This practical dictionary is tailored for LPN students and new clinicians who need clear, concise definitions with clinical context. Each entry explains the term, why it matters in practice, and where to apply it during assessments, documentation, and patient education.
Use the dictionary alongside our LPN Anatomy, LPN Pharmacology, and LPN Protocols pages to turn definitions into safe, confident care.
Entries are written for quick comprehension during study and clinical shifts. Each definition includes: a plain‑language explanation, a short clinical example, and links to related site resources. For example, a definition of "auscultation" links to assessment checklists in our LPN Articles and to anatomical landmarks on the LPN Anatomy page.
When you encounter unfamiliar terms in clinical documentation, cross‑reference them here before charting; pair this with the LPN Abbreviations page to ensure you use approved shorthand safely.
Auscultation — Listening to internal body sounds with a stethoscope. Clinically, auscultation helps detect abnormal heart sounds, lung crackles, or bowel activity; document findings with location and quality (e.g., "crackles at bilateral bases, inspiratory"). See assessment examples in LPN Encyclopedia.
Edema — Excess interstitial fluid causing swelling. Note location, pitting vs. non‑pitting, and severity (e.g., "2+ pitting edema, bilateral ankles"). Correlate with cardiovascular and renal entries on the LPN Encyclopedia for likely causes and nursing actions.
PRN — "Pro re nata" or as needed. When charting PRN medications, include indication, dose, and response; review medication safety on the LPN Pharmacology page.
Terms related to clinical tasks (e.g., catheterization, wound debridement). Cross‑link to step‑by‑step guides in LPN Protocols.
Drug classes, routes, and safety terms. Use with practice questions on LPN Quizzes & Tests.
Vital sign terminology, neuro checks, and focused assessment language—pair with LPN Anatomy for landmarks and rationale.
Use the dictionary as a study anchor: read an entry, then test yourself with related flashcards on the LPN Quizzes & Tests page. Bookmark frequently used terms for quick access during clinical shifts.
Many medical terms are challenging to pronounce. When possible, listen to audio pronunciations and practice aloud before clinicals. Refer to the LPN Textbooks page for recommended resources that include audio guides.
Each definition includes a short clinical example and a link to a related article or protocol so you can immediately see how the term applies to patient care. For example, "wound exudate" links to wound care entries in the LPN Encyclopedia and dressing guidance in LPN Protocols.
Keep a printed or bookmarked digital copy of high‑yield terms (vitals, medication routes, common procedures). When documenting, avoid ambiguous abbreviations—consult the LPN Abbreviations page and your facility's "do not use" list on the LPN Guidelines page.
If you encounter a complex term in a patient chart, read the dictionary entry, review the related article on LPN Articles, and practice the concept with a quiz from LPN Quizzes & Tests to reinforce retention.