I Glossary

Affect: Outward display of one’s emotional state. A “flat” affect with little display of emotion is associated with depression.

AIDET: Mnemonic for introducing oneself in health care that includes Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You.^[1]

BMI: A standardized reference range to gauge a patient’s weight status.

Cultural safety: The creation of safe spaces for patients to interact with health professionals without judgment, racial reductionism, racialization, or discrimination.

Developmental stages: A person’s life span can be classified into nine categories of development, including Prenatal Development, Infancy and Toddlerhood, Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Adolescence, Early Adulthood, Middle Adulthood, Late Adulthood, and Death and Dying.

Family dynamics: Patterns of interactions between family members that influence family structure, hierarchy, roles, values, and behaviors.

General survey assessment: A component of a patient assessment that observes the entire patient as a whole. Observation includes using all five senses to gather cues that provide a guideline for additional focused assessments in areas of concern.

Medical asepsis: Measures to prevent the spread of infection in health care agencies.

Older adults: People over the age of 65.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Includes gowns, eyewear, face shields, and masks, along with environmental controls, to prevent the transmission of infection for patients who are diagnosed or suspected of having an infectious disease.

Primary survey: A brief observation at the start of a shift or visit to verify the patient is stable by assessing mental status, airway, breathing, and circulation.