Dictionary

Procedures and skills

The procedures nurses assist with and the skills they perform themselves.

haloA ring shape: either a ring of light seen around lights, or a metal ring fixed to the skull to hold the neck still.

head of the bedThe top end of a hospital bed, where the client's head rests; orders often say how many degrees to raise it.

health historyThe information about a client's past and present health that a nurse or provider gathers by asking questions.

heart rateHow many times the heart beats per minute.

HEENTHead, eyes, ears, nose and throat: a section of a physical exam or health history.

Heimlich maneuverQuick, upward thrusts into the upper abdomen to push out an object that is blocking a choking person's airway.

high Fowler positionA sitting position in bed with the head of the bed raised to about 60 to 90 degrees.

hygieneCare of the body to keep it clean and healthy, such as bathing, mouth care, hair and nail care.