Vital Signs & Measurements
What is the normal range for adult blood pressure?
90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg
What does PPE stand for?
Personal Protective Equipment
How often should a bedridden patient be turned?
At least every 2 hours
What color is the lead placed on the left arm in a 12-lead EKG?
Black
Define HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; protects patient privacy and medical information
What does tachycardia mean?
A heart rate that is faster than normal, over 100 beats per minute in adults.
When should hand hygiene be performed?
Before and after patient contact, after removing gloves, and after touching bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
What is the correct way to give a partial bed bath?
Wash face, hands, axillae, and perineal area using clean water for each area, maintaining patient privacy and dignity.
What is the first step in a venipuncture procedure?
Verify patient identity and explain the procedure
What is informed consent?
A patient’s voluntary agreement to a procedure after receiving full information about it.
How do you accurately measure a patient's respirations?
Watch the chest rise and fall for 30 seconds and multiply by 2, without telling the patient.
What is the proper sequence for donning PPE?
Gown, mask, goggles or face shield, gloves
How do you assist a patient with dysphagia while eating?
Sit the patient upright, give small bites, allow time to chew, and monitor for signs of choking.
What is the paper speed for a standard EKG?
25 mm/s
Why is documentation important?
It ensures continuity of care, protects legal rights, and records the patient’s condition and treatment.
Where is the apical pulse located?
On the left side of the chest, at the 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line.
What is the chain of infection?
Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host
What is the purpose of a gait belt?
To provide support and stability when assisting a patient with walking or transferring.
Name 2 common sites for drawing blood
Median cubital vein and cephalic vein
What’s the best way to handle a non-English speaking patient?
Use a certified medical interpreter
What is the proper order of taking vital signs?
Temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pain level
Define standard precautions
Infection control practices used with all patients regardless of diagnosis, including hand hygiene, gloves, and PPE as needed.
List 3 complications of poor oral care
Tooth decay, gum disease, aspiration pneumonia
What’s the order of draw in phlebotomy?
Blood cultures, light blue, red, gold/tiger top, green, lavender, gray
What is the difference between assault and battery in healthcare?
Assault is threatening to touch or harm, battery is actual physical contact without consent.