Nursing Terminology
ad lib - ansas desired
alert - ansReferring to a state in which an individual is awake and appropriately answers
all questions
ambulate - ansWalk; move about
anemic - anssomeone who has a decreased number of red blood cells
anorexia - ansan obsessive fear of gaining weight in which a person refuses to eat
aphasia - ansimpairment of language, usually caused by left hemisphere damage either
to Broca's area (impairing speaking) or to wernicke's area (impairing understanding)
asepsis - ansthe process of removing pathogenic microorganisms or protecting against
infection by such organisms
atrophy - ansany weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use)
b.i.d. - anstwice a day
BM - ansbowel movement
bradycardia - ansabnormally slow heartbeat
bradypnea - ansslow respiratory rate, usually below 10 respirations per minute
c (with overline) - answith
c/o - anscomplains of
CBC - anscomplete blood count
cyanosis - ansa bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes
defecate - anshave a bowel movement
diaphoresis - ansExcessive sweating
diastolic - ansthe blood pressure during that part of the heartbeat when the hearts
venticles are relaxing
