Observation
Observation
Observation (pronunciation: /ɒbzəˈveɪʃ(ə)n/) is a fundamental practice in the field of medicine. It involves the careful monitoring and noting of a patient's condition or behavior over a period of time.
Etymology
The term 'observation' originates from the Latin word 'observatio', which means 'watching, observing'.
Definition
In a medical context, observation refers to the act of carefully watching a patient in order to note any changes in their physical or mental state. This can include monitoring vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, as well as observing for any changes in behavior, mood, or physical appearance.
Related Terms
- Clinical Observation: This is a more specific type of observation that involves the close monitoring of a patient within a clinical setting, such as a hospital or doctor's office.
- Patient Monitoring: This is a broader term that encompasses all aspects of keeping track of a patient's health status, including observation, medical tests, and consultations with healthcare professionals.
- Vital Signs: These are basic body functions that are routinely monitored during medical observation. They include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature.
- Symptom: This is a physical or mental feature that is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient.
- Diagnosis: This is the identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms and relevant medical tests.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Observation
- Wikipedia's article - Observation
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