Hello, my name is Sebastien, and I am currently a nursing student in my second year of the program. I have created this glossary as a helpful resource for new nursing students, especially those who are just beginning to study medical terminology and clinical language. It is designed to support learning in both academic and practical settings. This glossary focuses on important terms related to nursing and healthcare. Understanding medical vocabulary is essential in nursing because it improves communication, enhances patient care, and supports safety in clinical environments. New students and even patients often struggle with unfamiliar terms, so this glossary aims to make those words easier to understand.
antibiotic
noun
A medicine used to treat bacterial infections.
Example: The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to treat the infection.
fr: antibiotique
asepsis
noun
The absence of harmful microorganisms, maintained by sterile techniques.
Example: Asepsis is essential during surgery to prevent infections.
fr: asepsie
assessment
noun
A systematic process used by nurses to collect and analyse information about a patient’s condition.
Example: A thorough assessment is the first step in planning effective patient care.
fr: prise en charge
care plan
noun
A document outlining the nursing strategies to address a patient’s healthcare needs.
Example: The nurse updated the care plan after noticing charges in patient’s condition.
fr: plan de soins
clinical Judgment
noun phrase
The decision-making process used by nurses based on experience, knowledge, and assessment.
Example: The nurse used clinical judgement to detect early signs of sepsis.
fr: jugement clinique
documentation
noun
Accurate and complete recording of patient care and observations.
Example: Proper documentation helps ensure continuity of care.
fr: documentation
edema
noun
Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues.
Example: The nurse documented signs of edema in the patient’s lower legs.
fr: oedème
hemoglobin
noun
A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Example: Low hemoglobin levels may indicate anemia.
fr: hémoglobine
holistic care
noun phrase
Healthcare that considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the patient.
Example: Providing emotional support is part of holistic care.
fr: soins holistiques
hypertension
noun
A chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated.
Example: The patient was prescribed medication to manage hypertension.
fr: hypertension artérielle
infection control
noun phrase
Practices used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Example: Wearing gloves and using hand sanitizer are part of infection control.
fr: contrôle des infections
intravenous (IV)
adjective
Administered into a vein, often for fluids or medications.
Example: The patient received pain medication via intravenous injection.
fr: intraveineux
intubation
noun
The insertion of a tube into the airway to assist breathing.
Example: The patient was unconscious and required intubation.
fr: intubation
patient-centered care
noun phrase
A healthcare approach that respects and responds to individual patient preferences, needs, and values.
Example: The nurse asked about the patient’s dietary preferences to provide patient-centered care
fr: soins centrés sur le patient.
scope of practice
noun phrase
The range of duties and responsibilities a nurse is trained and legally allowed to perform.
Example: Administering certain medications falls within a nurse’s scope of practice.
fr: champ de pratique
sepsis
noun
A potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to infection.
Example: Early detection of sepsis is critical for the patient’s survival.
fr: septicémie
tachycardia
noun
An abnormally fast heart rate, usually over 100 beats per minute.
Example: The monitor showed the patient was experiencing tachycardia.
fr: tachycardie
vital signs
noun (plural)
Key measurements of the body’s essential functions, including temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
Example: The nurse checked the patient’s vital signs every four hours.
