Patient Care Ch. 12 Flashcards
what are some expressions of anxiety?
- anger
- inappropriate speech
- constant talking
- quiet
- fidgeting
what causes anxiety in patients?
- fear of possible diagnosis
- concerns of effects of illness
- physical discomfort
how can you calm down patients who are anxious?
- provide ample covers
- explanation of the procedure
- matter of fact attitude
- clear and constant communication
which patients are affected when lying flat on the table?
- thin patients
- elderly patients (w/ kyphosis)
- obese patients
- cardiac/respiratory impaired patients
where should dentures be placed if needed to be removed?
should be placed in a safe location in a suitable disposable container
where should glasses or hearing aids be placed when removed?
- choose a safe location in view of the patient
- use the same place consistently
- point out the location to the patient
what needs to be done when a patient requests water?
- first check the chart and note whether oral fluids are permitted
what does NPO mean?
nothing by mouth
if the patient is charted NPO, they are able to consume:
- food
- liquid
- water chips
- sips of water
- none of the above
none of the above
define incontinence
involuntary control of the urinary bladder
who may experience incontinence?
elderly or debilitated patients
what happens when a urine specimen is needed?
- provide the proper container
- cleaning supplies
- instructions for obtaining a clean catch mistream specimen
when a patient needs to defecate or urinate but is unable to walk or is in a wheelchair, what alternatives need to be made?
a bedpan or urinal is needed
what are the two types of bedpans?
- fracture pan
- regular pan
define fracture pan
a pan that has a flat lip in the front that makes it easy to slide under a patient who had problems lifting their pelvis
define regular pan
larger and deeper with a rounded lip designed to support the buttocks
what needs to be done before emptying the bed pans or urinals?
check if the patient’s feces or urine needs to be collected, or if it needs to be measured and recorded
define urinary catheter
tubes that go up the urethra into the bladder, allowing urine to be emptied into a collection bag
what must be done when the catheter bag if filled up?
empty it and measure urine if necessary
define colostomy/ileostomy
- surgically formed passages from the large or small bowel through the abdominal wall that terminate in an external opening (stoma)
- wear an external bag to collect fecal matter
what is the procedure for applying a clean disposable colostomy bag?
- measure the stoma
- trace the measurement onto the skin barrier
- cut the opening into the wafer
- remove the protective backing
- apply the pouch over the stoma
what can be done when patients are uncomfortable lying flat on the table?
the radiographer can place sponges or cushions for support
elevating the patient’s head can help with:
- relieve neck strain
- allow easier breathing
- avoid uncomfortable feeling
bolsters are useful for patients with:
- spine injury
- recent spine or abdominal surgery
when placing a bolster under the patient’s knees, it helps alleviate:
lumbosacral stress by straightening lordosis
what should be done when a patient is supine and has abdominal pain?
head elevated and bolster placed under the knees
if a patient becomes short of breath when lying supine, you must-
help them sit up immediately
define orthopnea
difficulty breathing when lying down
when a patient is nauseous, they must-
have their heads elevated
if a patient cannot be assisted to a fowler position, what alternative can be done?
rolled into a lateral position
define decubitus ulcer/bedsores
older /debilitated patients can develop ulcerated areas over prominent bony structures when pressure is exerted for even a short period of time
what physical changes are visible with aging?
skin and circulatory system
why should the radiographer be careful when maneuvering elderly patients?
due to the lack of a subcutaneous layer, they can easily bruise with any type of abrasion
what body parts are most sensitive to an elderly?
the skin of the feet and legs
minor contusions or abrasions can cause-
decubitus ulcer
define restraints
reduce patient movement to ensure safety
define immobilization
prevent undesired motion during imaging procedures
what are examples of restraints?
- wrist/ankle bands
- vest with straps
it is important to note that physical restraints on an adult patient-
requires a physicians order
it is important to use safety straps because they-
prevent falls when patients are asleep, weak, disoriented, or sedated.
do safety devices require a physicians order?
no
do immobilization devices require a physicians order?
no
what are some examples of immobilization devices?
- compression bag
- sandbag
- tape
- stockinet
what device immobilizes infants to achieve a chest x-ray?
Pigg-O-Stat
what are some signs of battered child syndrome/physical abuse/nonaccidental trauma?
- multiple injuries
- evidence of chronic or repeated injury with no other explanation
- injuries that are not consistent with the parents’ report of trauma
- failure to seek prompt treatment for serious injuries
- bruise marks shaped like hands, fingers, or objects (such as belt)
- specific patterns of scalding
- burns from electric stove, radiator, heater, or other hot objects on the child’s hands or buttocks
- cigarette burns on exposed areas or the genitals
- black eyes on an infant
- human bite marks
- lash marks
- choke marks around neck
- circular marks around wrists or ankles (twisting)
- separated skull sutures or bulging fontanel in an infant
- unexplained unconsciousness in an infant
define elder abuse
any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult
what are different types of abuse?
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse
- neglect
- exploitation
- emotional abuse
- abandonment
- self neglect
what are some signs of elderly abuse?
- Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
- Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.
- Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse.
- Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
- Decubitus ulcers, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
- Behaviors such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses or adult children are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse.
- Strained or tense relationships, or frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person, can suggest potential problems.
