Study Guide PTA 205

Acute Care, Transfers and Gait Assessment and Training

What is the definition of acute care?

the treatment of patients who have short-term, severe medical conditions, focused on active but temporary interventions.

Where might a patient receive acute care?

In hospitals, urgent care centers, trauma centers, acute medical units, psychiatric acute care centers, and long-term acute care facilities.

What are some examples of sub-acute care settings?

Skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, specialty hospitals, and at-home care.

What level of services do specialized subacute units in Skilled Nursing Facilities provide?

A higher level of medical and rehabilitation services than typical nursing home care.

What are the steps for the emergency room journey before a patient is admitted?

Admitting clerk → Admitting ED nurse → Emergency room assessment → Imaging and tests → Consult by specialist → pharmacist and nursing → admitted to the floor.

What happens once a patient is admitted to the floor?

HUC paperwork, nursing intake, specialist/surgeon exam/intake, and nursing team involvement.

Who are some members of the Therapy TEAM?

Physical Therapists (PT), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP), Occupational Therapists (OT), and Recreational Therapy (rec ther).

Who are some members of the Nursing TEAM?

Charge nurse, nursing staff, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), Registered Nurses (RN), and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).

What precautions are used in 2020 for patient treatment?

Every patient is treated as if they have a transmittable disease, requiring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when entering their rooms.

What are the elements of the infection cycle?

Infectious Agent, Reservoir, Exit, Transmission, Infection, Susceptible Host.

What is the purpose of medical asepsis?

To keep pathogens confined to a specific area, object, or person.

What are Standard Precautions?

A group of infection prevention practices applied to all patients to prevent transmission of infectious agents.

What should be done before starting gait training?

Ask for patient's consent, check vitals, verify assistive device, and ensure proper conditions for patient safety.

What are some types of urinary catheters?

Indwelling catheters such as Foley and suprapubic catheters; external catheters for males.

What is the recommended positioning for a Foley catheter?

The catheter bag should be positioned downhill from the body, not under the leg.

What is the sequence for removing PPE?

Remove gloves, then gown, exit the room, perform hand hygiene, remove goggles or face shield, then remove and discard the mask or respirator.

What is the range of normal blood pressure?

Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120/80.

What indicates hypotension?

Systolic pressure less than 100 mmHg.

What are some complications associated with IV therapy?

Infiltration, phlebitis, cellulitis, thrombosis, local hematoma, sepsis, pulmonary thromboembolism, and air bolus.

What should you do immediately if an IV is pulled out by you or the patient?

Notify nursing immediately.

What are the four EDGE principles for family training?

E – Educate, D – Demonstrate, G – Guide, E – Enable.

What should be assessed when checking for orientation?

PPST: person, place, situation, and time.

What are some potential topics for small talk with patients?

Where have you lived? What kind of work do you do? What do you do for fun? Do you have children/grandchildren? Do you have pets?