Basic First Aid Concepts

Flashcards of vocabulary relating to the basic first aid concepts

Rationale for calling for a nurse or 911 when a client is choking

To get help while continuously providing for the client's safety and comfort.

Rationale for asking if a client can speak or cough when choking

To identify a blocked airway.

Rationale for placing fist with thumb side against abdomen midway between waist and ribcage

Positions fist for maximum pressure with least chance of injury to the client.

Rationale for pressing fist into abdomen with quick inward and upward thrusts

Forces air from lungs to dislodge object.

Rationale for assisting with documentation according to current nursing practices

Accuracy is necessary because decisions regarding client's care may be based on your report. What you write is a legal record of what you did. If you don't document it, legally it didn't happen.

Rationale for calling for nurse or 911 when a client is having a seizure

Allows you to get help yet continuously provide for client's safety and comfort.

Rationale for placing padding under the head and moving furniture away from client during seizure

Protects client from injury.

Rationale for not restraining client or placing anything in mouth during seizure

Any restriction may injure client during seizure.

Rationale for loosening client's clothing during seizure

Prevents injury or choking.

Rationale for positioning client onto side after seizure stops

Allows saliva to drain from mouth so client doesn't choke.

Rationale for noting duration of seizure and areas involved

Provides nurse with necessary information to properly assess client’s condition and needs.

Rationale for calling for nurse or 911 when client is falling or fainting

Allows you to get help yet continuously provide for client's safety and comfort.

Rationale for checking if client is breathing when falling or fainting

Provides you with information necessary to proceed with procedure.

Rationale for not moving client who is falling or fainting

Prevents further damage if client is injured.

Rationale for talking to client in calm and supportive manner when falling or fainting

Reassures client.

Rationale for applying direct pressure to any bleeding area

Slows or stops bleeding.

Rationale for taking pulse and respiration of a patient who is falling or fainting

Provides nurse with necessary information to properly assess client's condition and needs.

Rationale for removing clients from area of immediate danger in case of fire

Clients may be confused, frightened or unable to help themselves.

Rationale for activating the fire alarm

Alerts entire facility of danger.

Rationale for closing doors and windows to contain fire

Prevents drafts that could spread fire.

Rationale for extinguishing small fire with fire extinguisher if possible

Prevents fire from spreading.