Dictionary

Procedures and skills

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

radial pulseThe pulse felt at the wrist, on the thumb side, over the radial artery.

radiationEnergy that travels as waves or particles, such as X-rays, used to make images or treat cancer; also pain that spreads from its starting point.

radiation therapyTreatment that uses high-energy rays or radioactive material to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.

range of motionHow far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.

rectalRelating to the rectum, the last part of the large intestine; also, given or measured through the rectum.

refeedingStarting food or nutrition support again in a person who has been starved or severely malnourished.

rehydrationReplacing the water and salts the body has lost, by mouth or through an IV.

relaxationA state of calm with less physical and mental tension, or the methods used to reach it.

repositioningChanging a client's body position on a regular schedule, or moving a device to a new place.

resectionSurgery to remove part of an organ or tissue.

respirationBreathing air in and out, and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air, the blood and the cells.

respiratorA close-fitting mask or hood that filters the air a person breathes to protect them from germs or harmful particles.

respiratory rateThe number of breaths a person takes in one minute.

resuscitationEmergency treatment to restore breathing, heartbeat or blood circulation.

reverse Trendelenburg positionA position lying on the back on a bed or table that is tilted so the head is higher than the feet, with the body kept straight.

RICERest, Ice, Compression, Elevation: a memory aid for first care of a sprain, strain or bruise.

Romberg testA balance test in which the person stands with feet together and arms at the sides, first with eyes open and then with eyes closed.