Proficiency’s Flashcards
What are the signs of deterioration or distress considering mental, physical, cognitive etc
abnormal changes in mood, socially isolated, Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns, physical symptoms such as fatigue
Signs and Symptoms of dehydration
Headaches
Urinating less than usual
dark coloured urine
feeling tired
increased thirst
What is dehydration?
when the body loses more fluids than it’s taking in
What is fluid retention?
when excess fluid builds up in the body’s tissue
Signs and Symptoms of fluid retention?
Swelling mainly in the legs, ankles, hands, feet or abdomen
Weight gain in short periods of time
Areas which are swollen may appear tight shiny and stretched
When would a sputum sample usually be taken?
in the morning after the patient has rinsed their mouth with water
How is a sputum sample taken?
the patient forcefully coughs into a container, which is then labelled and tested
What is sputum usually tested for?
to diagnose for respiratory issues such as asthma, lung cancer, tuberculosis
What can sputum tell you?
a sputum sample test can identify infections in the lungs, such as pneumonia or lung cancer
Sputum test can also identify inflammation in the airways which is common in conditions like asthma
How is a urine sample taken?
a patient is given a container to urinate into which is then sealed and labeled for testing
How is urine tested?
Nurses can test urine easily by dipping a coloured stick known as urinary analysis testing strips into the urine where results then appear immediately and the colours on the stick can be compared to the colours on the bottle, the colours of the squares indicate different factors of someone’s health
How is a stool sample taken?
when the patient has gone the toilet the healthcare will get a stick to scoop some of the stool into a container, filling the container just under half way, making sure to label and send of for testing
What is tested in a stool sample?
firstly the professional is looking to see whether the stool is a normal colour and consistency and whether their is excess mucus as this can indicate inflammation or infection
What other tests can be carried out on a stool sample?
Chemical test which look for hidden blood or other substances in stools that aren’t obvious
Microscopic examinations may be necessary for further testing, stool analysis can identify parasites, bacteria or other pathogens which could indicate infection
Health and safety regulations
Regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace, evaluating physical hazards such as slips, trips and falls.
Biological hazards such as exposure to germs and pathogens
Chemical hazards such as cleaning supplies being locked away in cupboards securely
More health and safety regulations?
Staff wearing appropriate PPE such as gloves, masks, apron, visor when appropriate
PPE helps minimise the chance of infectious agents affecting others and crossing over.
PPE should be regularly changed and inbetween interactions with patients
Masks and visors protect against droplets whisky gown and gloves help contain any exposure to pathogens
Understanding the principles of partnership and multiagency
Effective communication is essential for successful mure. Sharing relevant information about patients, services and resources. Clear communication is important to prevent misunderstanding ensuring that all teams involved are in agreement and understanding
