Update 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Nursing Vocab (35 Vocab Words + Meanings + Examples!)

Navigating the world of nursing can be daunting, especially when faced with a plethora of specialized vocabulary. Whether you're a nursing student preparing for the NCLEX exam or a seasoned nurse looking to refresh your knowledge, understanding key nursing terms is crucial. This comprehensive guide will delve into 35 essential nursing vocabulary words, complete with meanings and examples, to enhance your clinical communication and comprehension.

1. Asepsis

• Meaning: The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to prevent infection.
• Example: "The nurse practiced asepsis by sterilizing the surgical instruments before the procedure."

2. Bradycardia

• Meaning: A slower than normal heart rate, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute.
• Example: "The patient's bradycardia required close monitoring to ensure adequate cardiac output."

3. Catheterization

• Meaning: The process of inserting a catheter into a body cavity, duct, or vessel.
• Example: "Urinary catheterization was performed to relieve the patient's urinary retention."

4. Diaphoresis

• Meaning: Excessive sweating, often a symptom of an underlying condition.
• Example: "The patient experienced diaphoresis during the myocardial infarction."

5. Edema

• Meaning: Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
• Example: "The nurse noted pitting edema in the patient's lower extremities."

6. Febrile

• Meaning: Having or showing symptoms of a fever.
• Example: "The febrile child was given antipyretics to reduce the fever."

7. Gastrostomy

• Meaning: A surgical procedure for inserting a tube through the abdomen into the stomach.
• Example: "The patient required a gastrostomy for long-term enteral feeding."

8. Hemostasis

• Meaning: The process of stopping bleeding or the flow of blood.
• Example: "Effective hemostasis was achieved using pressure and sutures."

9. Ischemia

• Meaning: An inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles.
• Example: "The ECG indicated ischemia in the inferior wall of the heart."

10. Jaundice

• Meaning: A yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels.
• Example: "The newborn was treated for jaundice with phototherapy."

11. Keratitis

• Meaning: Inflammation of the cornea.
• Example: "The patient was diagnosed with keratitis after complaining of eye pain and blurred vision."

12. Lethargy

• Meaning: A state of sluggishness, inactivity, and apathy.
• Example: "The nurse noted the patient's lethargy and decreased responsiveness."

13. Myalgia

• Meaning: Muscle pain.
• Example: "The patient reported myalgia as a side effect of the statin medication."

14. Necrosis

• Meaning: The death of body tissue.
• Example: "The wound showed signs of necrosis, necessitating debridement."

15. Oliguria

• Meaning: The production of abnormally small amounts of urine.
• Example: "Oliguria in the patient was a sign of acute kidney injury."

16. Pallor

• Meaning: An unhealthy pale appearance.
• Example: "The nurse observed pallor in the patient, indicating possible anemia."

17. Quarantine

• Meaning: A period of isolation to prevent the spread of disease.
• Example: "The patient was placed in quarantine after exposure to a contagious virus."

18. Rales

• Meaning: Abnormal lung sounds characterized by a crackling noise.
• Example: "The presence of rales suggested fluid accumulation in the lungs."

19. Sepsis

• Meaning: A life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection.
• Example: "Early recognition and treatment of sepsis are crucial for patient survival."

20. Tachycardia

• Meaning: A faster than normal heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute.
• Example: "The patient's tachycardia was managed with beta-blockers."

21. Ulceration

• Meaning: The formation of an ulcer, a sore on the skin or mucous membrane.
• Example: "Chronic venous insufficiency led to ulceration on the patient's legs."

22. Ventilation

• Meaning: The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.
• Example: "Mechanical ventilation was required for the patient with respiratory failure."

23. Wheezing

• Meaning: A high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing.
• Example: "The nurse noted wheezing in the patient with asthma."

24. Xerosis

• Meaning: Abnormal dryness of the skin or mucous membranes.
• Example: "The patient was advised to use emollients to treat xerosis."

25. Yawn

• Meaning: An involuntary opening of the mouth with a deep inhalation, often due to tiredness or boredom.
• Example: "Yawning can be a sign of fatigue or a need for increased oxygen intake."

26. Zoonosis

• Meaning: A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
• Example: "Rabies is a zoonosis that requires immediate medical attention after exposure."

27. Aphasia

• Meaning: The inability to comprehend or formulate language due to brain damage.
• Example: "The stroke patient exhibited aphasia, affecting their ability to communicate."

28. Bilirubin

• Meaning: A yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that breaks down heme in vertebrates.
• Example: "Elevated bilirubin levels in the blood can lead to jaundice."

29. Cyanosis

• Meaning: A bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation.
• Example: "Cyanosis was observed in the patient's lips and fingertips."

30. Dyspnea

• Meaning: Difficult or labored breathing.
• Example: "The patient reported dyspnea on exertion, prompting further cardiac evaluation."

31. Emesis

• Meaning: Vomiting.
• Example: "The patient experienced emesis after receiving chemotherapy."

32. Fistula

• Meaning: An abnormal connection between two body parts, such as organs or vessels.
• Example: "The patient developed a fistula between the intestine and bladder."

33. Glomerulonephritis

• Meaning: Inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli).
• Example: "The patient was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis following a strep infection."

34. Hyperkalemia

• Meaning: Higher than normal levels of potassium in the blood.
• Example: "Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias and requires prompt treatment."

35. Iatrogenic

• Meaning: A condition that is caused by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures.
• Example: "The patient's rash was determined to be iatrogenic, resulting from a medication reaction."

Conclusion

Mastering these 35 nursing vocabulary words will not only prepare you for the NCLEX exam but also enhance your ability to communicate effectively in clinical settings. Understanding these terms is essential for providing high-quality patient care and ensuring successful outcomes. Keep this guide handy as a reference to bolster your nursing practice and confidence.