Category: C

This generic term has recently appeared as “Clinical Data Set” in some publications, used with a specific definition, as “a vertically integrated array of pertinent clinical data for a patient with a given medical prognosis.” Elaboration of this definition states that the data set must contain, for a given diagnosis, the following elements: nursing diagnosis,…

A training experience, involving actual care and treatment of patients (clinical experience) under medical or dental supervision, provided by a hospital to a medical or dental student. The trainee is called a clinical clerk.  

A student in a medical or dental school who carries out certain tasks with patients (clinical tasks) under supervision as part of his training. The training period is called a clinical clerkship.  

A component of the United States National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). Each CSU has several disaster medical assistance team (DMAT)s along with bed facilities for casualties. About 150 CSUs are planned for the country.  

A room (which may be a “room within a room”) with environ¬ mental controls which prevent bacteria and dirt from coming in or going out. This is accomplished by using a filtered air supply and by providing methods for manipulating the patient without direct contact. Ports in the “room” permit persons wearing sleeved rubber gloves…

A person who classifies, that is, who does classification (process).  

Derived from the verb “to classify.” The process of placing an entity (item) of a universe into its category (pigeonhole) within a classification (scheme). This is a specialized function which requires a “judgment call” as to which category a given entity falls into in cases where the entity is described in a term or terms…

That branch of the science of health dealing with the problems associated with changes in the individual’s sleep and wakefulness cycle, such as “jet lag” and the shifting of work hours for nurses.  

A national membership organization devoted to obtaining and protecting the right for individuals to make their own decisions about medical treatment at the end of life. The organization promotes advance planning and directives, carries out research on legal issues, and maintains public education programs.  

A facility, either a part of a hospital or free-standing, which provides prenatal care for the mother, delivery, and postnatal care. Typically a facility with this name involves the family rather than just the mother and baby; it permits the father’s attendance at the delivery and his assistance in caring for the baby, and so…