Healthscience final

What is autonomy in healthcare?

The right of a patient to make informed decisions about their own medical care.

What is nonmaleficence?

The duty to avoid actions that could cause harm to a patient.

What is a mandated reporter?

A professional legally required to notify authorities when abuse or neglect is suspected.

What is a living will?

A legal document that explains a person's medical treatment preferences if they cannot speak.

What is informed consent?

A process where a patient understands risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to care.

What is professionalism in healthcare?

Behavior that demonstrates responsibility, respect, competence, and ethical conduct.

What is an ethical dilemma?

A situation involving conflicting moral principles with no clear right or wrong solution.

What are standard precautions?

Infection control practices used with every patient to reduce disease transmission.

What does PPE stand for?

Protective items worn to reduce exposure to infectious materials.

What is a sharps container?

A puncture-resistant container used for safe disposal of needles and blades.

What is a needlestick injury?

An accidental puncture from a contaminated sharp object.

What is the chain of command in healthcare?

The order of authority used to report concerns or problems within a facility.

Define health literacy.

The ability to understand and use health information to make appropriate decisions.

What is cultural competence?

The ability to provide respectful care that considers cultural differences.

What is antibiotic resistance?

The ability of bacteria to survive medications designed to kill them.

What is the Golden Rule of first aid?

The principle of ensuring scene safety before providing emergency care.

Who would most likely assist a patient with shortness of breath first?

A trained caregiver who evaluates urgency and prioritizes immediate care.

How might a physical therapist help a patient recover from a sports injury?

Through guided exercises, strength training, and mobility plans to restore function safely.

Why is reporting suspected abuse or neglect a legal responsibility in healthcare?

The law requires action to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent further harm.

Provide an example of an unethical action in healthcare.

Altering records can lead to patient harm, legal penalties, and loss of employment or credentials.

What is an ethical dilemma in a hospital setting?

It involves conflicting moral choices, such as family requests that oppose documented patient wishes.

What should a healthcare provider do if a patient refuses life-saving treatment?

Ensure understanding, confirm decision ability, respect the choice, and document carefully.

What rights do patients have regarding treatment refusal?

Patients may decline care after understanding the risks and outcomes.

What is informed consent and why is it essential?

Informed consent ensures understanding and voluntary agreement before any medical intervention.

What steps should a healthcare worker take if they see a safety hazard?

Reduce the risk, warn others, and report the issue following policy.

How should a healthcare professional handle a patient refusing medication?

Explore concerns respectfully, provide education, notify the provider, and record the refusal.

How can non-verbal cues contradict verbal communication?

Actions like poor eye contact can signal disinterest despite reassuring words.

What is a culturally competent approach to patient communication?

Care should reflect respect, open questions, and adaptation to individual beliefs.

What are standard precautions in patient care?

Basic infection control measures applied consistently with every individual.

What should be placed in a sharps container?

Objects capable of puncturing skin must be discarded safely to prevent injury and infection.

What steps should a healthcare worker take after a needlestick injury?

Clean the area, report the incident, and complete medical follow-up.

When should CPR be used?

CPR is started when there is no normal breathing or responsiveness.

What is an effective strategy for resolving conflict with coworkers?

Respectful discussion helps prevent errors and maintains a safe workplace.

What is the purpose of a resume in a healthcare job application?

It highlights qualifications such as education, skills, and experience.

What is a warning sign of a fraudulent healthcare product or service?

Claims promising guaranteed or miraculous results without evidence are suspicious.

What medical advancement has significantly increased human life span?

Widespread disease prevention dramatically reduced early deaths and outbreaks.

Why should safety procedures be proactive in healthcare?

Preventing hazards reduces injuries before damage occurs.

Why is it important to recognize your own cultural biases in healthcare?

Self-awareness improves fairness, respect, and quality of care.

What does 'scope of practice' mean in healthcare?

It defines permitted duties and protects both individuals receiving care and those providing it.

What does beneficence mean?

The obligation to act in ways that promote a patient's well-being.

Define justice in healthcare.

Fair and equal treatment of all individuals within the healthcare system.

What is confidentiality?

The responsibility to protect private patient information from unauthorized access.

What does HIPAA stand for?

A federal law that sets rules for protecting private medical information.

What is meant by scope of practice?

The specific tasks and responsibilities a healthcare worker is legally allowed to perform.

What is an advance directive?

Written instructions that guide medical decisions when a patient lacks decision-making ability.

What does informed refusal mean?

A situation where a patient understands consequences but chooses not to accept treatment.

Define capacity in healthcare.

The ability to understand information, make decisions, and communicate choices.

What is euthanasia?

The act of intentionally ending a life to relieve suffering, debated for moral and legal reasons.

What is negligence in healthcare?

Failure to provide appropriate care that results in harm or risk to a patient.

What is malpractice?

Professional misconduct that causes injury due to failure to meet standards of care.

What is an incident report?

An internal record used to document unusual events or errors for safety improvement.

What is a sentinel event?

A serious unexpected occurrence involving death or major harm that requires investigation.

What is documentation in healthcare?

The accurate and timely recording of patient care and events.

What is Medicare?

A federal insurance program primarily serving individuals age 65 and older.

What is Medicaid?

A government insurance program assisting eligible low-income individuals and families.

What does CPR stand for?

Emergency actions used to restore circulation and breathing during cardiac arrest.

What is the primary role of a registered nurse (RN)?

To focus on daily care, monitoring, and education.

How does the role of a physician differ from that of an RN?

Physicians focus on diagnosing conditions and directing medical treatment.

What is the importance of local health departments?

They protect populations through prevention programs like vaccinations and safety inspections.

Compare the roles of a radiologic technologist and a laboratory technician.

A radiologic technologist produces medical images, while a laboratory technician analyzes samples.

What does it mean for a healthcare worker to be licensed?

It means permission is granted by the state to perform certain tasks, with legal limits on responsibilities.

What is the importance of HIPAA?

It limits access to private medical information and safeguards personal data.

Describe a situation demonstrating ethical behavior in healthcare.

Honestly explaining options and respecting an informed decision reflects moral responsibility.

What is the purpose of a living will?

It communicates treatment wishes ahead of time when communication is no longer possible.

What should a provider ensure regarding patient understanding?

The provider should ensure understanding, confirm decision ability, respect the choice, and document carefully.

What does professionalism mean in healthcare?

Professionalism involves responsible conduct, respect, competence, and prioritizing safety and trust.

What reflects professionalism when a healthcare professional makes a mistake?

Admitting an error and following reporting procedures shows accountability and integrity.

What should a healthcare worker do if asked to perform a procedure outside their scope of practice?

They should decline and report appropriately to prevent harm and legal consequences.

What are two behaviors that demonstrate a lack of professionalism?

Disrespectful talk and unreliability damage trust, teamwork, and patient safety.

How do healthy eating and physical activity support wellness?

These habits improve physical, mental, and long-term health outcomes.

Why is active listening crucial in patient relationships?

It improves understanding and helps individuals feel respected and valued.

How should communication be handled with patients who have limited English proficiency?

Use a trained interpreter and clear language to ensure accuracy.

Why is handwashing important in infection prevention?

Handwashing removes microorganisms before they can be transferred to others.

What is the 'Golden Rule' of first aid?

Personal safety is checked first to avoid becoming another victim.

What should you do if someone faints in a clinical setting?

Prevent injury, check breathing, and alert appropriate medical staff.

What is an example of effective teamwork in healthcare?

Clear role assignment and communication during emergencies improve outcomes.

What does it mean to be a lifelong learner in healthcare?

Continuous education is needed to keep skills current as practices evolve.

How can networking benefit a healthcare career?

Connections can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, and professional growth.

Why is it important for patients to take responsibility for their own health?

Active participation improves outcomes and reduces complications.

Is Medicaid a federal health insurance program for persons age 65 and older?

False, Medicaid is income-based, not age-based.

Should healthcare workers put aside personal values to follow facility policies?

No, professional duties and safety standards must be upheld while using proper channels for conflicts.

How can poor communication lead to malpractice claims?

Misunderstandings can result in errors, lack of agreement, and patient harm.

Still learning (39)

You've started learning these terms. Keep it up!