What it means
Most often used for the jugular veins, which carry blood from the head back toward the heart. As a noun, "the jugular" is short for a jugular vein. Nurses check jugular venous pressure and look for jugular vein distentionJUG-yuh-ler VAYN dis-TEN-shunNeck veins that stay full and bulging when the client sits with the head raised at 30 to 45 degrees.Full entry when assessing fluid status and heart function.
Related terms
jugular vein
One of the large veins on each side of the neck that carry blood from the head back toward the heart.
jugular vein distention
Neck veins that stay full and bulging when the client sits with the head raised at 30 to 45 degrees.