Definition List / Electronic Correspondence Code
List of definitions of nursing practice terms
The terminology used to describe nursing actions is not always the same from facility to facility or person to person, and the same actions are not always described in the same way. This is a major barrier to the digitization of records.
The "Classification of Nursing Practice Terms" defines each practice term and includes synonyms for terms that share the same definition. The electronic version of the "Classification of Nursing Practice Terms" code uses the classification framework of the "Classification of Nursing Practice Terms" and enables the use of the "Classification of Nursing Practice Terms" for recording between different information systems by utilizing each practice term and its synonyms.
In other words, the 213 terms listed in the "Classification of Nursing Practice Terms" are designated as the most frequently used lead terms, and information exchange codes are assigned to the lead terms and their respective synonyms. The information exchange codes allow for the recognition of the same act as one that shares the same definition, even though the expressions used at each facility may differ at the level of synonyms.
The list of definitions of nursing practice terms (Table 1) and the list of codes for nursing practice terms (Table 2) are shown separately. Please combine these two tables when using the electronic version.
Table 1: List of definitions of nursing practice terms
Area 1: Observation and monitoring
Field A] General Observation and Monitoring
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
1A0101 |
Measurement of vital signs |
Observe pulse, respiration, temperature, blood pressure, and consciousness. |
1A0201 |
Understanding the overall impression |
To understand the changes in the subject's mental, physical, and behavioral activities through the five senses of the nursing professional. |
1A0301 |
Activities of Daily Living Assessment |
Assessing independence in activities of daily living |
1A0401 |
Assessment of cognitive function |
Assessing abilities related to perception of self and the external world (e.g., places, people, time, and surroundings) |
1A0501 |
watching over |
The act or condition of the subject should be intentionally observed by setting up a system of |
1A0601 |
Monitoring of water receipts and disbursements |
Continuous observation and evaluation of fluid intake and excretion |
1A0701 |
Nutrition Monitoring |
Continuous observation and evaluation of nutritional intake and nutritional status |
1A0801 |
Assessment of Circulatory Function |
To observe and evaluate the state of circulation |
1A0901 |
Assessment of Respiratory Function |
Observe and evaluate respiratory and ventilatory status |
1A1001 |
Intravascular pressure monitoring |
Administer catheters inserted into blood vessels and continuously observe and measure intravascular pressure |
Field B] Observation and monitoring by developmental stage
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
1B0101 |
Evaluation of pregnancy progress |
To determine the health status of pregnant women and the development and health status of the fetus based on indicators |
1B0102 |
Evaluation of the course of delivery |
To judge the course of the delivery and the health of the woman and the fetus on the basis of the indicators |
1B0201 |
Assessment of the newborn immediately after birth |
To determine the physical condition of the newborn within the first 12 hours of life |
1B0202 |
Early neonatal evaluation |
To determine the physical condition of the newborn within 7 days of birth |
1B0301 |
Assessment of infant complaints |
Judging the infant's needs and condition from the infant's words, cries, facial expressions, and behavior. |
1B0302 |
Evaluation of infant complaints |
To judge the needs and conditions of infants based on their words, facial expressions, behavior, and crying patterns. |
1B0401 |
Confirmation of history of pediatric infectious diseases and immunizations |
Collect information from caregivers and others regarding history of pediatric infectious diseases and immunization practices. |
1B0501 |
Growth and Development Assessment |
To determine the overall state of the child's physical and mental development |
1B0601 |
Elderly Life Function Assessment |
Comprehensive assessment of the physical (activity) abilities, psycho-cognitive functions, and human, social, and physical environment necessary for the elderly to maintain daily life. |
Field C] Observation and monitoring by place and situation
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
1C0101 |
District Diagnosis |
To understand the actual living conditions of people living in the community, and to analyze and discuss the elements of planning necessary to solve their health problems |
Area 2: Assistance with basic activities of daily living
Field A] Breathing assistance
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
2A0101 |
Airway humidification |
Increased moistening in the airway. |
2A0201 |
antitussive therapy |
Self-draining of airway secretions reaching the left and right bronchi and main bronchi |
Field B] Assistance with food and fluid intake
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
2B0101 |
Preparation for feeding |
To put the body and mind in a state suitable for eating. |
2B0102 |
Meal setting |
To arrange the external environment, such as the arrangement of the table and dishes, so that the subject can take it by himself/herself according to his/her functional status and habits. |
2B0201 |
Meal and feeding assistance |
To provide a person who is unable to bring food or liquids to his or her mouth on his or her own, or who is unable to chew or swallow properly, with the same alternative as if he or she were eating on his or her own, so that the person can safely chew and swallow. |
2B0301 |
hydration |
To provide oral fluid intake for those who are deficient in water. |
2B0401 |
bottle feeding |
A series of actions to feed the baby breast milk or artificial milk using a bottle and then encourage exhaustion |
Field C] Assistance with elimination
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
2C0101 |
toilet care |
To use an excretory device to pass stool or urine. |
2C0201 |
Toilet operation assistance (toilet assistance) |
To compensate for the lack of a series of toilet activities associated with elimination (lifting and lowering clothes, assuming the posture for elimination, cleanliness activities associated with elimination, and cleaning up after excretions). |
2C0301 |
Promotes intestinal tract motility. |
Physical stimulation or directed medication to stimulate bowel movements |
2C0302 |
Fecal Adjustment |
Regulating the nature of stools by adjusting lifestyle behaviors and prescribed medications |
2C0401 |
inducement to urinate |
To induce spontaneous urination through physical stimulation or environmental adjustments |
Field D] Assistance in cleanliness
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
2D0101 |
Bathing assistance |
Assistance in a series of activities associated with bathing (dressing and undressing, preparing items, moving to the bathroom, washing the body, getting in and out of the bathtub, and adjusting the temperature and volume of the water). |
2D0201 |
Shower bath assistance |
To assist in the sequence of activities associated with taking a shower (dressing and undressing, preparing items, moving to the shower stall, washing the body, and adjusting the temperature and volume of the water). |
2D0301 |
bathing with one's hands |
Assisting or substituting for a series of acts of washing by immersing in warm water with finger wipes or nurturing fruit. |
2D0302 |
footbath |
Assisting or substituting for a series of washing activities by immersing the feet in warm water from the toes to the knees |
2D0401 |
having a shampoo |
Assisting or replacing the washing of the scalp and hair |
2D0501 |
assistance with washing up |
Helping to wash or wipe the face |
2D0601 |
complete body wiping |
Wipe down the entire body (except the head and hair) to remove dirt. |
2D0701 |
vulvar cleansing |
Cleaning the vulva, perineum, and perianal area |
2D0801 |
newborn baby bathing |
Washing the newborn's body with warm water in the bathing tub |
2D0802 |
belly-button bath |
Soaking the child's umbilical region in warm water to wash it. |
2D0901 |
Eye Care |
Washing and wiping eyelids and conjunctivae (including artificial eyes) |
2D0902 |
Nose Care |
Washing and wiping around the nostrils and inside the nasal passages to remove secretions |
2D0903 |
Ear Care |
Wiping the area around the auricle and ear canal to maintain cleanliness and remove cerumen |
2D0904 |
oral care |
Removing dirt from the oral cavity |
2D0905 |
Denture Care |
To remove stains (plaque, food residue) from dentures |
2D0906 |
Nail Care |
Cutting and trimming nails. |
2D0907 |
Foot care (foot care) |
Clean feet and respond according to observations of skin and nail condition |
2D0908 |
Umbilical Care |
Removing skin plaque from the umbilical area. |
[Field E] Assistance in dressing up
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
2E0101 |
Shaving and face shaving |
To assist in or substitute for a series of actions to remove beard or facial hair |
2E0201 |
cosmetics |
To encourage the application of makeup, or to assist or substitute for the application of makeup. |
2E0301 |
hairdressing and hairdressing |
Encouraging, assisting, or performing hair dressing |
2E0401 |
Appearance prosthetics |
To compensate for changes in appearance or body form and function by assisting with the use of prosthetic devices |
2E0501 |
renovation |
Helping to change clothing. |
[Field F] Sleep assistance
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
2F0101 |
Preparing for bedtime |
To prepare the body, mind, and environment in a manner that facilitates sleep onset. |
2F0201 |
Assistance in falling asleep |
Helping you fall asleep |
2F0301 |
Adjustment of sleep patterns |
Adjusting daily routines to obtain appropriate sleep patterns (duration, rhythm, and depth of sleep) |
[Field G] Assistance in maintaining posture and transferring movements
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
2G0101 |
changing (one's) position |
Changing and holding body orientation or posture on behalf of a person who cannot or should not change his or her own body position. |
2G0201 |
Transferring to a wheelchair |
Helping people who cannot do it themselves or need assistance to transfer between the hospital bed and a wheelchair. |
2G0301 |
Assistance with transfers using assistive devices |
Assist persons who are unable to move on their own or have limited mobility with the use of assistive devices. |
2G0401 |
transfer |
Transferring a person who cannot or should not move on his/her own to his/her destination. |
[Field H] Improvement of hospital beds and hospital room environment
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
2H0101 |
making beds |
To prepare the bedding environment by making the bed, laying out the bedding, or changing the sheets. |
2H0201 |
Maintenance of hospital bed surroundings |
Cleanliness around beds and bedding, and proper arrangement of daily living utensils |
2H0301 |
Improvement of the hospital room environment |
To provide a comfortable and safe physical environment (temperature, humidity, lighting, sound, odor, air currents, objects in view, floor conditions, etc.) |
[Field J] Balance between activity and rest
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
2J0101 |
Assistance in establishing a rhythm of life |
Encouraging and helping to properly structure the day with sleeping and waking, eating and elimination, activity and rest |
2J0201 |
change of pace |
Assisting in changing moods. |
2J0301 |
Managing the balance between activity and rest |
Ensure appropriate activity and rest according to treatment and therapy |
Field Z] Other
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
2Z0101 |
Postmortem procedures |
To restore and cleanse the body of the dead, while improving its appearance. |
2Z0201 |
emergency measure |
Temporary treatment for sudden injury, poisoning, or mental or physical changes that occur in daily life |
Domain 3: Direct effects on bodily functions?
Field A] Emotional Stability
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
3A0101 |
Intestinal gas exhaust |
To drain gas stored in the colon by inserting a catheter. |
3A0201 |
defecation |
Using fingers/tools to scrape out fecal masses from the rectum and anus |
3A0301 |
cold compress |
Applying or using the device to cause a cold stimulus to a part of the body. |
3A0302 |
hot compress |
Applying or using a device to provide thermal stimulation to a part of the body |
3A0401 |
finger pressure |
The application of sustained pressure to a specific area of the body surface using the fingers or an instrument |
3A0501 |
tatting |
Touching any part of the patient's body with the hands of a nursing professional |
3A0601 |
relaxation method |
To promote the relief of neuromuscular tension as well as mental tension |
3A0701 |
Letting them pacify you. |
Pacifier or nipple sucking. |
3A0801 |
(child's) hug |
Holding the child in the arms of a nursing professional. |
Field B] Restoration and activation of physical functions
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
3B0101 |
breathing exercise |
Provide information and help with training on how to breathe effectively |
3B0201 |
positional drainage |
To move secretions stored in the peripheral part of the airway to the main bronchi using gravity |
3B0301 |
Breast Wall Vibration Method |
To move airway secretions (phlegm) by vibrating the back of the chest wall |
3B0302 |
Respiratory muscle massage |
To relax the respiratory muscles. |
3B0401 |
Maintenance and expansion of joint range of motion |
Active or passive movement of joints in various parts of the body within the maximum range of motion of the subject |
3B0501 |
Pelvic floor muscle group training |
To be able to continue voluntary contraction movements of the pelvic floor muscle groups, including the urethral sphincter |
3B0601 |
Assistance in holding a back open sitting position |
To be able to hold an upright sitting position without back support |
3B0701 |
Bed Release Assistance |
To enable a bedridden person to perform a series of movements, step by step, up to walking in a stable manner. |
3B0801 |
skin care |
Removing obstructions to skin function or applying a skin protectant |
3B0901 |
massage |
Sustained and repeated pressure or rubbing on the body surface with the fingers or palms. |
3B1001 |
Peripheral Circulation Enhancing Care |
Warming, elevation, holding, or continuous or intermittent pressure on the extremity |
3B1101 |
Swallowing Rehabilitation |
To help the patient acquire or regain the ability to take in food, chew it, and deliver it to the stomach. |
3B1201 |
breast massage |
Manual stimulation of the nipples and udder to stimulate milk secretion or discharge |
3B1301 |
Assistance in promoting uterine restoration |
To apply physical stimulation to the bedrock of the woman's uterus or to provide information on how to promote uterine restoration. |
3B1401 |
Assistance in alleviating birth pains |
Encourage the parturient to use breathing, friction, compression, positioning, and relaxation during labor. |
Domain 4: Emotional, cognitive, and behavioral work
Field A] Emotional Stability
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
4A0101 |
listening closely |
Listening to the other person, following his or her feelings and thoughts |
4A0102 |
follow |
Let the other person talk about what he or she wants to talk about without going too deep into the content. |
4A0201 |
be with |
To be near the subject and share time and space |
4A0301 |
grief care |
Helping them to naturally accept reactions based on their own experiences of loss of familiar people and things they care about. |
4A0401 |
Support for attachment formation and promotion |
Encourage parents (caregivers) to form and promote relationships with their children |
4A0501 |
Assistance with separation anxiety |
Involvement in stabilizing the emotional state of children who are anxious about being separated from their parents (caregivers). |
4A0601 |
Lifestyle Support |
To work to find meaning in one's existence and the value of life in one's own life. |
4A0701 |
Creating a place of familiarity |
To provide a familiar and secure human and physical environment for those who are unable to choose or adjust to a secure environment |
4A0801 |
Sedative response to agitation and aggression |
Listen carefully and work verbally to avoid strong expressions of agitation and aggression |
4A0802 |
Intervention in self-harm and other harmful behavior |
Temporarily restricting aggressive behavior without harming the target |
Field B] Educational outreach
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
4B0100 |
Patient education (*Note 1) |
To help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to manage their own illnesses and adjust their lives *[term encompassing Medication Guidance (4B0101) to Sexual Health Guidance and Counseling (4B0106)]. |
4B0101 |
Medication guidance (excluding injectable drugs) |
A form of patient education that provides knowledge and skills regarding the proper dosage and use of prescribed medications. |
4B0102 |
Pain Control Guidance |
One form of patient education, providing knowledge and skills related to pain relief. |
4B0103 |
discharge guidance |
A form of patient education that helps patients acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to solve health problems that may occur after discharge from the hospital and to live in society. |
4B0104 |
dietary guidance |
A form of patient education that helps patients acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to eating to reduce or prevent exacerbation of disease conditions. |
4B0105 |
Stoma management guidance |
A form of patient education to help people with stomas manage their stoma safely and with less pain, and to enable them to self-manage their stoma. |
4B0106 |
Sexual life guidance and counseling |
A form of patient education that provides knowledge about safe and satisfying sexual practices and how to treat others, including alternative methods. |
4B0201 |
family education |
Helping family members acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to health care for persons with health problems |
4B0301 |
Outing Support |
To be prepared to go outside the facility or home with a purpose and to be safe while out and about |
4B0302 |
Overnight stay support |
To make arrangements to spend short periods of time at home or elsewhere with a purpose. |
Field C] Explanation and participation promotion
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
4C0101 |
Orientation for examination and treatment |
To explain and answer questions about the sequence of events that take place before, during, and after the examination/procedure, the actions that need to be taken to follow instructions during the process, the sensations that accompany the examination/procedure, and the necessary items. |
4C0201 |
Hospitalization Orientation |
Provide information necessary for hospitalization (ward staff, nursing care delivery system, location and use of facilities, daily routines, weekly events, procedures, etc.) |
4C0301 |
Preoperative Orientation |
To explain the timing, content (physical preparation and rationale, postoperative physical condition), accompanying sensations, and necessary supplies for the perioperative sequence, and to answer questions and concerns. |
Field D] Developmental Support
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
4D0101 |
Kangaroo Care Assistance |
Encouraging parents to hold their children on their chests with direct skin-to-skin contact. |
4D0201 |
Play Assistance |
To adapt the play environment to the medical condition. |
4D0202 |
Learning Assistance |
To create an environment that allows learning to continue in accordance with the medical condition. |
4D0301 |
Assistance in acquiring basic lifestyle habits |
Encourage behavior and arrange the environment according to the child's developmental stage with regard to eating, toileting, sleeping, dressing and undressing, and maintaining cleanliness. |
4D0401 |
Assistance in gaining independence from parents |
Encouraging children to make their own decisions and judgments about self-management of disease according to their developmental status |
Advocacy
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
4E0101 |
provision of information |
To show and explain various knowledge and social resources related to the subject's health and care needs, as well as matters related to the subject himself/herself. |
4E0201 |
Speaking for Patients and Families |
To express the patient's or family member's unassertive will or opinion to the person on whose behalf the patient or family member wishes to communicate, by understanding the patient's or family member's true intentions while striving to empathize with them. |
4E0301 |
Support for Self-Determination |
Provide people with health problems with sufficient information, help them understand, and encourage them to make their own decisions. |
4E0401 |
Sexual violence counseling |
Provide necessary support for counseling from survivors of sexual violence. |
4E0501 |
Intervention in Abuse |
To confirm and protect the safety of the child, to provide ongoing observation while demonstrating understanding of the background of the abusive behavior, and to work to create a family relationship that allows for appropriate parenting or caregiving. |
Field Z] Other
thesaurus code |
action word label |
Definition. |
4Z0101 |
language |
Calling names and greeting people to show interest, stimulate them, and see how they respond. |
4Z0201 |
Family Support |
Encourage family members of persons with health problems to maintain their own health |