Medical terminologies invented thousands of years ago are still applied in the current healthcare practice by professionals. The use of these terms is appropriate due to a myriad of concrete rationales. Firstly, those medical terms provide a standard mode of communication between the interdisciplinary team members involved in patient care. Knowing the standard names for diseases, drugs, or medical procedures is instrumental in promoting effective communication during therapy (Krishnan, 2018). Secondly, using a preset list of terms enables the avoidance of medical errors secondary to misinterpretation of certain medical orders. Consequently, patient care is enhanced with an effective collaboration through the utilization of a comprehensive language. For instance, physicians and nurses can pass information easily by using these medical terminologies. Therefore, effective utilization of the key medical words is required for effective continuation of the treatment plan.
Abilities
Ability refers to the possession of the prerequisite power and skills to do a certain task. It may also entail a particular set of traits that an individual may have that is essential for optimal physical and mental functioning. Abilities can be acquired genetically or through practice, training, or study. There exist several ways of measuring the varying individual abilities (Krishnan, 2018). These include administering a test to determine the individual level of knowledge about a particular task. People with high abilities tend to perform well in tests. Additionally, abilities can be evaluated by assessing the performance of a specific job. Able individuals portray a sophisticated level of skills in the accomplishments of the work.
Judgment
Judgment is the ability to critically analyze pieces of information and make an informed, logical and rational decision. In clinical settings, medical judgment is the healthcare professional’s ability to systematically interpret the subjective and objective patient’s data to make a probable diagnosis that is necessary for guiding the treatment plan. Judgment should be measured by the quality of its outcomes, including treating the patient. Good judgment is characterized by the reduced number of undesired effects following the decision. Medical ability is the inherent power possessed by medics in conducting clinical works. In contrast, medical judgment is applying effective decision-making skills to settle on the proper treatment options for patients.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is the application of critical evaluations before sharing patient data. Healthcare professionals are required to utilize better judgment in sharing the details of the patient. Furthermore, they should consider the wishes of the clients in sharing the information. Data can only be shared with the patient or other personnel involved in their treatment (Krishnan, 2018). However, nurses can go against this principle whenever there is a possibility of harm to the patient or the general population. Disclosing clients’ data should be for their best interests or the public’s.
Harm
Harm refers to anything or any action that impairs the health and wellbeing of the client. These include medication side effects, adverse drug reactions, and side effects of medical procedures and devices. Harm can be prevented through utilizing evidence-based regulations during treatment. Furthermore, medical procedures should be conducted by following the standard operating techniques to reduce the risk of infections or harm to the patient (Krishnan, 2018). Healthcare personnel should ensure that all the treatment plans are beneficial to the patient. Therapy should be aimed at resolving the patient’s health problems with no potential of harming them. The client’s needs are the benchmark of all care plans.
Reference
Krishnan, P. (2018). A philosophical analysis of clinical decision making in nursing. The Journal of Nursing Education, 57(2), 73–78. Web.