NCLEX-PN key terms

A six-link model-infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host-used to plan infection control; breaking any link prevents spread.

Infection control practices applied to every client, including hand hygiene, gloves, gown, mask, eye protection, and safe handling of sharps and body fluids, regardless of diagnosis.

The single most effective way to prevent infection transmission; use alcohol-based rub when hands are not visibly soiled and soap and water when soiled or after caring for clients with C. difficile.

Transferring a task to assistive personnel while the nurse keeps accountability; the nurse must assess the client, ensure the task is within the worker's scope, and follow up.

A client's voluntary agreement to a procedure after receiving clear information about its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives; the provider obtains consent, and the nurse verifies and witnesses it.

Written instructions, such as a living will or durable power of attorney for health care, that state a client's wishes for treatment if the client can no longer decide.

A structured handoff format-Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation-that organizes communication about a client's condition and reduces missed information during transfers.

An unexpected occurrence involving death, serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk of such outcomes; it requires immediate investigation and a root-cause analysis.

An internal document describing an unexpected event, such as a fall or medication error, used for quality improvement; it is not placed in the client's chart and should not assign blame.

The process of sorting clients by urgency so that those with life-threatening conditions receive care first; used in emergency departments and mass-casualty incidents.

Actions taken before disease occurs to reduce risk, such as immunizations, seat belt use, sunscreen, and smoking prevention education.

Early detection and treatment of disease while it is still asymptomatic, such as screening mammography, colonoscopy, blood pressure checks, and newborn metabolic screening.

A person's ability to obtain, understand, and use health information to make decisions; low literacy requires plain language, teach-back, and visual aids.

Expected physical, cognitive, language, and social skills a child reaches by certain ages; delays may signal a need for further evaluation and early intervention.

Purposeful, client-centered communication that builds trust and helps the client express feelings, using open questions, empathy, silence, and reflection rather than advice or judgment.

Fully concentrating on what a client says and means, using eye contact, nodding, paraphrasing, and clarifying to show understanding and encourage further expression.

Unconscious mental strategies that reduce anxiety, such as denial, projection, rationalization, and regression; they become concerning when they impair functioning or reality testing.

A feeling of apprehension or unease that ranges from mild alertness to panic; severe anxiety narrows perception and requires calm, short, concrete communication and a safe environment.

Safety measures for a client at risk of self-harm, including continuous observation, removing hazardous items, and close monitoring during high-risk periods such as after starting antidepressants.

The emotional and physical response to loss, which may include sadness, anger, guilt, and bargaining; it varies widely and is not always sequential.

A structured inpatient environment that uses safety, routines, group activities, and consistent limits to promote adaptive behavior and social skills.

Using proper alignment, a wide base of support, and leg muscles to lift or move clients safely, reducing strain on the nurse and injury to the client.

Moving a joint through its full available arc, either actively by the client or passively by the nurse, to maintain flexibility and prevent contractures and stiffness.

Classification of tissue damage from pressure by depth and tissue type, from stage 1 (nonblanchable redness) through stage 4 (deep tissue loss) and unstageable injury.

Measures to prevent food, fluid, or secretions from entering the airway, including upright positioning, checking swallowing, thickening liquids, and suctioning equipment at hand.

Maintaining a closed drainage system, keeping the bag below bladder level, performing perineal hygiene, and removing the catheter as soon as possible to reduce infection.

Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and often oxygen saturation; they are measured to detect changes in homeostasis and guide nursing interventions.

How the body affects a drug through absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion; these processes determine onset, peak, duration, and dosing intervals.

Blood levels drawn to monitor certain drugs: a peak measures the highest concentration after a dose, and a trough measures the lowest level just before the next dose.

Metabolism of an oral drug in the intestinal wall and liver before it reaches systemic circulation, which reduces bioavailability and may require a higher oral dose.

The ratio between a drug's toxic dose and its effective dose; a narrow index means small blood-level changes can cause harm, so levels and signs of toxicity are monitored closely.

A formal process of comparing a client's current medications with new orders at admission, transfer, and discharge to prevent omissions, duplicates, and dangerous interactions.

Nutrients given intravenously, usually through a central line, when the gastrointestinal tract cannot be used; it requires close monitoring of glucose, electrolytes, and infection.

Core checks before giving a drug-right client, drug, dose, route, time, documentation, reason, and to refuse-used to prevent medication errors.

Interventions for clients likely to fall, such as bed in low position, call light within reach, nonskid footwear, hourly rounding, and bed alarms; risk is assessed on admission and regularly.

A screening tool that scores six risk factors-sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear-to predict pressure injury risk and guide prevention.

Safety measures for clients with seizure risk, including padded side rails, suction and oxygen at the bedside, and avoiding restraints, oral thermometers, and sharp objects during a seizure.

Preventing clot formation in immobilized or postoperative clients through early ambulation, leg exercises, compression devices, hydration, and prescribed anticoagulants.

A drop in blood pressure when moving from lying to sitting or standing, causing dizziness or fainting; clients are encouraged to change positions slowly and dangle legs first.

Excess fluid in the body causing weight gain, edema, crackles, dyspnea, and increased blood pressure; treatment includes diuretics, sodium restriction, and careful intake and output monitoring.

A serum potassium level above normal that can cause muscle weakness, peaked T waves, and dangerous dysrhythmias; treatment includes cardiac monitoring, insulin with glucose, and potassium binders.

A pH below normal with an elevated PaCO2 caused by hypoventilation; the kidneys compensate slowly by retaining bicarbonate, and treatment focuses on improving ventilation.

A life-threatening response to infection causing widespread inflammation, fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, and organ dysfunction; early recognition and antibiotics are essential.