Punjab PSEB Senior Secondary NSQF Health Care key terms

The four basic measurements of body function: body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. They are recorded to detect changes in a patient's condition and to judge response to treatment.

The balance between heat produced by the body and heat lost to the environment, normally about 37 degrees Celsius when measured orally. A rise suggests fever or infection; a fall may indicate shock or exposure.

The number of times a palpable artery expands and relaxes per minute, commonly counted at the radial artery of the wrist. In adults it normally ranges from about 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest.

The force exerted by circulating blood against arterial walls, recorded as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure in millimetres of mercury. A typical adult reading is around 120/80 mmHg.

An instrument used to measure blood pressure, consisting of an inflatable cuff, a pressure gauge and a hand pump or valve. It may be mercury, aneroid or digital in type.

A listening device with earpieces, tubing and a chest piece used to hear internal sounds such as heartbeats, breath sounds and bowel sounds. It is also used with a cuff to hear blood pressure sounds.

The act of listening to sounds produced inside the body, usually with a stethoscope, to assess the heart, lungs or abdomen. It is one of the classical methods of physical examination.

A physical examination technique in which body surfaces are tapped with the fingers to produce sounds that reveal the density of underlying tissue. It helps detect fluid, air or solid masses in the chest and abdomen.

Examination by feeling body parts with the hands to assess size, texture, temperature, tenderness and movement. It is used, for example, to locate the pulse or check an enlarged organ.

An abnormally raised body temperature, also called fever, usually caused by infection or inflammation. It is often accompanied by shivering, sweating and a fast pulse.

A nursing measure in which the skin is gently wiped with lukewarm water to help lower a high body temperature. It is used with antipyretic treatment and careful monitoring of the patient.

Persistently elevated arterial blood pressure, generally taken as 140/90 mmHg or above on repeated readings. It raises the risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney damage.

Abnormally low blood pressure that may cause dizziness, fainting or shock when organs do not receive enough blood. It can result from bleeding, dehydration, infection or certain medicines.

A life-threatening condition in which blood flow to organs is inadequate, causing pale cold skin, rapid weak pulse, low blood pressure and confusion. Immediate first aid and urgent medical help are required.

The immediate help given to an injured or suddenly ill person before professional medical care arrives. Its aims are to preserve life, prevent worsening and promote recovery.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: the combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths used when a person has stopped breathing or has no heartbeat. It keeps oxygenated blood moving until advanced help is available.

A safe side-lying posture in which an unconscious but breathing person is placed to keep the airway open and allow fluids to drain from the mouth. It is used after checking breathing in first aid.

A strip of cloth or other material used to cover a wound, hold a dressing in place or support a body part. It should be applied firmly enough to secure the dressing without cutting off circulation.

A sterile pad or material placed directly on a wound to absorb discharge, control bleeding and protect against infection. It is usually held in place by a bandage or adhesive tape.

The set of practices that keep objects and areas free from disease-causing micro-organisms. Medical asepsis reduces the spread of germs, while surgical asepsis aims to eliminate them completely.

A process that destroys all micro-organisms, including bacterial spores, on an object or surface. Common methods include steam under pressure in an autoclave and chemical or hot-air methods.

The use of chemical agents or heat to destroy most harmful micro-organisms on inanimate surfaces or instruments, though not necessarily spores. It is weaker than sterilisation and is used for surfaces and some equipment.

Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub to remove dirt and reduce micro-organisms. It is the single most important measure for preventing infection in health-care settings.

Items worn by health workers to protect themselves and patients from infection, such as gloves, gowns, masks, goggles and caps. Correct removal order prevents contamination of the wearer.

Waste generated during diagnosis, treatment or immunisation of humans and animals, including used needles, soiled dressings and body fluids. It must be segregated by colour-coded bins and disposed of safely.

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

The invasion of the body by disease-causing micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi, which multiply and cause harm. Signs include fever, pain, redness and swelling at the affected site.

An approach in which all blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious, whatever the patient's known status. Gloves and other barriers are used consistently to prevent transmission.

The administration of fluids, medicines or nutrients directly into a vein through a cannula or needle. It allows rapid effect and is used when oral intake is impossible or insufficient.

Injection of a medicine deep into a muscle, commonly the upper arm or buttock, from where it is absorbed into the blood. The site is cleaned and the correct needle length is chosen for the patient.

The record of fluid taken in by a patient compared with fluid lost through urine, stools, vomit, sweat and drainage. It helps detect dehydration or overload and guides fluid therapy.

A condition in which the body loses more water than it takes in, causing thirst, dry mouth, dark urine and weakness. Severe cases lead to low blood pressure and require urgent fluid replacement.

A mixture of clean water, salt and sugar given by mouth to replace fluid and electrolytes lost through diarrhoea or vomiting. Correct preparation of the packet is essential for it to work safely.

A condition resulting from an unbalanced diet, either too little or too much of one or more nutrients. It weakens immunity and growth, and is assessed using weight, height and dietary history.

A diet that supplies the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water needed for health. It is varied, adequate and suited to the person's age and activity.

A condition in which the blood has fewer red cells or less haemoglobin than normal, reducing oxygen transport. It causes tiredness, pallor and breathlessness and is often due to iron deficiency.

The process of making a person resistant to a disease, usually by giving a vaccine that stimulates the body's immune response. It may be active, from vaccines, or passive, from ready-made antibodies.

A preparation containing weakened, killed or part-micro-organisms, or their products, that trains the immune system to fight a specific disease. It is given by injection or by mouth according to schedule.

The system of storing and transporting vaccines at the correct low temperature from manufacture to use. A break in the chain can make a vaccine ineffective and must be reported.

An area of damaged skin and tissue caused by prolonged pressure over bony points in a person who cannot move freely. Regular turning, clean dry skin and proper support surfaces help prevent it.

Nursing actions that protect the skin over bony prominences from damage caused by pressure, friction and moisture. They include frequent repositioning, skin inspection and use of cushions or mattresses.

A person's ability to move and change position independently, whether in bed, sitting or walking. Reduced mobility increases the risk of pressure sores, chest infection and blood clots.

The ability to exchange information clearly through speech, listening, writing and body language. In health care they build trust, support informed consent and reduce errors in patient care.

A patient's voluntary agreement to examination or treatment after receiving understandable information about its purpose, benefits and risks. It protects the patient's right to decide and must be documented.

The duty to keep a patient's personal and medical information private and share it only with those who need it for care. Breach of confidentiality is both unethical and a legal risk.

The sorting of patients by the urgency of their condition so that the most seriously ill or injured are treated first. It is used in emergency departments and during mass casualty incidents.

The process of sending a patient to another health worker or facility for specialist advice, investigation or treatment. A clear written summary of findings accompanies the patient.