Nursing vocabulary

afebrile

Describing a patient who does not have a fever, typically indicating a normal body temperature.

apnea

the temporary cessation of breathing, often observed during sleep or as a result of a medical condition.

auscultatory gap

A temporary absence of sound in blood pressure measurement, commonly occurring between systolic and diastolic pressures.

blood pressure

The force of blood against the walls of arteries, typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

bradycardia

an abnormally slow heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute.

bradypnea

abnormally slow breathing rate, usually defined as fewer than 12 breaths per minute.

diastolic pressure

the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

dyspnea

difficulty or discomfort in breathing, often associated with respiratory conditions or exertion.

dysrhythmia

an abnormality in the rhythm of the heartbeat, which can result in irregular or unusual heartbeats.

eupnea

the normal rate and depth of breathing, indicating effective respiratory function.

fever

an elevated body temperature, usually indicating infection or illness.

hypertension

a condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular complications.

hyperthermia

an abnormally high body temperature, often due to prolonged exposure to heat or excessive exercise, and can be dangerous.

hyperventilation

a condition where breathing is faster and deeper than normal, often leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

hypotension

a condition characterized by abnormally low blood pressure, which can cause symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and shock.

hypothermia

a condition characterized by an abnormally low body temperature, usually due to prolonged exposure to cold.

hypoventilation

a condition where breathing is slower and shallower than normal, often leading to increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Korotkoff sounds

the sounds heard during the measurement of blood pressure, produced by the turbulence of blood flow as the cuff is deflated.

orthopnea

a condition characterized by difficulty breathing while lying flat, often relieved by sitting or standing.

pulse deficit

a condition in which the heart beats and the pulse rate differs, indicating some contractions do not result in effective blood flow.

pulse pressure

the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, indicating the force that the heart generates with each contraction.

pyrexia

a medical term for fever, which is an increase in body temperature often due to infection or illness.

respirations

the process of inhalation and exhalation of air, essential for gas exchange in the lungs.

systolic pressure

the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, typically the higher number in a blood pressure reading.

tachycardia

a medical condition characterized by an abnormally rapid heart rate, usually defined as exceeding 100 beats per minute at rest.

tachypnea

the condition of rapid breathing, often exceeding 20 breaths per minute.

Radiation

the diffusion or dissemination of heat by electromagnetic waves

Convection

The dissemination of heat by motion between areas of unequal density

Evaporation

the conversion of liquid to a vapor

Conduction

The transfer of heat to another object during direct contact

Pyrogens

Substances that cause fever by triggering the immune response, often produced by bacteria or viruses.

Pulmonary emboli

blockages in the pulmonary arteries, usually caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body.

Respiratory Syncytial virus

Affects children and infants can seem like a cold