BNUR1017 Nursing Review: Infection Control, Bed Making, Positioning, and Patient Safety

Asepsis

Asepsis is the absence of pathogenic (disease-producing) microorganisms.

Medical asepsis

Medical asepsis (clean technique) reduces organisms and prevents transfer.

Surgical asepsis

Surgical asepsis (sterile technique) destroys microorganisms and their spores.

4 Moments of hand hygiene

The specific times when hand hygiene should be performed to prevent infection.

Alcohol-based disinfectant

A method of hand hygiene appropriate when hands are visibly dirty.

Soap

Removes visible soiling but is ineffective at killing microorganisms.

Trendelenburg position

Bedframe tilted with head of bed down.

Reverse Trendelenburg position

Bedframe tilted with foot of bed down.

Supine position

Bed horizontal with floor.

Semi-fowler's position

Head of bed (HOB) elevated 30-45 degrees.

Fowler's position

Head of bed (HOB) elevated 45-90 degrees.

Bathing Safety Guidelines

Adapt to level of dependence, personal hygiene accessibility, contact with bodily fluids, and evaluate before and after care.

Risk Factors For Skin Breakdown

Includes immobilization, reduced sensation, nutrition and hydration alterations, secretions and excretions on the skin, vascular insufficiency, external devices, and age.

High Fowlers Position

Position where the patient is seated upright to assist with oral nutrition.

Aspiration precautions

Place a patient in a position that minimizes the risk of aspiration.

Patient diet orders

Includes clear fluids, full liquid, pureed, mechanical/dental soft, soft, and regular diets.

Body mechanics

Keep back, neck, pelvis, and feet in alignment; tighten stomach muscles; face direction of movement.

Bed making importance

Important for safety, comfort, and emotional well-being.

Evaluation after care

Assess the patient's condition before and after providing care.

Correctly position patient

Maintain body alignment, comfort, circulation, and balance.

Aids for patient positioning

Pillows, trochanter rolls, rolled towels, splints, various foam boots/wedges/hand splints.

Range of Motion (ROM)

ROM can be active, passive or active assisted.

Posterior

Dorsal.

Anterior

Ventral.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment.

Medial

Closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Farther from the midline of the body.

Superior

Above or higher than another part of the body.

Inferior

Below or lower than another part of the body.

Flexion

Decreasing the angle between two body parts.

Extension

Increasing the angle between two body parts.

Hyperextension

Movement of a body part beyond its normal resting position.

Dorsiflexion

Movement of the foot upwards.

Plantar flexion

Movement of the foot downwards.

Abduction

Movement of a limb away from the body.

Adduction

Movement of a limb towards the body.

Eversion

Turning the sole of the foot outward.

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot inward.

Circumduction

Circular movement of a limb.

Stage 1 Pressure Ulcer

Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin; skin is intact.

Stage 2 Pressure Ulcer

Partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis; wound bed is viable, pink or red and moist.

Stage 3 Pressure Ulcer

Full-thickness skin loss; adipose tissue is visible.

Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer

Full-thickness skin and tissue loss; deep injury with exposed or palpable fascia, muscle, tendon, ligament or cartilage, or bone; slough of eschar may be visible.

Orthostatic hypotension

BP drop >20mm Hg systolic or >10mm Hg diastolic with dizziness, light-headedness, tachycardia, pallor, feeling faint.

Applying Physical Restraints

Use restraints only as a last resort; employed as a temporary measure; associated with serious complications; requires a physician's order.