FlashCards

Ethical Principles

• Nonmaleficence

  • Ethical principle to "do no harm."

  • Avoid causing unnecessary harm or injury.

• Autonomy

  • Respect a patient’s right to make decisions.

  • Requires informed consent with full understanding of risks and benefits.

• Justice

  • Fair and equitable treatment for all.

  • Distribute resources and care without discrimination.

Legal Issues in Healthcare

• False Imprisonment

  • Unlawful restraint of a patient’s freedom.

  • Example: Using restraints without medical justification.

• Invasion of Privacy

  • Breach of confidentiality.

  • Example: Sharing patient information without consent.

• Defamation of Character

  • False statements harming reputation.

  • Includes libel (written) and slander (spoken).

• Malpractice

  • Professional negligence requiring duty, breach, injury, and causation.

• Negligence

  • Failure to meet the standard of care.

  • Example: Administering medication without checking allergies.

• Informed Consent

  • Patients must be aware of treatment risks, benefits, and alternatives.

• HIPAA

  • Protects patient information and ensures confidentiality.

  • Violations result in civil and criminal penalties.

• Confidentiality

  • Keep patient information private to build trust.

Incident Reporting

• Purpose: Document unusual or unexpected events (e.g., medication errors, falls).

• Key Elements:

  • Factual, objective details.

  • Avoid opinions or blame.

  • Follow facility policy.

Medication Administration

• Process:

  • Verify prescription, prepare medication, administer, and document.

• Safety Measures:

  • Follow protocols, double-check dosages, avoid distractions.

• 5 Rights of Medication Administration:

  • Right Patient.

  • Right Drug.

  • Right Dose.

  • Right Route.

  • Right Time.

• Fall Prevention:

  • Use bed alarms, non-slip footwear, and ensure adequate lighting.

• Restraint Use:

  • Apply only when necessary with proper documentation.

• General Safety:

  • Identify patients correctly, practice hand hygiene, and follow infection control procedures.

Scope of Practice

• Defined By: State Nurse Practice Acts.

  • Perform tasks within your training and competency.

  • Ensure legal and careful delegation.

Ethical Guidance

• ANA Code of Ethics

  • Purpose: Guides nurses in ethical practice.

  • Focus: Respect, patient commitment, advocacy, accountability, and professional integrity.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

• Definition:

  • Integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences.

• Purpose:

  • Standardizes care, improves quality, and reduces costs.

• Examples:

  • Updated wound care or infection prevention guidelines.

• Steps:

  1. Ask.

  2. Search.

  3. Appraise.

  4. Apply.

  5. Evaluate.

Nursing Process (ADPIE)

1. Assessment:

   • Collect subjective (patient-reported) and objective (measurable) data.

2. Diagnosis:

   • Identify health problems using NANDA classifications.

3. Planning:

   • Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound.

4. Implementation:

   • Execute interventions and collaborate with the care team.

5. Evaluation:

   • Assess outcomes and revise plans as needed.

Prioritizing Care Frameworks

1. Maslow’s Hierarchy:

   • Address physiological needs first.

2. ABCs:

   • Focus on Airway, Breathing, Circulation.

• Who to See First:

  • Prioritize patients based on urgency and potential harm.

Health Promotion

• BP Measurement:

  • Ensure proper cuff size and technique.

• Risk Factors:

  • Lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors.

• Infection Control:

  • Emphasize hand hygiene, vaccinations, and appropriate use of PPE.

Teaching Techniques

• Methods:

  • Verbal instructions, demonstrations, and written materials.

• Evaluation:

  • Assess understanding with return demonstrations and feedback.

Communication

• Effective Communication:

  • Use active listening, empathy, and clarity.

• Barriers:

  • Language, anxiety, and cultural differences.

• Subjective vs. Objective Data:

  • Subjective: Patient-reported (e.g., pain).

  • Objective: Observable/measurable (e.g., vital signs).

Cultural Competence

• Definition:

  • Respect cultural values and beliefs.

• Communication:

  • Use interpreters when necessary.

Care Team Members

1. Provider:

   • Diagnoses and oversees medical care.

2. PT/OT:

   • Focus on mobility and daily living skills.

3. Speech Therapist:

   • Addresses speech and swallowing issues.

4. RT:

   • Manages respiratory treatments.

5. Social Worker:

   • Provides access to support services and resources.