Procedures

Pap Smear

A procedure to test for cervical cancer and STIs (HPV) in women.

Sterile Technique

Instructions and ensuring the area is sterile are essential before beginning a medical procedure.

Sterile Gloves

Gloves used to maintain a sterile barrier during procedures.

Ear Irrigation

Procedure for safely flushing a patient’s ear canal to remove discharge, ear wax (cerumen), or foreign bodies.

Eye Irrigation

Procedure for foreign body removal and treatment of chemical injury to the eye.

Cerumen

Earwax produced in the ear canal.

Cerumen Impaction

Buildup of cerumen that prevents assessment of the ear canal.

Cerumen Obstruction

Buildup that blocks the ear canal, causing hearing loss.

Thin Prep

A method used to collect samples for pap smears, with patient’s information labeled.

Speculum

Instrument used to open the walls of the vagina for visualization of the cervix.

Nitrile Gloves

Gloves recommended for non-sterile procedures.

Otoscope

Instrument used to look inside the ear.

Local Anesthetic Eye Drops

Drops instilled into the eye to numb it before irrigation procedures.

12 Lead EKG

Test that uses 10 leads to record the electrical signals of the heart.

Artifacts

Electrical interferences that are not produced by the heart.

MI (Myocardial Infarction)

Medical term for a heart attack.

Supplemental Patient Communication

The process of explaining procedures to patients using non-medical terms for better understanding.

Specimen Transport

Proper preparation of samples for delivery to the lab.

3 Different Patient Positioning

Supine, Semi-Fowler’s (45 degree), Fowler

Cleaning the Skin

Using alcohol swabs to clean the skin before electrode placement for EKG.

Medication for Eye Irrigation

Use of normal saline or clean water at room temperature for eye flush.

Tilt for Ear Irrigation

Tilting the patient's head toward the irrigated ear for proper drainage.

Documentation in Patient Charts

Recording necessary procedure details such as type, volume, and solution used.

Surgical Procedures

Interventions requiring sterile techniques and maintenance of cleanliness.

Hand Hygiene

Washing hands thoroughly for 20 seconds before and after procedures to prevent contamination.

Patient Age for Pap Smear

Recommended for females aged 21 to 65 years.

Frequency of Pap Smear

Should be done every 3 years, or more frequently if requested.

Preparation for EKG

Comforting and calming the patient prior to an EKG procedure. USe layman’s term

Cleaning prior to Procedures

Washing hands and ensuring sterility of the area before starting.

Sterile Field

An area designated to be free of all microorganisms during medical procedures.

Directing Ear Irrigation

Using a slow, steady stream to flush the ear canal without blocking it.

Eyewash Station

Location or equipment used for rinsing the eyes in case of exposure to harmful substances.

What to Document in Patient’s Chart

Procedures Done

P Wave in EKG

Represents atrial depolarization and is the first wave seen in an EKG strip.

QRS Complex Duration

Indicates the time taken for ventricular depolarization, typically between 0.06 to 0.10 seconds.

T Wave in EKG

Represents ventricular repolarization and follows the QRS complex.

ST Segment on EKG

The flat segment between the end of the QRS complex and the start of the T wave, important for diagnosing ischemia.