Dictionary

Nursing practice

Delegation, prioritization, scope of practice and the working words of the profession.

barrierSomething that blocks passage, such as gloves that block germs, or anything that gets in the way of care or learning.

basic nursing careCare that follows a set procedure, needs little change and brings a predictable response from the client.

bassinetA small bed for a newborn baby.

batteryIn law, touching a person on purpose without their consent.

bedboundUnable to get out of bed.

beneficenceThe ethical principle of doing good and acting in the client's best interest.

bereavementThe period of grief and mourning after the death of someone close.

bleeding precautionsSafety steps that protect a client who bleeds easily from injury and bleeding.

blended familyA family made up of a couple and the children of one or both partners from earlier relationships.

body imageHow a person sees, thinks and feels about their own body and its appearance and function.

body languageMessages sent without words, through posture, gestures, facial expression, eye contact and movement.

Braden ScaleA scoring tool that rates a client's risk of developing a pressure injury.

breastfeedingFeeding a baby with milk directly from the breast.

BSNBachelor of Science in Nursing: a four-year college degree that prepares a person to become a registered nurse.

bundlingGrouping things together: in hospitals, a set of proven care steps always done together, or wrapping a baby snugly.

burnoutPhysical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by long-term stress, especially at work or in caregiving.