Nursing Roles
This type of nurse provides primary care to patients in hospitals and clinics.
Registered Nurse (RN) – A registered nurse provides primary care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
This organ pumps blood throughout the body.
Heart – The heart is the organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.
This term means ‘inflammation of the liver.’
Hepatitis – Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections.
This is a vital sign that measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries.
Blood Pressure – Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, commonly measured during routine check-ups.
This condition is characterized by high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Mellitus – Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, either due to insufficient insulin production or poor insulin usage.
A nurse who specializes in providing care for people undergoing surgery.
Perioperative Nurse (Surgical Nurse) – This nurse specializes in caring for patients before, during, and after surgery.
The largest organ in the human body, responsible for protection.
Skin-The skin is the largest organ in the human body and plays a critical role in protecting the body from infection and environmental factors.
This term refers to a low red blood cell count.
Anemia – Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues.
This type of care involves maintaining comfort and dignity for terminally ill patients.
Palliative Care – Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness, ensuring comfort and dignity, often for terminally ill patients.
A viral infection that affects the respiratory system, commonly known as the flu.
Influenza (Flu) – The flu is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, and body aches.
This nurse works in education and helps other nurses improve their skills.
Nurse Educator – A nurse educator teaches nursing students or provides ongoing education to practicing nurses to improve their skills and knowledge.
The main function of the respiratory system.
Lungs – The main function of the respiratory system is to bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide through the lungs.
This term means ‘absence of urine.’
Anuria – Anuria refers to the absence or extremely low production of urine, often due to kidney problems.
The best method for preventing the spread of infection in a healthcare setting.
Hand Hygiene – Proper handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers are the most effective methods for preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
A condition where the body's immune system attacks its own joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and potential joint damage.
This type of nurse provides care and support for individuals in the community, often visiting patients in their homes and helping manage chronic conditions.
Community Health Nurse – A community health nurse works to improve the overall health of populations, especially in underserved areas, and provides home visits to patients with chronic illnesses or other healthcare needs.
This structure in the brain is responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
Medulla Oblongata – The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, controls autonomic functions like heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure.
This medical term refers to a condition of excessive fluid accumulation in the body, commonly leading to swelling in the legs and abdomen.
Edema-Edema refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues, often causing swelling, especially in the extremities or abdomen.
This type of care focuses on preventing complications and promoting recovery for patients after a procedure, such as a surgery or injury.
Postoperative Care – Postoperative care involves monitoring and assisting patients after surgery, focusing on recovery, preventing infection, and managing pain.
This chronic condition involves the body's immune system attacking the thyroid gland, leading to either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis – Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to thyroid dysfunction, often hypothyroidism.
This nurse works specifically with patients experiencing mental health conditions, providing care and therapy to help manage psychiatric disorders.
Psychiatric Nurse (Mental Health Nurse) – A psychiatric nurse specializes in caring for patients with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia.
The part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movements and is essential for coordination and balance.
Cerebellum – The cerebellum is the part of the brain that coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and motor control.
This term refers to an abnormal increase in the size of the heart, often due to high blood pressure or heart disease.
Cardiomegaly – Cardiomegaly is the term used for an enlarged heart, which can result from various heart conditions or chronic high blood pressure.
This is the process of assessing a patient's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, often at the beginning of a healthcare interaction.
Holistic Assessment – A holistic assessment takes into account the whole person, addressing not just physical symptoms, but emotional, social, and psychological factors as well.
This infectious disease is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs, though it can spread to other parts of the body.
Tuberculosis (TB) – Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain.