Clinical judgment terms explained for nursing students.

Glossary

ABCs

ABCs means airway, breathing and circulation. It is a prioritization framework used to identify immediate threats to oxygenation and perfusion.

Glossary

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction that can involve airway compromise, respiratory distress and circulatory collapse.

Glossary

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia means low blood glucose. In nursing scenarios, it can cause sweating, shakiness, hunger, confusion, weakness, seizure or loss of consciousness.

Glossary

Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection that can lead to poor perfusion, organ dysfunction and shock.

Glossary

Vital Signs

Vital signs are measurements such as temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and pain score that help describe patient status.