| A | B |
|---|
| call bell | see call system |
| call light | see call system |
| call system | in the patient unit, this consists of a signal cord or button. This signal activates a bell, light, or intercom system used to request assistance. The cord or button must be placed within the patient's reach at all times. |
| cannula | a plastic or metal tube |
| care plan | an individual plan of care for each resident |
| cataract | clouding of the lens of the eye |
| catastrophic reaction | overreaction to circumstances |
| catheter | a sterile tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine |
| Cheyne-Stokes | a pattern of breathing in which respirations gradually increase in rate and depth and then become shallow and slow; breathing may stop for 10 to 20 seconds |
| chronic | continuing over a long period of time or recurring frequently; chronic conditions begin insidiously, and symptoms are not as noticeable as in acute condition; long, drawn out, long term |
| circumcision | surgical removal of the end of the foreskin of the penis |
| coccyx | the bone at the base of the spine (tailbone) |
| cognitive | dealing with the thoughts and emotions |
| colostomy | an artificial opening made in the abdominal wall to allow the passage of feces through a stoma (opening) |
| combativeness | physically aggressive behavior, hitting, kicking, scratching, biting |
| communication | the exchange of information accomplished by sending and receiving messages. Communication requires both a sender and receiver. |
