Comprehensive Study Notes on Healthcare Delivery, Patient Care, Sterilization, and First Aid (copy)

Health System

A health system consists of all organizations, people, and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore, or maintain health.

Hospital

An institution for the care, cure, and treatment of the sick and wounded, for the study of diseases, and for the training of doctors and nurses.

General Hospital

Offers treatment for common diseases, with the primary objective being medical care to patients.

Specialized Hospital

Focuses on providing medical and nursing care in specific areas, such as ophthalmic or cardiac hospitals.

Outpatient Department (OPD)

Department visited for diagnosis and treatment during fixed working hours without hospital admission.

Inpatient Department (IPD)

Department where patients are admitted for diagnosis and treatment.

Emergency Wing

Specializes in acute care, providing round-the-clock emergency services for conditions requiring immediate intervention.

Care Plan

A Care Plan outlines individual care needs, providing a systematic method of individualized care based on patient assessment.

Assessment in Care Planning

Systematic history and health data collection initiated within 8 hours of admission.

Vital Signs

Indicators of health, including body temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure.

Sterilization

Complete destruction/removal of all living microorganisms, including vegetative and spore states.

Infection

Invasion and multiplication of pathogenic microbes.

Disinfection

Destruction or removal of pathogenic organisms from inanimate objects, does not guarantee spore destruction.

ABCD Life Sustenance Framework

A framework consisting of Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Disability used in first aid.

Cleaning

Physical removal of organic soil/dirt to reduce microbial burden before disinfection/sterilization.

Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI)

Infections acquired during hospital stay occurring more than 48 hours after admission.

First Aid

Initial immediate care given to an injured or suddenly ill person prior to full professional medical treatment.

Outpatient Department (OPD)

Department visited for diagnosis and treatment during fixed working hours without hospital admission.

Prone Position

Patient lies flat on abdomen with head turned to one side.

Fowler's Position

Head elevated to 45°–60°, used for improving cardiac output, dyspnoea relief.

Thermometer Procedure

Method of measuring body temperature orally, rectally, or axillary.

Pulse

Normal resting adult pulse ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Hypothermia

Abnormally low body temperature.

Hypertension

Defined as blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg.

Hyperthermia

Abnormally high body temperature.

Tachycardia

Fast heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute.

Bradycardia

Slow heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute.

Personal Care Capabilities

Includes assisting with hygiene, bathing, shampooing, shaving, nail trimming, dressing.

Caregiver

Meets holistic healthcare needs and promotes healing and emotional/social well-being.

Qualities of a Good General Duty Assistant

Includes honesty, technical competence, resourcefulness, empathy, and good physical and mental health.

First Aid Kit Requirements

Includes band-aids, gauze pads, crepe bandages, scissors, and common medications like Paracetamol.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Cleaning is the physical removal of dirt, while disinfection is the destruction of pathogenic organisms.