learning objective of exam 1 Flashcards
What is medical asepsis?
Medical asepsis, or clean technique, involves practices such as hand hygiene, PPE use, disinfection, and safe handling of contaminated materials to reduce the spread of microorganisms.
Why is hand hygiene important in infection control?
Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent infection. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand rub when hands are not visibly soiled.
What are Standard Precautions in infection control?
Standard Precautions apply to all patients and include hand hygiene, PPE use, respiratory hygiene, safe injection practices, and proper waste disposal.
What are the six links in the chain of infection?
Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Breaking any link can prevent infection.
What are non-specific and specific body defenses against infection?
Non-specific: Skin, mucous membranes, normal flora, inflammatory response. Specific: Immune system’s humoral and cell-mediated responses.
What are some bloodborne pathogens, and how can they be prevented?
HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV). Prevent through safe needle practices, vaccination, PPE use, and hand hygiene.
What are the types of isolation precautions?
Contact isolation (gloves, gown), Droplet isolation (mask), Airborne isolation (N95, negative-pressure room), depending on disease transmission mode.
How do nurses assess a patient’s risk for infection?
Patients with chronic diseases, open wounds, suppressed immunity, recent surgery, or indwelling devices are at higher risk.
What factors influence personal hygiene?
Culture, socioeconomic status, developmental stage, personal preferences, physical health, cognitive ability.
What should be included in a hygiene history assessment?
Evaluate the patient’s ability to perform self-care and identify hygiene deficits in oral, skin, hair, nail, and perineal care.
What are the components of basic nursing hygiene care?
Oral care (especially for unconscious patients), skin care (to prevent pressure ulcers), perineal care (for incontinence), foot/nail care (especially for diabetics), and hair care.
What are the correct bed-making techniques for patient safety?
Remove wrinkles to prevent skin breakdown, position the bed properly, and ensure clean linens to reduce infection risk.
What are common human errors and unsafe practices in healthcare?
Workarounds, skipping safety checks, using improper abbreviations, lack of communication. Prevent by following protocols and checklists.
What creates a ‘culture of safety’ in healthcare?
Open communication, non-punitive error reporting, teamwork, continuous learning, and leadership support.
What national organizations promote patient safety?
The Joint Commission (TJC), AHRQ, Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).
What are some safety-enhancing technologies in healthcare?
Barcode medication administration (BCMA), electronic health records (EHRs), smart IV pumps, and automated alerts.
How can nurses reduce reliance on memory to prevent errors?
Use checklists, standardized protocols, electronic health records (EHRs), and SBAR communication (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation).
What is the proper response to a fire in a healthcare setting?
Follow RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish) and PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) for extinguisher use.
What are legal considerations for using restraints on patients?
Restraints should be a last resort and require a physician’s order, regular monitoring, and documentation of alternatives attempted first.
How can nurses prevent falls and injuries?
Use fall risk assessments (Morse Fall Scale), bed alarms, non-slip socks, and repositioning strategies.
What are the six essential nutrients?
Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
What are the caloric values of macronutrients?
Carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g, Proteins: 4 kcal/g, Fats: 9 kcal/g.
What are common therapeutic diets?
Clear liquid, full liquid, soft diet, NPO (nothing by mouth), diabetic, cardiac, renal, and high-protein diets.
What are common cultural influences on diet?
Religious beliefs (halal, kosher), vegetarianism, food preferences, and economic factors.
How do nurses assess nutritional status?
Dietary intake records, lab tests (albumin, prealbumin, glucose), and physical signs like muscle wasting or poor wound healing.
How is BMI calculated, and what are the classifications?
BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m²).
Underweight: <18.5, Normal: 18.5–24.9, Overweight: 25–29.9, Obese: ≥30.
What are common eating disorders?
Anorexia nervosa (severe caloric restriction), Bulimia nervosa (binge eating with purging), Binge-eating disorder (excessive eating without purging).
What are the effects of immobility on the body?
Muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, pressure ulcers, respiratory infections, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), constipation.
What are common skeletal abnormalities affecting mobility?
Scoliosis (spinal curvature), osteoporosis (bone weakening), arthritis (joint inflammation), fractures.
What is the importance of safe body mechanics for nurses?
Lift with legs, keep the load close to the body, avoid twisting, and use mechanical lifts when needed to prevent injury.
What are examples of assistive devices for mobility?
Walkers, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, mechanical lifts, and anti-embolism stockings (TED hose).
How can nurses promote mobility in hospitalized patients?
Encourage range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, reposition patients every 2 hours, assist with ambulation, and refer to physical therapy.
