Ch. 2 Patient care across the specialties Flashcards
How can we make a positive patient care experience?
-Empathy and compassion
-Communication
-Listen to your patient
-be supportive
-Be friendly
-Explain the ultrasound
-Ask questions
If a patient is unconscious, how will you communicate?
With the attending nurse and or family member
If the patient is unable to speak, how will you communicate?
Provide the patient something to write on or only ask yes or no questions.
If the patient is clinicaly deaf or hard of hearing, how will you communicate?
Use writing instead of speaking.
If there is a language barrier, how will you communicate?
Have an interpreter or a family member to interpret.
What are the 2 most important things NOT to communicate to a patient?
Results of an ultrasound and anything that might add stress or anxiety.
How can you make the patient more comfortable?
-Tell the patient that the gel and equipment will be cold before putting them on the patient.
-Focus on positioning for their safety and obtaining quality images.
-Ask them if there is anything else you can do to make them more comfortable.
True or False:
You should be in the room behind a cover when the patient is undressing/changing for the ultrasound.
False
Always leave the room and give them an ample amount of time to get ready for the procedure. Knock before entering.
True or False:
You should only uncover the parts of the body that are necessary.
True
True or false:
You should knock on the door before entering, crack it just a little and ask if the patient has changed before entering.
True.
Always assume everyone is modest.
When should you have the Patients consent?
When they are having an invasive procedure. This is mandatory!
True or False:
When a patient is signing the consent form, they don’t need a witness.
False.
True or False:
When a patient needs an ultrasound, its okay to assume you can perform it at any time.
False.
You should always manage your time efficiently and consult the health care team to determine a good time to perform the ultrasound.
True or False:
It’s okay to leave your patient for an extended amount of time.
False.
True or False:
When doing a portable ultrasound, you should ask the patient if they need anything before you leave.
True.
What is the proper way to move patients to your department and back to their room?
-Find out how they will travel there.
-Ask if they need assistance getting up and down off the stretcher.
-Lock wheels on wheelchair and stretcher.
-Offer bedpan or urinal if the patient needs to use the restroom.
-Be mindful of IV lines, tubes, drains, and urinary bags
Who should be in the examination room?
A chaperone when appropriate and whoever the patient is comfortable with. Always communicate with other health care professionals.
What is the proper way to disinfect your equipment and yourself?
-Follow your employer’s protocols for disinfecting or sterilizing the equipment
-Sanitize your hands before and after a patient encounter.
-Wear protective gear if you have contagious symptoms.
-Practice universal precautions
What is intracavitary ultrasound?
Involve the use of a specially designed ultrasound transducer that is placed inside a body cavity. Communication with the patient is extremely important.
What is considered an invasive procedure?
Procedures that are, but limited to, fine needle aspirations, tissue biopsies, injections, fluid drainage, or insertion of a marker.
Does a physician need to explain to the patient the risks and benefits of an invasive procedure?
Yes. The sonographer should not do so.
How many ultrasounds does an uncomplicated pregnancy have?
Anywhere from 2 to 4 ultrasounds.
What does the first ultrasound determine in a pregnancy?
Early first trimester to confirm viability or dates if there is a question about them
What does the second ultrasound determine in a pregnancy?
It’s a noninvasive test to determine whether the fetus is at risk for certain chromosomal disorders.
