advanced directive
written instructions clients give in advance about the types of healthcare they desire should they become unable to decide for themselves
alias
an assigned name under which certain clients are admitted to (and records kept in) a healthcare facility in order to maintain anonymity
assault
a violent act, either physical or verbal
assisted suicide
helping an individual who wants to end his or her life to do so
battery
physical striking or beating, as assault and battery
biological death
permanent and irreversible cessation of the body's physical and chemical processes and failure of body cells
brain death
irreversible cessation of the brain and brain stem function to the extent that cardiopulmonary function must be mechanically maintained. Criteria for determination vary between states (also called cerebral death, irreversible coma, and persistent vegetati
crime
an illegal act; a felony or misdemeanor; an offense which is against the law
endorsement
process by which a licensed nurse in one state may receive a license in another state, without retaking the licensing exam
ethics
codes or rules of behavior
euthanasia
an easy or painless death (may be induced), often referred to as mercy death or mercy killing; deliberately ending the life of a person who has an incurable or painful disease
felony
a crime more serious than a misdemeanor, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than a year. Felonies include murder, euthanasia, kidnapping, and blackmail.
Good Samaritan Act
law in effect in most states that protects healthcare providers from liability when performing emergency care within the limits of first aid if they act in a "reasonable and prudent manner
informed consent
giving full information and making sure the client understands before the client consents to surgery or other medical procedures
legal death
death, usually declared by a physician, as total absence of activity of any of the body's systems
liability
something one is required to do, an obligation , often financial; being found guilty of inappropriate or illegal acts
libel
a false or damaging written statement or photograph
malpractice
injurious or faulty treatment; professional misconduct
misdemeanor
a crime less serious than a felony, usually punishable by a fine or imprisonment for less than a year
negligence
harm done to a person because of failure to do something that a responsible person would do; doing something a responsible person would not do; irresponsible care
Nurse Practice Act
the law governing nursing practice in a state or territory
slander
malicious and false verbal statements
tort
a wrong or injury committed against a person or property for which the injured person has the right to sue
AHA
American Hospital Association
AMA
against medical advice
CAT
computerized adaptive testing
CEH
continuing education hours
CEU
continuing education units
CPR
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
EEG
electroencephalograms
EPHI
Electronic Protected Health Information
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
LPN/LVN
practical nurse
NCLEX/PN
National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses
NCLEX/RN
National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses
NCSBN
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
PHI
Protected Health Information
PSDA
Patient Self-Determination Act
RN
registered nurse
ROI
Release of Information
UNOS
United Network of Organ Sharing