A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Click the cursor on any underlined term to hear it pronounced.

A

Abscess pocket of accumulated pus (12)

Abstinence voluntarily refraining from use of a drug that has been abused or from an activity such as sexual intercourse (11, 34)

Acidosis increased hydrogen ion concentration; a pH less than 7.35 (5)

Acne disorder of the sebaceous glands (14)

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) last stage of HIV infection (13)

Active immunity immunity acquired by having the disease or by artificial immunization for long-term immunity (13)

Active transport process by which molecules are moved against a concentration gradient across cell membranes (5)

Acute illness illness that occurs rapidly, lasts for a relatively short period of time, and is self-limiting (2)

Acute pain temporary pain that has a sudden onset and is localized (6)

Addiction condition of seeking drugs habitually (other than for a medical purpose) and of not being able to give them up without adverse psychological and physiological effects (6, 11)

Addisonian crisis acute deficiency of cortisol that causes a life-threatening condition (16)

Adrenergic drugs class of drugs that mimic the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic system (10)

Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) condition characterized by acute respiratory failure due to damage to the alveoli (10)

Advance directives legal documents that allow a person to plan for health care and financial affairs in the event of incapacity (9)

Advocate one who speaks for another (1)

Agranulocytosis decrease in granulocytes; neutropenia (24)

Alkalosis decreased hydrogen ion concentration; a pH greater than 7.45 (5)

Allergen substance such as dog hair or pollen that causes an allergic reaction (13)

Allodynia pain resulting from a stimulus that normally would not cause pain, such as light touch (6)

Allografts tissue transplants between the same species (13)

Alterations in health change in normal health state (2)

Alzheimer's disease progressive deterioration of brain function resulting in dementia (30)

Amenorrhea absence of menstruation (33)

Amputation partial or total removal of a body part (27)

Anabolism process by which tissues are built up (12)

Analgesics pharmacologic agents used to relieve or reduce pain (6)

Anaphylactic shock shock caused by a severe allergic reaction (10)

Anastomosis surgical connection of two tubular structures (18)

Androgens male sex hormones (32)

Anemia condition in which the hemoglobin concentration or the number of circulating RBCs is decreased (24)

Anergy no response to common antigens given to test for immunocompetence (13)

Anesthesia use of chemical substances to produce loss of sensation, reflex loss, or muscle relaxation during a surgical procedure, with or without the loss of consciousness (7)

Aneurysm localized dilation of a blood vessel (23)

Angina pectoris chest pain that occurs when there is a temporary imbalance between myocardial blood supply and demand (22)

Anorexia-cachexia syndrome effect of cancer cells on client's metabolism; cancer cells divert nutrition to their own use and inhibit food intake; they also break down body tissue and muscle proteins to support their growth (8)

Anoxia lack of oxygen to the brain (29)

Antibiotics medications used to treat bacterial infections (12)

Antigen substance that stimulates an immune response (13)

Anuria absence of urine (21)

Aphasia inability to speak or understand the spoken word (29)

Arteriosclerosis disorder characterized by thickening, loss of elasticity, and calcification of arterial walls (23)

Artery blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart (23)

Arthralgia joint pain (28)

Arthritis inflammation of a joint (28)

Arthroplasty reconstruction or replacement of a joint (28)

Ascites accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity (19)

Assessment collection of data about the client's individualized health and health care needs; first step of the nursing process (1, 4)

Asthma a chronic inflammatory airway disorder with recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing (26)

Atalectasis an area or areas of alveolar collapse and airlessness (26)

Ataxia staggering gait (11)

Atherosclerosis disease in which the lining of medium and large arteries is affected by lesions called atheromas or plaque (22)

Aura warning sign that something is going to happen; it may be a bright light, an unusual sound, or abnormal taste or odor (29)

Auscultation method of assessment that uses a stethoscope to listen for body sounds (4)

Autoantibodies antibodies made against self-antigens (13)

Autograft graft transplanted from one part of the body to another (13)

Autoimmune disorder disorder in which the body reacts against itself (13)

Autologous self (13)

Automatism repetitive, nonpurposeful actions such as lip smacking, or aimless walking (29)

Autonomic dysreflexia condition that develops in high spinal cord injuries (30)

Autotransfusion process in which a client's own blood is collected and reinfused into the client (10)

Azotemia increased blood levels of nitrogenous wastes, including urea and creatinine (21)

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B

Bactericidal ability of an antibiotic to kill microorganisms (12)

Bacteriostatic ability of an antibiotic to inhibit growth of microorganisms (12)

Barrel chest a greater anterior-posterior (AP) chest diameter than lateral chest diameter (26)

Basal cell carcinoma cancer that begins in the basal cell layer of the epidermis, usually on sun-exposed areas of the body (14)

B-cell lymphocytes white blood cells responsible for humoral immunity that produce antibodies (13)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) enlargement of the prostate gland (32)

Block nursing care, based on need, provided by the nurse to people who live on the same block as the nurse (3)

Blood pressure force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries (23)

Borborygmi loud, hyperactive bowel sounds (18)

Bradykinesia symptom of Parkinson's disease (30)

Brain death clinical criteria for determining when a client is dead (10)

Broad-spectrum antibiotics antibiotics that act against a wide variety of pathogens (12)

Bronchitis inflammation of the bronchi (26)

Bruit harsh or musical sound (murmur) heard on auscultation of a blood vessel (23)

Buffer substance that prevents major changes in pH by either removing or releasing hydrogen ions from a solution (5)

Burn shock type of hypvolemic shock resulting from the shift of a massive amount of fluid into the extravascular space (15)

Burn injury of tissue loss, damage, or irreversible destruction from exposure to a thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation heat source (15)


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C

Cancer disease that results when normal cells mutate into abnormal ones and continue to reproduce within the body (8)

Candidiasis infections are caused by Candida albicans, a yeastlike fungus (14)

Carcinogens cancer-causing agents (8)

Cardiac output amount of blood pumped from the ventricles in one minute (22)

Cardiac reserve ability of the heart to increase the cardiac output in response to metabolic demand (22)

Cardiac tamponade compression of the heart by blood or fluid in the pericardial sac (22)

Cardiogenic shock impaired tissue perfusion caused by pumping failure of the heart (10)

Caregivers people who provide personal, individual assistance (1)

Carotid endarterectomy surgical procedure to remove plaque from the carotid artery (29)

Carrier person who transmits an infectious disease but does not show any clinical manifestations (12)

Catabolism process by which body tissues are broken down (12)

Cataract clouding of the lens of the eye (31)

Cell-mediated immunity immune response provided by direct action of the T cells (13)

Cellulitis localized infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue (12, 14)

Cephalagia headache (29)

Cerebral vascular accident (CVA) sudden loss of neurologic function due to a blood clot or rupture of a cerebral artery; brain attack or stroke (29)

Cerumen earwax (31)

Chain of infection set of factors that must exist in order for an infection to develop (12)

Chancre painless ulcer characteristic of primary syphilis (34)

Cholecystitis inflammation of the gallbladder (19)

Cholelithiasis formation of gallstones, also called calculi (19)

Chorea constant, jerky, uncontrolled movements of the body (30)

Chronic illness any impairment or deviation from normal functioning that affects more than one body system and that is permanent, leaves permanent disability, is irreversible, requires special teaching for rehabilitation, or requires a long period of care (2)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Chronic and progressive air flow obstruction caused by chronic bronchitis and emphysema (26)

Chronic pain pain that lasts longer than six months, may not be totally eliminated, or may only end with death. It may be malignant (related to cancer) or nonmalignant (6)

Chyme mixture of partly digested food and digestive juices (18)

Cirrhosis chronic liver disease that destroys the structure and function of liver lobules (19)

Clone exact copy of another cell (13)

Clonic contractions muscles alternately contract and relax causing jerky movements (29)

Colectomy surgical removal of the colon (20)

Colonization bacteria that live in a host but do not cause injury or initiate the inflammatory process (12)

Comfort measures only order indicating that no further life-sustaining interventions are necessary and that the goal of care is a comfortable, dignified death (9)

Community-based nursing care focused on individual and family health care needs, providing direct services to individuals to manage acute or chronic health problems and to promote self-care (3)

Compartment syndrome constriction of blood vessels and nerves within a compartment by excess pressure in the compartment (27)

Concussion brain injury resulting from violent shaking or impact with an object (29)

Conjunctivitis inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye (31)

Conscious sedation type of anesthesia that provides analgesia and amnesia but allows the client to remain conscious (7)

Contracture abnormal flexion and fixation of a joint caused by muscle atrophy and shortening (15, 27)

Contusion bleeding into soft tissue resulting from a blunt force (27, 29)

Convulsion involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation (29)

Coryza profuse nasal discharge (25)

Critical thinking self-directed thinking that is focused on what to believe or do in a specific situation (1)

Crohn's disease regional enteritis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (20)

Cross-tolerance tolerance to other, similar types of substances (e.g., alcohol and heroin) (11)

Cryptorchidism failure of one or both testes to descend through the inguinal ring into the scrotum (32)

Cyanosis bluish, grayish, or dark purple skin tone caused by reduced oxygen content of the blood (14, 26)

Cystectomy Surgical removal of the bladder (21)

Cystitis inflammation of the urinary bladder (21)

Cystocele herniation of the bladder into the vagina (33)

Cytotoxic T cells subset of T cells that attack viruses, fungi, and cancer cells (13)


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D

Dawn phenomenon rise in blood glucose levels between 5 and 8 AM (17)

Death irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions or irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem (9)

Debride remove foreign material and dead or damaged tissue (28)

Debridement process of removing dead tissue from a wound (15)

Debulking surgery to remove a large part of a tumor when complete removal is impossible (29)

Dehiscence separation in the layers of an incisional wound (7)

Demyelination Destruction and degeneration of the myelin sheath covering nerve axons (30)

Denial refusal to acknowledge the existence of a real situation or feeling (11)

Dermatitis inflammation of the skin characterized by erythema and pain or pruritus (14)

Dermatome area of skin supplied by a single sensory nerve (29)

Dermatophytes tinea infections named by the body part affected (14)

Dermis second, deeper layer of skin (14)

Desensitization treatment of an allergy by giving several dilute injections that contain the allergy (13)

Detoxification removal of a toxic substance from the body (11)

Diabetes mellitus chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism (17)

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) life-threatening illness occurring in Type 1 diabetics and is characterized by hyperglycemia and coma (17)

Diabetic nephropathy kidney disease caused by diabetes mellitus (17)

Diabetic neuropathy disease of the peripheral and autonomic nerves caused by diabetes mellitus (17)

Diabetic retinopathy disease of the retina caused by diabetes mellitus (17)

Diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) categories for reimbursement of inpatient services; the system pays a predetermined amount of money for the care of different persons with the same medical diagnosis (3)

Dialysis diffusion of solutes from higher to lower concentration across a semipermeable membrane (21)

Diapedesis movement of white blood cells from the circulation to the injury site (12)

Diarrhea increase in the frequency, volume, and water content of stool (20)

Diffusion process in which molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration to become evenly distributed (5)

Dilemma choice between two unpleasant alternatives (1)

Diplopia double vision (31)

Disability degree of observable and measurable impairment (3)

Disease medical term describing alterations in structure and function of the body or mind (2)

Dislocation separation of contact between two bones of a joint (27)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) acute condition characterized by abnormal clotting and bleeding (10)

Distal paresthesia subjective feeling of numbness or tingling in the toes and fingers (17)

Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) “no-code”; order written by the physician for a client near death, usually based on the wishes of the client and family that no cardiopulmonary resuscitation be performed for respiratory or cardiac arrest (9)

Drug tolerance process by which the body requires a progressively greater amount of a drug to achieve the same results (6)

Dual diagnosis term for clients with substance use disorder and a serious mental illness (11)

Durable power of attorney for health care health care proxy; a legal document written by a competent mentally healthy adult that gives another competent adult the right to make health care decisions on his or her behalf if he or she cannot (9)

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) Abnormal uterine bleeding vaginal bleeding that is abnormal in amount, duration, or time of occurrence (33)

Dysmenorrhea pain associated with menstruation (33)

Dyspareunia pain during sexual intercourse (33)

Dysphagia difficult or painful swallowing (18, 25, 29)

Dyspnea difficult or labored breathing (26)

Dysrhythmia disturbance or irregularity in the electrical system of the heart (22)


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E

Ectopic occurring in an abnormal location (33)

Edema excess fluid in body tissues (5)

Ejaculation expulsion of seminal fluid from the male urethra (32)

Electrolytes substances that dissociate in solution to form charged particles, or ions (5)

Emancipated minors individuals under age 18 who are responsible for their own welfare and live independentlt of their parents (7)

Embolus blood clot or foreign matter that moves within the vascular system (23)

Emotional lability extreme emotion and mood swings from crying to laughing (29)

Endocarditis inflammation of the endocardium (22)

Endocardium innermost lining of the heart and great vessels (22)

Endogenous pyrogens chemicals, bacterial toxins, prostaglandins, and interleukin 1 that act on the hypothalamus to raise body temperature (12)

Endorphins body's naturally produced morphines (pain killers) (6)

Endotoxins harmful substances released from gram-negative bacteria (12)

Enteral within or into the GI tract (18)

Epidermis outermost part of the skin (14)

Epilepsy chronic pattern of seizure activity; seizure disorder (29)

Epileptogenic focus group of neurons that fire abnormally, causing a seizure (29)

Epistaxis nosebleed (25)

Equianalgesic dose having the same analgesic effect when administered to the same individual; drug dosages are equianalgesic if they have the same effect as morphine sulfate 10 mg IM (6)

Erectile dysfunction impotence; inability to achieve and maintain an erection (32)

Erythema reddening of the skin (14, 25)

Erythrocytes red blood cells (24)

Eschar hard crust that forms over a burn wound (15)

Esophageal varices enlarged overdistended veins in the distal esophagus (19)

Estrogens steroid hormones essential developing and maintaining female secondary sex characteristics (33)

Ethics principles of conduct concerned with moral duty, values, obligations, and the distinction between right and wrong (1)

Euphoria exaggerated feeling of well-being (11)

Euthanasia (from the Greek for painless, easy, gentle, or good death) term commonly used to signify a killing prompted by some humanitarian motive (9)

Evaluation the final step of the nursing process, which allows the nurse to determine whether the plan was effective and to continue, revise, or terminate the plan (1)

Evisceration protrusion of body organs from a wound dehiscence (7)

Exacerbation time period in some chronic illness when symptoms reappear following a remission (2)

Exophthalmos forward protrusion of the eyeballs (16)

Exotoxins harmful substances released from staphylococci, streptococci, and tetanus bacteria (12)

External otitis inflammation of the ear canal (31)

Extracellular fluid (ECF) body fluid located outside of cells (5)


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F

Family unit of two or more people who are related by marriage, birth, or adoption, or who are emotionally involved with each other (2)

Fasciculation involuntary contraction of the voluntary muscles (30)

Filtration process by which water and solutes move across capillary membranes, driven by fluid pressure (5)

Fissure deep groove in the surface of the brain (2)

Fistula abnormal tubelike passage from one body cavity to another (12, 20)

Folliculitis infection that begins at the hair follicle opening and extends down into the follicle (14)

Fracture break in the continuity of a bone (27)

Full-thickness burn burn (third-degree) that involves all layers of the skin and may extend into subcutaneous fat, connective tissue, muscle, and bone (15)

Functional health patterns a system for grouping human functions (such as nutrition and elimination) (1)

Furuncle “boil”; infection of the hair follicle (14)


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G

Gangrene tissue death from reduced or absent blood supply (17, 27)

Gastrectomy removal or resection of the stomach (18)

Gastritis inflammation of the stomach lining (18)

Gastroenteritis inflammation of the stomach and intestines (20)

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) backward movement of gastric contents into the esophagus (18)

Glaucoma disorder of increased intraocular pressure and gradual loss of peripheral vision (31)

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) amount of fluid filtered from the blood into the capsule per minute (21)

Glomeruli small clusters of capillaries in the kidney (21)

Glomerulonephritis inflammation of the glomeruli (21)

Glomerulosclerosis fibrosis of the glomerular capillaries in the kidneys (17)

Gluconeogenesis process to make glucose in the liver (17)

Glycogenolysis conversion of glycogen into glucose in the liver and muscles (17)

Glycosuria abnormal amount of glucose in the urine (17)

Goiter enlargement of the thyroid gland (16)

Grief emotional response to loss and its changes (9)

Gynecomastia breast enlargement (32)


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H

Handicap the total adjustment to disability that limits functioning at a normal level (3)

Health state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (2)

Health-illness continuum representation of health as a dynamic process, with high-level wellness at one extreme of the continuum and death at the opposite extreme (2)

Heart failure inability of the heart to function as a pump to meet the needs of the body (22)

Heat stroke life-threatening condition in which the body cannot cool itself (10)

Helper T-cells cells that turn on the immune system (13)

Hematemesis vomiting blood (18)

Hematochezia blood in the stool (18)

Hematoma collection of blood within a tissue, organ, or space caused by a break in a blood vessel (27, 29)

Hemiplegia paralysis on one side of the body (29)

Hemoglobin oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells (24)

Hemolysis destruction of red blood cells (10, 24)

Hemophilia hereditary clotting factor deficiencies (24)

Hemoptysis bloody sputum (26)

Hemorrhage excessive loss of blood (7)

Hemostasis blood clotting (24)

Hemothorax blood in the pleural space (26)

Hepatitis inflammation of the liver (19)

Hepatocytes liver cells (19)

Herpes simplex “fever blisters”; “cold sore” infections caused by herpesvirus I or II (14)

Herpes zoster (shingles) viral infection of a dermatome section of the skin caused by varicella zoster, the herpesvirus that causes chickenpox (14)

High-level wellness way of functioning to reach one's maximum potential at a particular point in time (2)

Hirsutism excessive hair growth or hair growth in unusual places, such as facial hair on women (16)

Histocompatibility tissues compatible for transplantation to another person (13)

Home health care health and social services provided to the chronically ill, disabled, or recovering person at home (3)

Homeostasis body's tendency to maintain a state of physiologic balance in the presence of constantly changing conditions (5)

Homonymous hemianopia loss of vision in half of the eye (29)

Hormones chemical messengers of the body (16)

Hospice model (not a place) of care for clients and families, when client is faced with a limited life expectancy; it emphasizes quality rather than quantity of life (9)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) retrovirus that causes AIDS (13)

Human papillomavirus virus causing a sexually transmitted disease (13)

Humoral immunity immune response provided by antibodies (13)

Hydronephrosis abnormal dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces (21)

Hyperglycemia high blood glucose level (17)

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) life-threatening illness occurring in Type 2 diabetics, characterized by hyperglycemia, severe dehydration, and coma (17)

Hyperkalemia serum potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L. (5)

Hyperpituitarism disease condition in which there is excessive function of the pituitary gland (16)

Hypersensitivity altered immune response to an antigen that causes harm to the body (13)

Hypertension blood pressure higher than 140 mm Hg systolic or 90 mm Hg diastolic on three separate readings several weeks apart (23)

Hypertrophic scar overgrowth of dermal tissue that remains within the boundaries of the wound (15)

Hypervolemia excess intravascular fluid (5)

Hypoglycemia low blood glucose level (17)

Hypokalemia serum potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L. (5)

Hypopituitarism disease condition in which there is deficient (16)

Hypovolemic shock shock caused by a decrease in intravascular volume (10)

Hypoxemia low oxygen levels in the blood (Pao₂ < 80 mm Hg) (5, 10, 25)

Hysterectomy removal of the uterus (33)


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I

Icterus jaundice (19)

ICU psychosis acute confusion after 2-3 days in the intensive care unit (10)

Illness response a person has to a disease (2)

Immunization vaccines that create immunity against a specific disease (13)

Immunocompetent ability of the body's immune system to ward off pathogenic organisms (13)

Immunoglobulins antibodies produced by B-cells (13)

Immunosuppression inability of the immune system to provide adequate immunity (12)

Impaired nurse nurse with substance abuse problems, who may exhibit mood changes, irritability, forgetfulness, self-isolation, and inappropriate behavior (11)

Impairment disturbance in structure or function resulting from physiologic or psychologic abnormalities (3)

Implementation the fourth step is the “doing” phase, during which the nurse carries out planned interventions (1)

Incision and drainage (I and D) procedure for draining pus from a wound (12)

Infection condition in which pathogenic organisms trigger the inflammatory process (12)

Infectious disease condition causing a host to become ill from an infection (12)

Infertility inability to conceive during a year or more of unprotected intercourse (32)

Inflammation nonspecific response that occurs when the body experiences any type of injury (12)

Influenza flu; highly contagious viral respiratory disease (25)

Informed consent a legal document required for certain diagnostic procedures or therapeutic measures, including surgery (7)

Inpatient surgery surgery requiring admission to a hospital before and after the procedure (7)

Inspection method of assessing by observing the client through the senses of seeing, smelling, and hearing (4)

Intermittent claudication cramping or aching sensation in the calves, thighs, and buttocks that occurs with activity and is relieved by rest (23)

Interventions purposeful actions performed by the nurse in implementing client care (1)

Intoxication reversible set of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms caused by use of a substance (11)

Intracellular fluid (ICF) body fluid contained within the cells (5)

Intracranial pressure (ICP) pressure exerted within the cranium by the brain, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (29)

Intraocular lens artificial lens inserted when a diseased lens is removed (31)

Intraoperative surgical phase begins with the client's entry into the operating room and ends with admittance to the postanesthesia care unit PACU, or recovery room (7)

Invasiveness organism's ability to invade the body and cause disease (12)

Isograft transplant between identical twins (13)


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J

Jacksonian march seizure activity that may spread from one part of the body to another (29)

Jaundice yellowness of the skin, sclera of the eyes, mucous membranes, and body fluids due to deposited bile pigment resulting from excess bilirubin in the blood (14, 19)


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K

Keloid scar that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound (15)

Keratitis inflammation of the cornea (31)

Ketonuria presence of ketones in the urine (17)

Ketosis build-up in ketones in the body (17)

Killer T cells lymphocytes that act on nonspecific foreign substances (13)

Korsakoff's syndrome group of symptoms caused by a deficiency in B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, and folic acid (11)

Kyphosis exaggeration of the normal posterior curve of the thoracic spine (28)


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L

Labile changeable (11)

Laparotomy surgical opening of the abdomen or by laparoscopy (20)

Laryngectomy removal of the larynx (voice box) (25)

Laryngitis inflammation of the larynx (25)

Laryngospasm spasm of the muscles of the larynx (25)

Leukemia malignant proliferation of WBCs (24)

Leukocyte white blood cell (24)

Leukocytosis increased white blood cell count above normal (12)

Leukopenia decreased white cell count below normal (12)

Libido sexual desire (32)

Living will legal document that formally expresses a person's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment in the event of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness (9)

Lobules basic functional units of the liver (19)

Long-term care care for disabled persons of all ages that lasts from a few days to several years; it includes skilled care, intermediate and long-term care, transitional care care, nursing homes, retirement centers, and residential institutions (3)

Loss occurs when a valued object, person, body part, or situation is lost or irreversibly changed (9)

Lymphadenitis enlarged, tender lymph nodes (12)

Lymphadenopathy swelling and enlargement of the lymph nodes (24)

Lymphatic system the lymphoid organs, including lymph vessels, lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus (24)


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M

Macrophages mature, large white blood cells that develop from monocytes (12)

Macular degeneration loss of neurons in the area of central vision of the eye (31)

Malabsorption condition of ineffective intestinal absorption of nutrients (20)

Malignant lymphoma cancerous tumor of lymphoid tissue (24)

Malnutrition long-term nutrient and calorie deficiencies resulting in health problems (18)

Manifestations objective and subjective data (signs and symptoms) associated with a specific illness (2, 4)

Mastectomy removal of the breast (33)

Medical-surgical nursing the health care and illness care of adults (1)

Melanoma cutaneous or malignant melanoma; skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment (14)

Melena black, tarry stool that contains blood (18)

Memory T cells cells that provide immunity when re-exposed to a past antigen (13)

Meninges protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (29)

Menopause period during which menstrual activity permanently ceases (33)

Metabolism biochemical reactions that occur in the body's cells (18)

Metastasis process by which malignant neoplasms spread to distant sites; a secondary tumor formed by this process (8)

Metrorrhagia bleeding between menstrual periods (33)

Microalbuminuria presence of small amounts of albumin in the urine (17)

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome irreversible complication of shock in which the body's systems fail (10)

Multiple myeloma malignancy in which plasma cells multiply uncontrollably and infiltrate bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other tissues (24)

Mutation change in an organism from its original form into a different form (12)

Myelin sheaths white fatty substances that insulate and protect some axons (29)

Myocardial infarction (MI) myocardial cell necrosis (death) due to lack of blood and oxygen (22)

Myocardium heart muscle (22)

Myopathy condition characterized by muscle cramps of sudden onset, plus pain, tenderness, and edema of skeletal muscles (11)

Myxedema coma life-threatening form of hypothyroidism (16)


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N

Narrow-spectrum antibiotics antibiotics that act against a few pathogens (12)

Natural immunity person's natural resistance to foreign antigens (13)

Natural killer cells white blood cells that can attack viruses and cancer cells (13)

Neoplasm tumor; mass of abnormal cells that grows independently of its surrounding structures and has no physiologic purpose (8)

Nephron functional unit of the kidney (21)

Nephrotoxins agents that damage the kidney tissue (21)

Neurogenic shock shock caused by an interruption to the sympathetic nervous system (10)

Neuron basic cell of the nervous system (29)

Neuropathic pain pain caused by damage to the CNS or peripheral nerves (6)

Neurotransmitter chemical released during the transmission of an electrical impulse that assists or inhibits the impulse in crossing the synapse (29)

Nevi moles (14)

Nociceptor nerve ending in the body thatresponds to noxious stimuli (6)

Nonopioids drugs such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used to treat mild to moderate pain (6)

Nosocomial infections infections acquired in a health care setting (12)

Nursing diagnosis the second step in the nursing process; a clinical judgment about individual, family, or community responses to actual or potential health problems/life processes (1)

Nursing process series of activities nurses perform as they provide care to clients (1)

Nutrients substances in food used for growth, maintenance, and repair of the body (18)

Nutrition process of ingesting, absorbing, using, and eliminating food (18)


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O

Obesity body weight more than 20% above ideal for gender, height, and age (18)

Objective data observable or measurable pieces of data that can be seen, heard, touched, or smelled (also called signs) (4)

Oncogenes genes capable of triggering cancer (8)

Oncology study of cancer; oncologists are physicians who specialize in cancer care (8)

Oophorectomy removal of the ovary (33)

Opioids drugs derived from opium (e.g., morphine) that are used to treat moderate to severe pain (6)

Oral hairy leukoplakia opportunistic infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus (13)

Orchiectomy surgical removal of the testes (32)

Orthopnea difficulty breathing while lying down (22)

Orthostatic hypotension drop of greater than 10 mmHg in blood pressure occurring with position change (5)

Osmolarity concentration of particles in the blood (16)

Osmosis transport process by which water moves across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of higher solute concentration to an area of lower solute concentration (5)

Osmotic diuresis loss of fluid from extracellular compartment (17)

Osteoarthritis degenerative joint disease with progressive loss of joint cartilage in synovial joints (28)

Osteomyelitis infection of the bone (28)

Osteoporosis bone disorder characterized by loss of bone mass (28)

Ostomy a surgically created opening from an organ to the surface of the body (20)

Otitis media inflammation or infection of the middle ear (31)

Otorrhea leakage of fluid from the external ear (29)

Outcome time-specific, achievable goal (1)

Outpatient surgery defined as a surgical procedure performed on a nonhospitalized client under local or general anesthesia (7)


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P

Pain unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage (6)

Pain threshold point at which each person recognizes pain (6)

Pain tolerance amount and duration of pain a person can stand before seeking relief (6)

Pallor paleness of skin (14)

Palpation method of assessing by using the hands to touch and feel (4)

Pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas (19)

Paracentesis removal of fluid from the peritoneal cavity (19)

Paralytic ileus slowing or stopping of peristalsis (20)

Paraplegia paralysis of the lower half of the body (30)

Parenchyma essential, functional parts of an organ (19)

Parish nursing nursing care provided in coordination with the pastor and staff of a faith community, to promote health and healing through counseling, referrals, teaching, and assessment of health care needs. A parish nurse may be employed by a hospital or by a church (3)

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) attacks of shortness of breath that occur at night, awakening the client (22)

Partial-thickness burn burn (second-degree) that involves the entire dermis and may also involve the hair follicles (15)

Passive immunity injection of preformed antibodies into an unprotected person for short-term immunity (13)

Pathogens microorganisms that are capable of producing disease (12)

Pathologic fracture fracture of a diseased or weakened bone that occurs with minimal force or trauma (28)

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) self-administration of opioid medications by a programmed infusion pump (6)

Pediculosis infestation with lice (14)

Peptic ulcers breaks in the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal tract where it comes in contact with gastric juice (18)

Percussion method of assessing by tapping the body to produce sound waves that provide information about underlying body structures or organs (4)

Pericardial friction rub leathery, grating sound produced by the inflamed pericardial layers rubbing against the chest wall or pleura (22)

Pericarditis inflammation of the pericardium (22)

Pericardium fibrous sac that covers and surrounds the heart (22)

Peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) force that opposes blood flow (23)

Peripheral vascular system network of blood vessels that carry blood to peripheral tissues and then return it to the heart (23)

Peristalsis alternating waves of contraction and relaxation of involuntary muscle (18)

Peritonitis inflammation of the peritoneum, a double-layered membrane that lines the walls and organs of the abdominal cavity (20)

Petechiae small, flat, purple, or red spots on the skin or mucous membranes (24)

pH measure of hydrogen ion concentration in a solution; as H+ concentration increases, the solution becomes more acid and the pH falls; as H+ concentration decreases, the solution becomes more alkaline and the pH rises (5)

Phagocytosis process by which phagocytes ingest harmful bacteria and dead tissue cells (12)

Phantom pain pain in a missing extremity resulting from nerve trauma during surgery (27)

Pharyngitis acute inflammation of the pharynx; sore throat (25)

Pheochromocytomas tumors of the adrenal medulla that cause an increased release of catecholamines (16)

Photophobia extreme sensitivity to light (31)

Physical dependence adaptation of the body to chemical substances over an extended period of time; stopping the substance abruptly causes physical withdrawal symptoms (6)

Planning the third step in the nursing process, in which the nurse develops a list of nursing interventions (1)

Plasmaphoresis procedure that removes plasma from the blood to take out T lymphocytes that cause inflammation (30)

Platelet small fragments of cytoplasm without nuclei; an essential component of the body's clotting mechanism (24)

Pleural effusion collection of fluid in the pleural space (26)

Pneumatic antishock garment (PASG) inflatable garment applied to trauma victims in the pre-hospital setting to raise blood pressure (10)

Pneumonia inflammation of the respiratory bronchioles and alveoli (26)

Pneumothorax accumulation of air in the pleural space (26)

Poikilothermia condition found in spinal cord injuries in which the client to assume the temperature of the environment (30)

Polycythemia erythrocytosis; abnormally high red blood cell count and high hematocrit (24)

Polydipsia excessive thirst (17)

Polyphagia excessive hunger (17)

Polysubstance abuse use of variety of substances to induce altered physical, mental, or emotional state (11)

Polyuria excessive urine output (17)

Portal hypertension elevated blood pressure in the portal vein (19)

Positive inotropic drugs group of drugs used to increase cardiac output (10)

Postoperative surgical phase begins with the client's admittance to the postanesthesia recovery area and ends with the client's complete recovery from the surgical intervention (7)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) complex of symptoms including irritability, depression, edema, and breast tenderness preceding the monthly menses (33)

Preoperative surgical phase begins when the decision for surgery is made and ends when the client is transferred to the operating room (7)

Presbycusis progressive hearing loss associated with aging (31)

Pressure ulcer bed sore; decubitus ulcer; ischemic lesion of the skin and underlying tissue caused by external pressure that impairs the flow of blood and lymph (14)

Primary (essential) hypertension hypertension with no identified cause (23)

Primary intention healing healing takes place when a wound is uncomplicated and clean and has little tissue loss (7)

Prophylactic strategy to prevent an infection (12)

Prostatectomy surgical removal of the prostate gland (32)

Proteinuria protein in the urine (21)

Pruritus subjective itching sensation producing an urge to scratch (14, 19)

Psoriasis chronic, noninfectious skin disorder that is characterized by raised, reddened, round circumscribed plaques of varied size, covered by silvery white scales (14)

Psychogenic pain pain that results from emotional rather than physical causes (6)

Pulmonary embolism sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery that disrupts blood flow to the lung (26)

Pyelonephritis inflammatory disorder affecting the renal pelvis and parenchyma (21)


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Q

Quality assurance includes the quality-control activities of evaluating, monitoring, or regulating the standard of services provided to the consumer (1)


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R

Rectocele herniation of the rectum into the vagina (33)

Red reflex reddish-orange glow seen in the pupil when a beam of light is directed into it (31)

Reduction restoration of normal alignment of a bone or joint (27)

Referred pain pain that begins in one area of the body but is felt in another part (6)

Reflex arc reflex that follows a certain pathway (29)

Reflex involuntary motor response to a stimulus (29)

Refraction bending of light rays to focus on the retina (31)

Regurgitation failure of a valve to close properly, allowing blood to flow back through it (22)

Rehabilitation process of learning to live to one's maximum potential with a chronic impairment, disability, or substance dependency (3, 11)

Relapse return to drug use after abstinence (11)

Relative hypovolemia hypovolemia resulting shift of fluids from the intravascular space to the interstitial space (10)

Remission time period in a chronic illness when the disease is present, but there are no symptoms (2)

Renal failure condition in which the kidneys are unable to remove accumulated waste products from the blood (21)

Renin-angiotensin system blood pressure regulation system activated when there is reduced blood flow to the kidneys (10)

Respiration exchange of gases between the person and the environment (26)

Respiratory failure inability of the lungs to oxygenate the blood and remove carbon dioxide well enough to meet the body's needs, even at rest (26)

Retinal detachment separation of the retina from the vascular choroid layer of the eye (31)

Retroperitoneal behind the peritoneum and outside the peritoneal cavity (19)

Reverse transcriptase enzyme produced by HIV virus that converts RNA to DNA (13)

Rheumatoid arthritis chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder resulting in persistent inflammation of the synovial tissue that lines joints (28)

Rhinitis inflammation of the nasal cavities (25)

Rhinoplasty surgical reconstruction of the nose (25)

Rhinorrhea discharge of fluid from the nose (29)

Rhizotomy surgical procedure that severs a nerve root to control pain (30)

Rule of Nines rapid method of estimating the extent of a burn by assigning percentages to parts of the body (15)


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S

Salpingo-oophorectomy removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries (33)

Scabies infestation caused by a mite (14)

Scoliosis lateral curvature of the spine (28)

Secondary hypertension hypertension that results from a known cause (23)

Secondary intention healing healing that occurs when a wound is large, gaping, and irregular (7)

Seizure brief episode of abnormal electrical activity in nerve cells of the brain (29)

Septicemia presence of bacteria in the blood (10)

Septic shock shock caused by overwhelming infection (10)

Seroconversion positive reaction to the presence of a disease's antibody (13)

Shock life-threatening condition characterized by inadequate blood flow to organs, tissues, and cells (7, 10)

Shunt movement of fluids from one area to another (10)

Sinusitis inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses (25)

Sleep apnea temporary absence of breathing during sleep (25)

Somogyi phenomenon early morning hyperglycemia following an episode of hypoglycemia at night (17)

Spinal shock temporary loss of reflex activity below the level of the spinal cord injury (30)

Sprain injury to a ligament caused by a twisting motion (27)

Squamous cell carcinoma malignant tumor of the squamous epithelium of the skin or mucous membranes (14)

Staging system of classifying cancer by tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis to distant sites (33)

Standard precautions guidelines to protect the healthcare worker and prevent transmission to other clients (12)

Standard statement or criterion that can be used by a profession and by the general public to measure quality of practice (1)

Status epilepticus period of continuous tonic-clonic seizures (29)

Stenosis narrowing of a valve opening, which obstructs forward blood flow (22)

Stomatitis inflammation of the oral mucosa (18)

Strain microscopic muscle tear that causes bleeding into the tissues (27)

Stridor high-pitched, harsh sound heard during inspiration, usually caused by partial airway obstruction (25)

Stroke volume amount of blood ejected from the heart each minute (10)

Subarachnoid hemorrhage neurologic disorder caused by bleeding into the subarachnoid space in the brain (29)

Subjective data experiences (data) that only the client can describe, such as pain; also called symptoms (4)

Substance abuse maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to significant impairment or distress (11)

Substance dependency maladaptive pattern of substance use manifested by tolerance, withdrawal syndrome, increased use, ineffective attempts to stop use, increasing amounts of time devoted to obtaining substance, and social isolation (11)

Sundowning behavior characterized by time disorientation and wandering in the evening (30)

Superficial burn burn (first-degree) that involves only the epidermal layer of skin (15)

Superinfection overgrowth of bacteria that occurs when antibiotics eliminate the body's normal flora (12)

Suppressor T-cells turn off the immune system (13)

Susceptible prone to developing an infection (12)

Synapse space between two neurons across which an electrical impulse passes (29)

Systemic lupus erythematosus chronic inflammatory connective-tissue disease that affects multiple body systems (28)


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T

T-cell lymphocytes white blood cells responsible for cell-mediated immunity (13)

Tertiary intention healing healing that occurs when substantial time passes before a wound is sutured (7)

Tetany continuous spasm of the muscles; symptom complex of increased neuromuscular excitability associated with decreased ionized calcium levels (5, 16)

Tetraplegia paralysis of the arms, legs, and trunk (30)

Therapeutic range amount of drug that will effectively destroy pathogens while producing few toxic effects (12)

Thrombocytopenia platelet count of less than 100,000 platelets per milliliter of blood (24)

Thrombus blood clot (23)

Thymectomy surgical removal of the thymus gland (30)

Thyroid crisis (thyroid storm) extreme state of hyperthyroidism (16)

Thyroidectomy partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland (16)

Thyrotoxicosis condition of hypersecretion of the thyroid gland (16)

Tinnitus ringing in the ear (31)

Tolerance need for more of a substance to achieve the same effect; diminished effect from continued use of the same amount of a substance (6, 11)

Tonic contractions contractions in which the body becomes rigid with the arms and legs extended (29)

Tonsillectomy surgical removal of the tonsils (25)

Tonsillitis acute inflammation of the tonsils (25)

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) the administration of an intravenous solution that meets all the client's nutritional requirements except for fiber (18)

Toxic shock syndrome form of septic shock caused by Staphylococcus aureus (10)

Toxoid injection containing a weakened toxin, e.g., tetanus toxoid (13)

Tracheostomy surgical opening into the trachea (25)

Traction use of a pulling force to reduce a fracture or maintain alignment (27)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) external device that delivers vibrations to painful areas on the client to provide pain relief (6)

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) brief episode of reversible neurologic deficits (29)

Transmission-based precautions precautions against spread of infection through the air, by droplet, and through contact (12)

Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy surgical procedure used to remove the pituitary gland (16)

Trauma injury caused by applying more force to tissue than it is able to absorb (27)

Triage system to identify who will receive medical attention first (10)

Trismus difficulty opening the jaw as seen in tetanus (30)

Tympanic membrane eardrum (31)


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U

Ulcerative colitis chronic inflammatory bowel disorder of the mucosa and submucosa of the colon and rectum (20)

Uremia urine in the blood (21)

Urinary incontinence involuntary urination (21)

Urolithiasis development of stones within the urinary tract (21)

Uterine prolapse descent of the uterus into the vagina (33)


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V

Vaginitis inflammation or infection of the vagina (33)

Varicose veins irregular, tortuous veins with incompetent valves (23)

Vasectomy sterilization procedure in which a portion of the spermatic cord is removed (32)

Vasopressor drugs drugs used to increase a client's blood pressure (10)

Veins blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood and waste products back to the heart (23)

Venous insufficiency stasis of venous blood flow in the lower extremities (23)

Venous thrombosis formation of a blood clot (thrombus) on the wall of a vein, which obstructs the flow of blood back to the heart (23)

Vertigo sensation of whirling or rotation (31)

Virions HIV particles (13)

Virulence power of a microorganism to cause an infection (12)


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W

Warts (verrucae) lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) (14)

Wernicke's syndrome alcoholic encephalopathy; characterized by ataxia, paralysis of eye muscles, nystagmus, and mental confusion (11)

Withdrawal set of symptoms resulting from discontinuation or reduction of a substance after heavy or prolonged use (6, 11)


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X

Xenograft transplant from animal to human (13)