Safe Patient Care and Clinical Basics

Vocabulary flashcards covering patient transfers, safety protocols, infection control, nutritional diets, and intake and output calculations.

One-assist

A mobility status indicating that a patient requires the help of one healthcare worker for safe transfer.

Two-assist

A mobility status indicating that a patient requires the help of two healthcare workers for safe transfer.

Independent status

A mobility status indicating the patient can move or transfer without the help of staff.

Proper Body Mechanics

Techniques to prevent injury, such as bending at the knees and keeping the back straight during patient transfers.

Environmental Hazards

Safety risks in the workspace that should be removed, such as cords and clutter.

RACE Protocol

An acronym for fire safety procedures: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate.

Hand Hygiene

The practice of washing hands before and after patient contact; the process must be restarted if contamination occurs.

Contact Precautions

Infection control measures requiring the use of a gown and gloves.

Droplet Precautions

Infection control measures requiring the use of a surgical mask.

Airborne Precautions

Infection control measures requiring the use of an N95 respirator.

Therapeutic Communication

A professional communication style that respects patient autonomy and maintains dignity and privacy during interactions.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A psychological theory used in nursing to prioritize patient care based on various levels of human needs.

Clear Liquid Diet

A diet consisting only of transparent liquids such as juice, broth, and gelatin.

Full Liquid Diet

A diet consisting of all liquids, including opaque items like milk.

Mechanical Soft Diet

A diet consisting of foods that have been physically altered in texture to make them easier to chew.

Pureed Diet

A diet consisting of food that has been blended into a smooth, thick consistency.

Intake & Output (I&O)

Measurement of all fluid taken in and fluid excreted; output should be measured at eye level.

Fluid Conversion: 1 ounce

$$1\,\text{oz} = 30\,\text{mL}$$

Fluid Conversion: 1 cup

$$1\,\text{cup} = 8\,\text{oz} = 240\,\text{mL}$$

Ice Chips Volume

Fluid intake that is counted as half the volume of the container.

Oral Hygiene Safety

Safety procedure involving the elevation of the head of the bed during oral care.

Personal Hygiene Safety

The requirement to check water temperature before bathing a patient.