Comprehensive Nursing and Medical Safety, Infection Control, and Assessment Guide

What are the National Patient Safety Goals?

Identify patients correctly using two identifiers, improve communication among healthcare providers, use medications safely, prevent infection, identify patient safety risks, prevent falls and pressure injuries.

What are the types of hazards in healthcare?

Physical hazards (falls, fires, electrical hazards), chemical hazards (medications, cleaning products), biologic hazards (infections, body fluids), ergonomic hazards (improper lifting, poor body mechanics).

What are some fall prevention strategies?

Keep bed in lowest position, use nonskid footwear, keep call light within reach, provide adequate lighting, remove clutter, use side rails appropriately, assess gait and mobility, implement fall precautions for high-risk patients.

What does RACE stand for in fire safety?

Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate.

What does PASS stand for in fire extinguisher use?

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

What are the guidelines for using restraints?

Use only when necessary, least restrictive method first, requires provider order, assess circulation, skin integrity, and psychological status, remove restraints regularly, document reason and alternatives attempted.

What is the best defense against infection?

Hand hygiene.

What are the types of infections?

Local infection, systemic infection, acute infection, chronic infection, healthcare-associated infection (HAI).

What are the signs of infection?

Fever, redness, swelling, pain, drainage, elevated WBC count.

What is the difference between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis?

Medical asepsis is clean technique (handwashing, cleaning equipment), while surgical asepsis is sterile technique (sterile gloves and fields, avoiding contamination).

What are standard precautions?

Apply to all patients, gloves for body fluids, masks, gowns, eye protection as needed.

What are the types of transmission-based precautions?

Contact precautions (MRSA, VRE, C. difficile), droplet precautions (influenza, meningitis), airborne precautions (tuberculosis, measles, varicella).

What is the order for applying personal protective equipment (PPE)?

1. Gown, 2. Mask, 3. Goggles/face shield, 4. Gloves.

What is the order for removing personal protective equipment (PPE)?

1. Gloves, 2. Goggles, 3. Gown, 4. Mask.

What are the steps of the nursing process?

Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.

What are the types of data in nursing assessment?

Subjective data (symptoms reported by patient) and objective data (measurable findings).

What is the normal range for adult pulse?

60-100 beats per minute.

What is the normal range for adult respiratory rate?

12-20 breaths per minute.

What is the normal blood pressure for adults?

Less than 120/80 mmHg.

What is the normal oxygen saturation range?

Usually 95-100%.

What are the techniques of physical assessment?

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation.

What is the definition of pharmacokinetics?

What the body does to the drug: absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion.

What is the definition of pharmacodynamics?

What the drug does to the body.

What are the rights of medication administration?

Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right reason, right documentation.

What are the 'Five Rights' of medication administration?

Right route, Right time, Right documentation, Right reason, Right response.

What are the common routes of medication administration?

Oral, Sublingual, Topical, Intramuscular, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.

Name three intramuscular injection sites.

Deltoid, Vastus lateralis, Ventrogluteal.

What are the three subcutaneous injection sites?

Abdomen, Upper arms, Thighs.

What is the needle angle for intradermal injections?

5-15°.

What is the needle angle for subcutaneous injections?

45-90°.

What is the needle angle for intramuscular injections?

90°.

What should be done in case of a medication error?

Report immediately, assess the patient first, document appropriately.

What is the formula for medication dosage calculation?

Desired ÷ Have × Quantity = Amount to give.

What is the conversion for 1 kg in pounds?

1 kg = 2.2 lb.

How many mg are in 1 g?

1000 mg = 1 g.

What is the purpose of the immune response?

To protect against pathogens, including the inflammatory response.

What are the two types of vaccines?

Live vaccines and inactivated vaccines.

What should be assessed before administering vaccines?

Allergies and monitoring for reactions.

Name two major classes of antibiotics.

Penicillins and Cephalosporins.

What should patients be advised regarding antibiotic prescriptions?

Complete the entire prescription and monitor for allergic reactions.

What are common side effects of antibiotics?

Diarrhea, Nausea, Rash.

What are the two types of antiviral medications mentioned?

Acyclovir and Oseltamivir.

What is the importance of taking tuberculosis medications?

Take the full course and avoid alcohol with Isoniazid (INH).

What are the airborne precautions for tuberculosis?

Negative pressure room and N95 mask.

What are some normal aging changes in the cardiovascular system?

Decreased cardiac output and increased blood pressure.

What is a key nursing consideration for older adults regarding medications?

Monitor closely for adverse effects due to polypharmacy.

What does the acronym RACE stand for in fire safety?

Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish.

What are the normal ranges for vital signs?

Pulse: 60-100, Respirations: 12-20, BP: less than 120/80.

What is the normal white blood cell (WBC) range?

Approximately 5,000-10,000/mm³.

What does an elevated WBC count indicate?

Infection, inflammation, or leukemia.

What is the purpose of the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)?

To measure inflammation.

What are the components of a health history?

Biographic data, Chief complaint, History of present illness, Past health history, Family history, Review of systems.