Exam 1 Comprehensive Study Guide: Safety, Asepsis, Medication, & Physical Assessment

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the Exam 1 Comprehensive Study Guide covering safety protocols, asepsis, positioning, medication administration, calculations, pathogencity, and physical assessment.

Transfer/Gait Belts

Devices used to assist patients with stability during ambulation.

Slide Sheets & Slide Boards

Modalities used for horizontal transfers between beds or stretchers.

Logrolling

A patient transfer technique used to turn patients while maintaining spinal alignment.

National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG)

Safety standards established by The Joint Commission; NPSG.01.01.01 requires at least two patient identifiers (such as full name and date of birth) to ensure correct care.

Body Mechanics

The movement of muscles for balance and leverage to prevent musculoskeletal and back injuries.

PPE Donning Sequence

The 6-step order for putting on personal protective equipment: 1. Gown, 2. Mask (or N95 Respirator), 3. Eye Protection (Goggles/Face Shield), 4. Hair Cover, 5. Shoe Cover, 6. Gloves.

PPE Doffing Sequence

The 6-step order for removing personal protective equipment: 1. Gloves, 2. Gown, 3. Eye Protection, 4. Mask, 5. Hair Cover, 6. Shoe Cover.

Primary Line of Defense

Anatomical barriers protecting against pathogens, including skin, mucous membranes, and normal flora.

Secondary Line of Defense

Physiological responses against pathogens, including the inflammatory response, phagocytosis by white blood cells, and fever.

Tertiary Line of Defense

The immune response involving T-cells, B-cells, and the production of antibodies.

Handwashing Technique

Lathering for at least 20 seconds and rinsing with fingers pointing downward so water runs from cleanest to dirtiest.

Spore Exception (Hand Hygiene)

The strict requirement to use soap and water rather than hand gels when hands are visibly soiled or when contamination by spore-forming microbes (e.g., C. difficile) is suspected.

Chain of Infection Cycle

The continuous cycle of infection spread: Causative Agent (Pathogen) -> Reservoir (Source) -> Portal of Exit -> Mode of Transmission -> Portal of Entry -> Susceptible Host.

Staphylococcus aureus

A bacterial pathogen associated with MRSA, boils, and Toxic Shock Syndrome.

M. tuberculosis

A bacterial pathogen that causes tuberculosis and destroys lung tissue.

Borrelia burgdorferi

A bacterial pathogen spread by ticks that causes Lyme Disease.

West Nile Virus

A viral pathogen spread by mosquitoes that causes headaches and confusion.

Microsporum epidermophyton

A fungal pathogen that causes Ringworm and Athlete's Foot.

Enterobius

A helminth pathogen (intestinal parasite) commonly known as pinworms.

Morse Fall Scale

A fall risk assessment tool that scores patients based on history of falling, secondary diagnoses, and ambulatory aids.

Fowler's Position

A positioning modality with the head of the bed elevated to 45–60 degrees.

Semi-Fowler's Position

A positioning modality with the head of the bed elevated to 30–45 degrees.

High-Fowler's Position

A positioning modality with the head of the bed elevated to 60–90 degrees, used to prevent aspiration.

Trendelenburg Position

A bed positioning modality where the bed is tilted with the head lower than the feet, used for shock or hypotension.

Orthopneic Position

A positioning modality where the patient sits up and leans forward, used for respiratory distress.

Sims/Semi-prone Position

A positioning modality used for rectal exams, enemas, or placing unconscious patients during oral care.

Restraints (Protective Devices)

Safety devices requiring an HCP order, assessment every 2 hours (q2h) for skin, circulation, neurovascular, toileting, and hydration, and tied with a quick-release knot strictly to the bed frame.

Dangling

The practice of having a patient sit on the edge of the bed before standing to stabilize blood pressure and prevent orthostatic hypotension.

Dorsalis Pedis Pulse

A peripheral pulse point located on the top of the foot between the great and second toe.

RACE Protocol

Fire safety acronym standing for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish.

PASS Protocol

Fire extinguisher operation acronym standing for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Liquid Conversions (Volume)

Standard conversion equivalents: $1\,\text{oz} = 30\,\text{mL}$, $1\,\text{cup} = 8\,\text{oz} = 240\,\text{mL}$, $1\,\text{tbsp} = 15\,\text{mL}$, and $1\,\text{tsp} = 5\,\text{mL}$.

Ice Chips Intake Calculation

A fluid intake measurement where ice chips count as half their volume in liquid (e.g., $8\,\text{oz}$ of ice chips = $120\,\text{mL}$ liquid).

7 Rights of Medication Administration

Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, Right Documentation, and Right Indication.

Synergistic Effect

A medication effect where one drug enhances the effect of another.

Catabolism

The metabolic breakdown of complex substances into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Anabolism

The metabolic process of using simple components to build or reconstruct new tissue.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Vastus Lateralis

The preferred intramuscular (IM) injection site for pediatric patients (up to $2\,\text{mL}$).

Integrity vs. Despair

Erikson's psychosocial developmental stage for geriatric patients.

Delirium

An acute, often reversible state of mental confusion.

Dementia

A chronic, progressive decline in cognitive function.

Physical Assessment Technique Sequence

The standard exam order: Inspection -> Palpation -> Percussion -> Auscultation.

Abdominal Assessment Technique Sequence

The modified exam order: Inspect -> Auscultate -> Palpate (modified to avoid altering bowel sounds).

PERRLA

Neurological examination acronym standing for Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation.

Consensual Reflex

The simultaneous constriction of both pupils when light is shone into only one eye.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A neurological assessment scale scored from 3 to 15; decorticate posturing (arms to chest) or decerebrate posturing (arms extended) indicates severe brain injury.

Otic Examination Pinna Positioning

Technique for ear assessment: pull the pinna UP and BACK for adults, and DOWN and BACK for children.

Urticaria

Raised and itchy skin eruptions (hives).

Petechiae

Flat, pinpoint purple or red spots caused by minor bleeding under the skin.

Arterial Insufficiency

A vascular condition that often presents as a lack of hair growth on the lower legs.

FLACC Scale

A pediatric pain assessment tool used for infants (2 months) to 7 years or non-verbal patients.

Wong-Baker FACES Scale

A pain rating scale featuring facial expressions, used for children aged 3 and older.