RBSE Sec Voc Health Care key terms

The four core measurements of body function: temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure. They are recorded on a chart and compared with normal ranges to detect improvement or deterioration.

The body's ability to keep internal conditions such as temperature, fluid balance and blood sugar within a narrow, stable range despite outside changes. Illness often reflects a failure of this balance.

The standard reference posture: standing upright, face forward, arms at the sides with palms facing forward and feet flat. Body directions and planes are described as if the person is in this position.

An imaginary flat surface used to divide the body for description. The main ones are sagittal (left and right), coronal or frontal (front and back) and transverse (upper and lower).

The balance between heat produced by the body and heat lost to the environment. It is measured in the mouth, ear, armpit or rectum and normally stays near 37 degrees Celsius.

The rhythmic expansion of an artery felt when the heart pumps blood into it. It is counted for a full minute and noted for rate, rhythm and strength at sites such as the wrist or neck.

The force exerted by circulating blood against artery walls, recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure when the heart contracts and diastolic pressure when it relaxes. It is measured with a cuff and manometer.

Persistently raised blood pressure above the accepted normal range. It usually has no symptoms but raises the long-term risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney damage, so regular measurement matters.

A body temperature above the normal range, commonly called fever. It signals infection or inflammation and requires monitoring, fluids and reporting when it is high or persistent.

The set of practices that keep a person, equipment and environment free of disease-causing microorganisms. Medical asepsis reduces germs; surgical asepsis removes them completely from a sterile field.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub at defined moments, such as before and after touching a patient or body fluids. It is the single most effective way to prevent cross-infection.

Barrier items worn to stop contact with blood, body fluids or airborne germs. It includes gloves, gown, mask, eye protection and, for some tasks, apron and cap, chosen according to the risk.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an object. Common methods are steam under pressure in an autoclave, dry heat, chemicals and radiation, used for surgical items.

Using chemical or physical agents to reduce harmful microorganisms on surfaces and equipment, though not necessarily spores. It is used for items that touch intact skin or the environment.

A pressure vessel that sterilizes equipment using steam at high temperature and pressure for a set time. Items must be cleaned, wrapped and loaded correctly, with indicators checked after the cycle.

Any waste generated during diagnosis, treatment or care that may be infectious, sharps or otherwise hazardous. It is segregated by colour-coded bins at the point of generation and never mixed with general waste.

An accidental puncture or cut from a needle, blade or other sharp contaminated with blood or body fluid. Immediate washing, reporting and post-exposure assessment are required to reduce infection risk.

Routine infection-control measures applied to every patient regardless of diagnosis. They include hand hygiene, gloves, safe sharps handling and safe waste disposal when contact with body fluids is likely.

Cleaning a patient's whole body in bed when they cannot use a bathroom. It allows skin inspection, promotes comfort and circulation, and is done with attention to privacy and warmth.

Local injury to skin and underlying tissue caused by sustained pressure, often over bony areas such as the sacrum or heels. Prevention includes regular repositioning, clean dry skin and adequate nutrition.

Regularly changing a bed-bound patient's position, usually every two hours, to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas. It is recorded and combined with skin checks and comfortable support devices.

Cleaning the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue to prevent infection, decay and discomfort. It includes brushing, rinsing and mouth care for unconscious patients who cannot swallow.

A record of all fluid a patient takes in by mouth, tube or drip and all fluid lost through urine, vomit, drains or stool. It helps assess hydration and kidney function over each 24-hour period.

A state in which the body loses more fluid than it takes in, causing thirst, dry mouth, dark urine and weakness. It is dangerous in infants and older adults and is corrected by oral or intravenous fluids.

The relationship between fluid gained and fluid lost by the body. A positive balance means more intake than output; a negative balance means losses exceed intake and may need clinical review.

A measured mixture of clean water, salt and glucose given by mouth to replace fluid and electrolytes lost through diarrhoea or vomiting. Correct mixing and frequent small sips are essential.

A daily food pattern supplying energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water in the right proportions. It uses foods from several groups rather than relying on one type.

A nutrient needed in large amounts to supply energy or build tissue, namely carbohydrate, protein and fat. Each provides a different amount of energy per gram and has distinct body functions.

A vitamin or mineral needed in small amounts for normal growth, immunity and body processes. Deficiencies cause specific problems such as anaemia from low iron or night blindness from low vitamin A.

The check-ups, screening, advice and supplements given to a woman during pregnancy. Regular visits help detect complications early and prepare the mother for safe delivery and newborn care.

Care of the mother and newborn in the weeks after birth. It covers monitoring bleeding and infection, breastfeeding support, immunisation, and counselling on family planning and danger signs.

Giving an infant only breast milk, with no water, formula or other food, for the first six months. It provides ideal nutrition and protection from infection, after which complementary foods are added.

The nationally recommended timetable of vaccines given at set ages to protect children from diseases such as tuberculosis, polio, measles and hepatitis. Doses and timing follow current government guidance.

The unbroken system of refrigerated storage and transport that keeps vaccines within their safe temperature range from factory to clinic. A break in the chain can make a vaccine ineffective.

Sorting patients by urgency of need so that the most seriously ill or injured are treated first. It uses simple observations and a colour or priority category to guide the order of care.

Immediate, temporary help given to an ill or injured person before professional care arrives. It aims to preserve life, prevent worsening and promote recovery using safe, basic measures.

Chest compressions, with rescue breaths where trained, given when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. It keeps blood and oxygen moving until advanced help is available.

A safe side-lying posture for an unconscious person who is breathing, keeping the airway open and allowing fluid to drain. It is used after checking breathing and calling for help.

The standard vocabulary of health care, built from prefixes, roots and suffixes that describe body parts, conditions and procedures. Learning word parts helps candidates read records and understand instructions accurately.

A word part added to the end of a root to change its meaning, such as -itis for inflammation or -ectomy for surgical removal. Recognising suffixes helps decode unfamiliar clinical terms.

The written or electronic account of a patient's history, examinations, treatment and progress. It supports continuity of care, protects the patient legally and must be accurate, dated and confidential.

A patient's voluntary agreement to a test or treatment after being told its purpose, risks, benefits and alternatives in language they understand. It is documented before the procedure begins.

Recording temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure accurately with date, time and initials, then reporting abnormal values promptly. Clear charting is a legal record and a basis for clinical decisions.

The ways a medicine enters the body, such as by mouth, under the tongue, by injection, by inhalation or on the skin. The route affects how fast a drug acts and how it is prepared.

A safety check before giving any medicine: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route and right time. Many services add right documentation and right to refuse.

An unwanted but often predictable effect of a medicine, such as drowsiness or nausea, occurring alongside the intended action. It is observed, recorded and reported so treatment can be adjusted.