Preparing for the NCLEX exam can be a daunting task, especially when you consider the vast amount of medical terminology that you need to understand. To help you focus your studies, we've compiled a list of the top 20 vocabulary terms that every NCLEX candidate should know. These terms are not only common on the exam but are also fundamental to your practice as a nurse.
1. Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen. Symptoms may include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and a drop in blood pressure. Quick recognition and treatment with epinephrine are critical.
2. Bradycardia
Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults. It can be a sign of a healthy, well-conditioned heart or a symptom of a problem with the heart's electrical system.
3. Cyanosis
Cyanosis is the appearance of a blue or purple coloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to tissues near the skin surface having low oxygen saturation. It's a sign that something is wrong with the oxygenation of your patient's blood.
4. Diaphoresis
Diaphoresis is excessive sweating, commonly associated with shock, heart attack, or other medical emergencies. It's a critical symptom that can help diagnose serious underlying conditions.
5. Edema
Edema is the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues. It's often found in the feet and legs and can be a sign of heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease.
6. Febrile
Febrile means related to or characterized by fever. Patients who are febrile are experiencing an elevation in body temperature, often due to an infection or other medical condition.
7. Hemostasis
Hemostasis is the process by which the body stops bleeding at the site of an injury. It involves the coagulation cascade and is critical to prevent excessive blood loss.
8. Ischemia
Ischemia is a condition where there is a restriction in blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism. It can lead to tissue damage and is a common cause of chest pain (angina) related to heart disease.
9. Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. It's often a sign of liver dysfunction or blockage of the bile duct.
10. Kussmaul Respirations
Kussmaul respirations are deep, labored breathing patterns often associated with severe metabolic acidosis, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). It's the body's attempt to blow off excess carbon dioxide to reduce acid levels.
11. Leukocytosis
Leukocytosis is an increase in the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood, often in response to an infection, inflammation, or other stimuli.
12. Malignant
In medical terms, malignant refers to a severe and progressively worsening disease, particularly cancer. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
13. Necrosis
Necrosis is the death of body tissue. It occurs when too little blood flows to the tissue, whether from injury, radiation, or chemicals. Necrotic tissue is unviable and cannot be regenerated.
14. Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing up from sitting or lying down. It can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, and in severe cases, it can lead to fainting.
15. Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness, aiming to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family.
16. Quarantine
Quarantine is the separation and restriction of movement of people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. It's a common public health practice to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
17. Rales
Rales, also known as crackles, are the clicking, rattling, or crackling noises heard on lung auscultation during inhalation. They are associated with conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, and other respiratory diseases.
18. Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. It can lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure, and death if not recognized early and treated promptly.
19. Tachypnea
Tachypnea is abnormally rapid breathing. It's a common sign of respiratory distress and can be associated with conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or acidosis.
20. Uremia
Uremia is a condition involving abnormally high levels of waste products in the blood, which are normally excreted in the urine. It's often a result of kidney failure and can lead to uremic syndrome, a serious complication.
Understanding these terms is crucial for your success on the NCLEX exam and your future nursing practice. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these concepts, as they will not only help you answer questions correctly but also prepare you to provide the best care for your patients. Good luck with your studies and on your journey to becoming a registered nurse!