UPMSP Vocational Health Care key terms

The four basic measurements of body function: body temperature, pulse rate, breathing rate and blood pressure. They are recorded together because a change in any one can signal illness or deterioration.

The body's tendency to keep its internal conditions, such as temperature, water balance and blood sugar, within a narrow stable range despite outside changes. Nursing care often aims to support this balance.

The standard reference stance in which a person stands upright, faces forward, arms hang at the sides with palms facing forward and feet flat. Directional terms such as medial and lateral are described relative to this position.

Imaginary flat surfaces used to divide the body for description: sagittal (left and right), coronal or frontal (front and back) and transverse (upper and lower). They help describe the location of organs and scan images.

The enclosed spaces inside the trunk that hold organs: the cranial cavity, the spinal canal, the thoracic cavity (heart and lungs) and the abdominopelvic cavity (digestive, urinary and reproductive organs). Each cavity protects its contents.

The rhythmic expansion of an artery felt when the heart pushes blood through it. It is counted for a full minute and described by rate, rhythm and strength, commonly at the radial or carotid artery.

Tachycardia means a resting heart rate above the normal range for age, commonly over 100 beats per minute in adults. Bradycardia means a rate below normal, commonly under 60 beats per minute in adults.

Systolic pressure is the peak force of blood against artery walls when the heart contracts. Diastolic pressure is the lower force remaining when the heart relaxes between beats. Both are written as systolic over diastolic.

Persistently raised blood pressure, generally at or above 140 over 90 mmHg in adults on repeated measurement. It usually causes no symptoms but raises the long-term risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney damage.

Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub at defined moments, especially before and after patient contact. It is the single most effective action for preventing transmission of infection in health facilities.

Basic infection-control measures applied to every patient regardless of diagnosis. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks and eye protection when body fluids may splash, safe sharps handling and safe waste disposal.

Barrier items worn to protect the health worker and prevent spread between patients, such as gloves, gown, apron, mask, goggles and face shield. It is removed in a set order to avoid self-contamination.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores and viruses, on an item. Common methods are steam under pressure in an autoclave, dry heat and chemical sterilants. It is required for surgical instruments.

Reducing the number of harmful microorganisms on surfaces or equipment, usually with chemicals, but not reliably destroying bacterial spores. It is used for items that touch intact skin or the environment, not for sterile body areas.

A chemical applied to living skin or tissue to reduce microorganisms and prevent infection, for example chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine or spirit. Unlike disinfectants, antiseptics are safe on skin and mucous membranes.

Equipment that sterilizes by exposing items to saturated steam under pressure, typically at 121 degrees Celsius for about 15 to 20 minutes. Items must be cleaned first and correctly packed so steam can reach all surfaces.

An infection a patient acquires during care in a health facility that was not present or incubating on arrival. Common examples are surgical site, urinary catheter and bloodstream infections, often linked to lapses in hygiene.

Separating health-care waste at the point of generation into colour-coded containers: yellow for infectious and anatomical waste, red for contaminated recyclables, white for sharps and so on, so each stream is handled and disposed of safely.

Sorting patients by how urgent their condition is so that the most seriously ill are treated first when resources are limited. It uses brief observations of airway, breathing, circulation and consciousness rather than a full diagnosis.

Emergency action combining chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen moving when a person's heart has stopped. In adults compressions are given at 100 to 120 per minute, about 5 to 6 cm deep.

A stable side-lying posture used for an unconscious person who is breathing normally, to keep the airway open and allow fluids to drain from the mouth. It is not used when a spinal injury is suspected unless the airway is at risk.

A life-threatening state in which blood flow to vital organs is inadequate, causing pale cold clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, low blood pressure and confusion. First aid includes lying the person flat, keeping them warm and getting urgent help.

Stopping severe bleeding by direct pressure on the wound, elevation where appropriate, pressure bandage or, for limb wounds, a tourniquet as a last resort. It is a priority in first aid because blood loss quickly causes shock.

A screening number calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. It classifies adults as underweight, normal, overweight or obese, but it does not measure body fat or muscle directly.

A daily food pattern supplying energy, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water in the proportions the body needs. It includes cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruit, milk or its products and limited fat, sugar and salt.

A modified diet prescribed to manage a disease, such as low salt for hypertension, low protein for kidney failure, low fibre before surgery or a diabetic diet with controlled carbohydrate. It changes specific nutrients while keeping the diet adequate.

Collecting information about a person's food intake, weight change, body mass index, laboratory values and physical signs to identify malnutrition or risk of it. It guides diet planning and monitoring during care.

The check-ups and advice a pregnant woman receives before birth, including weight, blood pressure, haemoglobin, urine tests, abdominal examination and tetanus immunisation. Regular visits help detect complications early.

A pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, often after 20 weeks, with swelling and sometimes headache or blurred vision. It threatens mother and baby and needs urgent referral.

Giving an infant only breast milk, with no water, other liquids or food, for the first six months of life, except for prescribed medicines. It supports immunity and growth; complementary feeding then begins alongside breastfeeding.

A measured mixture of clean water, salt and glucose given by mouth to replace fluid and salts lost through diarrhoea or vomiting. Correct preparation and frequent small sips prevent dehydration, especially in young children.

A shortage of body water caused by poor intake or excessive loss through vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or sweating. Signs include thirst, dry mouth, reduced urine and sunken eyes; severe cases need intravenous fluids.

Local damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, friction or moisture, usually over bony areas such as the sacrum and heels. Prevention includes regular repositioning, skin care and adequate nutrition.

Cleaning a patient's whole body in bed when they cannot use a bathroom. It allows observation of the skin, maintains hygiene and comfort, and is performed with attention to privacy, warmth and pressure areas.

A record of all fluid a patient drinks or receives and all fluid lost through urine, vomit, drainage or stool over 24 hours. Comparing the totals helps detect dehydration or fluid overload.

A trained local person who links the community with health services, giving basic advice, screening, referrals and health education. In India the ASHA role is a well-known example within the public health system.

Protecting a person from disease by giving a vaccine so the immune system develops defence without causing the illness. National schedules specify which vaccines are due at which age, from birth through childhood and pregnancy.

The system of keeping vaccines at the correct temperature from manufacture to use, usually 2 to 8 degrees Celsius for most routine vaccines. Breaks in the chain reduce vaccine potency and waste doses.

Planned communication that helps people understand health risks and adopt healthier behaviour, such as handwashing, safe water use, balanced diet or family planning. It is most effective when adapted to local language and culture.

Word parts added to a root to build medical terms. Prefixes change meaning or position, as in hyper- (high) or hypo- (low); suffixes show condition or procedure, as in -itis (inflammation) or -ectomy (surgical removal).

Shortened forms widely used in records and prescriptions, such as OD (once daily), BD (twice daily), TDS (three times daily), NPO (nothing by mouth) and PRN (as needed). They should be used only from an approved list to avoid error.