Bioeffects and Patient Care Flashcards
What are the main principles of medical ethics?
Respect for autonomy
Nonmaleficence
Beneficence
Justice
What does respect for autonomy mean?
The patient ahs the capacity to act with understanding and free will
What does nonmaleficence mean?
We avoid needless patient harm from our actions or nonactions
What does beneficence mean?
Our actions should benefit the patient and improve their health
What does justice mean?
Patients are all treated with fairness
What steps are involved in obtaining informed consent
informing the patient of the nature of the procedure, giving them reasonable alternatives, explaining the risks, benefits, and uncertainties, assessing their understanding, and obtaining their acceptance.
What should be done if the patient is under 18 or does not understand English?
The parent gives consent for those under 18
A translator should be provided for those that don’t understand English
Can consent be revoked once it has been given?
Yes
What are the first two things that you should do upon meeting a patient?
treat the patient respectfully by introducing yourself and explaining the procedure and what you will do, and identifying the patient by checking their wristband or asking for their name and date of birth.
How should you identify a sedated patient?
When a sedated patient arrives without a wristband, they need to be sent back to the nurse, and the study should be rescheduled for when they have proper identification
Should sonographers provide exam interpretation to patients?
No
What hygiene habits should sonographers employ?
Proper hand washing and the use of appropriate barrier precautions to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure during contact with the patient. This includes PPE like gloves, gowns, eyewear, and face masks
What is patient dignity?
Their quality of feeling worthy, esteemed, or honored
What factors make the patient vulnerable to loss of dignity?
advanced age, infirmity, and lack of privacy
What is ergonomics?
They are the interactions between the sonographer, patient, and equipment to optimize the sonographer’s well being as they work.
What is OSHA?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It works to implement precautions for workers, including classification of exposure risks, detailed work practice programs, and employer monitored criteria.
What is SDMS?
SDMS is the Society for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. It works to promote and educate healthcare workers about the science of diagnostic medical sonography.
What actions are considered best practices in sonographic ergonomics?
keeping their arm close to the body, staying close to the patient, positioning the monitor at eye level directly in front of you, minimizing twisting and bending, using correct sitting positions, holding the probe with palmar grip, keeping the wrist neutral, and proper foot support
What are examples of ergonomic devices?
wrist support braces, support cushions, cable braces, ergonomic transducers, and adjustable chairs and beds