Dictionary

nvCJD New variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

nutritionist 1 In a hospital or nursing home, a person who plans and/or formulates special meals for patients. The term can also be a euphemism for a cook who works in a medical facility but who does not have extensive training in special nutritional needs. 2 In clinical practice, a specialist in nutrition. Nutritionists can…

nutrition 1 The science or practice of taking in and utilizing foods. 2 A nourishing substance, such as nutritional solutions delivered to hospitalized patients via an intravenous (IV) or nasogastric (NG) tube.

nutraceutical A food or part of a food that allegedly provides medicinal or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. A nutraceutical may be a naturally nutrient-rich or medicinally active food, such as garlic or soybeans, or it may be a specific component of a food, such as the omega-3 fish oil that…

nursing home A residential facility for people with chronic illness or disability, particularly older people who have mobility and eating problems. Also known as a convalescent home and long-term care facility.

nursing 1 A profession concerned with the provision of services that are essential to the maintenance and restoration of health. Nurses attend to the needs of sick people. Some nurses are licensed to directly diagnose and treat disease, and others work in medical research. 2 Breastfeeding.

nurse practitioner A registered nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced training program in a medical specialty, such as pediatric care. Abbreviated NP. An NP may be a primary, direct health care provider, and can prescribe medications. Some NPs work in research rather than in direct patient care.

nurse assistant A person who has completed a brief health care training program and who provides support services for RNs and LPNs. Also known as an orderly or, when certified by a state agency, a certified nurse aide (CNA).

nurse, registered A nurse who has completed a 2- to 4-year degree program in nursing. Abbreviated RN. RNs provide direct patient care for acutely or chronically ill patients. RNs may further specialize in a particular area. For example, psychiatric nurses are RNs with special training in working with mentally ill patients, and trauma nurses work…

nurse, licensed practical A nurse who has completed a 1- or 2-year training program in health care and has earned a state license. Abbreviated LPN. LPNs provide direct patient care for people with chronic illness, in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care settings. They assist RNs in caring for acutely ill patients.

nurse 1 A person who is trained, licensed, or skilled in nursing. 2 To breastfeed an infant.

nummular eczema Coin-shaped patches of irritated skin that most commonly appear on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs and may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy.