Clinical Readiness Exam Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Clinical Readiness Exam Study Guide, including patient safety, ethical considerations, and procedures necessary for nursing students.

What are the general guidelines for nursing students at healthcare facilities?

Nursing students may not administer chemotherapy, blood products, take verbal or telephone orders, transcribe orders to the MAR (Medication Administration Record) or initiate restraints.

What MAY nurses do?

Perform delegated care, observe patients in restraints, and document observations

If unsure, unsafe, or policy is unclear…

→ STOP and notify instructor and primary nurse

What should nursing students do if they have a concern about patient care or agency policies?

They should discuss these concerns with their instructor and the appropriate primary nurse or supervisor.

What are the two patient identifiers recommended for patient identification?

The use of name and date of birth is recommended for patient identification.

What is the role of ID bands for patients?

All patients are required to have ID bands secured to their person for proper identification.

What must nursing students ensure before carrying out any procedure?

They must verify the patient's identity using their ID band. No procedures if ID cannot be verified.

What should a student do if a patient does not have a visible ID band?

No procedure should be done until the patient’s identity can be verified.

What is the policy for patient confidential information?

All patient information must remain confidential and only accessed on a need-to-know basis.

In what environments should nurses avoid discussing patient information?

Patient information should not be discussed in public areas like cafeterias or hallways.

When must written authorization be obtained for disclosure of patient information?

Written authorization is required before any healthcare information is disclosed, except for direct care needs.

What does HIPAA stand for?

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, focusing on patient privacy.

What are incidental uses of Protected Health Information (PHI) allowed under HIPAA?

Discussions at nursing stations and conversations about a patient’s condition with involved parties are allowed.

What should not be done with Protected Health Information (PHI) on computers?

PHI should not be stored on local or C drives due to risks of loss or accidental disclosure.

What protective measures should be taken with patient files and charts?

Files should be secured when unattended to prevent unauthorized viewing.

What does the Patient’s Bill of Rights include regarding treatment decisions?

Patients have the right to make decisions regarding their treatment and decline medical care.

What should patients expect concerning their privacy?

Patients expect that their personal and medical information will be kept confidential.

What accommodations must healthcare facilities provide to patients?

Facilities must accommodate special needs related to equipment, language, culture, and physical limitations.

What is the hospital ethics committee’s role?

Patients have the right to have a representative involved in ethical issues; the ethics committee can be contacted for support.

What is informed consent?

Informed consent ensures patients understand their health condition and proposed procedures before signing consent.

Who cannot serve as a witness for informed consent?

Nursing students or other students may not serve as witnesses for informed consent.

What constitutes an advance directive?

Advance directives are statements of a patient's treatment preferences if they become incapacitated.

What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order?

A DNR order indicates that no resuscitation efforts should be made in case of cardiac or respiratory failure.

When should DNR orders be documented?

DNR orders must be documented, reviewed, and updated as needed.

What are nursing students responsible for if they suspect a patient is being abused or neglected?

They must report any suspicions to their instructor and appropriate authorities.

What communication method is used for effective handoffs between caregivers?

The SBAR method is used for communication: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.

What does a stereotype represent in cultural competence?

A stereotype is a fixed idea about a group that doesn’t consider individual differences.

How does a generalization differ from a stereotype?

A generalization hints at common trends but requires further individual assessment.

Why is assessing a patient's diversity needs important?

It helps customize patient care to fit their specific needs.

What should be considered regarding a patient’s language needs?

Determine if the patient speaks English and provide a qualified interpreter if necessary.

How do some cultures perceive direct eye contact?

In some cultures, direct eye contact may be seen as disrespectful.

What is the importance of touch in different cultures?

Cultural differences impact comfort levels regarding personal space and touch.

Why should idioms be avoided in patient communication?

Idioms may create misunderstandings due to their figurative meanings.

What is essential when giving instructions to patients?

Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer.

What should you do if a patient has a latex allergy?

Remove all latex-containing products from the room and ensure a proper allergy band is in place.

What precautions should be taken to protect against latex allergies?

Use non-latex gloves, avoid latex contact, and keep the workplace free from latex dust.

What are mild reactions to latex?

Mild reactions include skin redness, rash, hives, and itching.

What severe reactions may occur due to latex exposure?

Severe reactions may involve respiratory symptoms like asthma and can lead to anaphylaxis.

What should be done immediately after a needle stick injury?

Wash the area thoroughly and report the incident to a supervisor.

What are common practices leading to needle stick injuries?

Recapping needles, transferring body fluids, and not disposing of needles properly.

What types of needles commonly cause needle stick injuries?

Hypodermic needles, blood collection needles, and suture needles.

What is the purpose of a Corporate Compliance Committee in healthcare?

To review policies and ensure ethical and lawful behavior within the organization.

What defines fraud in the healthcare context?

Fraud is knowingly breaking the law to obtain money or property from a healthcare benefit program.

What constitutes abuse in a healthcare context?

Abuse is receiving payment without legal right, often unknowingly.

What should patients be educated about regarding pain management?

Patients should receive appropriate assessments and management of their pain.

What is a key principle of patient-centered care?

Always treat patients with respect and dignity.

How should nurses communicate when addressing patient needs?

Nurses should carefully listen to patients and explain things understandably.

What is the importance of handling medications correctly?

To ensure patient safety, follow the 'six rights' of medication administration.

What steps should be taken to improve medication safety?

Identify patients correctly, ensure proper medication storage, and only administer medications prepared by authorized personnel.

What approach is recommended for patient transfer?

Ensure a proper identification band is secured before transferring any patient.

What should be done if a patient is at risk of falling?

Implement a specific fall prevention plan and ensure the patient is oriented to their surroundings.

What are some signs that might indicate a patient has been abused?

Signs include unexplained injuries, bruises in odd shapes, or isolation from others.

What information do national patient safety goals address?

They focus on identifying patients accurately, effective staff communication, and preventing infections.

What is a sentinel event in healthcare?

An unexpected occurrence involving death or serious injury that must be reported and investigated.

How should electrical safety be maintained in healthcare settings?

Use properly grounded equipment, inspect cords for issues, and never break the ground on plugs.

What are the protocols for fire safety in a healthcare facility?

Follow RACE (Rescue, Alert, Confine, Extinguish) procedures and ensure awareness of fire hazards.

What is the importance of using protective equipment in healthcare?

Protective equipment minimizes exposure to hazardous substances and infections.

What is the safety procedure for using hazardous materials?

Utilize labels and MSDS, and never use unlabeled chemicals.

What should you do if you suspect a biological threat?

Report suspicious items to the appropriate authorities and follow containment procedures.

What should healthcare workers do in case of an emergency?

Follow the institution's emergency preparedness plan and report to designated areas.

What are the main risks associated with bloodborne pathogens?

The most common are hepatitis and HIV, which require standard precautions to prevent exposure.

What is the primary means of preventing health care-associated infections?

Adhere to evidence-based practices and standard precautions to safeguard against infection.

What symptoms can indicate an exposure to hazardous materials?

Symptoms vary but may include nausea, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms depending on the material.

What distinguishes Standard Precautions from other isolation precautions?

Standard Precautions apply to all patients, regardless of their presumed infection status.

What are airborne precautions designed for?

To prevent the spread of infectious agents that remain suspended in the air for extended periods.

How should sharps be disposed of?

Sharps should be placed in designated biohazard containers and never bent or recapped.

What are the responsibilities of healthcare employees in relation to patient safety?

Regular assessments and adherence to guidelines to ensure patient safety standards are maintained.

What is the role of the Joint Commission regarding patient safety?

They provide national standards for patient safety goals to improve health care quality.

What procedures should be followed during patient transfers?

Ensure proper identification and communicate critical information to transferring personnel.

How should privacy be addressed during patient care discussions?

Always use discretion and avoid disclosing information in public or shared environments.

What obligations do healthcare workers have concerning patient interaction?

Ensure respectful communication and personal privacy during all patient interactions.

How can students demonstrate professionalism in patient care?

By dressing appropriately, maintaining confidentiality, and communicating effectively with patients.

What is a major cause of injury in nursing practice?

Strains and sprains from improper body mechanics, especially back injuries.

What are the principles of proper body mechanics?

Use good posture, keep loads close, and seek help when necessary to prevent injuries.

In what situation might restraints be applied to a patient?

Restraints may be used only after other safety measures have failed, and a physician's order is obtained.

What should be checked regularly when using restraints on a patient?

Monitor the patient's circulation, skin integrity, and provide care at least every two hours.

What should be reported regarding equipment related to patient care?

Any defective or unsafe equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service.

What guidelines are essential for handling medications?

Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation.

What is the importance of knowing emergency codes in a healthcare facility?

Familiarity with emergency codes facilitates quick and organized responses to crises.

What is the FEMA?

FEMA refers to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, overseeing emergency management.

What steps should be taken when a sentinel event occurs?

Document the event, report it, and participate in the investigation and quality improvement measures.

What must be done regarding fall risks in healthcare settings?

Patients should be assessed regularly for fall risk, and preventive measures should be implemented.

What is the goal of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA)?

To ensure access to emergency treatment regardless of a patient's ability to pay.

What is the significance of patient identification in nursing practice?

Accurate patient identification is crucial to ensure that the right patient receives the correct care and treatment.

How can nursing students verify patient identities?

Nursing students must use two patient identifiers, such as name and date of birth, to verify identities.

What are patients’ rights regarding confidentiality?

Patients have the right to have their personal information kept confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

What principles should guide patient rights in healthcare?

Patients should be informed about their treatment options and have the right to make decisions about their care.

What are the core responsibilities of nursing students regarding ethics?

Nursing students must adhere to ethical guidelines and report any unethical behavior encountered.

What is informed consent?

Informed consent is the process of providing patients with information about their treatment to ensure they understand and agree to it.

What are advance directives?

Advance directives are documents that outline a patient's preferences for treatment if they become unable to communicate.

What does a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order indicate?

A DNR order indicates that a patient should not receive resuscitation in the event of cardiac or respiratory failure.

How does HCAHPS contribute to patient care?

The HCAHPS survey measures patient satisfaction and helps inform healthcare providers on improving their services.

What communication methods are effective among caregivers?

Using the SBAR method (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) ensures clear communication between caregivers.

What is cultural competence in nursing?

Cultural competence involves understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds to provide effective patient care.

What is developmental competence?

Developmental competence refers to the ability to provide care that meets the unique needs of patients at different developmental stages.

What are the principles of proper body mechanics for caregivers?

Proper body mechanics include keeping loads close, maintaining a stable base of support, and using legs to lift.

What is a needle stick injury, and how can it be prevented?

A needle stick injury occurs when a needle punctures the skin; prevention includes proper disposal and avoiding recapping needles.

What steps should be taken if a patient has a latex allergy?

All latex-containing products must be removed from the patient's vicinity, and a proper allergy band must be placed.

What constitutes sexual harassment in healthcare?

Sexual harassment involves unwanted advances or behavior of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment.

What practices help prevent workplace violence in healthcare?

Creating a culture of respect, providing training on conflict resolution, and establishing clear reporting procedures.