Asepsis and infection Control
What are the six links in the infection cycle?
Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host
What is the normal adult range for pulse?
60–100 bpm
What are the three names of drugs?
Chemical, generic, trade/brand
What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Acute = sudden, protective, resolves with healing; Chronic = >3-6 months, persists, often neuropathic
Which three systems work together to produce movement?
Skeletal, muscular, nervous
Which stage of infection is when a patient is most contagious but may not show symptoms?
Prodromal stage
Which site is the most accurate for measuring core temperature?
Rectal
What legislation created the FDA to regulate drugs in the U.S.?
Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, later updated by Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938
What acronym is often used for a pain assessment?
PQRST = Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Region/Radiation, Severity, Timing
Define isotonic exercise and give an example.
Muscle shortens with movement; e.g., walking, swimming, ADLs
Give two examples of standard precautions.
Hand hygiene, PPE, respiratory hygiene, safe injection practices
List three factors that can increase blood pressure.
Stress, high sodium diet, obesity, smoking, pain, medications
What are the “Five Rights” of medication administration?
Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time
Give two nonpharmacologic pain management techniques.
Relaxation, heat/cold therapy, massage, distraction, guided imagery, meditation
Name two effects of immobility on the respiratory system.
Decreased lung expansion, atelectasis, pneumonia, retained secretions
What are two common multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs)
MRSA, VRE, CRE, C. diff
How do pulse and respirations typically change with fever?
Both increase
What is the difference between adverse effect and side effect?
Adverse = harmful, unintended, unpredictable; Side effect = secondary, often expected
What is a multimodal approach to pain management?
Using more than one method—pharmacologic + nonpharmacologic—to improve effectiveness
What is the most important principle of ergonomics for nurses?
Use body mechanics and equipment to prevent injury
What is the difference between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis?
Medical = clean technique, reduces pathogens; Surgical = sterile technique, eliminates all pathogens
Name two patient teaching points about taking blood pressure at home.
Sit quietly 5 minutes before, use correct cuff size, arm at heart level, avoid caffeine/exercise 30 min before
Name two nursing interventions to prevent medication errors.
Double-check orders, clarify illegible handwriting, use barcoding, minimize interruptions, patient teaching
How does pain affect other areas of functioning (e.g., sleep, mood, mobility)?
Causes insomnia, depression, anxiety, impaired activity, decreased appetite, reduced quality of life
Name two ways to assess activity tolerance.
Observe heart rate, respiratory rate, fatigue, dizziness during/after activity