Chapter 3 Patient Care Flashcards
As a sonographer you have 4 main obligations to whom?
patient; radiologist; department, self
Explain Patient Focused Care (PFC)
A national movement to regain the respect and goodwill of the American public. To ensure that all patients receive the best quality care.
Vital signs
Observable and measurable signs of life; pulse, respiration, temperature and blood pressure
Pulse is…..
easy and effective way to measure heart rate, recorded as bpm, felt typically at the radial (wrist) area
Normal adult pulse rate is…
60-100 bpm
Arrhythmia or Dysrhythmia
any irregular heart rate
Tachycardia
Fast heart rate, greater than 100 bpm
Bradycardia
Slow heart rate, lower than 60 bpm
Oximetry
The measuring of oxygen in the blood
Respiration
The process of inhaling, exhaling air. Normal breathing is 12-20 breaths/minute
Dyspnea
difficulty breathing
Cyanosis
change in patient’s color, bluish tint
Apnea
Not breathing
Blood Pressure
The pressure exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the blood vessels. Normal is 115/75 or 120/80.
Systolic Pressure
Top number; Ventricles contract to pump blood to the body.
Diastolic Pressure
Lower number; When the ventricles fill with blood
Hypertension
High blood pressure; 140/90 or greater
Hypotension
Low blood pressure; Less than 90/60
Body Mechanics
Using the correct muscles to complete a task without undue strain on any joints or muscles.
4 Basic Principles of Body Mechanics
Stable and low center of gravity; Strong base by keeping feet apart; Keep back straight and object close to you; Proper body alignment
Standard Precautions
Basic infection control guidelines used to reduce spread of infection through airborne, droplet and contact contaminations
Most important standard precaution?
Hand washing
Airborne transmissions include:
TB, Measles, Chicken Pox, Shingles
Droplet transmissions include:
Mumps, Measles (rubella), Whooping cough, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Strep Throat
