Glossary of Terms

Definition of Acute Pain.

Definitions of an Advanced Directive.

Definition of anesthesia.

Angina definition

Definition of anticipatory grief.

Definition of anxiety with descriptive symptoms.

Definition and discussion of anxiolytics.

Definition of apnea, or absence of breathing.

Definition of around-the-clock (atc) pain medication.

Receiving nutrition in any form other than the taking in of food and fluid through the mouth (orally) is considered artificial nutrition.

Definition of aspiration pneumonia.

An attending physician usually has the most significant role in a patient's medical care.

The Supreme Court ruling in California regarding the case of Elizabeth Bouvia.

Definition of breakthrough pain.

Short definition of CPR

Cheyne-Stokes respirations are defined by irregular breathing.

Definition of chronic pain.

Comfort Care - What is Comfort Care

Definition of DABDA, the five stages of coping with death.

A trust isn't only for the wealthy; it can be a valuable financial tool to many people in various situations. Find out what a trust it...

What is aspiration? Find the definition for aspiration, including aspiration pneumonia.

A brief definition of grief.

Definition of a prion, a factor in Alzheimer's Disease.

Opioids, also known as narcotics, are prescription medications used to treat pain.

Diaphoresis is sweating profusely.

Short definition of a Do Not Resuscitate Order.

Brief definition of durable power of attorney for healthcare.

Definition of dyspnea.

What is euthanasia? Find the definition of euthanasia here.

A following physician is chosen by the patient to be the doctor in charge of medical care.

A gastrostomy tube, or G tube, is a tube that is placed directly into the stomach for long term administration of food, fluids, and medications.

A patient is admitted to hospice with a terminal diagnosis that will determine what is covered under the hospice benefit.

The hospice physician certifies the patient's terminal illness and oversees the patient's medical care while on hospice.

Short definition of Hospice.

Short definition of intubation.

Definition of inurnment

Short definition of a living will.

Mechanical ventilation is the use of a machine to take over active breathing for a patient.

A benefit of Medicare coverage, it establishes patient eligibility, services provided, and reimbursement for hospice services.

A nasogastric tube, or NG tube, is a tube inserted through the nose and into the stomach.

What is an ostomy? Find the definition of an ostomy.

Short definition of palliate.

Brief definition of palliative care.

Definition of palliative sedation.

What is physician-assisted suicide? Find the definition of physician-assisted suicide here.

Definition of power of attorney.

Definition of a Pressure Ulcer or Bedsore

Probate is a legal process that takes place after a death. Find out what it involves here...

Renal dialysis is the process of filtering the blood, the way kidneys normally do, using a machine.

Brief definition of respite care.

Respite means relief or a break.

Brief definition of resuscitation.

Definition of sedation.

Simultaneous care is a model of care that allows patients and families to recieve palliative care at the same time as curative care.

Brief definition of skilled nursing.

Definition of stress.

Definition of Suffering.

A definition of terminal restlessness - a common symptom at the end of life.

Definition of thanataphobia.

Definition of thanatology

Total parentarel nutrition (TPN)is an intravenous feeding that provides nutrition and fluids for someone who cannot take in foods and fluid orally.