General Patient Care Flashcards
What are the advantages of office-based surgeries?
Saving the patient time and expense of going to an ambulatory surgical facility or hospital
What is a biopsy?
The surgical removal of tissue for later microscopic examination
What is the purpose of removal of a foreign object in surgery?
Surgical removal of an object embedded in tissue, such as a splinter or larger object
What does endoscopy involve?
Using an endoscope to view a hollow organ or body cavity
Define colposcopy.
Examination of the vagina and cervix using a colposcope
What is cryosurgery?
Procedure using local application of intense cold to destroy unwanted tissue
What is incision and drainage (I & D)?
Lancing a pressure buildup caused by pus or other fluid under the skin
What are standard examination room supplies?
Examination table, pillow, footstool, supply cupboard, trash can, biohazardous waste and sharps containers
What equipment is commonly found in a medical examination room?
- Thermometer
- Stethoscope
- Sphygmomanometer
- Pulse oximeter
- Reflex hammer
- Otoscope
- Ophthalmoscope
What is the distinction between EMR and EHR?
EMR is used within a single organization; EHR can be shared across multiple health care organizations
What is the purpose of health information in medical records?
To inform public health decisions and support legislation related to health care
What is the ‘golden hour’ in emergency care?
The first hour after injury or symptoms, critical for prognosis and recovery
List examples of life-threatening situations.
- Cardiac arrest
- Respiratory arrest
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Head injury
- Poisoning
- Open chest or abdominal wound
- Shock
- Third- and fourth-degree burns
What should a medical assistant do when receiving an emergency call?
Obtain critical information about the patient and situation
What is required for a prescription to be valid?
It must be written, electronic, or verbal and follow facility policies
What is e-prescribing?
An electronic method of ordering and transmitting prescriptions to a pharmacy
What does a practice management system (PMS) do?
Assists with patient medical records, scheduling, registration, and billing
What qualifies as durable medical equipment (DME)?
- Primarily serve a medical purpose
- Prescribed by a health care provider
- Used repeatedly
- Expected lifetime of at least three years
- Used in the home
- Useful for patients with an injury or disability
What should be done before a patient arrives for an examination?
Review the patient’s medical record and prepare necessary supplies and equipment
What is important to confirm before a procedure?
That an informed consent has been signed and is in the patient’s medical record
When should patients empty their bladder before an exam?
Before undressing, especially if a urine sample is required
What should be provided for patient comfort and privacy during examinations?
Patient gowns and drapes
What should be done if a patient has questions about the procedure?
Direct them to the health care provider
True or False: EMR and EHR are the same.
False
What should patients do with their clothing before an exam?
Remove specified clothing items as instructed
Clothing above the waist may need to be removed for a problem-focused visit or exam.
Which way should the gown opening face for the examination?
Front or back, as instructed
The specific direction depends on the type of examination.
What assistance should be provided to patients during disrobing?
Assist with disrobing and stepping onto the examination table as needed
Ensure patients feel comfortable and secure during this process.
What should be ensured regarding gowns for examinations?
Gowns of all sizes are available for patients
This is necessary for those required to change clothing for an examination or procedure.
Where should personal clothing and belongings be stored during the examination?
Inform patients of the storage location
This helps maintain the patient’s belongings safely during the exam.
What should be done once the patient is ready for the exam?
Notify the health care provider
This ensures the provider is prepared to see the patient.
What should be done to assist the patient after the procedure?
Assist the patient down from the examination table if needed
Patients may feel lightheaded when sitting up after lying down.
What privacy consideration should be taken when patients are getting dressed?
Allow the patient privacy when getting dressed
This respects the patient’s dignity.
What information should be provided to the patient regarding follow-up?
Follow-up appointments, additional exams, aftercare instructions, and referrals
Clear communication is essential for patient understanding.
When should a patient expect results from diagnostic tests?
Inform the patient when to expect results
This helps manage patient expectations and reduces anxiety.
What should be done if a patient has questions?
Ask if the patient has questions and direct them to the health care provider
Ensures patients receive accurate information.
What should be done if a situation is suspected to be an emergency?
Call the health care provider for advice or recommend calling 911
Immediate action may be necessary for patient safety.
What is critical when administering medications?
Accurate dosage calculations and administration
This is essential to prevent medical errors.
What defines parenteral medication administration?
Non-oral medication injected directly into the body
This bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.
What is nonparenteral medication administration?
Oral medication given by mouth to the gastrointestinal tract
This includes various routes of administration.
Fill in the blank: Oral medication is taken by _______.
mouth
What is sublingual medication administration?
Placed under the tongue
This route allows for rapid absorption.
What is buccal medication administration?
Between the cheek and gums
This results in rapid absorption of the medication.
How is inhalation medication administered?
Inhaled through the mouth or nose
It passes through the trachea into the lungs.
What is ocular or otic medication administration?
Drops instilled directly into the eye (ocular) or ear (otic)
This method targets specific areas for treatment.
What is transdermal medication administration?
Applied to the skin to release slowly into circulation
It can be delivered via adhesive patches or other forms.
