Glossary

Localised collection of pus

A skin disturbance that typically occurs on areas of the skin that are rich in sebaceous glands, such as the face and back

Immunity that results from the production of antibodies to help protect the body from a pathogen that has entered the body

Listening with the intent of understanding and discerning

Connective tissue in which fat is stored

A set of medical interventions used to manage life-threatening emergencies, particularly cardiac arrest, severe respiratory distress, and shock. ALS builds upon Basic Life Support (BLS) by incorporating advanced airway management, drug administration, and cardiac monitoring.

A practice indicated for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens that are transmitted through droplet nuclei

The spread of pathogens that are carried by dust or the nuclei of an evaporated droplet and remain suspended in the air

A step-by-step procedure designed to guide healthcare providers through clinical decision-making processes for certain conditions or diagnoses

The development of capillaries in new tissue growth

A protein created in the body in response to an antigen in order to fight the identified substance or toxin

Anything the immune system recognises as a foreign object or substance and subsequently initiates formation of antibodies

A blood test taken from an artery that primarily measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide and pH balance (acidity and alkalinity) and lactate in your blood

A medical condition that causes decreased sensation of pain and pressure, typically in the lower extremities

The state of being free from disease-causing contaminants

The purposeful reduction of pathogens to prevent the transfer of microorganisms from one person or object to another during a medical procedure

An object or piece of equipment designed to help a patient with activities of daily living, such as a walker, cane, walk belt, or mechanical lift

Partial or whole lung collapse because of alveoli deflation secondary to surgery, smoking or blockage of bronchioles

A build-up of plaque that can cause reduced blood flow

To make white or pale by applying pressure

The accidental loss of bowel control causing the unexpected passage of stool

Beaching the body to have a bowel movement at a certain time of the day

The complete loss of heart function, leading to an absence of blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs

Cyclic process required for the transmission of an infectious agent to occur from one place or person to another

The result of critical thinking and clinical reasoning using inductive and deductive reasoning

A management tool used in healthcare to standardise and optimise patient care processes specific to certain conditions

A complex cognitive process that uses formal and informal thinking strategies to gather and analyse patient information, evaluate the significance of this information, and weigh alternative actions

The colon is attached to a stoma to bypass the rectum and the anus

Defined as less than three stools per week, caused by decreased peristalsis due to limited physical activity, dehydration, dietary changes, medications or surgical procedures

A practice implemented for patients who have known or suspected infections that can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirect contact with environmental surfaces or equipment

Lack of full passive range of motion due to joint, muscle, or soft tissue limitations

The time when recovery and healing begin

An intellectual process used to analyse and interpret situations, enabling problem-solving and sound decision-making

Dried fluids from a lesion on the surface of the skin

Subjective or objective data that gives the nurse a hint or indication of a potential problem, process, or disorder

A person’s understanding of their own culture and its impact on themselves

Framework utilised by healthcare systems to ensure cultural safe care is provided to all health recipients

Responsive action where one adjust/adapts care requirements ensuring cultural values and beliefs are respected

A set of beliefs, attitudes, and practices shared by a group of people or community which is accepted, followed, and passed down to other members of the group

A bluish discoloration caused by lack of oxygenation of the tissue

The removal of non-viable tissue in a wound

Making a specific observation from the obvious

A thrombus formation within a deep vein (commonly the legs) that may be asymptomatic or be accompanied by swelling and pain. They are potentially life threatening if dislodgment occurs

The separation of a surgical incision

Activities carried out in relation to medical orders that cannot be initiated independently by the nurse

The inner layer of skin with connective tissue, blood vessels, sweat glands, nerves, hair follicles, and other structures

A patient whose clinical condition is worsening, increasing their risk of serious adverse outcomes such as cardiac arrest, organ failure, or death

Excessive, abnormal sweating

The spread of a pathogen that is transmitted directly from an infected person

An alteration in body functioning resulting in the reduced capacity or shortening of lifespan

A practice implemented when patients are known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking

The spread of a pathogen that travels through a spray of water droplets that are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks

An algorithm used in Basic Life Support (BLS) representing the steps of BLS: Danger, Response, send for help, Airway, Breathing, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Defibrillation.

Painful or difficult urination

A clinical tool used in healthcare to identify patients at risk of deterioration.

Bruising

(Electrocardiogram): a medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart

An allergic reaction to the skin, causing a dry and itchy rash

The period when a person is living with, and impaired by, a fatal condition, even if the trajectory is ambiguous or unknown

The thin, uppermost layer of skin

The growth of new epidermis and granulation tissue

A red colour of the skin

A predefined set of procedures used to manage and respond to situations where a patient's condition is deteriorating

A collection of dry, dead tissue (necrotic tissue) within the wound that appears as black, firm matter

Redness and removal of the surface of the topmost layer of skin, often due to maceration or itching

Fluid that oozes from a wound

Hardened faecal matter is unable to be evacuated with regular peristalsis activity and is retained in the rectum

A rise in core body temperature

The need to urinate several times during the day or at night (nocturia) in normal or less-than-normal volumes. It may be accompanied by a feeling of urgency

The rubbing of skin against a hard object, such as the bed or the arm of a wheelchair. This rubbing causes heat that can remove the top layer of skin and often results in skin damage

A judgement formed from a set of facts, cues, and observations

Broad statements of purpose that describe the aim of nursing care

New connective tissue in a healing wound with new, fragile, thin-walled capillaries

An area of blood that collects outside of the larger blood vessels

The first stage of wound healing that typically lasts up to 60 minutes. The body attempts to limit or stop blood loss

An infection that is acquired while receiving medical treatment in a healthcare facility

Blood in the urine, either visualized or found during microscopic analysis

The first stage of wound healing when clotting factors are released to form clots to stop the bleeding

The layer of skin beneath the dermis composed of connective tissue and used for fat storage

Inflammation of the lungs from stasis or pooling secretions

Predictions of a relationship between variables

The lower end of the small intestine (ileum) is attached to a stoma to bypass the colon, rectum, and anus

Slowing of gastrointestinal motility not associated with mechanical obstruction

The third stage of infection, which starts when a person experiences the specific signs and symptoms of a disease

Damage to deeper layers of the skin or to other integumentary structures

The initial stage of infection when a pathogen successfully enters into a new host

Any intervention the nurse can provide without obtaining a prescription or consulting anyone else

The spread of a pathogen to a new host through an intermediary, such as the air, food, water, animals, or objects

Making generalisations from specific data

A thickening or hardening of the soft tissue in the skin

The disease produced by micro-organisms

The discipline of stopping or preventing the spread of infectious agents

Interpretations or conclusions based on cues, personal experiences, preferences, or generalisations

The second stage of wound healing. White blood cells in the bloodstream to the wound and start cleaning the wound bed

The second stage of healing when vasodilation occurs to move white blood cells into the wound to start cleaning the wound bed

One of the first responses when a pathogen breaches the nonspecific innate immune system; it aids in the recruitment of cellular defences to remove pathogens

The way in which a person’s culture is intertwined to create their cultural identity

A reduction or restriction in blood flow to a part of the body

A yellowing of the skin or sclera caused by underlying medical conditions

Any sterile part of equipment used during an aseptic procedure

A key site is the site contacted during an aseptic procedure, such as non-intact skin, a potential insertion site, or an access site used for medical devices connected to the patients

An area of abnormal tissue

A technique used to move a patient while maintaining the alignment of their spine

A type of swelling that occurs when lymph fluid builds up in the body’s soft tissues due to damage to the lymph system

A condition that occurs when skin has been exposed to moisture for too long causing it to appear soggy, wrinkled, or whiter than usual

The fourth and final stage of wound healing. Collagen continues to be created to strengthen the wound and prevent it from reopening

The final stage of wound healing when collagen continues to be created to strengthen the wound and prevent it from reopening

A specific illness, injury, or disease process diagnosed by a medical practitioner

A specialised group of healthcare professionals, with advanced life support skills, trained to respond rapidly to deteriorating patients in a hospital setting

Skin pigment produced by melanocytes scattered throughout the epidermis

A single-celled organism that is microscopic in size and too small to be seen by the naked eye

A group of professionals that work collaborative within healthcare to support patient and families in care requirements

A bacterium that has become resistant to certain antibiotics

Tissue death

Dead tissue that is black

The need to get up at night on a regular basis to urinate. Nocturia often causes sleep deprivation that affects a person’s quality of life

Evidence-based actions that the nurse performs to achieve patient outcomes

A human response to a condition that is causing an impact on the patient

Signs that are observable by an observer or can be measured or tested against an acceptable standard

Swelling

Defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more or a drop of diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more that occurs when a patient changes position from lying to sitting or sitting to standing resulting in the patient feeling dizzy, faint, or light-headed

A chronic, progressive metabolic bone disease in which bone becomes porous and weak making it easy to break and slow to heal

A surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) from an area inside the body to the outside of the body

A measurable behaviour demonstrated by the patient’s response to nursing interventions

A reduced amount of oxyhemoglobin the skin or mucous membranes. Skin and mucous membranes present with a pale skin colour

The result of antibodies being passed from one person to another

Any type of microorganism that causes disease to its host

The ability of a microorganism to cause disease

A medical condition that causes decreased sensation of pain and pressure, typically in the lower extremities

Progressive wavelike contractions of the bowel that assist the movement of food through the gastrointestinal system

A fundamental concept in nursing that places the patient at the forefront of healthcare delivery

Tiny red dots caused by bleeding under the skin

Greater than 2.5 liters of urine output over 24 hours, also referred to as diuresis. Urine is typically clear with no colour. New polyuria should be reported to the health care provider because it can be a sign of many medical conditions

The site at which a pathogen enters the susceptible host

The path by which the pathogen leaves the reservoir

Skin breakdown caused when a patient’s skin and soft tissue press against a hard surface for a prolonged period of time, causing reduced blood supply and resulting in damaged tissue

Initial infection caused by a pathogen

A type of wound that is sutured, stapled, glued, or otherwise closed so the wound heals beneath the closure

The skillful process of deciding which actions to complete first for patient safety and optimal patient outcomes

The second stage of infection, which begins at the initial appearance of mild or vague symptoms

The third stage of wound healing that typically starts 2-3 days after the injury. New cells begin to grow, and the wound edges start to contract

The third stage of wound healing that begins a few days after injury and includes four processes: epithelialization, angiogenesis, collagen formation, and contraction

Ones perception and awareness of posture, movement, and changes in equilibrium of the body

Build-up of fluid into alveoli and tissue of the lungs

Drainage that is thick; opaque; tan, yellow, green, or brown in colour. New purulent drainage should always be reported to the health care provider

The extent to which a part of the body can be moved around a joint or a fixed point

A healthcare system designed to quickly identify and respond to patients whose condition is deteriorating rapidly, aiming to intervene early and prevent further complications or critical situations by activating a dedicated team of healthcare professionals when specific clinical criteria are met

A dedicated team of healthcare professionals often consisting of both Doctors and Nurses with advanced life support skills who respond to patient deterioration when escalated

The habitat or source of the pathogen that provides a place for survival and growth

Number of breaths per minute (bpm). Normal is 12-20 bpm

Continuous low-pitched musical sound heard on auscultation near the trachea or bronchi. Often can be cleared by coughing

A mnemonic utilised during a secondary survey to guide a thorough patient assessment and stands for Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, and Events leading up to illness or injury

Drainage from a wound that is fresh bleeding

A parasitic skin infection caused by mites, that is highly contagious

An infection that occurs during or after treatment for a different pathogen. It may be caused by the treatment for the first infection or a result of a diminished immune system or the elimination of normal flora

A type of healing that occurs when the edges of a wound cannot be brought together, so the wound fills in from the bottom up by the production of granulation tissue. An example of a wound healing by secondary intention is a pressure ulcer

Serous drainage with small amounts of blood present

Drainage from a wound that is clear, thin, watery plasma. It’s normal during the inflammatory stage of wound healing, and small amounts are considered normal wound drainage

Occurs when tissue layers move over the top of each other. This opposing movement of the outer layer of skin and the underlying tissues causes the capillaries to stretch and tear, which then impacts the blood flow and oxygenation of the surrounding tissues

This is awful business

Wounds caused by mechanical forces such as shear, friction or blunt force

The skin’s elasticity and its ability to change shape and return to normal when gently grasped between two fingers

Inflammatory exudate in wounds that is usually light yellow, soft, and moist

Socioeconomic factor such as poverty, employment, and education that may impact on health outcomes, mobility, education, and environmental conditions. Individuals with health-related social needs may lack affordable housing, access to healthy foods, connections with social services, or adequate transportation

Intact skin with a localised area of nonblanchable erythema where prolonged pressure has occurred

Partial-thickness loss of skin with exposed dermis. The wound bed is viable and may appear like an intact or ruptured blister

Full-thickness tissue loss in which fat is visible, but cartilage, tendon, ligament, muscle, and bone are not exposed. The depth of tissue damage varies by anatomical location. Undermining and tunnelling may be present. If slough or eschar obscures the wound so that tissue loss cannot be assessed, the pressure injury is referred to as unstageable.

Full-thickness tissue loss like Stage 3 pressure injuries but also have exposed cartilage, tendon, ligament, muscle, or bone

The first tier of precautions to protect healthcare staff and patients

As an area or item free from all microorganisms

Practices and procedures that inhibit microorganisms in a specific environment and prevent contamination

Smaller groups formed within a culture

Symptoms that are only apparent to the person that is affected and can only be verified only by that person

An organism that is susceptible to or at risk for infection

The healing of a wound that has had to remain open or has been reopened, often due to severe infection or swelling

Relationship established between healthcare provider and recipient that is built on trust and respect, allowing high quality, effective healthcare to be provided

The method that a pathogen uses to spread from one host to another

Passageways underneath the surface of the skin that extend from a wound and can take twists and turns

Break in the skin or open sore such as a venous ulcer

Full-thickness skin and tissue loss in which the extent of tissue damage within the ulcer cannot be confirmed because it is obscured by slough or eschar

A sensation of an urgent need to void. Urgency can cause urge incontinence if the client is not able to reach the bathroom quickly

The involuntary loss of urine

A condition when the client cannot empty all of the urine from their bladder

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that occurs when bacteria, typically from the rectum, enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract

The ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder) are attached to a stoma to bypass the bladder

A medical condition where the veins do not circulate blood back to the heart effectively, resulting in a pooling of fluid in the lower extremities

A decrease in venous return to the heart

A wound caused by the pooling of fluid in the lower extremities as a result of insufficient circulation

A belt, with or without handles, that is fastened around a patient’s waist used to ensure stability when assisting patients to stand, ambulate, or to transfer from bed to chair