WBCHSE HS Vocational Health Care key terms

The core measurements of body function: temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. They are checked routinely because changes can show that a patient is deteriorating or responding to treatment.

The body's ability to keep internal conditions such as temperature, water balance, and blood sugar steady despite outside changes. Health depends on these self-correcting mechanisms working properly.

The standard reference posture in which a person stands upright, faces forward, with arms at the sides and palms turned forward. Body directions and locations are described as if the patient is in this position.

An imaginary flat surface used to divide the body for study, such as the median plane splitting it into left and right halves, or the transverse plane separating upper and lower parts.

The bones, cartilage, and joints that give the body shape, protect organs, store minerals, and make blood cells. Bones also act as levers so muscles can produce movement.

The muscles that produce movement, maintain posture, and generate body heat. Skeletal muscles work in pairs, with one contracting while its partner relaxes.

The heart, blood vessels, and blood that together transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste around the body. It also helps regulate temperature and defend against infection.

The nose, airways, and lungs that take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Gas exchange happens in tiny air sacs called alveoli, where oxygen enters the blood.

The organs from mouth to intestine, plus the liver and pancreas, that break food into nutrients the body can absorb. Undigested waste is removed as faeces.

The rhythmic expansion of an artery felt when the heart beats, commonly checked at the wrist or neck. Rate, rhythm, and strength are recorded as part of routine observation.

The force of 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 a gauge or monitor.

The balance between heat produced by the body and heat lost to the surroundings, normally around 37 degrees Celsius. It is measured with a thermometer, often in the mouth, ear, or armpit.

An abnormally raised body temperature, usually a sign that the body is fighting infection. A nurse records the reading, offers fluids, and reports persistent or very high temperatures promptly.

The percentage of haemoglobin in the blood that is carrying oxygen, measured non-invasively with a pulse oximeter clipped to a finger. Normal values are typically above 95 percent.

Practices that keep a person or object free of disease-causing microorganisms. Medical asepsis reduces germs in everyday care, while surgical asepsis keeps an area completely sterile during procedures.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub at the right moments, such as before and after patient contact. It is the single most effective way to prevent infection spread.

Barrier items worn to protect the worker and patient from contact with body fluids and germs, including gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection. It must be put on and removed in the correct order.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on equipment or materials. It differs from disinfection, which removes most but not necessarily all germs.

Waste generated during health care that may be infectious or hazardous, such as used dressings, needles, and body fluid containers. It is segregated by colour-coded bins and handled under safe disposal rules.

An accidental prick or cut from a needle, blade, or other sharp item, which can transmit blood-borne infections. The wound should be washed, bleeding encouraged, and the incident reported immediately.

Short-term treatment, such as antiviral medicine, started after possible exposure to a serious infection to reduce the chance of becoming ill. It is time-sensitive and follows local protocol.

The principle that every patient's blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious, whatever their diagnosis. Gloves and other barriers are used consistently to reduce risk to workers.

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

Chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, used 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, which keeps the airway open and allows fluids to drain. It is used while waiting for emergency services.

Sorting casualties by how urgent their condition is so that limited help reaches the most seriously injured first. It is applied at accidents and during disasters when resources are overwhelmed.

A firm dressing applied over a bleeding wound to help stop blood loss while keeping the area covered. It must be checked so it does not cut off circulation below the injury.

A simple mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar given by mouth to replace fluids and salts lost through diarrhoea or vomiting. It prevents dehydration and is a key community health measure.

A shortage of water in the body, shown by thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and reduced urine output. It is dangerous in infants and older people and is treated by replacing fluids.

Protecting a person from a disease by giving a vaccine, which trains the body's defences to recognise the germ. Routine childhood schedules and booster doses are tracked in health records.

The 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.

A daily intake of foods that supplies energy and all needed nutrients in the right proportions, including cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruit, milk, and modest amounts of fat and sugar.

A vitamin or mineral needed in small amounts for health, such as iron, iodine, or vitamin A. Deficiency causes specific problems, including anaemia and goitre.

A graph plotting a child's weight or height against age to compare growth with a reference standard. Falling below the expected curve can signal malnutrition or illness.

A patient's voluntary agreement to a test or treatment after being told the purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives in language they understand. It protects patient autonomy and must be documented.

The duty to keep a patient's personal and health information private, sharing it only with those who need it for care. Breach, even by casual conversation, damages trust and may be unlawful.

The written or electronic file of a patient's history, observations, tests, and treatments. It supports safe care, communication between staff, and legal accountability, so entries must be accurate and timely.

Sending a patient to another health worker or facility for care beyond the current level, with a written summary of findings and actions taken. It links community services to hospitals.

Concentrating fully on a speaker, noticing both words and feelings, and checking understanding by summarising or asking open questions. It helps patients feel respected and gives more reliable information.

Understanding a patient's feelings and showing that understanding without becoming emotionally overwhelmed. It supports rapport and is different from sympathy, which is feeling pity for someone.