Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care The Basics Chapter 2

Communication

The process of exchanging information with others

Objective information

Based on what a person sees, hears, touches, or smells

Subjective information

Something a person cannot or did not observe

Incontinence

The inability to control the bladder or bowels

Defense mechanisms

Unconscious behaviors used to release tension or cope with stress; Denial, projection, displacement, rationalization, repression, regression

Culture

A system of learned behaviors, practiced by a group of people, that is considered to be the tradition of that group and is passed on from one generation to the next

Impairment

Loss of function or ability; it can be partial or complete loss

Mental health

The normal functioning of emotional and intellectual abilities

Mental Illness

a Disorder involving emotions and mental functions

Combative

Violent or hostile behavior displayed by some residents

Body mechanics

The way the parts of the body work together when a person moves

Posture

The way a person holds and positions his body

Base of support

The foundation that supports an object. The wider the support, the more stable a person will be.

Center of gravity

The point in the body where the most weight is concentrated

Fracture

A broken bone

Risk factors for falls

Clutter, throw rugs, electrical cords, slippery or wet floors, uneven floors of stairs, poor lighting, call lights out of reach or not promptly answered

Scalds

Burns caused by hot liquids

Abrasion

An injury that rubs off the surface of the skin

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; a federal government agency that makes rules to protect workers from hazards on the job

Conscious

Mentally alert and having awareness of surroundings, sensations, and thoughts

Obstructed airway

Something is blocking the tube through which air enters the lungs

Abdominal thrusts

A method of attempting to remove an object from the airway of someone who is chocking

Cyanotic

Blue tinged skin

Shock

Occurs when organs and tissues in the body do not receive an adequate blood supply. Can be caused by bleeding, heart attach, severe infection, and falling blood pressure

Dyspnea

Difficulty breathing

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar. S&S include nervousness, dizziness, perspiration, weakness, rapid pulse, headache, cold clammy skin, confusion, numbness of lips and tongue

DKA

Diabetic Ketoacidosis - Caused by hyperglycemia. S&S include increased thirst and/or urination, abdominal pain, deep or labored breathing, breath smells fruity, headache, rapid pulse, dry skin, flushed cheeks, nausea and vomiting

CVA

Cerebrovascular accident or stroke; occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain ids blocked or a blood vessel leaks or ruptures within the brain

TIA

Transient Ischemic Attack; a warning sign of a CVA; the result of a temporarty lack of oxygen in the brain

Microorganism

A living thing or organism so small that it can only be seen under a microscope

Microbe

Another name for microorganism

Pathogen

Harmful microorganism, invade the body and multiply and cause infection

Localized infection

Limited to a specific location in the body

Systemic infection

Affecting the entire body

HAI

Healthcare associated infection; acquired in the healthcare setting during the delivery of medical care

Chain of infection

A way of describing how disease is transmitted from one being to another

Causative agent

A pathogenic microorganism that causes disease

Reservoir

Where the pathogen lives and grows

Portal of exit

Any body opening on an infected person that allows pathogens to leave

Mode of transmission

How the pathogen travels

Direct contact

Transmission of a pathogen made by touching the infected person or his secretions

Indirect contact

Results from touching something contaminated by an infected person. Ex: needle, dressing, or tissue

Portal of entry

Any body opening on an uninfected person that allows pathogens to enter

Mucous membrane

The membranes that line body cavities that open to the outside of the body - linings of mouth, nose, eyes, rectum, and genitals

Susceptible host

An uninfected person who could get sick

Medical asepsis

Measures used to reduce and prevent the spread of pathogens

Surgical asepsis

Sterile technique; state of being free from all microorganisms

CDC

Centers for disease control and prevention. Under the DOH and HHS

Standard Precautions

Treating blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes as if they were infected

PPE

Person Protective Equipment; helps protect employees from serious injuries or illnesses

Sterilization

Cleaning measure that destroys all microorganisms including pathogens

Disinfection

A process that kills pathogens but does not destroy all pathogens

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses and other factors, such as alcohol abuse, some medications, and trauma

Tuberculosis

TB; highty contagious lung disease caused by a bacterium that is carried on mucous droplets suspended in the air

MRSA

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus; Antibiotic-resistant infection often acquired in healthcare facilities

VRE

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus; Bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics; GI infection

C.diff

Clostridium difficile; Spore forming bacterium which can be part of the normal intestinal flora causing very watery diarrhea

putting on PPE order

wash hands, gown, mask, goggles, gloves (bmeg, body mask eye glove)

Doffing PPE order

remove gloves, goggles, gown, mask, wash hands (3 g’s and an M)