Key Concepts in Healthcare and Medical Procedures

Chain of Infection

The process by which infections spread: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host. Breaking any link can prevent transmission.

ICD-10 vs CPT Codes

ICD-10 codes identify diagnoses and conditions, while CPT codes describe medical procedures and services performed.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, often caused by neurological or muscular problems.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Pyrexia

Medical term for fever; body temperature above normal, typically over 100.4°F (38°C).

Superbill → Encounter Form

A document used by healthcare providers that includes a list of services and codes for billing and insurance claims.

Wound Care

The cleaning, treatment, and dressing of wounds to promote healing and prevent infection.

Ear Irrigation - Steps

Warm the solution, pull the ear up and back (for adults), insert syringe without touching the canal, gently flush.

Ear Irrigation - Side Effects

Possible dizziness, ear pain, or infection if done improperly.

Quadrants

The four sections of the abdomen: RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ, used to locate organs and pain.

Epinephrine - Uses/Effects

Used for severe allergic reactions, asthma, and cardiac arrest; increases heart rate, opens airways, constricts blood vessels.

Pre-Surgery Steps

Obtain consent, verify patient and procedure, ensure fasting if required, administer pre-op meds, prep the surgical site.

Support for Blind/Deaf Patients

Use verbal instructions, braille, or interpreters; ensure written info is accessible and allow extra time for communication.

Scope of Work

Tasks and procedures a healthcare worker is legally allowed to perform based on their certification or license.

Urinalysis - Process

Collect midstream clean-catch sample, test for color, clarity, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, and more.

Urinalysis - Normal Ranges

Color: pale yellow, pH: 4.5-8, protein: none, glucose: none, ketones: none.

Venipuncture Order of Draw

Blood cultures, 2. Light blue (citrate), 3. Red (no additive), 4. Gold/tiger top (SST), 5. Green (heparin), 6. Lavender (EDTA), 7. Gray (fluoride).

Capillary Tube Order

Lavender (hematology), green, then others depending on test priority.

EHR Allergen Alert Pop-up

An electronic alert that warns providers of a documented allergy when prescribing or ordering a treatment.

Different Kinds of Hepatitis

A: food/waterborne, B: blood/body fluids, C: chronic bloodborne, D: co-infection with B, E: waterborne (mostly in developing countries).

Protocol for Dealing with Angry Patients

Stay calm, listen actively, acknowledge feelings, don't argue, involve a supervisor if needed.

Dietary Guidelines

Recommendations for balanced nutrition including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limited saturated fats and sugars.

CLIA Tests

Tests regulated under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments; categorized as waived, moderate, or high complexity.

Fire Safety - RACE

Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish.

Fire Safety - PASS

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (used for fire extinguisher operation).

Epidemic

local flu outbreak

Endemic

malaria in Africa

Pandemic

COVID-19 worldwide

High Fowler's position

helps with breathing in conditions like COPD and shortness of breath

Nail Length Regulations

Healthcare workers should keep nails short (less than 1/4 inch) and avoid artificial nails to prevent infection spread

Supply Inventory - Steps

Count current stock, compare with par levels, reorder as needed, and log inventory changes

Drug UA (Urine Analysis)

Urine test to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in the system

Advance Directives

Legal documents outlining a patient's wishes for medical treatment if they become unable to communicate

Hemoglobin Range

Men: 13.8-17.2 g/dL, Women: 12.1-15.1 g/dL

Eye Drop Procedure

Tilt head back, pull lower eyelid down, instill drop without touching the eye, close eye gently after

Implied vs Informed Consent

Implied: assumed through actions (e.g., holding out an arm); Informed: verbal/written agreement after explanation of risks and benefits

EKG Placements - Limb Amputation

If limb is amputated, place electrode on closest intact part (e.g., upper arm or thigh); document modification

Venipuncture - Where/Region

Commonly performed in the antecubital fossa; median cubital vein is preferred

Drug Schedules

Schedule I: no accepted medical use (heroin); Schedule II: high abuse potential (morphine); Schedules III-V: decreasing potential for abuse

Sign vs Symptom vs Sequela

Sign: objective evidence (rash), Symptom: subjective (nausea), Sequela: condition resulting from a previous disease (post-stroke paralysis)

Flow Sheets - Purpose

Charts used to document trends in patient data over time (e.g., vital signs, input/output)

Pharmacokinetics - Organs & Processes

Liver: metabolism; Kidneys: excretion; Stomach/intestines: absorption; Blood: distribution

Abbreviations - LMP / NP

LMP: Last Menstrual Period; NP: Nurse Practitioner

Wound Protocol

Assess, clean, apply appropriate dressing, document findings, follow up as needed

Body Fat Measurement - Where

Sites include triceps, abdomen, thigh, suprailiac region; measured with calipers

EKG Electrode Directions

Clean skin, avoid bones and muscles, use correct lead placement: RA, LA, RL, LL, V1-V6 on chest

Business Letter Greetings

Use formal greetings such as 'Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]' or 'To Whom It May Concern'

Autoclave Temp

Typically 250°F (121°C) at 15 psi for 15-20 minutes for sterilization

Axillary Temp Range

Normal: 96.6°F to 98.6°F (35.9°C to 37°C); lower than oral/rectal temps

Venipuncture on Baby/Kid

Heel stick or dorsal hand/foot veins are preferred; use smaller gauge needle and calm techniques

Wellness Exam - Supplies/Prep

Stethoscope, BP cuff, thermometer, gloves, EHR forms, gown; ensure patient privacy and comfort

Maintaining Sterile Field

Keep hands above waist, don't reach over sterile area, open sterile packages properly, avoid contamination

BPM - Newborn to Athlete

Newborn: 120-160 bpm; Adult: 60-100 bpm; Trained athlete: 40-60 bpm

Water vs Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble: B-complex, C (excreted easily); Fat-soluble: A, D, E, K (stored in fat, can accumulate)