Punjab PSEB Matric NSQF Health Care key terms

The basic body measurements - temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure - that show how well the body is working. They are recorded to detect changes in a patient's condition.

The rhythmic expansion of an artery felt with the fingers each time the heart beats. It is usually counted at the wrist and recorded as beats per minute.

The process of breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide. In vital-sign recording it means counting the number of breaths a person takes in one minute.

The force exerted by blood against the walls of arteries. It is written as two numbers, systolic over diastolic, measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

An instrument with an inflatable cuff and a gauge used to measure blood pressure. It may be mercury-based, aneroid or digital and is used with a stethoscope.

A listening device with earpieces and a chest piece used to hear internal sounds such as heartbeats, breathing and blood flow through an artery during blood pressure measurement.

A condition in which blood pressure stays persistently above the normal range. It often has no symptoms but raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage.

Abnormally low blood pressure that may cause dizziness, fainting or shock. It can result from blood loss, dehydration or certain medicines.

A heart rate that is faster than normal for a person's age at rest. In adults it is generally above 100 beats per minute and may signal fever, pain or heart problems.

A heart rate that is slower than normal, generally below 60 beats per minute in adults. It may be normal in athletes or may indicate a medical problem.

The internal heat of the body, normally around 37 degrees Celsius. It is measured with a thermometer and rises in fever or falls in certain emergencies.

A device used to measure body temperature. Clinical types include digital, mercury and infrared tympanic thermometers, each used according to the site of measurement.

A rise in body temperature above the normal range, usually as the body's response to infection. It is often accompanied by chills, sweating and a fast pulse.

The percentage of haemoglobin in the blood that is carrying oxygen, measured by a pulse oximeter. Normal values are usually between 95 and 100 percent.

A small device clipped to a finger that estimates oxygen saturation and pulse rate by shining light through the skin. It is used to monitor breathing problems.

The set of practices used to prevent the spread of germs in health-care settings. It includes hand hygiene, use of protective equipment, safe waste handling and cleaning of surfaces.

Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub to remove germs. It is the single most important action for preventing infection in health care.

Items worn by health workers to protect themselves and patients from infection, such as gloves, masks, goggles, gowns and caps. It is removed in a set order to avoid contamination.

Waste produced during diagnosis, treatment or care of patients that may be infectious or hazardous. It must be sorted by colour-coded bins and disposed of safely.

The safe handling and discarding of needles, blades and other sharp items into a puncture-resistant container. This prevents needle-stick injuries and the spread of blood-borne infections.

The complete destruction of all micro-organisms, including spores, on an object or surface. It is done by autoclaving, dry heat or chemical methods before reuse of equipment.

The reduction of harmful micro-organisms on surfaces or instruments using chemical agents. It does not necessarily kill all spores, unlike sterilisation.

The immediate help given to a sick or injured person before professional medical care arrives. It aims to preserve life, prevent worsening and promote recovery.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a life-saving technique of chest compressions and rescue breaths given when a person's heart has stopped or breathing has failed.

A dangerous condition in which blood flow to organs is inadequate. Signs include pale cold skin, rapid weak pulse, low blood pressure and confusion; it is a medical emergency.

A state in which a person is not aware of surroundings and does not respond to normal stimuli. First aid includes checking the airway, breathing and circulation.

A strip of cloth or other material used to cover a wound, hold a dressing in place or support a limb. It should be firm but not so tight that it stops blood flow.

A sterile pad placed directly on a wound to control bleeding and prevent infection. It is covered by a bandage and changed according to the wound's condition.

The absence of harmful micro-organisms. Aseptic technique means working in a way that keeps germs out of wounds, procedures and sterile equipment.

Placing a patient in a suitable body position, such as supine, lateral or Fowler's, for comfort, examination, breathing or prevention of pressure sores.

Damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on one area, common in bedridden patients. Prevention includes regular turning and good skin care.

Cleaning a patient's body while they remain in bed, used when they cannot move to a bathroom. It maintains hygiene, comfort and skin condition.

A record of all fluids a patient drinks or receives and all fluids lost through urine, stool, vomit or drainage. It helps assess hydration and kidney function.

A condition in which the body loses more water than it takes in. Signs include thirst, dry mouth, dark urine and reduced skin elasticity.

The volume of urine passed over a period, usually measured in millilitres per hour or per day. It is a key indicator of kidney function and fluid balance.

Listening to sounds inside the body, such as heart, lung or bowel sounds, usually with a stethoscope. It is part of a physical examination.

The moral principles that guide health-care practice, including respect for patients, doing no harm, confidentiality and informed consent. They protect both patient and worker.

A patient's voluntary agreement to a test or treatment after understanding its purpose, risks, benefits and alternatives. It must be taken before procedures.

The duty of health workers to keep a patient's personal and medical information private. It may be shared only with those involved in care or when the law requires.