DMS110App+%283%29

Pathophysiology

• Definition: Pathophysiology is the study of disease mechanisms focusing on the physiological changes associated with alterations in health caused by injury, syndrome, or disease.

Professional Demeanor

• Demeanor: Refers to an individual’s conduct and appearance towards others.

• Key Components:

  • Professional Appearance and Attitude

  • Respect for Diversity

  • Reliability and Ethics

• Best Practices:

  • Maintain a neutral tone, avoiding sarcasm and inappropriate humor.

  • Do not let personal opinions influence clinical assessments.

  • Refrain from providing personal advice.

Importance of Appearance

• Your attire reflects your professional identity.

• Grooming: Essential for making a positive impression.

• Dress appropriately for important meetings, balancing professionalism with casual wear when suitable.

Patient History

• Purpose: To collect subjective data regarding the patient’s health and explore current and past health issues.

• Introduction: Clearly state your identity and the assessment's goal to the patient.

• Verification: Confirm the patient's name and birth date.

• Assessing Concerns: Identify the reason for the ultrasound and inquire about relevant medical history.

Professional Standards in Patient Interaction

• Always use respectful formal names for patients.

• Document significant details from the ultrasound assessment.

• Explain the upcoming procedure, its purpose, duration, and equipment involved.

• Never disclose exam results or offer diagnostic opinions—that’s within a physician's purview.

Clinical Standards

• Standard Precautions: Developed by the CDC to minimize the risk of infection from various transmission modes:

  • Airborne

  • Droplet

  • Contact

Transmission Modes of Infectious Diseases

• Airborne Transmission: Includes diseases like tuberculosis, measles, chickenpox, and shingles.

• Droplet Transmission: Involves conditions such as mumps, pneumonia, meningitis, and strep throat.

• Contact Transmission: Affects diseases from direct or indirect touch, including MRSA, E. coli, and influenza.

Techniques for Infection Control

• Sterile Technique: Used during surgeries and specific procedures requiring high hygiene standards.

  • Involves surgical hand rub, sterile gowns/masks, gloves, and preparation of sterile fields.

• Aseptic Technique: Relevant for short invasive procedures, entails using antiseptics and sterile gloves.

Nosocomial Infections

• Defined as infections acquired in a hospital environment, typically manifesting within 48 hours of treatment.

• Common types: urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and surgical site infections.

Isolation Principles

• Definition: Isolation refers to separating patients to prevent spreading infectious diseases.

• Need: Minimizes transmission in hospitals to protect patients and healthcare staff.

• Types of Isolation:

  • Strict Isolation: For highly contagious diseases spread via contact and airborne routes.

  • Respiratory Isolation: Prevents disease spread through droplet transmission.

  • Protective Isolation: Safeguards immunocompromised patients from pathogens.

  • Wound/Skin Isolation: Prevents transmission from infected wounds.

Mechanisms and Chains of Infection

• Infectious Diseases: Caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

  • Transition via direct and indirect contact, vectors (e.g., insects), and contaminated food/water.

• Links in the Chain of Infection:

  1. Infectious agent

  2. Reservoir (source of pathogen)

  3. Portal of exit

  4. Mode of transmission

  5. Portal of entry

  6. Susceptible host

Recognizing Infectious Diseases

• Common symptoms: fever, diarrhea, fatigue, muscle aches, coughing.

• Transmission methods vary, including direct contact, vector-borne transmission, and contaminated food.

• Risk Factors: Those with weakened immunity, such as the elderly, malnourished, or those with chronic conditions, are at higher risk of infection.

Lab and Diagnostic Tests

• Laboratory tests: Identify the pathogenic microbe responsible for illness. Includes blood tests, urine tests, throat swabs, stool samples, and spinal taps.

• Imaging Procedures: Include x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, assisting in diagnosis and ruling out other conditions.

• Ionizing Radiation: Protect against exposure leading to serious health risks.

Biopsy Procedures

• Biopsies: Involve taking tissue samples for analysis to confirm malignancy or characterise lesions.

• Complications: Minor complications include pain or discomfort, while serious risks could involve bleeding or infection.