What it means
Being admitted to a hospital for care, usually overnight or longer. A hospital stay brings its own risks, such as falls, pressure injuries, healthcare-associated infectionHELTH-kair uh-SOH-see-ay-tid in-FEK-shunAn infection a client gets while receiving health care that was not present or incubating when care began.Full entry and deliriumdih-LEER-ee-umA sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.Full entry in older adults, and it can frighten children and disrupt family life. Clients who are not admitted are cared for as outpatientOWT-pay-shuntA client who receives care without being admitted to stay overnight in a hospital, or describing such care.Full entry .
For the nurse
Orient the client to the room and call light, keep the bed low and help them walk safely. For children, let parents stay, keep routines and use play to explain care. Start discharge teaching on the first day.
At a glance
| Spanish | hospitalización |
|---|---|
| Also written | hospitalizations, hospitalized, hospitalised |
Related terms
outpatient
A client who receives care without being admitted to stay overnight in a hospital, or describing such care.
healthcare-associated infection
An infection a client gets while receiving health care that was not present or incubating when care began.
rehabilitation
Care that helps a person regain, keep or improve the skills and independence lost through illness, injury or surgery.