Patient Care Flashcards
Patient Interactions
American Hospital Association (AHA) Patient Care Partnerships (“Patient’s Bill of Rights”) states:
- High quality patient care
- A clean and safe environment
- Protection of the patient’s privacy
- Involvement in your care
- Help when the patient leaves the hospital
- Help with the patient’s billing claim
“A patient’s Bill of Rights” is intended to:
provide patient’s with an explanation of what to expect during hospital stays, and to explain their rights and responsibilities.
Informed Consent definition:
when provided with comprehensive and thorough information, competent patients will be able to make decisions in an informed manner. Informed consent is required before performing most invasive procedures and before admitting a patient to a research study. The document used must be written in a language understood by the patient and be dated and signed by the patient and at least one witness present.
Informed Consent - A patient must be informed of:
- nature of procedure, treatment, or disease
- expectations of treatment and likelihood of success
- treatment alternatives and outcome without treatment
- known risk factors of treatment
- consent can be revoked at any time during the procedure
T/F - patient consent for routine procedures is given on admission and is implied by the continued acceptance of hospital care
True - pg. 83 pt care book
Informed consent guidelines:
- pt must receive a full explanation of procedure and its risks and benefits and must sign before sedated or anesthetized
- pt must be competent to sign
- only parents/legal guardian can sign for minor
- only legal guardian may sign for mentally incompetent pt
- consent forms must be completed before being signed
- only physician named on consent form may perform procedure
- any condition stated on form must be met
- informed consent can be revoked by pt at any time after signing
HIPAA
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- no info may be released to employers, financial institutions, or other medical facilities w/out specific permission by the pt.
enacted under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to protect the privacy rights of patients
HIPAA Law Requirements:
- pt must receive a clear, written explanation of how the health provider may used the disclosed info
- pt will be able to see and copy records and request amendments
- history of routine disclosures must be available to pt
- healthcare providers must obtain consent before sharing routine info on tx, payment, and healthcare operations. separate auth. is needed for non routine and non-health purposes
- pt have the right to request restrictions on uses and disclosures of their info
- pt may file complaints w a covered provider or with HHS about violations of these rules
HIPPA standards*:
- no schedules or other documents that include pt names may be posted in public areas
- use only pt first names when summoning from public areas - to preserve a degree of anonymity
- all health record info used for statistical/research must be de-identified by eliminating any names, numbers, codes, or biometric identifiers associated w a specific person
- release of info - only specific info authorized may be released. authorization copy must also be kept on file
- only specific individuals trained in HIPPA compliance are allowed access to protected healthcare info
- all computer files that contain/ may contain pt info must be encrypted - secure access is required for this data
American Hospital Association (AHA) Patient Care Partnerships (Patient’s Bill of Rights):
Privacy
the right to privacy implies that the pt modesty will be respected and that every effort will be made to maintain the pt sense of personal dignity
American Hospital Association (AHA) Patient Care Partnerships (Patient’s Bill of Rights):
Information
pt has a right to information, but this does not obligate the radiation therapist to provide any and all info that may be requested. RT’s must be prepared to explain radiation therapy procedures and to identify themselves and the radiologist. pt has the right to copies of billing records, medical records, and imaging records
American Hospital Association (AHA) Patient Care Partnerships (Patient’s Bill of Rights):
Living Will
written legal documents stating the medical tx or life-sustaining tx the pt wants if they were seriously or terminally ill
Palliative Treatment as beneficence
may be considered a form of beneficence care because it relieves pain and suffering
Advanced Directives
Tells your doctor what kind of care you would like to have if you become unable to make medical decisions
DNR
Do Not Resuscitate - a request not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation if your heart stops or if you stop breathing
Health Care Proxy/ Durable Power of Attorney
- states whom you have chosen to make health care decisions for you
- becomes active any time you are unconscious or unable to make medical decisions
Autonomy
emphasizes the right of pt to make decisions for themselves, free of interference by others
beneficence
“doing good” and calls on healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of pt, even when it might be inconvenient or sacrifices must be made
Civil Battery
consists of the actual act of harmful, unconsented, or unwarranted contact w/ an individual; touching w/out permission
Civil Assault
the threat of touching in an injurious way. this can be avoided by explaining the full procedure to the pt beforehand
false imprisonment
the intentional confinement w/out authprization by a person who physically constricts another with force, or confining clothing or structures
Negligence
neglect or omission of reasonable care
malpractice
result of professional misconduct, incompetence, or lack of skills
Tort Law
a legal wrong against a person/property, excluding contract disagreements/disputes
Intentional Tort:
- civil assault
- civil battery
- false imprisonment
- libel
- slander
- invasion of privacy
unintentional tort:
- negligence
- malpractice
Libel
written defamation of character
slander
oral defamation of character
invasion of privacy
info released, or pt exposed improperly or unnecessarily
Doctrine of Respondent Superior
holding the employer responsible for negligent acts of an employee
Res Ipsa Loquitor
“the thing speaks for itself” - a defendant can explain events and a court can decide outcome w no witness present
scope of practice for a profession
written context of what a professional can do based on education and preparation
standard of practice for a profession
delineates the proper procedure and how an action should be performed
personal liability
must take responsibility of own actions
Doctrine of Foreseeability
knowledge of actions or lack of information that could cause injury
risk management
identifies causes of accidents and implements programs to prevent them
incident reports
report of any happening that is not routine operation
ARRT Standards of Ethics
known as the “rules of ethics”. 22 rules of ethics that truly govern the professional behaviors of RTs, RRAs, and candidates for ARRT certification. Not aspirational like the code of ethics; they are enforceable. individuals found in violation are subject to private reprimand to permanent revocation of certification.
Interpersonal Communication
- communication is critical to building helping relationships w pts and coworkers
- patients undergoing treatment for cancer likely have both physiological and social needs
- helping relationships in cancer care should address the physiological, psychological, and social needs of the pt and their caregiver
Challenges in Communication: Languages
translators should be provided in hospital before patient’s appt
Challenges in Communication: Hearing and Speech Impairments
Interpreters should be provided by hospital before pt appts
Challenges in Communication: Impaired Cognition
Adjust communication strategies to match comprehension level of pt
Challenges in Communication: Literacy
- read info to pt
- provide video w information
Maslow’s hierarchy for physiological considerations of cancer patient’s:
a. food, water, sleep
b. safety, security
c. Love, belonging
d. self-esteem
e. self-actualization
Therapist’s should assist in helping patients maintain normal function of life as much as possible. As well as direct them to personnel who can assist them in different matters i.e. transport, nutritionist, family support groups, engage in everyday conversation
Five stages of grief for psychological considerations of cancer patient’s:
a. Denial
b. Anger
c. Bargaining
d. Depression
e. Acceptance
following diagnosis of ca can induce responses similar to the stages of grief described by Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Can also be felt by caregivers and fam
Pain statistics
75% of patients w advanced disease report pain and 30-50% of pt undergoing tx report pain
Anxiety
may come following diagnosis or during therapy
Social considerations of cancer patient’s:
a. support from family/friends/people w similar illness
b. participation in normal life activities
c. intimacy
- w pt permission - invite fam and friends to be involved in the pt care
- encourage pt to participate in as much normal daily activity as possible
- provide resources and referrals for pt who have specific questions on resuming intimate relations - avoid terms like “impotent”, “undersexed”
Modes of Communication
- verbal
- written
- nonverbal
- nodding
- eyebrow movement
- hands making a fist while laying down
- eyes closed
- tears
- smiles
- laughing
Tools used for effective communication:
- handouts
- videos
- books
- personal testimony
- other patients
- support groups
- solid and honest communication
- solidify trust between pt and RT
- allow pt to ask questions
- compassionate and straightforward
- assess pt comprehension level
- repetition of info
Nonverbal Communication:
- Eye contact - in U.S. this is considered a positive behavior, but not in all cultures
- Touching - touch can be either very positive or very negative and varies culturally. It should have a professional purpose that is clear to pt.
- Appearance - Clean and neat appearance and work area is always best
Largely based on cultural background.
Patients who do not speak English:
- need an interpreter over a family member/ friend interpreting - they may add or take away information
- your duty may be to arrange an interpreter
- when using an interpreter, always look directly at pt and speak to them as though they were able to understand you
- if a translator is unavailable, use demonstrations or pencil sketches, and extensive use of nonverbal encouragement
- friendly smile and warm touch can be worth many words
Hearing Impaired Patient Protocol:
- talk to them, not about them
- get pt attention before starting to speak to them
- face the person, w light on your face preferably
- speak lower in register, as well as louder
- speak clearly and at moderate pace
- avoid noisy background situations
- rephrase when you are not understood
- be patient
when in doubt you can ask them for suggestions to improve communication. hearing range can be quite different
- important to remember that impairments in sight, hearing, and speech are communication impairments and not a reflection on the individuals ability to think
Deaf Patient Protocol:
+ Chart should be flagged when a pt is totally deaf
+ Some deaf people are adept to lip reading and speaking to a limited degree
+ Certified interpreter is essential
+
You may become aware that a patient is totally deaf when they:
- do not respond to noises or words spoken out of the range of vision
- uses lip movements without making a sound or speaks in a flat monotone
- points to the ears and mouth while shaking the head in a negative motion
- important to remember that impairments in sight, hearing, and speech are communication impairments and not a reflection on the individuals ability to think
Impaired Vision Patients:
- some pt prefer to follow by listening to your footsteps and using a cane where others may wish to put a hand on your shoulder/elbow
- good communication is key to determining which method of helping a pt may prefer
- pt with failing vision may need more description or procedures and their surroundings than other visually impaired
- important to remember that impairments in sight, hearing, and speech are communication impairments and not a reflection on the individuals ability to think
Inability to Speak/Aphasia:
- may be impaired as a result of injury to language centers in the brain
- stroke pt may be unable to speak/write and is best to ask nursing staff the best way to communicate w pt
- throat ca is another. may use a handheld tool called an electrolarynx which is placed on the external throat wall - not always easy to understand
- important to remember that impairments in sight, hearing, and speech are communication impairments and not a reflection on the individuals ability to think
Impaired Mental Function:
- must assess the pt ability to understand and follow instructions
- ability may vary from infantile to capabilities close to normal
- in general, the same simple, clear, and direct instructions offered to children are appropriate
- repetition may be necessary
- importanhnot to speak to them as if they are children and address appropriately, with respect and dignity
Age-specific communication - neonate-infant:
neonate:
- address w smiling face and soothing voice
- need to be kept tightly wrapped and warm
- involve parents and keep them in vision as much as possible
infant:
- start fearing strangers and begin to differentiate themselves from others
- smile to elicit smiles from others. sucking, chewing, and vocalizing are important activities
- keep w parent as much as possible
- limit staff, provide familiar objects, and incorporate play to distract from exam
- always provide safe environment and never leave alone
- keep crib rails pat all times
Age-specific communication - Toddler (1-2):
- starting to be independent and resist control - handle with a gentle but firm approach and set clear limits
- allow toddler to make choices
- explain immobilization necessities to parents
- be calm, cheerful, and unhurried
- allow fav toy or blanket for security
- instruct using demonstration rather than speech
- keep spoken instruction short and simple
- try to speak at eye level (fear due to adult stature)
- “make friends”
Age-specific communication - Preschooler (3-5):
- start to demonstrate increasing independence
- conversational and share information
- encourage them to cooperate, ask if they want to climb on table on their own or need help
- explain things in a sensitive way and show how to do things
- keep simple, direct and honest
- don’t hesitate to ask for more experienced help
Age-specific communication - School Age (6-12):
- can think logically about anything that can be touched and seen
- give concrete info about procedures
- be honest about everything including any potential pain
- still necessary to use demonstrations and models to explain
Age-specific communication - adolescent (13-18):
- special sensitivity due to emotional needs
- can act like adults, but revert to childlike behaviors when frightened or confused
- teenagers fear threats to physical appearance and loss of control of independence
- show empathy
- avoid being authoritarian and include them in decision making
- modesty and privacy are v important
- lessen fear and anxiety by asking about their hobbies, fav sports, school, or friends
- if parents present, involve them, but important not to talk about them
- provide thorough explanations
- professional approach coupled w warm reassurance
Age-specific communication - Young Adults (19-45):
- searching for and finding their place in society
- moving from dependence to responsibilities w edu, marriage, children, and aging parents
- involve them and loved ones fully in decision making and procedure
- tailor everything to their level of understanding
Age-specific communication - Middle Adult (46-64):
- may be experiencing lifestyle changes and physical and cognitive changes
- onset of many chronic conditions starts in this time
- may need special assistance from family members
- dealing w family can be difficult and always involve social services or chaplain or even security personnel if necessary
Cultural Factors to consider:
- increase awareness to diversity in needs, expectations, and fears in the pt
- ea society develops unwritten rules in how we communicate, how close we stand, acceptable touching of others, and reflections of courtesy to those around us
- cultural differences in nonverbal behavior can be highly significant
- in some cultures personal space is highly important, while in others embracing and touching is important
- eye contact can vary in meaning as well
positioning aids:
- should help facilitate a certain position
- they do not immobilize
- whatever position would be comfortable and easily accommodate tx strategy
—example: commercial head holders, prone pillows, knee sponges, wing boards, Duncan masks, chin straps and shoulder pulls
Immobilization devices:
- help limit movement of pt during tx
- decreases setup and targeting errors
- thermoplastic molds
- vac-locs
Treatment Setup - Head and Neck:
- usually supine due to comfort, lateral beams, and easy to make sure lenses ar excluded from tx
- H&N positioning and immobilization should include a rigid plastic head holder that cradles head while supporting neck
- thermoplastic molds
- shoulder pulls and adjustable straps
- shoulder retractor apparatuses
- bite blocks - as positioning aid or immobilization device
- IMRT contouring and setting gantry angles can be modified if you cannot use shoulder restraints
Treatment Setup - Breast:
- typically supine (prone may be used w large breasted pt)
- ensure legs and ankles are not crossed
- wing boards are suitable
- wing board and breast board can be used together to reduce slope of breast
- wing board allows: arms above head, making torso more symmetric
- breast boards have attachments to her reproduce elbows, wrist and hand positions
-chin should be raised and head turned away from treated breast - allow breast to find natural position
-vac-loc is a viable alternative to a breast board
-
Thermoplastic mold:
- size that covers head only works well for tx above clavicles
- longer style (s-frame) tht covers head and shoulders works for tx areas in h&n, and supraclavicular regions
- thermoplastic molds like aquaplast - can be warmed in water to manipulate to form to pt face, neck and shoulders and secured to table. dries quickly and becomes rigid
- positioning markers can be applied to mask
- while drying, use fingers to mold labella, chin, entry of auditory meatus
Treatment Setup - Chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities:
- vac-loc or alpha cradle systems are used
- wing board
- chin extension may be necessary based on tx fields
- for pelvic region, vac-loc should extend from buttocks to feet
- exact position of feet should be easily replicated
- supine is most comfortable, but prone can decrease tx to sm bowel and decreases gluteal folds
- for prone, belly boards are desirable
Hospice Care Protocol:
- hospice team provides physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual help
- in home or in facility
- support of pt and family for end of life
What is an antiemetic used for?
nausea
-medications include: torecan, norazine, compazine
whites an analgesic?
pain killer
meds include: Tylenol, pejcoset, MS contin
What are some anti-inflammatories?
hydrocortisone, diprolene
name some anti-diarrheal meds:
Imodium, lomotil