Dictionary

Procedures and skills

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

Valsalva maneuverBreathing out forcefully against a closed airway, as when bearing down or straining.

variable decelerationAn abrupt drop in the fetal heart rate of at least 15 beats per minute that lasts at least 15 seconds and less than 2 minutes.

venipuncturePutting a needle into a vein to draw blood or start an IV.

ventricular fibrillationA heart rhythm in which the lower chambers quiver in a fast, chaotic way instead of pumping.

vialA small glass or plastic bottle with a rubber stopper that holds a liquid or powdered drug for injection.

visual acuityHow clearly and sharply a person can see.

vital signsThe basic body measurements: temperature, pulse, breathing rate and blood pressure, often with oxygen saturation and pain.