Medical Terms
What does the suffix -itis mean?
What is the purpose of a client's care plan?
To guide care and ensure the health care team provides consistent, individualized care.
What is the most important way to prevent the spread of infections in children?
Proper and frequent handwashing.
What is the study of the aging process called?
Gerontology
A client tells you they have a headache. What type of data is this?
Subjective data.
What does dysphagia mean?
Difficulty swallowing
What are the five steps of the nursing care-planning process?
Assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
What does DIPPS stand for?
Dignity, Independence, Individualized care, Preferences, Privacy, and Safety.
What does atrophy mean?
A decrease in size or wasting away of tissue.
A PSW notices that a client is more confused than usual. What should they do?
Promptly report the change to the nurse or supervisor and document observations according to policy.
What does the prefix hemi- mean?
Half or one side
A client says, 'I feel dizzy.' Is this subjective or objective data?
Subjective data — information reported by the client.
Name two signs of dehydration in a child.
Dry mouth, excessive thirst, decreased urination, fewer tears, or lethargy.
Name two normal skin changes associated with aging.
Thinner or drier skin, reduced elasticity, and increased sensitivity to injury.
A family member asks to see a client's medical chart. What should the PSW do?
Maintain confidentiality and follow agency policy regarding who is authorized to access the chart.
What does hematuria mean?
Blood in the urine
What does SOAP stand for in documentation?
Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan.
Why should children not be given Aspirin when recovering from the flu or chickenpox?
Because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition.
Why are older adults at increased risk of falls and fractures?
Decreased muscle strength, reduced mobility, and bones becoming weaker and more brittle.
An older client says, 'I'm too old to make decisions for myself.' How can the PSW promote independence?
Encourage the client's participation in decisions, offer choices, and respect their dignity and preferences.
Break down the word thoracotomy. What does it mean?
Thorac/o = chest -tomy = incision. A surgical incision into the chest.
A PSW notices new bruising on a client's arm. What should they do, and how should they document it?
Promptly report the change to the nurse or supervisor and document factual observations according to agency policy. Do not make assumptions about the cause.
A child refuses to eat and begins throwing toys. How should a PSW respond?
Stay calm, ensure safety, use age-appropriate redirection, reinforce the family's existing rules, and avoid punishment. Consult the supervisor if needed.
An older client complains of cold feet and poor circulation. Why should a PSW avoid using a heating pad?
Reduced sensation and poor circulation increase the risk of burns. Providing socks is a safer option.
A child is acting out after their mother has been hospitalized. What might be causing the behaviour, and how can the PSW help?
Stress, fear, separation, or changes in routine may contribute. Provide reassurance, maintain routines, use supportive communication, and report concerns.