Students Corner
Some Nursing terms and their meaning
Question:
Find the meaning of the following words or terms used in nursing
- Cyanosis
- Necrosis
- septicemia
- Sterilization
- Prescription
- Nosocomial infection
- Pathogenicity
- Auscultation
- Aseptic technique
- Orthopnoea
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Hemiplegia
- Thermogenesis
- Cancrum pros
- Percussion
- Inspection
- Palpation
- Enema saponins
- Asystole
- Hypertension
Answer:
Here they are:
- Cyanosis: A bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to an inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood.
- Necrosis: Death of cells or tissue due to injury, disease, or lack of blood supply.
- Septicemia: A serious bloodstream infection that can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to an infection.
- Sterilization: A process of destroying all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, on objects or surfaces to prevent the transmission of infectious agents.
- Prescription: An order written by a licensed healthcare provider for a medication, treatment, or device to be administered to a patient.
- Nosocomial infection: An infection that is acquired in a hospital or other healthcare facility, often due to exposure to bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.
- Pathogenicity: The ability of a microorganism to cause disease in a host.
- Auscultation: A technique used in physical examination to listen to sounds within the body, such as the heart, lungs, and intestines, using a stethoscope.
- Aseptic technique: A method used to prevent the introduction or spread of infection by using sterile equipment, maintaining a clean environment, and following proper hand hygiene procedures.
- Orthopnoea: Difficulty breathing while lying down, which may be alleviated by sitting up or standing.
- Paraplegia: A paralysis of the lower extremities, typically caused by injury or disease of the spinal cord.
- Quadriplegia: A paralysis of all four limbs, typically caused by injury or disease of the spinal cord.
- Hemiplegia: A paralysis of one side of the body, typically caused by injury or disease of the brain.
- Thermogenesis: The process of generating heat in the body, which is important for maintaining body temperature.
- Cancrum oris: A severe infection of the mouth and face that can lead to tissue destruction and disfigurement.
- Percussion: A technique used in physical examination to tap the body with the fingers or a percussion hammer to evaluate the size, consistency, and borders of organs and tissues.
- Inspection: A technique used in physical examination to visually examine the body for signs of disease, such as swelling, discoloration, or deformity.
- Palpation: A technique used in physical examination to feel for abnormalities or changes in the body, such as lumps, tenderness, or swelling.
- Enema saponins: A type of enema solution that contains soap or other detergents to help soften stool and stimulate bowel movements.
- Asystole: A condition in which the heart stops beating, resulting in a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the body.
- Hypertension: A condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently elevated, which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications.