This is a glossary about the main tools found in the hospital to deepen your knowledge in the field of nursing.
bladder scanner
nouns
A bladder scan is a noninvasive, portable ultrasound procedure used to measure the volume of urine in the bladder and assess how well it empties
Example: A bladder scanner was performed before catheterization.
en: scanneur vésicale
braden scale
noun
The Braden Scale is a widely used, evidence-based assessment tool to predict a patient's risk of developing pressure injuries.
Example: According to the Braden Scale, the patient is at high risk for skin breakdown.
en: échelle de braden
Cerebellum
noun
the part of the brain at the back of the skull in vertebrates. Its function is to coordinate and regulate muscular activity.
Example: Damage to the cerebellum can result in ataxia and loss of balance.
en: Cervelet
chlorhexidine
noun
Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant and antiseptic which is used for skin disinfection before surgery and to disinfect surgical instruments
Example: Another option is an antibacterial, antiseptic solution called chlorhexidine 0.05 % solution.
en: chlorhexidine
Dyspnea
noun
Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness or difficulty breathing.
Example: The patient reported dyspnea after climbing stairs.
en: Dyspnée
glucometer
noun
a device for measuring the concentration of glucose in the blood, typically using a small drop of blood placed on a disposable test strip, where a chemical reaction with glucose alters the electrical conductivity of the strip.
Example: Check the manufacturer’s list of compatible glucometers to ensure that your test strips will be usable.
en: glucomètre
Intramuscular
adjective
situated or taking place within, or administered into, a muscle.
Example: Vaccines are intramuscular injections.
en: Intramusculaire
Intravenous
adjective
existing or taking place within, or administered into a vein.
Example: The nurse monitored the intravenous infusion for any complications.
en: intraveineux
kardex
noun
A Kardex is usually a manual or electronic desktop filing system used in nursing to provide a concise summary and a quick-reference of a patient's, care, needs, and, medical information
Example: Did you look through the kardex of this patient?
en: kardex
nasal cannula
adjective and noun
A nasal cannula is a lightweight, flexible tube with two prongs that sit in the nostrils to deliver supplemental oxygen.
Example: This patient is wearing a nasal cannula with oxygen at 3 ml per hour.
en: lunette nasale
ointment
noun
a smooth oily preparation that is rubbed on the skin for medicinal purposes or as a cosmetic.
Example: She applied the ointment to the wound to help it heal.
en: onguent
oral medication
adjective and noun
Oral medications come as solid tablets; capsules; chewable tablets or orally disintegrating tablets to be swallowed whole or sucked; or as a liquid in the form of drops, syrups, or solutions.
Example: The patient received oral medication for pain management.
en: médication orale
Oxygen saturation (SpO₂)
nouns
SpO₂ measures the percentage of hemoglobin in red blood cells currently carrying oxygen, indicating how efficiently oxygen is being delivered throughout the body.
Example: The patient’s oxygen saturation is within normal limits.
en: saturation en oxygène
pressure alarm mat
noun phrase
A pressure alarm mat is a, pressure-sensitive,, sensory device placed on floors, under rugs, or on beds/chairs used to alert staff or family members when a vulnerable patient or elderly person leaves their bed or chair, reducing fall risks.
Example: A bed alarm mat was placed under the patient to reduce the risk of falls.
en: tapis d'alarme
sodium chloride solution (NaCl)
noun phrase
A sodium chloride solution consists of sodium chloride (table salt) dissolved in water, forming a uniform liquid mixture used as an intravenous fluid to restore hydration and electrolyte balance, wound cleaning, and nasal irrigation.
Example: The nurse prepared a sterile sodium chloride solution to hydrate the patient intravenously.
en: solution de chlorure de sodium
sterile gloves
adjestive and noun
Sterile gloves are specialized, disposable medical gloves treated to be entirely free from microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi
Example: You must wear sterile gloves for this procedure
en: gants sterille
Stethoscope
noun
a medical instrument for listening to the action of someone's heart or breathing, typically having a small disk-shaped resonator that is placed against the chest, and two tubes connected to earpieces.
Example: Dr. Green pulled her stethoscope from around her neck and listened to his heart.
en: Stéthoscope
Subcutaneous
adjective
Subcutaneous means beneath, or under, all the layers of the skin.
Example: The nurse administered the insulin by subcutaneous injection.
en: sous-cutané
tourniquet
noun
A tourniquet is a device designed to stop the flow of blood in a limb by compressing the blood vessels against the bones through peripheral tightening.
Example: The nurse placed a tourniquet on the patient’s arm before venipuncture.
en: garrot
urinary catheter
adjective and noun
A urinary catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine when a person cannot urinate independently, has bladder control issues, or is undergoing surgery
Example: The nurse inserted a urinary catheter to drain the patient's bladder before the procedure
