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Nursing practice

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

ice chipsSmall pieces of crushed ice that a client sucks on to moisten the mouth and get small amounts of fluid.
identificationConfirming who a person is, as in checking a client's identity before care.
imageryA relaxation method in which a person pictures calm, pleasant scenes in the mind to ease stress or pain.
immediate follow-upAction the nurse must take right away, such as checking further, acting or reporting.
immobilityBeing unable to move about freely, such as being kept in bed or a chair.
immunization scheduleThe recommended timetable of which vaccines to give, at what ages and how many doses.
impairmentA loss or weakening of a body function or ability, such as sight, hearing, movement or thinking.
implementTo carry out a plan or action; in the nursing process, to put the planned interventions into practice.
incident reportA written record of an unexpected event in a health care setting that caused or could have caused harm.
informaticsThe use of information technology and data to support health care and decisions.
informed consentA person's agreement to a treatment or procedure, given freely after the risks, benefits and other choices have been explained to them.
inpatientA person formally admitted to a hospital or other facility for care, usually staying overnight or longer.
intensive careClose, round-the-clock medical and nursing care for people who are critically ill or at high risk of getting worse.
intensive care unitA hospital unit that gives close, constant care to people who are critically ill.
interdisciplinaryInvolving people from several different professions who work together.
interpersonalHappening between people, such as communication, relationships or conflict between two or more people.
interprofessionalInvolving people from two or more health professions working together.
interprofessional teamHealth workers from different professions who plan and give a client's care together.
interventionAn action taken to help a client, such as a treatment, a test, a teaching session or a nursing action.
intimate partner violencePhysical, sexual or emotional harm, stalking or control by a current or former partner or spouse.
invasion of privacyIntruding on a person's private life or sharing their private information or images without permission.
ISBARRIntroduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, Request, Repeat back: a set order for sharing client information.
isolationKeeping a client apart from others to stop an infection spreading or to protect them from infection; also, being alone without social contact.