EKG Ch 2

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to basic patient care skills, vital signs, infection control, and EKG procedures.

Vital Signs

Measurements of the body's basic functions, including body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure.

Baseline Measurements

Initial vital sign measurements taken as a reference point.

Cardiovascular System

The system in the body responsible for circulation of blood, which includes the heart and blood vessels.

Objective Information

Data that can be measured and verified, such as vital signs.

Subjective Information

Data that is reported by the patient based on personal feelings or experiences, such as symptoms.

Normal Body Temperature Range (Fahrenheit)

The average normal temperature range is 97.6°F to 99.6°F.

Normal Pulse Rate

For adults, normal pulse rate is typically between 60-100 beats per minute.

Normal Respiratory Rate

Normal respiratory rate for adults is 12-20 breaths per minute.

Blood Pressure

The pressure of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, measured in mm Hg.

Infection Control

Practices used to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Pathogen

Harmful microorganisms that can invade the body and cause disease.

Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)

An infection acquired in a healthcare setting during medical care.

Chain of Infection

The process by which an infection spreads, consisting of six links.

Reservoir

The natural habitat of the pathogen, where it lives and multiplies.

Portal of Exit

Any body orifice of an infected person that allows pathogens to leave.

Mode of Transmission

How the pathogen travels from one host to another.

Portal of Entry

Any body opening on an uninfected person that allows pathogens to enter.

Susceptible Host

An uninfected person who is at risk of becoming infected.

Standard Precautions

Infection control measures applied to all patients regardless of their infection status.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards, including gloves, masks, and gowns.

Hand Hygiene

The practice of washing hands to prevent the spread of infections.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Additional infection control practices used for patients known or suspected to be infected.

Airborne Precautions

Precautions taken to prevent infection spread through airborne particles.

Droplet Precautions

Precautions used to prevent the spread of diseases transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Contact Precautions

Precautions for diseases spread by touch or contact.

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

OSHA regulations protecting healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents in blood.

Apical Pulse

The pulse measured at the apex of the heart, usually with a stethoscope.

Respiration

The process of inhaling and exhaling air; one inhalation and one exhalation count as one respiration.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, exhibiting levels higher than the normal range.

Hypotension

Low blood pressure; systolic pressure below 90 mm Hg.

Diaphoresis

Excessive perspiration that can indicate medical conditions.

Pulse Oximetry

A non-invasive method to measure the oxygen saturation levels in the blood.

Normal Pulse Oximetry Range

95%-100% oxygen saturation is considered normal.

Pain Assessment

The process of evaluating a patient's pain level, often using a scale of 0 to 10.

Level of Consciousness

The state of awareness and responsiveness of a patient.

Supine Position

The position where the patient lies flat on their back.

Fowler's Position

A sitting position where the patient's head is elevated between 45 to 60 degrees.

Semi-Fowler's Position

A position where the patient's head is elevated less than 45 degrees.

Patient Identification Protocol

The requirement to confirm the identity of a patient before procedures.

Equipment Disposal Procedures

The guidelines for safely discarding contaminated materials.