Key Terms
Homeostasis
State of physiological balance regulated without compensation from external sources. Body systems work together to achie
Observe
Room temperature, TV volume, unusual smells. Then observe the patient directly.
First impressions provide immediate data
Appearance, behavior, age, culture, size, cognition.
Level of consciousness
The patient's level of awareness and arousal. Assessed first.
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
Measures level of consciousness by assessing three categories.
Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS)
Analyzes vital sign data and level of consciousness to warn of patient deterioration.
MEWS scored parameters
Systolic BP, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, AVPU (alert, voice, pain, unresponsive), GCS.
Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)
Clinical emergency. Abnormalities in facial expression or speech may indicate stroke.
Mini-Mental State Examination
30-question test for cognitive ability or decline; tasks include counting, identifying objects, writing a sentence.
Active listening
Listening with the intent of understanding and discerning.
Adaptive questioning
Open-ended follow-up questioning that echoes a patient's comment.
Nonverbal communication
Body language, eye contact, facial expression, posture.
Therapeutic communication
Open-ended responses that encourage dialogue and do not dismiss patient feelings.
ANA standard
Observational and interviewing skills are included in the ANA's 18 standards of practice.
Stadiometer
Used for standing patients; patient stands with back and heels against wall, head straight; horizontal bar rests on top