“H” Words for NCLEX Preparation | Day 23

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

Hemoglobin

Definition: A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Example: “Low hemoglobin levels can be a sign of anemia.”

Hypertension

Definition: High blood pressure, a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.
Example: “Chronic hypertension can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.”

Hyperglycemia

Definition: An excess of glucose in the bloodstream, often associated with diabetes.
Example: “Signs of hyperglycemia include frequent urination and increased thirst.”

Hysterectomy

Definition: A surgical operation to remove all or part of the uterus.
Example: “A hysterectomy may be performed to treat fibroids or endometriosis.”

Hepatitis

Definition: Inflammation of the liver, often caused by a virus.
Example: “Hepatitis B and C are common causes of liver infection.”

Hemostasis

Definition: The stopping of bleeding or the arrest of blood circulation in a part of the body.
Example: “Platelets play a key role in hemostasis.”

Hypoxia

Definition: A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.
Example: “Hypoxia can occur in severe cases of pneumonia.”

Hernia

Definition: A condition in which part of an organ is displaced and protrudes through the wall of the cavity containing it.
Example: “A common type of hernia is an inguinal hernia, where part of the intestine bulges through a weak area in the abdominal muscles.”

Hemiplegia

Definition: Paralysis of one side of the body.
Example: “Stroke can cause hemiplegia, affecting either the left or right side of the body.”

Histology

Definition: The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.
Example: “Histology is essential for diagnosing diseases from tissue samples.”

Hyperplasia

Definition: An increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, causing it to increase in size.
Example: “Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in older men.”

Hypoglycemia

Definition: Low blood sugar, a condition that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) is too low.
Example: “Hypoglycemia can be a side effect of diabetes medication.”

Hematoma

Definition: A solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissues.
Example: “The patient developed a hematoma at the site of the injury.”

Holistic

Definition: Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
Example: “Holistic approaches in medicine focus on improving overall wellness, not just alleviating specific symptoms.”

Homeostasis

Definition: The tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Example: “The body maintains homeostasis through various mechanisms, like regulating temperature and pH levels.”

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