Nursing Medical Terminology
Intravenous (IV)
a method of delivering fluids or medications directly into a vein.
Systolic
the higher number in a blood pressure reading that indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting.
Wound debridement
the removal of dead or damaged tissue from a wound to promote healing.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Ulcerative Colitis
: a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon.
Ischemia
a lack of blood flow to an area of the body, usually caused by a blockage in a blood vessel.
Thrombosis
the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
a severe lung condition that can occur in response to injury or infection.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
: a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
: an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.
Myocardial infraction (MI)
commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.
Tracheostomy
a surgical procedure in which an opening is made in the neck and a tube is inserted into the windpipe to help with breathing.
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA or stroke)
: a disruption in blood flow to the brain that can cause damage to brain tissue.
Osteoporosis
: a condition characterized by weak, brittle bones.
Zika Virus
a mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and other symptoms.
• Palliative care: specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses that focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life.
Urinary incontinence
a loss of bladder control, resulting in the accidental release of urine.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
a group of lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
: a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the joints.
Parkinson's Disease
: a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and coordination.
Prophylaxis
: a preventative treatment used to protect against a particular disease or infection.
Ventilation
the process of breathing, or the mechanical assistance of breathing, in patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
: a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.
Tuberculosis (TB)
: a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
: a class of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels.