NURSING TERMINOLOGIES:
flexed and apart
 ABDUCTION-to move away from the midline
 ACETONURIA-acetone in the urine
 ADDUCTION-to move toward the midline
 AFEBRILE-without fever
 ALBUMINURIA-albumin in the urine
 AMENORRHEA-absence of menstruation
 AMNESIA-loss of or defective memory
 ANKYLOSES- stiff joint
 ANOREXIA-loss of appetite
 ANURIA-total suppression of urination
 APNEA-short periods of breathing has ceased
 ARTHRITIS-inflammation of the joint
 ASPHYXIA-suffocation
 ATROPHY-wasting, decreased in mass
 ABDOMINAL PARACENTESIS-removal of
fluids from peritoneal cavity
 ALOPECIA-loss of scalp hair
 ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION-a severe allergic
reaction that usually occurs after administration
of a drug
 ANTIGEN- substance capable of inducing the
formation of antibodies
 AGRANULOCYTOSIS & LEUKOPENIA-
decreased WBC, patient prone to infection
 ANEMIA- decreased iron, hemoglobin or RBC
 APHASIA-any defects in or loss of power to
express oneself by speech
 ASCITES-accumulation of fluid in abdominal
cavity
 ATELECTASIS-a condition that occurs when
ventilation is decreased and pooled secretions
accumulate in a dependent area of bronchiole and
block it.
 BACTEREMIA- bacteria in the blood
 BRADYPNEA- abnormally low respiration; less
than 10 beats per minute
 BIOT’S RESPIRATION- pattern that alternates
between periods of apnea and hyperapnea
 POLYCYTHEMIA VERA- increased RBC,
hemoglobin, thickened blood prone clotting
formation
 BRADYCARDIA-heartbeat fewer than 60 beats
per minute
 CHOLURIA-bile in the urine
 CHEYNE-STOKES- increasing dyspnea with
periods of apnea
 CLONIC TREMOR-shaking with intervals of rest
 CONJUNCTIVITIS-inflammation of the
conjunctiva
 CORYZA-watery drainage from the nose
 CYANOTIC- bluish in color due to poor
oxygenation
 CALCULI-renal stones
 CATHARTICS-are drugs that induce defecation
 CEPHALOCAUDAL-proceeding in the direction
from head to toe
 CONTRACTURE-permanent shortening of a
muscle and subsequent shortening of tendons and
ligaments
 DORSAL RECUMBENT-lying on back- knees
 DYSMENORRHEA-painful menstruation
 DYSPNEA-difficulty of breathing
 DYSRHYTHMIA/ARRHYTHMIA-abnormal
heart beat
 DYSURIA-painful urination
 DEHISCENCE-the partial or total rupturing of a
sutured wounds
 DIURESIS-the production of large amounts of
urine by the kidneys without increase fluid intake
 DYSPHAGIA-difficulty or inability to swallow
 ERYTHROPOEISIS- blood formation by red
bone marrow
 EDEMATOUS-puffy, swollen
 EMACIATED- thin, underweight
 EMETIC- agent given to produce vomiting
 ENURESIS- bedwetting
 EPISTAXIS-nosebleed
 ERUCTATION-belching
 ERYTHEMIA-redness
 EUPNEA- normal breathing
 EXCORIATION- raw surface
 EXOPTHALMOS-abnormal protrusion of eyeball
 EXTENSION- to straighten
 EDEMA- presence of excess interstitial fluid in the
body
 EMBOLUS- a blood clot (or substance such as
air) that has moved from its place of origin and is
causing obstruction to circulation elsewhere
 ENURESIS- bedwetting/ involuntary passing of
urine in children after bladder control is achieved
 ERYTHEMA-redness associated with a variety of
skin rashes
 EVISCERATION- extrusion of the internal
organs
 FLACCID- soft, flabby
 FLEXION- bending
 FOWLER’S POSITION- semierect, knees flexed,
head of bed elevated 45-60°
 GAIT- is the way a person walks
 GAVAGE- forced feeding through a tube passed
into the stomach.
 GLUCOSURIA-glucose in the urine
 GUSTATORY- dealing with taste
 HELIOTHERAPHY-using sunlight as therapeutic
agent
 HEMATEMESIS- blood in the vomitus
 HEMATURIA- blood in the urine
 HEMIPLEGIA- paralysis of one side of the body
 HEMOGLOBINURIA-hemoglobin in the urine
 HEMOPTYSIS-spitting of blood
 HEMOSTASIS- cessation of bleeding
 HEMOTHORAX- a collection of blood flow to an
area
 HYDROTHERAPHY-use water as a therapeutic
agent
 HYPEREMIA-increased blood flow to an area
 HYPERTONIC- concentration greater than body
fluids
 HYPOTONIC- concentration less than body fluids
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 HEMATOMA- a collection of blood in a tissue,
organ, or space due to a break in the wall of a
blood vessel
 HIRSUTISM- abnormal hairiness, particularly in
women
 HYPERALGESIA-extreme hypersensitivity to
pain
 HYPERCALCEMIA-excess calcium in the blood
plasma
 HYPERCAPNEA-carbon dioxide accumulates in
the blood
 HYPERPHOSPHATEMIA-excess phosphate in
the blood plasma
 HYPERSOMNIA-excessive sleep
 ISCHEMIA-deficiency of blood supply caused by
obstruction of circulation of a body part
 INTRACTABLE PAIN- pain resistant to cure or
relief
 INSOMNIA- inability to sleep
 INTERMITTENT- starting and stopping, not
continuous
 INTRADERMAL- within or through the skin
 INTRAMUSCULAR- within or through the
muscle
 INTRASPINAL- within of through the spinal
column
 INTRAVENOUS-within or through the vein
 ISOTONIC- having the same toxicity
concentration as the body fluids
 JAUNDICE- yellow color
 KELOID- a scar containing an abnormal amount
of collagen
 KNEE-CHEST POSITION- in face down position
resting on knees and chest
 KUSSMAUL’S RESPIRATION- a gasping
labored pattern with both increased rate and
depth (associated with metabolic acidosis and
renal failure)
 KYPHOSIS-hump back, concavity of the spine
 LANUGO- fine downy hair on the shoulder, back,
sacrum, and earlobes of unborn child
 LAVAGE- an irrigation or washing of a body
organ such as the stomach
 LOG ROLLING- a technique used to turn the
client whose body must be at all times be kept in
straight alignment
 LATERAL POSITION- on the side knees flexed
 LITHOTOMY POSITION- on back, buttocks
near the edge of the table, knees well flexed and
separated
 LOCHIA- drainage from the vagina after delivery
 LORDOSIS- sway-back, convexity of spine
 LEUKOCYTOSIS- increased WBC, good reaction
to infection
 MENARCHE- onset of menstruation
 MYDRIASIS-enlarged/dilation of the pupils
 MYOPIA- near sightedness
 MENOPAUSE- cessation of menstruation
 MENORRHAGIA-profuse menstruation
 METRORRHAGIA- variable amount of uterine
bleeding occurring frequently but at irregular
intervals
 MUCUPURULENT-drainage containing mucus
and pus
 MYOSIS-contraction of pupils
 NECROSIS- death of tissue
 NOCTURIA- frequent voiding at night
 NARCOLEPSY- uncontrollable desire for sleep/
sleep attack
 NORMOCEPHALIC-normal head size
 OLIGURIA- scant urination, less than 400 ml per
24 hours
 ORTHOPNEA- inability to breathe or difficulty
breathing lying down
 ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION- decreased in
blood pressure related to postural changes
 PALIATIVE- offering temporary relief
 PARAPLEGIA- paralysis of the legs
 PNEUMOTHORAX- collection of air in the
pleural space
 POLYDIPSIA-excessive thirst
 POSTURAL DRAINAGE- he drainage of
secretions from various lung segment by gravity
 PETICHIA-small rupture of blood vessels
 PHOTOPHOBIA- sensitive to light
 POLYURIA- increased amount of voiding
 PHONATION- to turn downward
 PRONE- on the abdomen, face turned to one side
 PROPHYLACTIC- preventive
 PRURITUS-itching
 PTOSIS- drooping eyelid
 PURULENT- drainage containing pus
 PYREXIA- elevated temperature
 PYURIA- pus in the urine
 RADIATING- spread to distant areas
 RALES/CRACKLES- abnormal breath sounds
 ROTATION-to move in circular pattern
 REFERRED PAIN- pain perceived to be in one
area but whose source is in another area
 SANGUINEOUS-bloody drainage
 SEMI-FOWLER’S POSITION- semi- erect, head
of the bed elevated 30-45°
 SEROUS- drainage of lymphatic fluid
 SIM’S POSITION- on left side, left arm behind
back, left leg slightly flexed, right leg slightly
flexed
 STUPOROUS-partial unconsciousness
 SUBCUTANEOUS-under the skin
 SUPINATION- to turn upward
 SUPPURATING-discharging pus
 SYNCOPE- fainting
 SYNDROME- group of symptoms
 SEPSIS- presence of pathogenic organisms or
their toxins in the blood or body tissues
 SEPTICEMIA- occurs when bacteremia results in
systemic infection
 SOMNAMBULISM- sleep walking
 SPASTIC- sudden, prolonged involuntary muscle
contraction of clients with damage in CNS
 STATUS EPILEPTICUS- continuous seizures
 STRABISMUS-uncontrolled eye movements
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 STRIDOR- a harsh crowing sound made on
inhalation caused by constriction of upper airway
 TACHYCARDIA- fast heart beat, greater than
100 beats per minute
 TENACIOUS- tough and sticky
 THREADY- barely perceptible
 THROMBUS- a solid mass of blood constituents
in the circulatory system; a clot
 TRENDELENBURG POSITION- flat on back
with pelvis higher than head, foot of bed elevated
six inches
 TYMPANIC- filled with gas
 THROMBOCYTOPENIA-decreased platelets,
prone to bleeding
 TERATOGEN- anything that adversely affects
normal cellular development in embryo or fetus
 THORACENTESIS-insertion of needle in the
pleural cavity for diagnostic or therapeutic
purposes
 URTICARIA- hives or wheals, eruption on skin or
mucus membranes
 VERTIGO- dizziness
 VESICLE-fluid filled blister
 VISUAL ACUITY- sharpness of vision
 VASOCONSTRICTION-decrease in the lumen of
the blood vessel
 VASODILATION- increase in the lumen of blood
vessel
 VERNIX CASEOSA- white cheese-like substance
that adheres to the skin
 VITILIGO- patches of hypopigmented skin
caused by the destruction of melanocytes in the
area
CONGENITAL DEFECTS TERMS:
 EPISPADIAS- meatus opens up at upper sides of
the penis
 HYPOSPADIAS-meatus opens up at lower side of
the penis
 CRYPTORCHIDISM-undescended testis
 PHIMOSES-prepuce tightly covers penis
 ANENCEPHALY- absence of brain
 MENINGOCELE-protrusion of the nose bridge
 ENCEPHALOCELE- protrusion of the brain
 OMPHALOCELE- protrusion of the viscera in
the abdomen
OBSTETRICS (OB) TERMS
 MULTIGRAVIDA- has been pregnant before
current pregnancy
 MULTIPARA- two or more viable births beyond
20 weeks
 NULLIPARA- no birth ever given beyond 20
weeks
 OPERCULUM- mucus plug
 PREECLAMPSIA- increase of +30/+15 mmHg
from baseline BP
 PRETERM- born before beginning of 38th week
 VIABILITY- 20-24 weeks of gestation
 EFFACEMENT-shortening and thinning of cervix
 DILATION- widening of cervical os and canal
 FSH-Follicle Stimulating Hormone- for follicle
growth and maturation
 LH-Leutenizing Hormone- egg development
ovulation
 PROGESTERONE- maintains pregnancy
 PROLACTIN- milk production
 OXYTOCIN- stimulates uterine contractions
 PLACENTA PREVIA- low implantation of
placenta thus partially or completely covering the
cervical os
 ABRUPTIO PLACENTA-premature separation
of the placenta
 CHLOASMA-mask of pregnancy
 GRAVIDA- number of all pregnancies including
current one
 HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM- excessive
nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy
 INVOLUTION- return of uterus to non-pregnant
state
 MECONIUM- fetal defecation in utero during
labor in response to fecal distress
 MISCARRIAGE-spontaneous abortion
 LGA- large for gestational age
 SGA- small for gestational age
OPERATING ROOM (OR) TERMS:
 KERATOPLASTY-repair of corneal opacity
 MYRINGOTOMY-surgical drainage in otitis
media to remove pus
 CHOLECYSTECTOMY- removal of gallbladder
 TURP- transurethral resection of the prostate
 HYDROCELE- collection of fluid in the tunica
vaginalis
 LAMINECTOMY- excision of a portion of the
posterior arch of the lamina to remove pressure
on nerves
 SCOLIOSIS-lateral curvature of the spine
 CULDOCENTESIS-aspiration of the blood or
fluid from the cul de sac
 LAPAROTOMY- open up the abdomen
 HYSTERECTOMY- removal of uterus, cervix,
and fallopian tubes
 RHINOPLASTY- repair of the nose
 CHEILOPLASTY- repair of cleft lip
ORTHOPEDICS TERMS:
 CLOSED FRACTURE- no open wound
 OPEN FRACTURE- wound in skin communicates
with fracture
 COMMINUTED FRACTURE- bone splinted into
fragments
 LONGITUDINAL FRACTURE- break runs
parallel
 GREENSTICK FRACTURE- bone broken, bent
but still securely hinged at one side
 TRANSVERSE FRACTURE- break runs across
the bone
 SPIRAL FRACTURE- break coils around the
bone
 IMPACTED FRACTURE- bone broken and
wedged into other break
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  OBLIQUE FRACTURE- break runs in slanting
direction on bone
 PATHOLOGIC FRACTURE-break is at sight of
bone disease
 ARTHROPLASTY-reconstruction of a joint
 SYNOVECTOMY-excision of hyperthrophied
synovial membrane within a joint
 ARTHRODESIS- fusion of a bone to eliminate a
joint
 OSTEOTOMY-surgical cutting of bone
COMMON PREFIXES
a-……………………………………………………………………………………without
ab-,abs-………………………………………………………………away from
alb-……………………………………………………………………………………white
ante-………………………………………………………………………………before
anti-……………………opposed, against, counteract
bi-…………………………………………………………………………………………two
brady-…………………………………………………………………………………slow
circum-…………………………………………………………………………around
con-……………………………………………………together or with
contra-……………………………………………against, opposed
dys-……………………………………………difficult or painful
ecto-……………………………………………………………………………outside
endo-………………………………………………………………………………within
eu-…………………………………………………………………………………………good
hemi-……………………………………………………………………………………half
homeo-………………………………………………………………………likeness
hydro-………………………………………………………………………………water
hyper-…………………………………above, high, excessive
hypo-……………………………………………………low or deficient
inter-…………………………………………………………………………between
intra-……………………………………………………………………………within
meso-………………………………………………………………………………middle
mono-………………………………………………………………………………single
multi-…………………………………………………………………………………many
neo-…………………………………………………………………………………………new
para-………………………………………………………………………………beside
per-………………………………………………………………………………through
peri-………………………………………………………………………………around
poly-……………………………………………………………………………………many
post-…………………………………………………………………………………after
pre-………………………………………………before, in front of
primi-………………………………………………………………………………first
pseudo-……………………………………………………………………………false
semi-……………………………………………………………………………………half
tachy-………………………………………………………………fast, rapid
trans-……………………………………………………across, through
tri-……………………………………………………………………………………three
ultra-……………………………………………………………………………beyond
uni-………………………………………………………………………………………one
COMMON SUFFIXES
-algesia…………………………………………sensitive to pain
-algia…………………………………………………………………………………pain
-blast………………………………………………………………………immature
-centesis………………………………………surgical puncture
-cide……………………………………………………agent that kills
-cyte……………………………………………………………………………………cell
-ectomy………………………………………………………………removal of
-emia………………………………………………………blood condition
-genesis……………………………………………………formation of
-genic…………………………………………………the formation of
-gram……………………………………………………….record,picture
-graphy……………………………………process of recording
-ism…………………………………………………………………………condition
-itis……………………………………………………inflammation of
-lith………………………………………………………………………………stone
-mania……………………………………………………mental disorder
-megaly……………………………………………………………enlargement
-oma…………………………………………………………………………………tumor
-otomy………………………………………………………………………incision
-path……………………………………………………………………………disease
-philia…………………………………………………………attracted of
-phobia………………………………………………………………………fear of
-plegia…………………………………………………………………paralysis
-pnea………………………………………respiration breathing
-ptysis………………………………………………spitting, cough
-rrhagia………………………………………………excessive flow
-rrhea…………………………profuse flow or discharge
-scope……………………………………………………exam.instrument
-scopy……………………………………………exam with a scope
-stomy………………………………………………surgical opening
-tomy………………………………………………………………………cut into
-uria………………………………characteristics of urine
COMMON WORD ROOTS
abdomen/o…………………………………………………………………abdomen
aden/o………………………………………………………………………………gland
adip/o……………………………………………………………………………………fat
angi/o……………………………………………………………………………vessel
blast/o…………………………………………………………………embryonic
bronch/i…………………………………………………………………bronchus
bronch/o…………………………………………………………………bronchus
cardi/o……………………………………………………………………………heart
cephal/o……………………………………………………………………………head
cerebr/o…………………………………………………………………………brain
cervic/o……………………………………………………………………………neck
chol/e…………………………………………………………………………………bile
crani/o……………………………………………………cranium(skull)
cutane/o………………………………………………………………………….skin
cyst/o…………………………………………………………………………bladder
cyt/o……………………………………………………………………………………cell
dent/i…………………………………………………………………………….tooth
dermat/o………………………………………………………………………….skin
dors/o…………………………………………………………………………………back
erythr/o………………………………………………………………………………red
fibr/o………………………………………………………………………………fiber
gastr/o………………………………………………………………………stomach
geront/o……………………………………………………………………old age
gloss/o…………………………………………………………………………tongue
glyc/o………………………………………………………………………………sugar
gynec/o……………………female reproductive system
hem/o…………………………………………………………………………………blood
hemat/o……………………………………………………………………………blood
hepat/o……………………………………………………………………………liver
hist/o……………………………………………………………………………tissue
tox/o………………………………………………………………………………poison
toxic/o…………………………………………………………………………poison
trach/i………………………………………………………………………trachea
trache/o……………………………………………………………………trachea
umbillic/o……………………………navel (belly button)
ur/o……………………………………………………………………………………urine
urethr/o……………………………………………………………………urethra
uter/o……………………………………………………………………………uterus
ven/o……………………………………………………………………………………vein
viscer/o………………………………………………internal organs
STOOL COLOR AND CHARACTERISTICS
 Brownish- normal stool color due to
bile pigment
 Milky white barium
 Black bismuth iron charcoal
 Black tarry melena blood from UGIT
 Occult blood-blood in stool detected
by GUIAC test
 Steatorrhea- bulky, greasy, foamy,
gray
 Hard stool- constipation
 Watery stool- diarrhea
 Pale clay colored stool-
choledocholithiasis
 Black greenish sticky in newborn-
meconium
eaf
PROCEDURES & KEY POINTS
Postural Drainage & Chest Percussion
 Lung area to be drained should be
lower than other parts of chest,
with patient lying on opposite side
Sputum Collection
 First sputum in the morning is the
best sample, don’t brush teeth or
use mouth washes or rinse before
obtaining sample
Nasal Cannula
 Indicated for COPD/ hypoxic drive
who need low flow oxygen at 2-3
liters per minute
Face Mask
 Short term usage, for emergency
situations
Mask with a Rebreathing Bag
 Higher concentration (90-100%)
Venturi Mask & Nonbreathing System
 Very accurate oxygen delivery (24%-
45%, up to 60%-100%)
Suctioning
 Apply suction no longer than 10
seconds, suction only during
withdrawal of catheter. Allow 20
seconds between suctioning passes.
Tracheostomy
 Emergency equipment at bedside:
extra tracheostomy set, Kelly clamp,
suction machine
Chest Tubes
 Never clamp for longer than 2
minutes. If disconnected, place end
of tube in bottle with 2 cm of
sterile water or clamp tube close to
patient. Wipe end of chest tube %
drainage tube with an iodine-based
disinfectant & reconnect.
Suction control chamber should
bubble vigorously. Water seal
chamber should not bubble, but water
in chamber should fluctuate with
respiration.
Bronchoscopy
 NPO until gag reflex returns
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
 Remove all metals, coins or
jewelries, free from side rails
Stress Test
 Discontinue if with chest pains.
Lightheadedness, or vertigo, cardiac
irregularities develop
Cardiac Catheterization
 Immediately report any chest pain
when dye is injected. No aspirin or
aspirin-like products for 7 days
prior to procedure. Notify doctor
for bleeding or absent peripheral
pulse at leg used.
Endoscopy
 NPO 8 hours before, premedicate with
diazepam & atropine to decrease
secretions. Give an oral anesthetic
to numb gag reflex.NPO post
procedurally until gag reflex
returns.
Colonoscopy
 Pre: liquid diet for 48 hours, NPO
for 8 hours
Sigmoidoscopy
 Liquid diet or small amounts of food
for previous 24 hours
Gastric Analysis
 NPO 8 hours before procedure
GI Series
 Upper: Give laxative after to
prevent constipation from Barium
 Lower: Have patient breathe deeply &
slowly to reduce abdominal cramps
while Barium dye is instilled.
Cholecystogram
 Ask for allergy to iodine or
seafood.
Rectal Examination
 Allow anal sphincter to relax prior
to insertion of finger
Stool Examination
 Omit red meat & vitamin C 3-4 days
prior to test. False positive
result: eating red meats & vitamin C
intake
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
 Have an x-ray taken before
introduction of solution. Check for
allergy to eggs before
administration of fat. Never
administer medications through the
TPN line. Fat solutions need in –
line filter for delivery. Don’t
change rate, or slow without order.
Tube Feedings
 Check for tube placement before each
feeding by aspirating contents.
Replace aspirated contents to
prevent metabolic alkalosis. Always
elevate head of bed during feedings.
Don’t crush & give enteric coated or
extended release meds. via tube;
look for liquid replacements.
Colostomy
 Avoid gas-forming foods (cabbage,
onions, alcohol, beans, broccoli,
asparagus) & high fiber items (nuts,
corn, popcorn, celery) that have
potential to obstruct the ostomy.
Prior to first irrigation, gently
insert gloved finger into stoma to
note direction of colons.
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Urine Collection
  Midstream: Throw away first 30-50 ml
of void, then collect.
 From indwelling catheter: Clamp
tubing distal to collection port for
several minutes only. Remember to
unclamp after procedure.
 Urine is good only for 2 hours if
unrefrigerated
 24 hour collection: Discard 1st
urine, begin & end at same time of
day
Catheter & tubes
 Saline is not used to inflate
balloon because it may crystallize &
prevent deflation.
 Keep collection bag below bladder
level at all times.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
 Increase fluids to clear dye &
prevent renal reaction or failure.
Cytoscopy & Urethroscopy
 Report clots & blood after
procedure.
Hemodialysis
 Don’t use arm with graft/ fistula
for BP taking. Patency is assessed
by hearing bruit over shunt &
palpating for thrill. Anticoagulants
are added to solution to prevent
clotting.
Peritonial Dialysis
 Instillation time: 10 minutes
 Dwell time: 45 minutes
 Drainage time: 15-20 minutes
 Warm dialysate to prevent
hypothermia.
Regular Insulin & NPH Insulin Mixture
 Inject clear (regular insulin) into
cloudy (NPH insulin)
 Code: RN (Regular to NPH)
Cast
 Monitor for complications
Compartment Syndrome, Infection,
Swelling & Skin breakdown.
 Handle cast with flats or palms of
hands. No fingertips.
 Don’t use lotions, creams & oil. Use
alcohol around edge of cast.
Stair Climbing with Crutch & Cane Walking
 “The good go to heaven, the bad go
to hell”. Move good leg first when
going up, move crutches & bag leg
first when going down.
 Two-point gait: bilateral amputee
with prosthesis
 Three-point gait is used for non-
weight-bearing person with a
fracture
 Four-Point gait: patients affected
with polio & cerebral palsy.
 Swing-to-gait: paraplegic with leg
braces
Restraints
 Secure on bed frame for stability.
Don’ts: Restrain on same side, apply
above IV, secure to side rail,
restrain in prone position.
Tractions
 Weights must hang free. Tie all
knots securely. Skin traction is
usually intermittent & skeletal
traction is usually continuous.
Never release weights unless ordered
(maintain traction)
Ear Drops
 Solution should be at room
temperature. Contraindicated for
rupture of tympanic membrane.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
 Screen for metals inside patient
(prosthesis, pacemakers, etc.)
Sonograms
 Abdominal & pelvic sonograms need
full bladder.
Lumbar Puncture
 Lie still & report pain in lower
extremities. Lie flat for 4-6 hours
after procedure.
Ear Inspection
 Below 3 years old Pull auricle
downward & backward
 Above 3 years old Pull auricle
upward & backward.
Blood Transfusion
 Have 2 nurses check name on blood &
order, blood bank number, expiration
date, evidence of contamination,
patient’s identification band & ask
name.
 Infuse only 10-15 ml during 1st 15
minutes to evaluate for any possible
transfusion reaction.
Heparin Infusion
 Make sure no aspirin products are
being taken.
Pacemaker
 Teach patient signs & symptoms of
pacemaker failure ≤60 PR,
lightheadedness, dizziness, or
syncope.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
 Compression to ventilation ratio-
adult-15:1, child 5:1
Heimlich Maneuver
 Inward & upward thrust 6-10 times
Defibrillation
 Stay away from bed & patient when
performed
Instilling Eye Medication
 Instill drops before instilling
ointments. When applying more than
one eye medication, wait at least 5
minutes between drops & 15 minutes
between ointments.
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DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

RBC Count
N: 4.6-6X10
Low: IDA & nutrient deficits, thalassemia,
hemorrhage
High: Dehydrated patients with fever, COPD
Hematocrit (% cells in plasma)
N: Female: 37%-48%, Male: 45%-52%
Low: IDA & nutrient deficits, thalassemia,
hemorrhage
High: Dehydrated patients with fever, COPD
Hemoglobin (Weight of Protein & Iron in Cell)
N: Female: 12-16g/d, Male: 13-18g/d
Low: Chronic blood loss or IDA & in
elderly with poor nutritional intake or
chronic diseases
High: Fever with dehydration, COPD
White Blood Cells (WBC)
N: Adult: 4,500 to 10,000, Child: 6,000-
17,000
Low: AIDS, Anemias, Some Leukemias, with
some medications
High: Acute infections or any “itis”
conditions, myocardial infarction (MI),
Antibiotic use (“mycins”), some leukemias
Vitamin B12
N: 200-900 pg/ml
Low: Pernicious Anemia, Chronic Alcohol
Use, or Symptoms of tingling & numbness
(peripheral neuropathy).
Schilling test: Used to determine whether
the problem is associated with lack of
intrinsic factor or not.
Folic Acid
N: 3-16 mg/ml
Low: Macrocytic (large cell) Anemia,
related to poor nutrition, pregnancy, or
oral contraceptive use.
Diet of green leafy vegetables will help
eliminate condition.
Bleeding Time
N: 3-7 minutes (Ivy’s method), 1-3 minutes
(Duke’s method-uses ear lobe)
Indicates thrombocytopenia, leukemia,
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
(DIC) Alcohol consumption & aspirin can
prolong time & give false report.
Prothrombin Time (PT)-Factor II, Protein
produced by the Liver,N: 11-15 seconds
Prolonged: Advanced liver disease, Vit. K
deficiency or DIC. Used to monitor
Warfarin Sodium (Coumadin) use & its
effectiveness, normally 2x control is
therapeutic.
Affected by Aspirin, alcohol, heparin,
high diet of leafy green vegetables.
Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)-test for
lack of clotting factors except VII. Also
measures effectiveness of anticoagulantion
with heparin.
N: 60-70 seconds
Prolonged: Hemophilia, Vit.K Deficiency,
Liver Disease, or DIC
Shortened: Cancer
Fibrinogen (Factor I)
N: 20-400mg/dl
Low: Genetic disorders, liver disease, or
DIC
High: Acute Infections, hepatitis, or
inflammatory disease
Calcium
N: 9-11 mg/dl
Low: Hypothyrodism or renal disease
High: Hyperthyroidism, bone disease,
tumors, Thiazide, dehydration, & excessive
milk intake alter results
Chloride
N: Adult: 95-105 mEq/L
High: Metabolic Acidosis
Hypochloremia: from vomiting, diarrhea,
gastric suction, use of diuretics
Phosphorous
N: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL
Send to Laboratory quickly & note if IV
glucose is running
High: Hypothyroidism, Renal Failure, or
possible malignancy
Low: Hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia,
diuretic use, malabsorption syndrome,
alcohol withdrawal
Magnesium
N: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L
High: renal failure, DM, Dehydration
Low: Chronic nutritional problems such as
alcoholism, use of diuretics, some
antibiotics & magnesium-based antacids
Potassium
N: 3.5-5 mEq/L
High: renal failure, high K+ IV infusion,
major trauma such burns, & in metabolic
acidosis
Low: Diuretics, metabolic alkalosis,
vomiting, & steroid use
Never give K to any patient who is not
voiding. Limit K to 40 mEqs/L of fluid if
added to IVF.
Sodium
N: 135-145 mEq/L
High: dehydration, renal disease, high
sodium intake
Low: vomiting, diarrhea, gastric suction,
too much water intake, Addison’s disease,
renal dysfunction, & overuse of diuretics
Patients with low levels of sodium: acute
onset-confusion
Fasting Blood Sugar
N: 60-110 mg/dL
High: DM, trauma, pregnancy, Cushing’s
Syndrome
Low: too much insulin, not enough food,
exercise, or has a fever
Blood Glucose
N: 70-110 mg/dL
Use finger stick on side of finger, not on
tip to minimize pain. Don’t smear blood on
strip, allow drop to dry on strip.
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Glucose Tolerance Test
Tested prior breakfast, glucose drink, N: 60-160 Semogyi U/dL
then, take at intervals of 1-4 hours. Test High: Acute or chronic pancreatitis &
for Gestational Diabetes alcoholism
High: Trauma, infection, stress Low: hyperthyroidism, burns, toxic
hepatitis
Postprandial blood sugar
N: ≤ 140 mg/dL/2hours High Density Lipids (HDL)
Blood drawn 2 hours after a set meal. Note N: 29-77 mg/dL
contents of meal ≤35 mg/dl- risk for coronary heart disease
High: Diabetes Mellitus (CHD)

Ammonia Low Density Lipids (LDL)

N: Adult: 15-45; Child: 21-50 N: 60-160 mg/dL
Use heparinized tube, send to lab with ice High: Hepatic disease, pregnancy, DM,
immediately. Note use of antibiotic opiate use, risk for CHD
High: Liver dysfunction
Lipase
Bilirubin N: 20-180 IU/L
N: Adult: 0.1-1.2; Child: 0.2-0.8; High: Pancreatitis, Cancer of Pancreas
Newborn: 1-12
Fast 8 hours prior to test. Use heel Cholesterol
stick. N: 150-240 mg/dL
High: Sickle Cell disease, Autoimmune Fasting is not required
disease, hemorrhage, toxic drug, Low: Malabsorption, liver disease, anemia,
transfusion reaction, or Rh or ABO sepsis, stress
incompatibility
Triglycerides
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) N: 10-190 mg/dL
N: Adult: 5-25 mg/dL Fasting is required. Weight change may
High: kidney damage or dehydration alter results
Low: over hydration, increase in
antidiuretic hormone secretion, pregnancy Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
N: 2-5.4
Creatinine High: Hypothyroidism
N: 0.5-1.5 g/dL
High: renal dysfunction Total T4
Low: uncommon, muscle atrophy N: 4.5-11.5
Cephalosporins & barbiturates may High: Hyperthyroidism
interfere with results Low: Hypothyroidism

Uric Acid T3
N: Male: 3.5-8; Female: 2.8-6.8 mg/dL N: 80-200
Patient should be fasting, send to lab Fasting is needed. Oral contraceptives can
ASAP alter results
High: Gout, renal damage, thiazide use,
toxemia, chemotheraphy use, malnutrition Specific Urine Gravity
Low: renal or liver damage N: 1.005-1.030
High: lack of fluid
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Low: Diabetes Insipidus or Psychogenic
N: Nonpregnant: 0.01 IU/mL Polydipsia
High: pregnancy, starts to rise within 1st
week, H-mole Urine Color
N: straw to amber
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT, SGPT) Discoloration: medications, darkness-blood
N: 5-25 U/ml in urine, green- Pseudomonas infection,
Take note of time medications were used orange & foamy when shaken-bilirubin
High: liver disease, shock, Reye’s content
Syndrome, CHF, Toxemia
Normal: infant: 2x normal level Urine Odor
Change maybe from food (asparagus), old
Creatinine Phosphokinase (CK, CPK) urine- ammonia like smell, Pseudomonas
N: Male: 5-35; Female: 5-25 infection- distinct smell, diabetic &
High: MI-rise 4-8 hours & peak at ketotic urine- sweet smell
½-1 ½ days
Urine pH
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD & LDH) N: 6, slightly acidic
N: 100-190 IU/L Low: vegetarian diet, E. Coli
High: Rise 12-24 hours & peak 2-6 days High (alkaline): bacteria in tract
after MI; also in leukemia, malignancies,
mononucleosis, infectious hepatitis, shock Blood in Urine
& liver damage Trauma in urinary tract, bleeding disorder

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Protein in Urine
Amylase N: not present
Present: renal disease
Used to test toxemia during prenatal visit

Glucose in Urine
N: negative
“Mycin” drugs may elevate level

Ketones in Urine
N: negative
Some medications may give false (+)
results (L-dopa)
PKU may give false (+) results

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

N: Adult: 70-180; Child: 40-100
Color: N: clear Abn: cloudy-bacterial
infection
Protein in CSF-neurologic disease
Glucose high: infection
Cell count: N: 0-5 mononuclear cells,
High: infection

NORMAL VALUES
Bleeding Time 30 sec.-6 min.
Clotting Time 5-10 min.
Partial 20-45 sec. Adult Males: 41-248
Thromboplastin Time Immunoglobulin M mg/dL
Males: 4,600,000- (IgM) Adult Females: 59-
Erythrocyte Count 6,200,000/cu.mm 280 mg/dL
(RBC) Females: 4,200,00- pCO2(whole blood) 35-45 mmHg
5,400,000/cu.mm arterial
White Blood Cell 5,000-10,000/mm3 pH 7.35-7.45
Count (WBC) pO2 95-100 mmHg
Platelet Count 100,000-400,000/mm3 T3, 0.92-2.33 nmol/L
Males: 13-18 g/100mL Triicodothyronine
Hemoglobin (Hgb) Females:12-16 T4,Thyroxine 60.0-120.0 nmol/L
g/100mL Thyroid Stimulating 0.5-5.0 µU/mL
Hematocrit (Hct) Males: 42-50% Hormone
Females: 40-48% Uric Acid 2.5-8.0 mg/dL
Leukocyte Count Total: 5,000-10,000 Triglycerides 40-150 mg/100 ml
cu.mm Alkaline Phosphatase 30-115 IU/L
Albumin 3.5-5.0 g/100 mL Acid Phosphatase 0-10 ng/mL
Total Serum Protein 6.0-8.4 g/100 mL
Calcium 8.5-10.5 mg/dL
Chloride 95-105 mEq/100mL Non-Pregnant Pregnant
Creatinine 0.2-0.8 mg/100mL Hemoglobin 12-16 g/dL 11.5-14 g/dL
Potassium 3.5-5.5 mEq/L Hematocrit 37-47% 32-42%
Sodium 135-145 mEq/L White Blood 4,500- 5,000-
Magnesium 1.3-2.4 mEq/L Cell 10,000/mm3 15,000/mm3
Blood Urea Nitrogen 7-18 mg/100 mL Red Blood 4-5.5/mm3 3.75-5.0/mm3
(BUN) Cell Count
Fasting: 60-110 Blood Sugar- 70-80 mg/dL 65 mg/dL
Glucose Tolerance mg/dL Fasting
Nonfasting:85-140 Blood 120/80 mmHg 114/65 mmHg
mg/dL Pressure
Cholesterol 150-300 mg/dL Pulse Rate 70/min 80/min
Fatty Acids Total: 250-300 mg/dL Cardiac 4.5 L/min 6 L/min
Adult Males: 60-297 Output
Immunoglobulin A mg/dL Bladder 1,300 mL 1,500 mL
(IgA) Adult Females: 48- Capacity
295 mg/dL Glomerular 105-132 Increased by
Immunoglobulin D 0-30 mg/dL Filtration mL/min 50%
(IgD) Rate (GFR)
Immunoglobulin E 20-740 mg/dL Blood Urea 20-25 mg/dL Decrease
(IgE) Nitrogen
Adult Males: 635- (BUN)
Immunoglobulin G 1,400 mg/dL Urine Negative Present in
(IgG) Adult Females: 645- Glucose 20% of
1,300 mg/dL gravidas

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PULSE, RESPIRATION, AND BLOOD PRESSURE VALUES
 PULSE RATE at VARIOUS AGES

AGE RANGE AVERAGE

Newborn 70-170 120
1-11 months 80-160 120
2 years 80-130 110
4 years 80-120 100
6 years 75-115 100
8 years 70-110 90
10 years 70-100 90

GIRLS BOYS
Range Average Range Average
12 years 70-110 90 65-105 85
14 years 65-105 85 60-100 80
16 years 60-100 80 55-95 75
18 years 55-95 75 50-90 70

VARIATIONS in RESPIRATIONS with AGE

AGE RATES PER MINUTE

Newborn 40-90
1 year 20-40
2 years 20-30
3 years 20-30
5 years 20-25
10 years 17-22
15 years 15-20
20 years 15-20

NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE for VARIOUS AGES

AGE SYSTOLIC DIASTOLIC

(MEAN ± 2SD) (MEAN ± 2SD)
Newborn 80±16 46±16
6 months -1 year 89±29 60±10*
1 year 96±30 66±25*
2 years 99±25 64±25*
3 years 100±25 67±23*
4 years 99±20 65±20*
5-6 years 94±14 55±9
6-7 years 100±15 56±8
8-9 years 105±16 57±9
9-10 years 107±16 57±9
10-11 years 111±17 58±10
11-12 years 113±18 59±10
12-13 years 115±19 59±10
13-14 years 118±19 60±10

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NURSING THEORIES
 FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE-focused on OTHER THEORIES RELATED TO NURSING
manipulating the environment for the patient’s
recovery.  SIGMUND FREUD- psychosexual theory (oral,
 FAYE ABDELLAH- identified 21 nursing anal, phallic, latent, genital stage)
problems. Defined nursing as service to individuals -psychoanalytical theory (libido
and families therefore society. is the psychic reservoir of psychic
 VIRGINIA HENDERSON-identified14 basic energy, id, ego, superego)
needs. Nurse functions to assist client in performing  ERIK ERIKSON- psychosocial development (trust
activities contributing to health, recovery, or peaceful vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame/doubt, initiative vs.
death. guilt, industry vs. inferiority, identity vs. role
 DOROTHY JOHNSON- conceptualized the diffusion, intimacy vs. isolation, generativity vs.
behavioral system model. Each person is composed stagnation, integrity vs. despair)
of 7 subsystems (ingestive, eliminative, affiliative,  ABRAHAM MASLOW –five hierarchy of needs
aggressive, dependence, achievement and sexual). (physiological, safety & security, love & belonging,
 IMOGENE KING- goal attainment theory. Nursing self-esteem, self-actualization).
as helping profession.  ROBERT HAVIGHURST- developmental task
 MADELEINE LEININGER-transcultural nursing.  JEAN PIAGET-cognitive development
Nursing is a humanistic and scientific mode of (sensorimotor, peri-operational thought, concrete
helping a client through specific cultural caring operations, formal operations)
process.  LAWRENCE KOHLBERG-three levels of moral
 MYRA LEVINE- four conservation principles development ( premoral or preconventional level,
(conservation of energy, structural integrity, personal conventional level, postconventional level)
integrity, and social integrity).  B.F. SKINNER-all behavior is learned.
 BETTY NEUMAN- health care system model.  HARRY STACK SULLIVAN-interpersonal theory
Nursing is concerned with all the variables affecting (anxiety occurs due to poor interpersonal
an individual’s response to stress, which are relationship).
interpersonal, intrapersonal, and extrapersonal in  ALFRED ADLER- superinferiority and inferiority
nature. complex /birth order.
 DOROTHEA OREM- developed self-care and self-  CARL JUNG- introversion and extroversion-
care deficit theory. persona/anima
 HILDEGARD PEPLAU- interpersonal model.  OTTO RANK- birth trauma.
Nursing is an interpersonal process of therapeutic  ADOLF MEYER- founded psychobiology. Believes
interactions between sick and nurse. in totality of man/ holistic approach.
 MARTHA ROGERS- the science of unitary human  WILLIAM SHELDON- theory based on bodily
beings. Human beings are more than and different characteristics (endomorphic, mesomorphic,
from the sum of their parts. ectomorphic).
 SISTER CALISTA ROY- adaptation model. Each  GALEN- 4 types of personality (sanguine,
person is a unified biopsychosocial system in melancholic, phlegmatic, choleric).
constant interaction with changing environment.
 LYDIA HALL- Care, Core, Curer.
 IDA JEAN ORLANDO- believed that nurse helps
patients meet a perceived need that the patient cannot
meet themselves.
 ERNESTINE WEIDENBACH-nurse’s individual
philosophy lends credence to nursing care.
 JEAN WATSON- human caring model. Nursing is
the application of the art and human science through
transpersonal caring.
 ROSEMARIE RIZZO PARSE- human becoming.
Emphasized free choice of personal meaning in
relating value priorities.
 JOSEPHINE PATERSON & LORETA
ZDERAD- humanistic nursing practice theory.
Nursing is an existential experience.
 HELEN ERICKSON, EVELYN TOMLIN, &
MARY ANN SWAIN- modeling and role- modeling
theory.
 MARGARET NEWMAN- health as expanding
consciousness. Humans are unitary beings in whom
disease is a manifestation of the pattern of health.
 ANNE BOYKIN & SAVINA SCHOENHOFER-
presented grand theory of nursing. All persons are
caring and nursing is a response to unique social call.

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EMERGENCY NURSING
 in place with bulky dressings. Do not clean or irrigate
Action in any type of EMERGENCY: skull wounds. Do not stop flow of blood or CSF from
1. Survey Scene ear or nose. Do not raise legs. Do not give anything
a. Is scene safe to enter? to drink.
b. What was the cause of the injury?  Eye Injuries-Seek medical attention immediately.
c. How many are injured? Protect injured eye. Patch unaffected eye to prevent
2. Call for help-EMS movement. Do not remove an object stuck in the eye.
3. Disease precaution Do not apply hard pressure.
4. Getting victims who are not readily accessible  Chemical burns to eyes-keep eye open, flush with
water or milk immediately.
Primary Survey-use ABCHs  Nose bleeding-sit upright, head bent slightly
o A-Airway-head tilt/chin lift method or jaw thrust if forward, pinch nostrils, breath through mouth.
with trauma  Chest Injuries-check ABCHs, stabilize chest using
o B- Breathing-look, listen, & feel for breathing pillow, coat or blanket, seek medical attention. Do
o C- Circulation-check pulse at carotid artery not remove an impaled object because bleeding &
o H-Hemorrhage- check bleeding entry of air in chest cavity will occur.
 Animal Bites-wash with soap & water, control
o s-Spinal Cord Injury- always assume a trauma to
bleeding, seek medical attention.
the head with spinal cord injury. Test: Babinski test
 Insect Bites-scrape stinger off, wash with soap &
water.
Conditions & Emergency Actions
 Snake Bites-keep affected area below the heart level,
 No pulse & respiration- perform CPR
clean with soap & water, splint part to reduce
 Choking & conscious- Hemlich Maneuver
movement, seek medical attention.
 Choking & unconscious- Hemlich & finger sweep.
 1st Degree Burn- painful with redness, mild swelling
Do not perform finger sweep to a child
& pain. Apply cold wet dressing or soak in cold
 Choking conscious child-5 back blows & 5 chest
water. Do not cover with dressing after.
thrust, remove object (never perform finger sweep)
 2nd Degree Burn-painful with deeper affection,
 Choking unconscious child-give 2 slow breaths, 5
blisters develop. Apply cold wet dressing or soak in
back blows & 5 chest thrusts, remove object
cold water. Cover with a dry, nonstick., sterile
 Water rescue-“Reach-Throw-Row-Go”. Do not
dressing or clean cloth.
swim to the person & grasp him unless you are
 3rd Degree Burn-not painful, deeper destruction, skin
trained in lifesaving.
layers destroyed. Cover with dry nonstick, sterile
 Electrical Emergency Rescue-Do not touch an
dressing or clean cloth, treat shock.
appliance or the victim until the current is off. Do not
 Chemical Burn-wash with water for 15-20 minutes.
try to move downed wires. Do not use any object,
 Hypothermia-get victim out of cold, replace wet
even if it is dry wood (broom, tools, chair, stool), to
clothes with dry warm clothes, keep flat & provide
separate the victim from the electrical source. Such
other sources of heat. Do not give warm drinks, they
an object will not protect you.
dilate the blood vessels more. Do not wrap in blanket
 Motor Vehicle Accident- Do not rush to get victims
unless with other source of heat. Do not engage in
out. Contrary to opinion, most vehicle crashes do not
physical exertion.
involve fire. Most vehicles stay in an upright
 Heat Stroke- hot skin, high body temperature,
position.
altered mental status-seek medical attention
 Fires-Do not let a person run if clothing is on fire.
immediately.
Do not get trapped while fighting a fire. Always keep
 Heat Exhaustion- move to cool place, raise legs 8-
a door behind you so that you can exit if the fire gets
12 inches, remove excess clothing, sponge with cool
too big.
water & fan.
 Farm Animals-Do not frighten an animal.
 Fractures- control bleeding, check circulation,
 Hypovolemic Shock- Elevate legs 8-12 inches only
sensation, & movement, stabilize
if with no spinal cord injury. Do not raise legs if with
 Bruises, strains, sprains, dislocations, fractures-
chest injuries, breathing difficulty, or unconscious.
Use “RICE”-Rest, Ice(20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours
 Fainting- Elevate legs 8-12 inches
during 1st 24-48 hours). Compression (bandage 18-24
 Anaphylactic Shock- Give Epinephrine
hours), Elevation. Do not elevate fractures.
 External bleeding types- Arterial bleeding- spurting,
 Swallowed Poisoning-give milk or water
Venous bleeding-flows or gushes, Capillary
immediately. Identify poison & how much & when
bleeding- oozes from capillary
taken, call poison control center or medical attention.
 External bleeding- Direct wound pressure- elevate-
 Heart Attack-stop activity & place in half sitting
pressure point-torniquet
position, knees bent with padding under knees.
 Internal bleeding- check ABCHs, lie on side, treat
 Angina-rest, use Nitroglycerin.
shock, seek medical attention
 Stroke-check, ABCHs, call EMS, keep lying in
 Wounds- control bleeding, remove debris. Do not
recovery position with head & upper body slightly
clean very large wounds or extremely dirty wounds.
raised.
Do not scrub wounds. Do not use betadine, alcohol &
 Diabetic Emergency- provide sugar ( soda, candy,
hydrogen peroxide. Do not use antibiotic ointment on
fruit juice).
wounds needing stitching & puncture wounds.
 Seizures- cushion head,loosen tight clothing, turn to
 Amputation-control bleeding, find severed part &
side, promote safely.
seek medical attention immediately. Severed part-
 Asthma-sit upright, use asthma medication, seek
wrap in dry sterile gauze or clean cloth, put in water
medical help.
proof container, place wrapped part & container on
bed of ice, do not submerge in ice or cold water.

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 Head Injuries- Suspect a spinal injury. Control
bleeding. Do not remove embedded object, stabilize