CARE OF PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL MEDICAL CONDITIONS 2 Flashcards
What is the purpose of a mechanical ventilator?
- A mechanical ventilator is a life-supporting machine used to support respiratory function when a disease process or obstruction prevents normal respiration.
What precautions should be taken with patients on a mechanical ventilator?
Observe infection prevention, avoid dislodging the tube, and ask for support when necessary.
What is a thoracotomy and its purpose?
Thoracotomy is the surgical creation of an opening into the chest cavity, performed to diagnose or treat diseases or injuries to the lung or pleura, and to remove excessive fluid (hemothorax, pneumothorax, or pleural effusion).
How should a radiographer care for patients with chest tubes and water seal drainage?
- Keep the tubing coiled at the patient’s chest level,
- do not lift the water-sealed bottle higher than the patient’s chest level,
- do not clamp or kink the drainage tube,
- avoid tension on the drain to prevent dislodgement.
What should be checked in the water seal chamber of a chest tube?
The water seal chamber should be checked every hour for air leaks, characterized by intermittent bubbling when the patient exhales or coughs. Continuous bubbling indicates a large air leak.
What is orthopedic traction and its purpose?
- Orthopedic traction is a mechanical method using weights to provide a constant pull on part of the body for therapeutic reasons,
- such as aligning bone fragments in fractures of long bones like the femur.
What is an artificial pacemaker and its function?
- An artificial pacemaker is an electromechanical device that regulates the heart rate by providing low levels of electrical stimulation to the heart muscle,
- used to treat conduction defects.
What precautions should be taken with patients on orthopedic traction?
- Do not alter the patient’s skin traction during X-ray examination,
- Assist with movements or lifting as needed to avoid abrupt release of traction, which can cause serious harm.
