Key Terms

advance directive

document that allows a patient to convey, in writing, their wishes for care if they are unable to advocate for themselves due to a medical condition

certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)

advanced practice RN who has received special training to administer anesthesia

detoxification

withdrawal from substance

incentive spirometer

tool used for breathing exercises to promote lung function

malignant hyperthermia

serious genetic condition that causes a life-threatening elevation of body temperature and muscle spasms, among other severe symptoms

morbidity

illness measured in prevalence or incidence within a population

mortality

death measured within a population expressed as a ratio

NPO

nothing by mouth

preoperative phase

begins when the decision is made to proceed with a surgery or procedure and ends when the patient arrives in the operating room

sentinel event

unexpected event that leads to serious patient harm or death