Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam 2025 - Free CNA Practice Questions and Study Guide

The medical term for fainting is syncope. This term specifically refers to a temporary loss of consciousness, usually due to a decrease in blood flow to the brain. Syncope can occur for various reasons, including dehydration, low blood sugar, standing up too quickly, or a momentary drop in heart rate or blood pressure. Understanding this term is essential in nursing practice, as recognizing the signs of syncope can help in providing appropriate care and ensuring patient safety.

Other terms such as dyspnea refer to difficulty breathing, hemiplegia describes paralysis on one side of the body, and cyanosis indicates a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen, all of which are important medical concepts but do not relate directly to fainting.