Wound Care Glossary of Terms BSI (bloodstream infection) – An infection in the blood when a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line or central line is present. BP (blood pressure) – A vital sign that measures the pressure of blood against the walls of the blood vessels. Cardiac – Related to the heart. CMI (case mix index) – The Medicare rating that measures the severity of a patient’s illness. Central line – A type of IV placed in the upper chest area that allows easier access to administer medications and take blood samples. CNA – Certified nursing assistant. Contact isolation – Isolation due to an infection that is transmitted by touch. Caregivers should use gloves and wear a gown when taking care of a patient who is in contact isolation. Culture – A test to determine if infection is present and identify which antibiotic to use for that infection. Decubitis ulcer – An area of skin that breaks down when a body remains in one position for too long without shifting its weight. Diaphoresis – An abnormal increase in the amount of sweat. Diastolic – The bottom number of the blood pressure measurement. Disposition – Placement when a patient leaves the hospital. Endocrine – Relating to the glandular system. Fluid overload – An unusual amount of water retained by the body. GI (gastroenterology) – Related to the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system). Hematology – Related to blood and blood-producing organs. HR (heart rate) – A vital sign signaling the amount of times the heart beats in one minute. Infectious – Related to infections. Integument – Related to skin, hair and nails. Interdisciplinary team – A team of caregivers from different specialty areas. LOS (length of stay) – The amount of time a patient stays in the hospital. LPN – Licensed practical nurse. MD – Medical doctor. Mental status – A patient’s ability to know the current day, date and time. Mist therapy – A wound care modality that uses non-contact, low-frequency ultrasound to improve wound healing, usually performed by a physical therapist. MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) – A type of infection that can be transferred by touch (requires contact isolation). NGT (nasogastric tube) – A feeding tube placed in the nose that runs to the stomach. Nosocomial decubitis – Bedsores that develop during hospitalization. NP – Nurse practitioner. OT – Occupational therapist. Oncology – The study of cancer. PA – Physician assistant. PCT – Patient care technician. PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) – An endoscopic procedure for that involves placing a tube into the stomach through a very small incision in the abdominal wall. PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) – An IV inserted into the upper arm. PLOF (prior level of function) – The patient’s functional level prior to hospitalization. PO – Drinking or eating by mouth. PPN (peripheral parenteral nutrition) – Nutrition provided through an IV. Pressure ulcer – An area of skin that breaks down when a body remains in one position for too long without shifting its weight. Protocol – Medical guideline. RD – Registered dietitian. Renal – Referring to the kidneys. RN – Registered nurse. Stabilized –- Resting comfortably. Systolic – The top number of the blood pressure measurement. TPN (total parenteral nutrition) – Nutrition provided through an IV. Tube feeding – Liquid formula provided by a tube through either the nose or stomach. UTI (urinary tract infection) – An infection of the urinary system. Vascular – Related to the blood vessels and circulatory system. Vital signs – The measurement of how fast the heart is beating, how fast a patient is breathing and body temperature. VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci) – An infection that can be transferred by touch (requires contact isolation). WOCN – Certified ostomy continence nurse. Wound vac – A modality that uses suction (vacuum) to assist closing a wound.