Decision Making
What is knowing your wishes?
Before making an advance care plan, consider these first: your values, beliefs, quality of life, and what matters most to you.
What is one simple way to help prevent falls in the home?
Keep walkways and floors clear of clutter, cords, and other objects that could cause someone to trip.
What is the first thing you should do if you think yourself or someone else is having a stroke?
Call 911!!!
What should you have readily available in your home in case the power goes out?
A backup oxygen tank
How can you prevent infectious diseases from spreading in your home? (list a WHOLE bunch!)
Wash your hands often, routinely clean and disinfect surfaces, handle and prepare food safely, get immunized, use antibiotics appropriately, be careful with pets (make sure they’re healthy and immunized since pets can spread some infections to human), avoid contact with wild animals
What is communicating your wishes?
Talking with family members and healthcare providers about the kind of care you would want can help prevent confusion when difficult decisions arise.
What should a patient wear to help prevent falls when walking around the home?
Well-fitting, non-slip shoes or socks should be worn instead of walking barefoot or in loose-fitting footwear.
Number one sign of a stroke?
Weakness or numbness in face, arm, or leg on one side of the body.
What should you use to counteract the drying effects of O2 through a nasal cannula?
Water-based lubricant inside the nose (helps prevent skin breakdown)
What is an HAI and what can your visitors do to prevent them?
Healthcare associated infection. Visitors can wash their hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) to prevent spread of infection, stay home when they’re sick, and/ or wear a mask, (Thobaben, 2008).
Who is your health care agent or health care proxy?
This is the trusted person you choose and legally document to make healthcare decisions for you if you become unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself.
What are some changes that can be made in the bathroom to reduce the risk of falls?
Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower, use a non-slip bath mat, and keep the floor dry.
What are other common signs of stroke that sometimes may be missed?
Sudden dizziness, severe headache, and slight confusion.
Why are oil-based products contraindicated in O2 therapy?
Because oxygen accelerates combustion. Oils in lotion or lip balms, or petroleum-based products such as Vaseline catch fire easily, and in the presence of oxygen, disaster can happen.
What is one of the most effective methods of preventing and controlling communicable diseases?
Vaccines (Fauci Ouchie :)
What is an advance directive?
A living will or healthcare power of attorney is an example of this, which puts your healthcare wishes or decision-maker into a formal document.
What should you do if a hospice patient is at high risk for falling when getting out of bed?
Keep the bed in the lowest position, make sure the call light and needed items are within reach, use adequate lighting, and assist the patient when getting up.
What is the most important detail to pay attention to when someone is possibly having a stroke?
The time when the symptoms first started.
How should oxygen cylinders be handled & stored?
UPRIGHT in a stand or cart, NEVER on their side or in a confined space.
What is antibiotic resistance? How can you prevent it?
Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria evolve to survive medicines meant to kill them. Infections treated by antibiotics become harder to treat when the bacteria evolve to survive the medicine. By taking the full course of antibiotics prescribed, you can prevent resistant bacteria.
What is advance care planning?
The overall process of discussing your values and wishes, choosing someone to speak for you, documenting your preferences, and revisiting your plan is called this, (McMahan et al., 2024).
Why is fall prevention especially important for older adults receiving hospice or home care?
Falls can cause serious injuries such as fractures or head injuries and may further decrease a patient's mobility, independence, and quality of life. Removing hazards, improving lighting, and assisting with mobility can help reduce fall risk.
Most commonly remembered acronym for stroke warning signs?
FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, and Time)
If you said BEFAST-- you're more correct!
How can you prevent combustion with oxygen in the home?
Only wear cotton material as it avoids static electricity. Maintain at least 5-10 ft between O2 and heat sources. Keep electrical equipment in the home in good condition and without frayed wires. Avoid extension cords. Ensure smoke detectors are functioning. Avoid smoking in general, but especially near the O2 source, (McDonald, 2022).
What are the goals of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention?
Primary prevention goal is to prevent occurrence of a disease. The secondary prevention goal is to prevent the spread of disease. Tertiary prevention goal is to reduce complications and disabilities through treatment and rehab.