exam 3: key terms

Heartbeat as measured with the bell or disk of the stethoscope placed over the apex of the heart; represents the actual beating of the heart. Most authentic of all pulses.

To listen for sounds within the body to evaluate the condition of the heart, lungs, pleura, intestines, or other organs to detect fetal heart sounds.

Pressure exerted by the circulating volume of blood on the arterial walls, veins, and chambers of the heart.

Slow rhythm characterized by a pulse rate of fewer than 60 bpm.

A slow respiratory rate of fewer than 12 breaths per minute

An abnormal pattern of respiration characterized by alternating periods of apnea and deep, rapid breathing.

The period of time between contractions of the atria or ventricles, during which blood enters the relaxed chambers from the systemic circulation and the lungs.

Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing; may be caused by disturbances in the lungs, certain heart conditions and hemoglobin deficiency.

Any disturbance or abnormality in a normal rhythmic pattern, specifically irregularity in the normal rhythm of the heart; also called arrythmia.

Occurs when the elevated blood pressure is above normal.

Condition of abnormally high body temperature.

Occurs when the blood pressure is below normal.

Condition of abnormally low body temperature.

Sounds heard while measuring blood pressure when using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope.

A drop of 25 mm Hg in systolic pressure and a drop of 10 mm Hg in diastolic pressure when moving from a lying to sitting position.

A rhythmic beating or vibrating movement; regular recurrent expansion and contraction of an artery produced by waves of pressure caused by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle of the heart as it contracts.

A condition that exists when the radial pulse rate is less than the ventricular rate as ausculated at the apex of the heart.

Difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressures usually 30 to 40 mm Hg.

The taking in of O₂; Its use in the tissues, and the giving off of CO₂; the act of breathing (inhaling & exhaling)

Device for measuring arterial blood pressure.

Instrument placed against patients body to hear heart, lung or bowel sounds.

The number of reading that represents ventricles contracting, forcing blood into the aorta and pulmonary arteries. In blood pressure readings, it is the higher of the two readings.

An abnormal condition in which the myocardium contracts regularly but at a rate greater than 100 bpm.

An abnormally rapid rate of breathing.

Membranous eardrum.

Measurement of temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure.(T P R BP)

Giving full attention and a concerted effort to understand the message being sent.

Interacting with another in an overpowering and forceful manner to meet one's own needs at the expense of others.

A decrease or lack of cognitive ability to receive, process and send information.

Interaction that takes into account the feelings and needs of the receiver.

Ability to confidently and comfortably express thoughts and feelings while still respecting legitimate rights of the patient.

Restating the patient's message in a manner that asks the patient to verify that the message received is accurate.

A formal, distant stance, generally with the arms and possibly the legs tightly crossed.

Focused question that seeks a particular answer (e.g. yes or no)

Use of words and behaviors to construct, send, and interpret messages.

Reflects the individual's perception or interpretation of a given word.

The commonly accepted definition of a particular word.

A physiologic condition in which an individual is unable to communicate a desired message.

A communication technique used when more specific information is needed to accurately understand the patient's message.

Movements used to emphasize the idea being communicate

Commonplace language or terminology unique to people in a particular work setting.

A subtle communication technique that communicates to the patient that the nurse is interested and wants to hear more.

Communication techniques, both verbal and nonverbal, that hinder the nurse-patient relationship.

The transmission of messages without the use of words.

A structured form of communication in which the sender is in control.

A question that does not require a specific response and allows the individual to elaborate freely on a subject.

A relaxed stance with uncrossed arms and legs while facing another individual.

A communication technique that involves restating the patient's message in the nurse's own words to verify that the nurse's interpretation of the message is correct.

Receiving a message without any response or indication of understanding.

The way that an individual sits, stands, and moves.

The individual or individuals to whom a message is conveyed.

A physiological condition in which an individual cannot recognize or interpret the message being received.

A communication technique that asssists the patient to "reflect" on inner feelings and thoughts rather than seeking answers or advice from someone else.

A communication technique that involves the nurse repeating to the patient what the nurse believes to be the main point that the patient is trying to convey.

The person conveying a message.

A form of communication that facilitates the formation of a positive nurse-patient relationship.

A form of communication that requires that both the sender and the receiver participate equally in the interaction.

A style of communication in which the sender sacrifices legitimate personal rights to meet the needs of the receiver, often resulting in feelings of a resentment.

A form of communication that involves use of spoken or written words or symbols.