Infection Control
What is the primary purpose of infection control?
To prevent the spread of infection and protect patients and healthcare workers.
What are the four main vital signs?
Temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
A patient has a pulse of 110 beats per minute. How would this be documented?
Tachycardia (pulse above 100 bpm).
What is the primary purpose of an electrocardiogram (EKG)?
To measure and record the electrical activity of the heart.
Why is continuous patient monitoring important during and after procedures?
To quickly identify any changes in the patient’s condition and respond to complications.
What are Standard Precautions?
Infection control practices used for all patients, assuming all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious.
What is the normal adult pulse range?
60–100 beats per minute.
While measuring respirations, why should the patient not be aware you are counting?
Because awareness can cause the patient to change their breathing pattern, leading to inaccurate results.
Which part of the EKG represents ventricular depolarization?
The QRS complex.
Which vital sign change may indicate a patient is in distress during monitoring?
Hint: Distress means a state where the body or mind is under serious stress or trouble
Rapid pulse (tachycardia)
When should hand hygiene be performed?
Before and after patient contact, after removing gloves, and after contact with bodily fluids.
What is the normal adult respiratory rate?
12–20 breaths per minute.
A blood pressure reading is 90/60 mmHg. How would this be interpreted?
Hypotension (low blood pressure).
What does the P wave represent on an EKG?
Atrial depolarization.
What is the purpose of using a pulse oximeter during patient monitoring?
To measure oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and assess how well oxygen is being delivered to the body.
What type of PPE should be worn when there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids?
Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection as needed.
What is considered a normal blood pressure reading for an adult?
120/80 mmHg.
Which pulse site is commonly used when performing CPR on an adult?
Carotid pulse.
Why is proper skin preparation important before placing EKG electrodes?
To ensure good electrode contact and reduce interference or artifact for accurate readings.
Why is it important to verify patient identity before monitoring or performing procedures?
To ensure the correct patient receives the correct care and prevent medical errors.
What is the proper way to dispose of needles after use?
Immediately place them in a sharps container without recapping.
Which vital sign measures the amount of oxygen in the blood?
Oxygen saturation (SpO₂).
What does a pulse oximeter measure, and what is a normal reading?
It measures oxygen saturation (SpO₂); normal is typically 95%–100%.
What can cause artifact on an EKG tracing?
Patient movement, poor electrode placement, loose leads, or electrical interference.
What are common signs that a patient is in distress during monitoring?
Pale skin, sweating, dizziness, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, or low oxygen level