communication to understand patient needs and concerns.

Nursing Interventions for Pain Control

Methods to alleviate pain while being supportive of the patient's needs.

Safety Precautions for Heat Applications

Monitoring to prevent burns and ensuring controlled temperatures.

Cold Application Purpose

Reduces swelling, stops bleeding, and relieves pain.

Bandage Application Techniques

Proper wrapping and checking for circulation are critical.

Intravenous Therapy

The administration of fluids directly into a vein.

Patient Education in Care

Providing necessary information to clients regarding their health.

Gait Training for Clients

Assisting clients in learning to walk again post-injury or surgery.

Mobility Aids

Devices like canes and walkers to assist clients in ambulation.