Dictionary

Procedures and skills

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

swabA small piece of absorbent material on the end of a stick, used to collect a sample or to clean or apply something.

syringeA tube with a plunger, used to draw up liquid and push it out, often through a needle.

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.

underpadAn absorbent pad placed under a client to protect the skin and bed from urine, stool or drainage.

urinary catheterA thin, flexible tube passed through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine.

urinary meatusThe opening at the end of the urethra through which urine leaves the body.

urine outputThe amount of urine a person passes over a set time, measured in milliliters.

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.

walkerA light metal frame with four legs, with or without wheels, that a person holds while walking for support and balance.

well child visitA routine check-up for a healthy child to follow growth and development, give vaccines and screen for problems.

woundA break or injury in the skin or the tissue under it.

wound careThe cleaning, protecting and dressing of a wound to help it heal and to prevent infection.

wound cultureA lab test that grows germs from a wound sample to find out which bacteria or fungi are there and which drugs will kill them.

wound healingThe body's process of repairing damaged skin and tissue.

wound irrigationFlushing a wound with a steady stream of fluid, usually sterile normal saline, to wash out debris and germs.

wound vacuum-assisted closureA wound treatment that uses a sealed dressing connected to a suction pump to draw fluid out and help the wound heal.

Z-track methodA way of giving an IM injection in which the skin is pulled to one side before the needle goes in and let go after it comes out.