Patient Care, Infection Control, Sleep, Nutrition & Pain Management

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts from lecture notes on mobility aids, infection control, hygiene, sleep, nutrition, catheter care, and pain management.

Cane-First Rule

When ambulating with a cane, the patient should move the cane forward before stepping with the affected (weaker) leg.

Cane Placement

The cane is held on the strong (unaffected) side to reduce weight-bearing on the weak side and prevent falls.

Wheelchair Wheel Locks

Always lock a wheelchair’s wheels before transferring a patient to or from it.

Walker Use Reminder

Have the patient lift the walker, place it a short distance ahead, set it down, and then step into the frame—do not carry it while walking.

Normal Flora

Microorganisms that naturally live on or within the body without causing disease and often provide protective functions.

Pathogen

A microorganism—such as bacteria, virus, protozoan, or fungus—that is capable of causing infection.

Types of Pathogens

Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi.

Chain of Infection

The six linked elements: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.

Distal-to-Proximal Bathing

Clean the patient from the farthest point (hands/feet) toward the center of the body to promote venous return.

Medical Asepsis

“Clean technique” aimed at reducing microorganisms and preventing their spread.

Surgical Asepsis

“Sterile technique” aimed at eliminating all microorganisms from an area or object.

Home Handwashing Technique

Use warm water and scrub wrists, hands, fingers, web spaces, and nails for at least 20 seconds.

Nail Trimming Method

Cut nails straight across and file the corners to prevent injury or ingrown nails.

Antibacterial Soap & Diabetes

Frequent use dries already dry diabetic skin and removes beneficial bacteria; recommend gentle cleansers instead.

Shaving Direction

Shave in the direction of hair growth (with the grain) to reduce skin irritation.

Electric Razor Indication

Use an electric razor for patients on anticoagulants or blood thinners to minimize the risk of cuts.

Restorative Sleep Strategies

Establish a bedtime routine, limit caffeine, and maintain a quiet environment.

Adult Sleep Requirement

Adults typically need 7–9 hours of sleep per night.

Insomnia Nursing Interventions

Limit daytime naps, encourage consistent sleep–wake times, and avoid stimulants before bed.

Stages of Sleep

Non-REM stages 1–3 followed by REM sleep.

Metabolism

All chemical processes in the body that sustain life.

Kinetic Energy

Energy possessed by an object due to its motion.

Potential Energy

Stored energy determined by an object’s position or condition.

Complete Protein

Contains all nine essential amino acids; examples include meat, eggs, and soy.

Protein Functions

Tissue building and repair, enzyme and hormone production, and immune system support.

MyPlate Food Groups

Dairy, Fruits, Grains, Vegetables, and Protein—recommended portions for a balanced diet.

Main Urinary Catheters

Indwelling (Foley), Intermittent (Straight), and Suprapubic catheters, selected based on duration and patient need.

Catheter Care Principles

Maintain a closed system, keep drainage bag below bladder level, provide perineal care, and assess for infection.

Pain Definition

Pain is whatever the patient says it is, existing whenever the patient says it does.

Acute Pain

Short-term pain with sudden onset, often related to injury or surgery.

Chronic Pain

Persistent pain lasting ≥3–6 months, often resistant to standard treatment.

Factors Affecting Pain Perception

Age, culture, fatigue, emotional state, and previous pain experiences.

Referred Pain

Pain perceived at a location other than its actual source.

Gate Control Theory

Non-painful input can close spinal “gates” to painful input, reducing pain perception.

Opioid Adverse Effects

Sedation, constipation, respiratory depression, and potential dependence.

Pain Assessment

Ask the patient, use a numeric scale (0–10), and observe behavior for non-verbal cues.

Unrelieved Pain Action

Reassess pain, notify the provider, and consider alternative or additional treatments.

Non-Pharmacologic Pain Relief

Hot/cold therapy, massage, distraction, relaxation, and other complementary methods.

Pain Management Principles

Believe the patient’s report, assess regularly, and individualize the treatment plan.

Abdominal Pain Assessment Steps

Inspect, Auscultate, Percuss, and Palpate—in that order (I-A-P-P).