Glossary

is a medication that acts to dilate/expand blood vessels so that oxygenated blood is more easily perfused to the heart muscle, which thus reduces cardiac pain caused by hypoxemia.

is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.

is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

is a build up of plaque on the arterial walls.

is an opioid narcotic that is used in acute settings to treat cardiac pain and has a vasodilation effect, thus allowing oxygenated blood to perfuse to the cardiac muscle more easily.

refers to a group of diseases that can affect any part of the body and involves abnormal cell growth.

a deficit of oxygen-rich blood to the cardiac muscle.

is a congenital split in the lip.

is a congenital split in the palate.

refers to decreased frequency in bowel movements (BM) (i.e., less than three times per week) and difficulties in having a BM (i.e., having to strain to push stool out, hard stool).

is the formation of a blood clot in one of the deep veins.

refers to high or low levels of electrolytes in the body such as potassium, sodium, and calcium.

refers to people who do not follow other people’s ideas or stereotypes about how they should look or behave based on the sex they were assigned at birth.

are swollen and enlarged veins in the lower part of the rectum that are sometimes visible around the anus.

refers to inflammation of the liver. There are many types related to viruses (viral hepatitis e.g., hepatitis A, B, C), medications/drugs/alcohol, or autoimmune conditions.

refer to an organ that pushes through a weakened muscle or gap in the muscle/tissue that is supposed to hold the organ in place, resulting in an abdominal protrusion.

refers to high blood levels of carbon dioxide.

refers to the lack of intestinal peristalsis movement (contraction of the muscles) in which the intestines stop moving contents through the passageway.

a functional disorder of the bowels that affects the function, not the structure, leading to pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

is an opioid narcotic that is used in acute settings to treat cardiac pain and has a vasodilation effect, thus allowing oxygenated blood to perfuse to the cardiac muscle more easily.

is increased urination or the urgent need to urinate at night.

is inflammation of the pericardium (tissue surrounding the heart).

are a type of medication that reduces acid secretion, often used in combination with antibiotics to treat ulcers in the presence of H. pylori.

is acute pain associated with sickle cell disease, an inherited red blood cell disorder.

is a high-pitched breathing sound typically heard upon inspiration and associated with a partially obstructed airway.

also referred to as institutional oppression, is when established customs and practices reflect and produce mistreatment and inequities based on a person's membership in a social group.

are sores on the lining of the GI system, usually the small intestine, stomach, and sometimes the esophagus and mouth.

refers to a narrowing of one of the valves in the heart or when the valve does not close completely and bulges backwards into the atrium or ventricle leading to regurgitation/leaking of blood backwards.

is prejudice and discrimination against disabled people.

are findings of concern because they are not normal and not consistent with a client’s age, developmental stage, and sex.

is prejudice and discrimination against individuals and groups based on age, usually older age.

is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.

is a type of chest pain caused by a reduction in oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle.

involves the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

is when secretions, liquids, or food enter the airway (instead of the esophagus) leading to a bacterial infection of the lungs.

is a chronic disease which involves inflammation, bronchospasm, and narrowing of the bronchial tubes leading to dyspnea and wheezing.

is a partial collapse of lung when the alveoli become deflated usually caused by shallow breathing following surgery, blocked airways, or insufficient surfactant.

refers to a mask that fits over the mouth/nose during an emergency situation and is attached to a self-inflating bag with 100% oxygen that is squeezed to ventilate the lungs.

is a gel-like clump of blood.

is an acute or chronic condition causing inflammation of the bronchial tubes typically caused by infection or smoking.

refers to muscles surrounding the airways spasm/contract.

refers to the clenching of the upper and low teeth and grinding.

refers to a group of diseases that can affect any part of the body and involves abnormal cell growth.

is the narrowing of the carotid artery.

an approach that moves from head down to the toes.

is a restrictive and inflammatory disease (including emphysema and bronchitis) that affects both the airflow in and out of the lungs, typically caused by smoking.

refers to person whose gender identity aligns with their sex at birth

is when the air-filled spaces of the lungs are filled with fluid or abnormal tissue.

refers to decreased frequency in bowel movements (BM) (i.e., less than three times per week) and difficulties in having a BM (i.e., having to strain to push stool out, hard stool).

in reference to solutions/interventions, refers to solutions and interventions that should not be used because they may be harmful.

is a restrictive disease that affects both the airflow in and out of the lungs.

are a large family of various types of infectious viruses such as COVID-19.

an acute condition related to subcutaneous emphysema in which air shifts out of the lungs and into the subcutaneous tissues.

is an interdisciplinary group of practitioners trained in critical care and have expertise in assessing and intervening during code or pre-code situations when a client is deteriorating.

are findings that require prompt and immediate action to prevent clinical deterioration or intervene when a client is deteriorating.

are a sign or symptom that prompts an action such as an abnormal finding that signals a potential concern.

is a progressive genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, involving thick mucous production and persistent lung infections.

refers to the excretion of the body's indigestible contents through the anus in the form of feces.

are abnormal malformations of the body.

are tiny openings onto the hard surface of the teeth caused by decay.

refers to the dropping of oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry.

refers to excessive sweating.

is an abnormal double beat of the carotid artery.

refers specifically to actions against a person or community/group of people based on the group/category that they belong (e.g., race, gender, socioeconomic status).

refers to a non-invasive test where electrodes are attached to the chest and sensors detect the heart's electrical activity which is recorded on graph paper. This test aids in the diagnosis of cardiac issues such as a myocardial infarction.

is a lung condition in which the alveoli become damaged and rupture, typically caused by smoking, and leading to hypercapnia.

is the hard and shiny surface that covers and protects the teeth.

is the involuntary release of stool.

is the direct inhalation of smoke by the person smoking.

are soft spots on the newborns head where the cranial bones have not yet fused together, allowing for movement of the bones during delivery and brain growth in the first year.

is when acidic stomach contents leak from the stomach back into the esophagus.

refers to people who do not follow other people’s ideas or stereotypes about how they should look or behave based on the sex they were assigned at birth.

refers to tense abdominal muscles as a result of nervousness, pain, cold room temperature or hands of the nurse, or ticklishness.

a condition that involves a weakening of the heart muscle affecting its ability to contract and pump out sufficient stroke volume.

is a burning sensation felt behind the sternum that develops after eating and is aggravated when in supine position.

refers to blood in vomit.

a clinical state in which circulatory perfusion is compromised.

are swollen and enlarged veins in the lower part of the rectum that are sometimes visible around the anus.

refers to inflammation of the liver. There are many types related to viruses (viral hepatitis e.g., hepatitis A, B, C), medications/drugs/alcohol, or autoimmune conditions.

refer to an organ that pushes through a weakened muscle or gap in the muscle/tissue that is supposed to hold the organ in place, resulting in an abdominal protrusion.

refers to high blood levels of carbon dioxide.

is rapid and deep breathing.

refers to low levels of oxygen in the blood.

refers to low levels of oxygen in tissues and organs.

refers to the belief that people have choice and choose their health outcomes.

refers to the lack of intestinal peristalsis movement (contraction of the muscles) in which the intestines stop moving contents through the passageway.

are movements visualized on the chest wall.

, in reference to solutions/interventions, refers to solutions and interventions that are suggested as a desirable or necessary course of action.

are when the intercostal muscles are pulled inward when breathing.

is when an oppressed person/group internalizes the beliefs of the advantaged group or the group in power, making them feel like they have no power.

refers to same side.

a functional disorder of the bowels that affects the function, not the structure, leading to pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

is the surgical removal of one of the lobes of the lung.

are faulty formations of a structure such as body tissue or organs.

refers to when the valve does not fully close and blood flows backwards.

refers to having more than one disease or condition.

are benign growths lining the nasal cavity or sinuses.

are a general term referring to any lump.

refers to people who feel their gender cannot be defined based on the gender binary.

in reference to solutions/interventions, refers to solutions and interventions that are not needed and not absolutely necessary.

are findings that are not of concern and expected for a client’s age, developmental stage, and sex.

are information that is collected when performing a physical exam.

is decreased urine output.

refers to burdensome and unjust impositions of power upon a person or group.

is increased intake of food, calories and nutrients than the body requires.

is inflammation of the pericardium, the layer of tissue surrounding the heart.

is the potential space in between the parietal peritoneum (a membrane which surrounds the abdominal cavity) and the visceral peritoneum (a membranes which surrounds the abdominal organs).

refers to inflammation of the peritoneal cavity that can be caused by a variety of conditions.

refers to excessive fluid accumulation in the pleural space between the visceral and parietal pleura.

is a lung infection leading to inflamed airways and excessive mucous production, typically caused by bacteria or virus.

is a collapsed lung as a result of air entering the pleural space between the visceral and pleural layers.

refers to the capacity to influence.

are a type of medication that reduces acid secretion, often used in combination with antibiotics to treat ulcers in the presence of H. pylori.

is itchy skin.

refers to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.

refers to individual behaviour and policies and practices entrenched by biased attitudes based on race and privileging white people and disadvantaging racialized people.

refers to an institution’s approach to an urgent situation of managing a deteriorating client. It typically involves a team of critical care providers who are available to rush to the bedside of any deteriorating client.

is pain that is felt in a location other than the origin of the pain.

refers to blood leaking backwards through the valve.

is the volume of air that stays in the lungs after a maximum expiration.

is a common respiratory virus called respiratory syncytial virus affects people of all ages particularly children with cold-like symptoms of coughing, runny nose, and fever.

are glands in the mouth that produce saliva, providing moisture in the mouth and assisting with digestion of food.

is the white part of the eye.

is the inhalation of exhaled smoke from another person or smoke from a burning cigarette.

is an infection involving fluid accumulation and inflammation in the sinuses.

are written protocols that authorize designated members of the health care team (e.g., nurses) to complete certain tasks (e.g., apply oxygen) without a physician order.

refers to barriers that affect certain groups disproportionately and perpetuate disparities in outcomes. These structures can include practices, policies, and norms that privilege advantaged groups while systematically disadvantaging oppressed and marginalized groups.

are information that the client shares spontaneously or in response to a question.

also referred to as institutional oppression, is when established customs and practices reflect and produce mistreatment and inequities based on a person's membership in a social group.

is rapid respiratory rate.

refers to use of a penlight directed from the side as opposed to direct light at a 90 degree angle.

is exposure to the residue left on surfaces (e.g., furniture, walls) from smoke.

refers to a person whose gender identity incongruent with their sex at birth.

refers to a narrowing of the tricuspid valve or when the valve does not close completely and bulges up into the atrium leading to regurgitation/leaking of blood backwards.

are when the muscles in between the ribs are sucked inward when breathing.

are sores on the lining of the GI system, usually the small intestine, stomach, and sometimes the esophagus and mouth.

is a deficiency of calories and nutrients.

in reference to solutions/interventions, refers to solutions and interventions that are not connected or related to the problem.

is when a person is reluctant or refuses to receive a vaccine.

refers to when those who are affected by ill-health and blamed for their health choices.

is the maximum volume of air that is expired following maximum inspiration.