Dictionary

NCLEX words

The exam's own working vocabulary: assess, reinforce, prioritize, UAP and the rest.

dangleTo sit on the edge of the bed with the legs hanging over the side, before standing up.

de-escalationCalming a person who is upset, angry or agitated, mainly by talking, so the situation does not grow into violence.

decaffeinatedWith most of the caffeine removed, as in decaffeinated coffee or tea.

defamationMaking false statements about a person that harm their good name.

defense mechanismAn unconscious mental process that protects a person from anxiety or painful feelings.

delegateTo hand a specific nursing task to another trained person while the nurse stays responsible for the client.

delegateeThe person who accepts a task handed over by a nurse who delegates it.

developmentalRelating to how a person grows and changes in body, mind and behavior across their life.

directingGuiding and instructing others, such as staff members, so that work gets done as planned.

discharge planningPreparing a client and family to leave a health care facility and continue care safely at the next place.

distendedStretched out and enlarged by pressure from inside, such as from gas, fluid or urine.

do-not-resuscitate orderA provider's order that CPR will not be started if the client's heart or breathing stops.

documentationThe written or electronic record of a client's care, condition and response.

doffingTaking off personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gown, eye protection and mask.

donningPutting on personal protective equipment, such as a gown, mask, eye protection and gloves.

doseThe amount of a drug given at one time.

droplet precautionsInfection control steps, used with standard precautions, for germs spread by large droplets from coughing, sneezing or talking.