Author: Glossary
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Object relations
The emotional bonds between one person and another, as contrasted with interest in and love for the self; usually described in terms of capacity for loving and reacting appropriately to others. Melanie Klein (1882–1960) is generally credited with founding the British object relations school.
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Object permanence
A part of the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development as described by Jean Piaget (1896–1980). Object permanence develops during the second year of life. The child is able to maintain a mental image of the object. For example, the child will look for a toy after it disappears. The conviction that an object remains perceptually constant…
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Object constancy
The final step in the process of separation-individuation as described by Margaret Mahler (1897–1985). The child is able to maintain an internal representation of the mother and is therefore able to tolerate separation from the mother. Object constancy develops between ages 24 and 36 months. The main achievement of the sensorimotor period when the infant…
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Nystagmus
Abnormal movements of the eyeballs; side to side (horizontal), up and down (vertical), or circular (rotary). Such movements suggest organic pathology of the central nervous system (CNS) or of the oculomotor, trochlear, or abducens cranial nerves. Seen in toxic states such as intoxication with alcohol, sedative-hypnotics, anxiolytics, or phencyclidine (PCP). Rhythmic, involuntary movement of the…
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Nymphomania
Abnormal and excessive need or desire in a woman for sexual intercourse; known as satyriasis in men. May be of psychological or organic etiology. A rare phenomenon involving uncontrollable desire of a woman for sexual fulfillment. A true nymphomaniac will seek sexual gratification no matter what the consequences may be. An obsessive sexual urge in…
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Nyctophobia
The fear of night. Fear of the dark. It is common in children and not unusual in normal adults.
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Nuvigil
Brand name for the atypical stimulant drug armodafinil.
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Nursing care plan
A means of providing nursing personnel with information about the needs of and therapeutic strategy for each patient. A formal written plan of care and activities for a patient. Typically, the physician’s activities are not part of the plan; the plan pertains to nursing and to other services, and is part of the nursing record.…
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Nucleus accumbens
A collection of neurons within the subcortical part of the forebrain, called the striatum, which receives input from the basal ganglia and the cerebral cortex. The nucleus accumbens is thought to play an important role in reward, laughter, pleasure, addiction, fear, and the placebo effect. A collection of cells within the basal forebrain. It is…
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Nuclear family
Immediate members of a family. A family in which children and parents live together with only incidental contact with other relatives. A family in which a mother, a father, and one or more biological or adopted children live together. A family that consists of a mother and father and their child or children, living together…