Fundamentals of Nursing - Safety, Assessment, Diagnostics, and Procedures

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental nursing concepts including patient safety, physical assessment, lab values, diagnostic tests, and clinical procedures.

RACE

A 4-step fire response protocol standing for Rescue (anyone in immediate danger), Alarm (pull the nearest fire alarm AND call 911), Contain (fire by closing all doors as you evacuate), and Extinguish (small fires; if not small, leave the area and close the door).

PASS

A 4-step procedure for operating a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim low at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle or lever to discharge, and Sweep from side to side.

Class A Fire

A fire involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, plastic, and cloth.

Class B Fire

A fire involving flammable liquids such as alcohol, diesel, and paint.

Class C Fire

A fire involving electrical equipment, such as office equipment.

Class D Fire

A fire involving combustible metals such as sodium, aluminum, magnesium, and potassium.

Morse Fall Risk Scale

A fall risk assessment tool evaluated every shift, where a total score of $\text{score} > 50$ indicates a higher risk of falling.

Standard Assessment Sequence (IPaPeA)

The standard sequence for physical examination order: Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, and Auscultation.

Abdominal Assessment Sequence (IAPePa)

The modified assessment sequence used specifically for the abdomen to avoid altering bowel sounds: Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, and Palpation.

Normal Bowel Sounds

Bowel sound frequency ranging from $5$ to $20$ bowel sounds per minute.

Hypoactive Bowel Sound

Bowel sound frequency of less than $5$ bowel sounds per minute, associated with slow peristalsis and constipation.

Hyperactive Bowel Sound

Bowel sound frequency of greater than $20$ bowel sounds per minute, associated with rapid peristalsis and diarrhea.

Tail of Spence

A group of lymph nodes in the axilla located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, which is the most common site of nodules.

Breast Self Examination (BSE)

A screening method starting at $20$ years old, performed monthly $5$ to $7$ days after the last menstrual period (LMP) or on the same day each month for menopausal women.

Mammography

An X-ray exam of the breast to detect lumps before they are palpated; recommended as a baseline once between $34$ and $39$ years old, and regularly annually starting at $40$ years old.

Guaiac Test / FOBT

Fecal occult blood test requiring avoidance of red meat and organ meat for $3$ days prior, and avoidance of aspirin, NSAIDs, anticoagulants, steroids, and colchicine for $7$ days prior to prevent false positives; Vitamin C $> 250 \text{ mg}$ causes false negatives.

Allen's Test

A physical examination maneuver performed prior to arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling from the radial artery to verify adequate dual radial and ulnar circulation.

ROME Mnemonic

A mnemonic for ABG interpretation: Respiratory Opposite (pH and $\text{PaCO}_2$ move in opposite directions) and Metabolic Equal (pH and $\text{HCO}_3$ move in the same direction).

Leukocytosis

An elevated white blood cell count above 10,000/\text{̢l}, indicating infection or inflammation.

Leukopenia

A abnormally low white blood cell count below 5,000/\text{̢l}, indicating increased risk for infection and requiring reverse isolation.

Thrombocytopenia

A reduced platelet count below 150,000/\text{̢l}, putting the patient at high risk for bleeding.

Postural Drainage

A chest physiotherapy positioning technique to facilitate drainage of bronchial secretions by always elevating the affected lung segment.

Disconnected Chest Tube Thoracostomy (CTT)

An emergency situation where CTT tubing becomes separated; best managed immediately by submerging or soaking the open tube end in a basin or glass of water to re-establish a water seal.

Dislodged Chest Tube Thoracostomy (CTT)

An emergency where the chest tube is completely removed from the patient; managed by covering the site with a sterile dry dressing, non-occlusive dressing, or petrolatum gauze taped on 3 sides.

Salem Sump Tube

A double-lumen gastrointestinal tube with a blue pigtail air vent that equalizes pressure build-up in the stomach and must never be clamped.

Sengstaken-Blakemore Tube

A triple-lumen gastrointestinal tube used for esophageal varices with an esophageal balloon, gastric balloon, and suction lumen; a pair of scissors must always be kept at bedside for emergency airway obstruction.

COAL Mnemonic

A rule for cane ambulation standing for 'Cane Opposite Affected Leg'.

Medical Asepsis

Clean technique using clean gloves aimed at achieving the absence of disease-causing microorganisms.

Sterile Asepsis

Sterile technique using sterile gloves aimed at the total absence of all microorganisms, required for almost all invasive procedures.