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Dictionary

Procedures and skills

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

telemetryContinuous heart rhythm monitoring in which a small device worn by the client sends the ECG signal to a central screen.
TENSTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: mild electric pulses sent through pads on the skin to ease pain.
thoracentesisA procedure in which a needle is passed through the chest wall to remove fluid or air from the space around a lung.
thoracotomyA surgical cut through the chest wall to reach the lungs, heart or other organs in the chest.
tidal volumeThe amount of air moved in or out of the lungs with one normal breath.
tonic neck reflexA newborn reflex: when the baby's head turns toward one side, the arm and leg on that side stretch out while the opposite limbs bend.
total hip replacementSurgery that replaces the worn or damaged ball and socket of the hip joint with artificial parts; also called total hip arthroplasty.
total parenteral nutritionComplete nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.
tourniquetA band tightened around an arm or leg to slow or stop blood flow below it.
tracheostomyA surgical opening through the front of the neck into the windpipe, usually holding a tube that the person breathes through.
tracheotomyThe surgical cut made into the windpipe through the front of the neck.
tractionA steady pulling force applied to a body part with weights, ropes and pulleys.
transdermalThrough the skin; used for medicine absorbed from a patch stuck to the skin.
transfusion reactionA harmful response of the body to a blood transfusion.
Trendelenburg positionA position in which the client lies on the back with the bed tilted so the head is lower than the feet.
tripod positionA sitting position in which the person leans forward with the hands or elbows resting on the knees or on a table.
type and crossmatchBlood tests done before a transfusion to find a person's blood type and check that donor blood will not react with it.