Week 1- Ch 3: Techniques, Safety, and Infection Control

Infection Control and Safety Precautions

  • Essential to follow principles of infection control with direct patient contact.

  • Current standard precautions include hand hygiene, use of PPEs, and measures against microorganisms.

Standard Precautions

  • Hand Hygiene:

    • Primary strategy to prevent transmission.

    • Use alcohol-based sanitizer or soap/water depending on situation.

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

    • Selection based on type of exposure.

    • Proper fit and durability are critical.

  • Gloves:

    • Key to prevent pathogen transmission; guidelines for use and change.

  • Respiratory Hygiene:

    • Masks, cough etiquette, and physical distancing required.

  • Eye Protection and Gowns:

    • Based on fluid resistance requirements.

Transmission-Based Precautions

  • Contact Precautions:

    • Patient placement, PPE use, minimal patient transport.

  • Droplet Precautions:

    • Similar to contact but emphasizes source control for droplets.

  • Airborne Precautions:

    • Require isolation rooms and restrict entry of non-immune staff.

Assessment Techniques

  • Inspection:

    • Overall patient impression and data gathering; includes observing physical traits and behaviors.

  • Palpation:

    • Assessing characteristics using touch; variations include light and deep palpation.

  • Percussion:

    • Produces sound/tenderness; can be direct or indirect.

  • Auscultation:

    • Listening to organ sounds with a stethoscope; involves technique and equipment care.

Advanced Techniques

  • Use specialized equipment for ocular and auditory assessments, neurological responses, and others.

Considerations for Special Populations

  • Older Adults:

    • May need additional warmth and early assessment prioritization.

  • Cultural Variations:

    • Assessments should respect cultural and social beliefs; less invasive methods favored initially.

Clinical Judgment

  • Steps include collecting subjective and objective cues, analyzing, documenting, and planning care.

Patient Communication

  • Always inform and gain permission from patients before proceeding with assessments or actions.