WBBSE Madhyamik Vocational Health Care key terms

The basic body measurements that show how well the body is working: body temperature, pulse rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Health care workers record them to detect changes in a patient's condition.

The balance between heat produced by the body and heat lost to the surroundings, normally about 37 degrees Celsius. It is measured with a thermometer, and a rise often signals infection or fever.

The number of times the heart beats per minute, felt as a throbbing at points such as the wrist or neck. A normal adult rate is roughly 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest.

The pulse felt by pressing two fingers on the inner side of the wrist, along the radial artery. It is the most common site used to count heartbeats in routine patient checks.

The force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries, written as two numbers such as 120/80 mmHg. The higher value occurs when the heart contracts and the lower when it relaxes.

The higher of the two blood pressure numbers, measured when the heart contracts and pushes blood into the arteries. It is the first figure written in a reading such as 120/80 mmHg.

The lower of the two blood pressure numbers, measured while the heart relaxes between beats and the arteries refill. It is the second figure written in a reading such as 120/80 mmHg.

An instrument used to measure blood pressure, consisting of an inflatable cuff, a pressure gauge, and a pump or bulb. The cuff wraps around the upper arm and is inflated until blood flow is briefly blocked.

A listening device with earpieces, tubing, and a chest piece, used to hear sounds inside the body such as heartbeats and breathing. It is also used with a cuff to hear blood pressure sounds.

The act of listening to sounds made by organs inside the body, usually with a stethoscope, to assess heart, lung, or bowel activity. It is a basic clinical skill in patient examination.

An instrument for measuring body temperature, available in clinical glass, digital, ear, and forehead types. Digital thermometers are common because they are quick and easy to read and disinfect.

The number of breaths a person takes per minute, counted by watching chest rise and fall. A normal adult rate is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute at rest.

The invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which multiply and cause illness. It may spread from person to person through air, contact, food, or vectors.

Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub to remove dirt and germs. It is the single most effective routine action for preventing the spread of infection in care settings.

Items worn to protect the worker and patient from contact with germs or body fluids, such as gloves, masks, aprons, and eye protection. It must be put on and removed in the correct order.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on instruments and equipment. It is done by methods such as autoclaving with steam under pressure or using chemical agents.

The use of chemicals or heat to reduce or kill most harmful germs on surfaces and equipment, though not necessarily all spores. It is used for items that cannot be sterilised and for cleaning floors and furniture.

Waste generated during diagnosis, treatment, or care of patients, such as 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-proof containers. This prevents accidental needle-stick injuries and the spread of blood-borne infections.

The immediate help given to a sick or injured person before professional medical treatment is available. It aims to preserve life, prevent worsening of the condition, and promote recovery.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a life-saving procedure of chest compressions and rescue breaths given when a person's heart has stopped or breathing has failed. It helps keep blood and oxygen moving to the brain.

A strip of cloth or other material used to cover a wound, hold a dressing in place, or support an injured part. It should be applied firmly enough to stay but not so tight as to stop blood flow.

A sterile pad or cover placed directly over a wound to protect it from dirt and germs and to absorb discharge. It is changed regularly and removed using clean or sterile technique.

A person who is not awake and cannot respond to surroundings or commands. Such a patient needs airway protection, safe positioning, and urgent medical attention.

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 helps prevent choking.

The quick sorting of patients according to how urgent their condition is, so that the most seriously ill receive care first. It is used in emergency rooms, disasters, and mass casualty situations.

Immediate and organised medical treatment given to a person with a sudden, serious illness or injury. It includes first aid, rapid transport, and hospital treatment to stabilise the patient.

The process by which the body takes in and uses food substances for energy, growth, and repair. A balanced diet supplies carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water in the right amounts.

A diet that contains all the nutrients the body needs in correct proportion, including energy foods, body-building foods, and protective foods. It also provides enough fibre and water for good health.

A condition caused by not getting the right amount or balance of nutrients, either too little or too much. It can lead to weakness, poor growth, and increased risk of disease.

A condition in which the body loses more water than it takes in, often due to fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Signs include thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and weakness, and it is treated by giving fluids.

A mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar given by mouth to replace fluids and salts lost through diarrhoea or vomiting. It is a simple, low-cost way to prevent and treat dehydration.

The process of making a person resistant to a disease, usually by giving a vaccine that stimulates the body's defence system. It protects both the individual and the community from outbreaks.

A preparation made from weakened, killed, or part of a disease-causing germ that is given to create immunity without causing the disease. It is usually given by injection or by mouth.

The system of keeping vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medicines at the correct low temperature from manufacture to use. It involves refrigerators, cold boxes, and careful monitoring of temperature.

The health care given to a woman during pregnancy to monitor her health and the baby's growth. It includes check-ups, nutrition advice, tests, and preparation for safe delivery.

The care given to a mother and her newborn baby in the weeks after birth. It covers checking for bleeding and infection, breastfeeding support, and advice on newborn care.

Feeding a baby with milk from the mother's breast, which provides ideal nutrition and protective antibodies. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is recommended for infant health.

The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the period after delivery. Good maternal health services reduce deaths and complications for both mother and baby.