“H” Words for NCLEX Preparation | Day 25

Hemolysis

Definition: The destruction of red blood cells, which leads to the release of hemoglobin from within the red blood cells into the blood plasma.
Example: “Hemolysis can be a reaction to certain medications or can occur in diseases like sickle cell anemia.”

Hirsutism

Definition: Excessive hair growth on the body or face, especially in women.
Example: “Hirsutism in women can be due to hormonal imbalances, such as those seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).”

Hydrotherapy

Definition: The use of water for pain relief and treatment.
Example: “Hydrotherapy can be beneficial for patients with arthritis for improving joint mobility.”

Hyperkalemia

Definition: Higher than normal levels of potassium in the blood.
Example: “Hyperkalemia can affect heart function and is often seen in kidney failure.”

Hypokalemia

Definition: Lower than normal levels of potassium in the blood.
Example: “Hypokalemia can occur due to certain medications or illnesses and can lead to muscle weakness and cardiac problems.”

Hemiparesis

Definition: Weakness on one side of the body.
Example: “Hemiparesis is a common after-effect of a stroke.”

Hemorrhoidectomy

Definition: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids.
Example: “A hemorrhoidectomy may be necessary for severe cases of hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments.”

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Definition: A treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber.
Example: “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used for treating certain types of infections and wounds that don’t heal well.”

Hemianopsia

Definition: Loss of vision in half of the visual field of one or both eyes.
Example: “Hemianopsia can result from a stroke that affects the visual pathways in the brain.”

Hepatomegaly

Definition: Abnormal enlargement of the liver.
Example: “Hepatomegaly can be a sign of liver disease, heart failure, or cancer.”

Hypospadias

Definition: A birth defect in boys where the opening of the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis.
Example: “Hypospadias is often corrected with surgery in early childhood.”

Hyperlipidemia

Definition: High levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Example: “Hyperlipidemia can be managed with diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.”

Hypogonadism

Definition: A condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough of the sex hormones.
Example: “Hypogonadism can affect body development, sexual development, and reproductive functions.”

Hemochromatosis

Definition: A disorder where too much iron builds up in the body.
Example: “Untreated hemochromatosis can lead to liver disease, heart problems, and diabetes.”

Hyperparathyroidism

Definition: An excess of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream due to overactivity of one or more of the body’s four parathyroid glands.
Example: “Hyperparathyroidism can lead to weakened bones, kidney stones, and other symptoms.”

Conclusion: Congratulations on completing the module on important “H” words for NCLEX preparation! You’ve delved into the terminology that forms the foundation of nursing and medicine, all starting with the letter “H”