Glossary

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O

objective data
information that can be observed, perceived, or measured through the use of the sense organs or through the use of instruments.

observation
the collection of information through the use of the physical senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste).

occlusive dressings
self-adhesive dressings used on ulcerated areas, pressure sores, minor burns, abrasions, lacerations and post-operative wounds.

occult blood
blood in stool that is only seen by a microscope.

occupational health
a field of health concerned with the physical, mental and social well-being of people in relation to work and working environment and people's adjustment to work and the adjustment of work to people.

occupational therapist
a member of the health team who is primarily concerned with the restoration of bodily functions through specific tasks or skills, rather than exercises and treatments.

Old Age Security
a universal pension program in Canada that provides income security for older people.

olfactory
pertaining to the sense of smell.

oliguria
decreased production of urine; less than 30 ml per hour.

one-on-one discussion
nurse directly relays content and engages the patient in informal discussion.

onset of action
the time it takes for a drug to enter the bloodstream and begin its action on the body.

onychauxis
excessive thickening of the nail.

onycholysis
loosening of the distal nail edge from the nail bed.

onychorrhexis
thin, brittle nail with an uneven edge.

open system
a system that exchanges energy, resources and information with its environment.

open wound
tissue injury with a break in the skin or mucous membrane.

operational definition
definition of a concept such that someone else will measure it in the same way.

ophthalmoscope
an instrument used to examine the eyes.

oral airway
a curved, plastic device which slides over the tongue to hold it down and forward.

orderlies
nursing attendants who assist with the care of patients in hospitals, extended-care facilities, nursing homes and similar establishments.

orientation phase
the time it takes for a nurse and patient to get to know each other and begin to trust each other.

orthopnea
the inability to breathe except when in a sitting or standing position.

orthostatic hypotension
abnormally low blood pressure occurs when an individual stands too quickly from a lying position.

osmolality
a measure of the number of osmotically active particles per kilogram of water (mmol/kg).

osmolarity
the quantity (concentration) of dissolved substances in a solution.

osmosis
the movement of a solvent, such as water, across a selectively permeable membrane from a solution that has a lower solute concentration to one that has a higher solute concentration.

osmotic pressure
the force exerted by the nondiffusible particles in a solution which tends to draw water toward it; the amount of pressure required to prevent osmotic movement across a membrane.

otoscope
an instrument used to examine the ears.

output
energy, information and resources that are released back to the environment.

oxygenation
the supply of oxygen to body cells.