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Nursing Best Practice Guideline
Antiseptic (Topical): A diluted form of a disinfectant (a strong chemical agent not
derived from living tissue), designed to kill all cell membranes it contacts.
Atherosclerotic: A thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the blood vessel walls.
Atrophe Blanche: White atrophic lesions often associated with venous disease. Tiny
visible blood vessels, called telangiectasia, are often seen in the centre.
Bacteremia: The presence of viable bacteria in the circulating blood.
Basal Cell Carcinoma: A malignant carcinoma which affects epithelial cells.
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Beurger’s Disease: An inflammatory occlusive condition, usually affecting vascular
circulation of the leg, foot or upper extremities. Also known as thromboangitis obliterans.
Biopsy: The tissue removed (usually under local or general anaesthesia) for examination
to determine the underlying etiology. The procedure to remove the tissue is also referred to
as a biopsy.
Body Mass Index: Body weight in kilograms (kg) divided by height in meters squared
(m 2 ). It is used as a crude indicator of obesity.
Body Substance Isolation (BSI): A system of infection-control procedures routinely
used with all clients to prevent cross-contamination of pathogens. The system emphasizes
the use of barrier precautions to isolate potentially infectious body substances.
Calcification: The accumulation of calcium salts in tissues. Normally 99 percent of calcium
is deposited in bones and teeth with the remaining 1 percent dissolved in body fluids.
Callus: A thickening of the epidermis at a location of external pressure or friction. It is
usually painless.
Cell Migration: Movement of cells in the repair process.
Cellulitis: An infection of the skin characterized most commonly by local heat, redness
(erythema), pain and swelling.