Dictionary

NCLEX words

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

efficacyThe ability of a drug or treatment to produce the effect it is meant to have.

elevationRaising something up, such as a body part above the level of the heart, or a rise in a value.

eliminationThe removal of waste from the body, mainly as urine and stool; also the removal of a drug from the body.

elopementWhen a client who cannot keep themselves safe leaves a care facility without staff knowing.

emergency response planA facility's written plan for what each person does in a disaster or emergency.

EMTALAEmergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act: a 1986 US law requiring emergency departments to screen and stabilize anyone who comes in.

end-of-life careThe care given to a person and their family in the last days, weeks or months of life.

enhanced barrier precautionsWearing a gown and gloves during close, high-contact care of certain nursing home residents to stop the spread of drug-resistant germs.

enlargementAn increase in the size of an organ or part beyond what is normal.

ethical dilemmaA situation in which a person must choose between two or more actions that each have moral reasons for and against them.

ethicsThe study of right and wrong, and the principles that guide good conduct and decisions.

evaluateTo judge whether care worked by comparing the client's results with the goals that were set.

evaluate outcomesTo compare how the client is actually doing with the expected results, to see whether the care given worked.

evidence-based practiceCare that combines the best research findings with clinical experience and the client's own wishes.

expected findingAn assessment result that is normal, or that is anticipated for the client's age, condition or treatment.

expected outcomeA specific, measurable result the nurse and client aim for, used to judge whether care is working.