Knowledge papers

Page 1: Microbiology and Infection Control

  • Pathogens: Microorganisms that cause disease.
  • Microorganism Growth Factors: Temperature, light, food, water, and shelter.
  • Methods of Spread:
    • Direct Contact: Blood, urine, feces, semen, mucus, emesis, or oral fluids.
    • Indirect Contact: Touching objects (dishes, linens, instruments).
    • Respiratory: Air droplets from coughing or sneezing.
    • Vehicle: Food, water, drugs, or blood.
    • Vector: Insect or animal bites.
  • Sterilization: The process of killing all microorganisms.
  • Nosocomial Infection: A health-care acquired infection.
  • Standard Precautions: Basic practices including handwashing, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and correct sharps disposal.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Includes gloves, gowns, face shields, and masks.

Page 2: Safety and Emergency Procedures

  • Medical Asepsis: A clean technique used to reduce the spread of microorganisms.
  • Legal Restrictions for Nurse Aides: Cannot administer medication, perform sterile procedures, change oxygen doses, or supervise other CNAs.
  • RACE (Fire Safety):
    • R: Rescue
    • A: Alarm
    • C: Contain fire
    • E: Extinguish
  • Oxygen Safety: No smoking or open flames, avoid electrical razors, never use frayed cords, and minimize static electricity.
  • Body Positions:
    • Supine: Lying on the back.
    • Prone: Lying face down.
    • Fowler's: Lying on the back with the head elevated 45∘45^\circ.
    • Lateral: Lying on the left or right side.

Page 3: Medical Vocabulary and Systems

  • Aphasia: Loss or impairment of speech/understanding caused by brain damage.
  • Integumentary System: Includes skin, hair, nails, and sweat/oil glands.
  • Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.
  • Atrophy/Contractures: Muscle weakening from lack of use (atrophy) or permanent joint tightening (contractures).
  • Vital Sign Terms:
    • Tympanic: Temperature taken in the ear.
    • Apnea: Temporary cessation of breathing.
  • Geriatrics: Medicine focused on older adults; Gerontology is the study of aging.
  • Conditions: Chronic (develops slowly, lasts long) vs. Acute (begins suddenly, lasts a short time).

Page 4: Questions & Discussion

  • Resident Rights Quiz:
    • Mail: Facilities cannot open mail to check for deposits (False).
    • HIPAA: Prohibits sharing health info with unauthorized persons (True).
    • Interaction: Staff should always knock before entering a room (True).
    • Restraints: Families cannot demand a restraint; nursing homes follow legal/clinical guidelines (False).
    • Planning Care: Even residents with dementia have rights to choice and care planning within their capacity (True).
    • Treatment Refusal: Residents have the right to refuse treatments or medications (True).
    • Privacy: Doctors should not examine residents in public areas like the dining room (False/Unethical).

Page 5: Legal Responsibilities and Bloodborne Path