| A | B |
|---|
| Ambulate | To walk |
| Incontinent | Cannot control bladder or bowel |
| Dysphagia | Difficulty with swallowing |
| Hemiplegia | Paralysis on one side of the body |
| Edema | Swelling caused by fluid |
| Contracture | Joint stiffness from lack of movement |
| Perineal care | Cleaning the groin and genital area |
| Aspiration | Inhaling food or fluid into the lungs |
| Fowler’s position | Sitting between 45–60 degrees |
| Atrophy | Muscles shrinking or weakening |
| Acute | Comes on suddenly and is short-term |
| Chronic | Lasts a long time |
| COPD | Affects respiratory system |
| Hypertension | High blood pressure |
| Pulse oximeter | Measures oxygen saturation |
| Lateral position | Lying on their side |
| Delirium | Sudden confusion and change in awareness |
| Diaphoresis | Excessive sweating |
| Supine position | Lying on their back |
| Prone position | Lying on their stomach |
| Shearing | Skin staying while the bone moves |
| Friction | Dragging skin across a surface |
| Impaction | A blockage of hard stool in the rectum |
| Retention | Cannot empty the bladder completely |
| Febrile | Fever |
| Tachycardia | Fast pulse |
| Bradycardia | Slow heart rate |
| NPO | Nothing by mouth |
| PRN | As needed |
| ADLs | Activities of daily living |
| Osteoporosis | Bones become weak and brittle |
| CVA | Stroke - loss of blood flow to the brain |
| Sundowning | Become more confused in the late afternoon/evening |
| Palliative care | Comfort and quality of life |
| Hospice care | Terminally ill with 6 months or less to live |
