Dictionary

Procedures and skills

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

maskA covering for the nose and mouth, worn to block germs or to deliver oxygen.

massageRubbing, pressing or kneading the body's soft tissues to relax muscles, ease pain or improve blood flow.

McRoberts maneuverPulling a laboring client's legs back sharply so the thighs press against the abdomen, to widen the pelvis during birth.

mechanical liftA device with a sling that lifts and moves a client who cannot bear weight, such as from bed to chair.

mechanical ventilationBreathing support from a machine, a ventilator, that pushes air into the lungs through a tube or a mask.

medical historyA record of a person's past and present health, illnesses, surgeries, medicines, allergies and family health.

midlineAn imaginary line down the center of the body; also, a type of IV catheter placed in a vein of the upper arm.

mobilityThe ability to move freely and easily, such as turning in bed, getting up and walking.

moderate sedationA drug-induced state of relaxed, lowered awareness in which the client still responds to voice or light touch and breathes on their own.

music therapyThe planned use of music, by a trained music therapist, to help a person's physical, emotional or mental health.