“E” Words for NCLEX Preparation | Day 14

Introduction: Welcome to our journey through essential words related to nursing or medicine, all starting with the letter “E” These words are crucial for your NCLEX preparation, as they represent fundamental concepts and terminology you’ll encounter in the healthcare field.

Edema

Definition: Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues.
Example: “The patient had significant edema in the lower extremities.”


Echocardiogram

Definition: A sonographic image of the heart.
Example: “An echocardiogram was performed to evaluate the patient’s heart function.”


Epilepsy

Definition: A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions.
Example: “Epilepsy is usually treated with medication to control seizures.”


Erythema

Definition: Redness of the skin typically caused by inflammation or increased blood flow.
Example: “Erythema can indicate a skin infection or allergic reaction.”


Endoscopy

Definition: A procedure in which an instrument is introduced into the body to give a view of its internal parts.
Example: “Gastrointestinal issues are often diagnosed with an endoscopy.”


Embolism

Definition: The obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign substance or a blood clot.
Example: “Pulmonary embolism is a dangerous condition and requires immediate medical attention.”


Electrolyte

Definition: Minerals in the body that have an electric charge; important in many bodily functions.
Example: “Electrolyte imbalances can occur with dehydration or illness.”


Encephalopathy

Definition: A broad term for any brain disease that alters brain function or structure.
Example: “Liver failure can lead to hepatic encephalopathy.”


Euthanasia

Definition: The painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma.
Example: “Euthanasia is a controversial and ethically complex issue in medicine.”


Exacerbation

Definition: A worsening of a disease or symptoms.
Example: “An exacerbation of asthma can be triggered by allergens.”


Exudate

Definition: Fluid, cells, or other substances that have been slowly exuded, or discharged, from cells or blood vessels through small pores or breaks in cell membranes.
Example: “The presence of exudate in a wound can indicate an infection.”


Ectopic Pregnancy

Definition: A pregnancy in which the fetus develops outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.
Example: “Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.”


Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Definition: A test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat.
Example: “The patient’s arrhythmia was diagnosed using an electrocardiogram.”


Enteral Nutrition

Definition: A way to provide food through a tube placed in the nose, the stomach, or the small intestine.
Example: “Enteral nutrition is used for patients who are unable to eat normally.”


Epidemiology

Definition: The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns, and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
Example: “Epidemiology is crucial for understanding the spread of infectious diseases.”

Conclusion: You’ve delved into the terminology that forms the foundation of nursing and medicine, all starting with the letter “E”