Infection Control
What isolation precaution is used for a patient with Clostridium difficile?
Contact precautions
Pain is considered _______ data.
Subjective
Why should NSAIDs be used with caution in older adults?
GI bleeding and renal insufficiency
Purpose of a gait belt
Stabilizing device to keep patient's center of gravity midline
Ways to enhance the environment for better sleep
temperature regulation, proper ventilation, minimal noise, dimmed lights, white noise
When do you remove your N95 mask after taking care of a patient on airborne precautions?
Outside patient's room once door is completely closed.
Normal vital sign ranges for adults.
Temp: 36-38 degrees Celsius (96.8 - 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
Pulse: 60-100 bpm
Respirations: 12-20 breaths per minute
Oxygen Saturation: 95-100%
Blood pressure:
oSystolic < 120 mmHg
oDiastolic < 80 mmHg
Name the 5 main rights of medication (bonus if you can add 2 more).
1. Right Patient
2. Right Medication
3. Right Dose
4. Right Time
5. Right Route
6. Right Documentation
7. Right Indication
You are teaching a patient how to properly use a cane. Which side should the patient hold the cane?
The side that is stronger. Ex. Patient with left sided weakness would hold the cane in their right hand which is the side with the stronger leg.
Ways to promote better sleep in hospital setting
1. Plan nursing tasks around sleep hours to not disrupt; bulk task completion
2. Provide personal hygiene care before bed; maintain personal bedtime routine
3. Close patient's door, dim lights, provide ear plugs/eye mask
Difference between direct and indirect modes of transmission of infection.
direct - person to person physical contact
indirect - contact with inanimate contaminated objects (bed linens, needles, dressings)
Nursing considerations for applying a blood pressure cuff on a patient.
1. Cuff size - needs to cover 2/3 of upper arm
2. Snug fit - fit 2 fingers underneath
3. Line up artery marker with brachial artery, positioned 1 inch above artery site
4. Patient's arm at heart level
Medications need to be checked 3 times before administering to the patient. Name the three times.
1. Removing the medication from storage
2. Before taking to patient's room
3. Before giving medication
Complications that can occur from immobility
1. Respiratory issues - atelectasis, pneumonia, due to decreased lung expansion and inability to clear secretions
2. DVT/clot formation due to inactivity
3. Muscle stiffness/weakness
4. Pressure injuries
Risk factors for skin breakdown in the perineal area
urinary or fecal incontinence, rectal or perineal surgical dressings, morbid obesity, indwelling urinary catheter
How to break the chain of infection?
Visceral pain
Safety Considerations when administering opioids
2. Administer lowest dose needed to manage the pain
3. Know common side effects & treat: constipation, hypotension, bradycardia, drowsiness
How will you transfer a patient with left sided weakness from bed to chair?
1. Position chair on the patient's right side (stronger side)
2. Use gait belt to help stabilize the patient
1. Hold dirty linens away from self
2. Never shake out the linens
3. New sheets should be fitted and not wrinkled to prevent areas of pressure
6 phases of the chain of infection
infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, host
Pain scale used for infants and young children up to 3 years old
FLACC
Safety considerations for a PCA pump
1. Only patient can press the button
2. 2 independent RN check for programming the pump
3. Lockout mechanism to avoid overdose
Crutch gait that is used for patients who can bear weight on both legs but need maximum support for balance and coordination
4 point alternating crutch gait
Why do we have patients who wear dentures remove them to sleep?
Rest the gums and prevent bacterial buildup