pt 2Essentials of Patient Care for Sonographers

Patient Safety and Care

• Ensuring patient safety is paramount in healthcare settings.

• Basic measures include applying brakes, raising side rails, and providing a call button for assistance.

• Non-compliance could lead to patient self-harm or disciplinary actions against care providers.

Vital Signs Overview

• Definition: Vital signs are measurements that reflect essential bodily functions.

• Rationale: They assess physical health and indicate potential diseases.

• Common Vital Signs:

  • Pulse Rate: Number of heartbeats per minute.

  • Respiratory Rate: Number of breaths per minute.

  • Body Temperature: Reflects metabolism and health.

  • Blood Pressure: Force of blood against arterial walls.

• Factors Influencing Vital Signs:

  • Age, sex, weight, health conditions, etc.

• Sonographers may assess vital signs during specialized studies but not routinely.

Pulse Measurement

• Purpose: Measures heart rate and rhythm.

• Locations to Find Pulse:

  • Radial: Wrist

  • Carotid: Neck

  • Brachial: Elbow

  • Posterior Tibial: Ankle

  • Dorsalis Pedis: Foot

• Normal Rate: 60-100 beats/min (varies by age and fitness).

• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats (e.g., tachycardia >100 bpm, bradycardia <60 bpm).

• Procedure for Taking Pulse:

  1. Explain the procedure to the patient.

  2. Position the hand appropriately.

  3. Count pulse for 30 seconds; multiply by 2 (or full minute if irregularities observed).

Blood Pressure Measurement

• Definition: Pressure exerted by blood against arterial walls, measured in mmHg.

• Format: Expressed as systolic/diastolic (e.g., 120/80).

• Measurement Locations: Typically the brachial artery.

• Procedure:

  1. Patient rests for 5 minutes before measurement.

  2. Correct cuff placement and user positioning are essential.

  3. For manual measurement, use a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope.

  4. Record systolic and diastolic readings accurately.

• Factors Affecting Readings:

  • Anxiety, obesity, cold temperature, medications.

Pulse Oximetry

• Purpose: Noninvasive method to monitor blood oxygen levels.

• Normal Range: High 90s; <90% requires immediate attention.

• Procedure: Sensor placed on the finger to measure oxygen saturation.

• Application: Critical in procedures like lung biopsies.

Respiration Measurement

• Definition: Process of breathing; inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.

• Normal Rate: 12-20 breaths/min at rest.

• Assessment Factors:

  • Rhythm, depth, and any difficulty (dyspnea).

• Count in a discreet manner to avoid influencing the patient’s breath rate.

Patient Transfer Techniques

• Importance of Safety: Both patient and sonographer need to practice safe transfer techniques to prevent injury.

• Body Mechanics: Proper posture and techniques are crucial for safety.

  • Key Guidelines:

  • Maintain a stable center of gravity, keep back straight, and bend at hips/knees.

  • Avoid twisting movements; pivot feet instead.

• Lifting Procedures:

  • Use leg muscles, not back.

  • If patient is too heavy, ask for assistance.

Transferring Patients Safely

• Assessment before transfer:

  • Determine patient's mobility and whether assistance is needed.

• Transferring to/from Wheelchair:

  • Always lock wheelchair brakes.

  • Utilize proper lifting techniques and assist if needed.

• Moving Patients on Stretchers:

  • Ensure stretcher is secured and properly positioned.

  • Ensure patient comfort and safety.

• Communicate effectively with patients before each action to gain their cooperation.

Tubes Commonly Encountered by Sonographers

• IV Tubing: For fluid administration.

• Nasogastric Tubes: For feeding or decompression.