Health Science Review: Accidents, Microbes, Vital Signs, and First Aid

This set of practice flashcards covers industrial safety standards (OSHA/NIOSH), microbiology (pathogens, aerobic/anaerobic), infection control (chain of infection, sterilization), vital signs (normal ranges and definitions), and emergency first aid/CPR protocols (adult, child, and infant).

What does the acronym OSHA stand for?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

What is the primary role of OSHA?

To enforce workplace safety standards

How is safety defined in a medical and workplace context?

Freedom from harm or injury

What information is provided by Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?

Chemical hazards and safe handling

What is the primary focus of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)?

Research and recommendations to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses

What is the study of microscopic organisms called?

Microbiology

What do aerobic microbes require to live?

Oxygen

How do anaerobic microbes differ from aerobic microbes regarding oxygen?

Anaerobic microbes live best without oxygen

What is the purpose of antiseptics?

To reduce pathogens on the skin

What is the definition of sterilization?

Killing all pathogens and spores

What does bioterrorism involve?

Microorganisms used as weapons

What specific bacterium causes Tuberculosis?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

What type of infection is Hepatitis B?

A serious virus

In the chain of infection, what is a 'reservoir'?

Places where microorganisms live and multiply

What are fomites?

Nonliving objects that carry microbes

What is the function of a 'portal of exit' in the infection cycle?

It allows pathogens to leave the host

What are Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)?

Infections acquired while receiving healthcare

What are the four primary vital signs?

Pulse, Temperature, Blood Pressure, and Breathing Rate (Respirations)

What is the approximate normal adult body temperature?

$98.6^{\circ}F$ ($37^{\circ}C$)

What is the normal resting heart rate range for an adult?

$$60-100\,bpm$$

What does the term Tachycardia refer to?

A fast heart rate

What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult?

$$12-20\,\text{breaths/min}$$

What is the medical term for low blood pressure?

Hypotension

What is the medical term for abnormally slow heart rate?

Bradycardia

What device is used to measure blood pressure?

Sphygmomanometer

At what temperature is a fever clinically defined in the notes?

Any temperature above $100.4^{\circ}F$ ($38^{\circ}C$)

What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

Systolic is the pressure on the arteries when the heart beats; Diastolic is the pressure on the arteries between heart beats

What is considered the threshold for hypertension?

Blood pressure above $140/90\,mmHg$

What does a pulse oximeter reading of $88\%$ indicate?

The body is not getting enough oxygen and requires immediate medical help

What is the first step when finding an unresponsive person?

Ensure the scene is safe

What is the recommended compression rate for adult CPR?

$$100-120\,\text{compressions per minute}$$

How deep should chest compressions be for an adult?

About $2\,\text{inches}$

What is the correct compression-to-breath ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR?

$$30:2$$

When should an AED be used?

As soon as it is available

How is the compression depth for a child different from an adult?

It should be shallower, about $2\,\text{inches}$ or less

How is responsiveness checked in an infant?

Tap the bottom of the foot and shout

What is the correct compression depth for infant CPR?

About $1.5\,\text{inches}$ (or one-third of the chest depth)

Where should abdominal thrusts be placed on a choking adult?

Above the navel, below the sternum

What is the correct sequence for assisting a choking infant under 1 year old?

5 back slaps and 5 chest thrusts

What is the purpose of the recovery position?

To keep the airway open and prevent choking

Where should a tourniquet be placed to control severe bleeding?

Above the wound, between the wound and the heart

What is the recommended AED pad placement for an infant?

One pad on the chest and one on the back

What is medical suctioning?

A procedure that clears a patient's airway from blockages to help them breathe

What is the difference between oral and tracheal suctioning?

Oral suctioning removes saliva and particles from the mouth; Tracheal suctioning removes blockages from the throat

Name two complications that can occur from suctioning.

Airway trauma/bleeding and low blood oxygen (hypoxia)

What is Hypoxia?

A condition in which the body does not receive enough oxygen