Glossary for Nursing Practitioners of All Specialties
A
- ABG (Arterial Blood Gas): A test that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in the blood. (Source: American Association for Respiratory Care)
- Acidosis: A condition characterized by excessive acid in the body fluids. (Source: National Institute of Health)
- Advance Directive: Legal documentation outlining a patient’s healthcare preferences. (Source: American Bar Association)
- Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate intervention. (Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology)
- Asepsis: The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to prevent infection. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Autonomy: The right of patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. (Source: American Nurses Association)
B
- Bloodborne Pathogens: Infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease. (Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- Bradycardia: A slower-than-normal heart rate, typically under 60 beats per minute. (Source: American Heart Association)
- Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics: Medications effective against a wide range of bacteria. (Source: World Health Organization)
- BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): A test measuring kidney function by evaluating urea levels in the blood. (Source: National Kidney Foundation)
C
- Cardiac Arrest: A sudden loss of heart function requiring immediate resuscitation efforts. (Source: American Heart Association)
- Catheterization: Insertion of a catheter for drainage, fluid administration, or diagnostic purposes. (Source: National Library of Medicine)
- Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to treat cancer by inhibiting cell growth. (Source: National Cancer Institute)
- Chronic Condition: A long-term illness that persists over time and often requires ongoing management. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
D
- Diabetes Mellitus: A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels. (Source: American Diabetes Association)
- Dyspnea: Difficulty or labored breathing. (Source: American Thoracic Society)
- DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis): A blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the legs. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Dosage Calculation: The process of determining the correct medication dosage based on patient factors. (Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
(Additional sources added throughout the glossary where applicable.)
For detailed explanations or additional terms, consult relevant medical literature or guidelines such as those from the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and other professional nursing organizations.
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The Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science |
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