Common Mechanical Devices in Healthcare

Questions and Answers

Which type of exercise may be particularly beneficial for women aged 65 years and older to improve balance and gait?

Chair Rise Exercise

Water-based exercise (correct)

Weightlifting

Yoga

What is the primary benefit of taking vitamin D supplements in older adults?

Increases muscle mass

Strengthens bones only

Improves postural balance and reduces fall risk (correct)

Enhances respiratory function

What is the goal of the Chair Rise Exercise?

To strengthen muscles in the thighs and buttocks (correct)

To increase cardiovascular endurance

To promote relaxation and stress relief

To improve flexibility in the legs

How many international units (IU) of vitamin D per day is recommended for older patients?

800 IU Signup and view all the answers

What do recent studies suggest about the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)?

They increase the risk of falls Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting fire drills?

To prepare participants for real emergencies Signup and view all the answers

In addition to vitamin D, which other intervention is recommended for fall prevention among older adults?

Regular exercise and gait training Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested alternative for older adults who find land-based exercises challenging due to musculoskeletal conditions?

Water-based exercise Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following devices is primarily used to assist with standing from a seated position?

Lift chair Signup and view all the answers

What type of risk factor is categorized as a lack of bathroom grab bars?

Extrinsic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interventions is effective for improving balance and reducing fall risk?

Increasing vitamin D intake Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a common intrinsic factor associated with an increased risk of falls?

Poor vision Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of postural hypotension on fall risk?

Can cause dizziness upon standing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of portable lift device used for patient assistance?

Hammock sling Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following home hazards is a risk factor for falls?

Open stairways Signup and view all the answers

Medications categorized as psychoactive can contribute to falls in patients by causing which of the following?

Increased sedation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of using restraints for violent or self-destructive behavior?

To keep the patient and staff safe in an emergency situation Signup and view all the answers

What defines chemical restraint in a healthcare setting?

Administering a drug at a dosage not approved for the condition Signup and view all the answers

Seclusion as a restraint method is primarily used in which type of behavior?

Violent behavior that poses a threat to self and others Signup and view all the answers

What factor is crucial in determining the need for restraints?

Underlying issues leading to disruptive behavior Signup and view all the answers

Using physical restraints with seclusion requires what important element?

Continuous nursing monitoring of the patient Signup and view all the answers

What is a key risk of using restraints that healthcare providers must consider?

Potential physical or psychological trauma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about chemical restraints is true?

Higher dosages of prescribed medications can be a chemical restraint Signup and view all the answers

Why might caregivers need input from the entire care team when deciding on the use of restraints?

To ensure a holistic understanding of the patient's behavior Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does a living will primarily serve?

To outline specific medical treatments a person wants or doesn't want. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition does a living will typically apply?

When a person is terminally ill or in a permanent vegetative state. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done for a living will to be legally binding?

It must be written and possibly witnessed or notarized. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a typical decision addressed by a living will?

Signing up for a health insurance plan. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a durable power of attorney for healthcare?

To appoint an agent to make healthcare decisions when necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of a living will?

It does not appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf. Signup and view all the answers

How often might a living will become void automatically?

After a certain number of years in some states. Signup and view all the answers

Which group is generally not allowed to witness the signing of a living will?

Neutral family friends of the individual. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two patient identifiers required during patient care?

Patient's name and date of birth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following assessments is NOT part of the neuro assessment during a head-to-toe evaluation?

Chest inspection Signup and view all the answers

Which physical examination method is used to assess bowel sounds during a gastrointestinal assessment?

Auscultation Signup and view all the answers

What is one sign of abnormal findings in a respiratory assessment?

Wheezing during expiration Signup and view all the answers

During a cardiovascular assessment, which landmark is primarily used to locate the point of maximum impulse (PMI)?

Left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in performing IV insertion?

Gather necessary equipment Signup and view all the answers

What does the SBAR technique stand for in effective communication?

Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common location for decubitus ulcers?

On the palms of the hands Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Common Mechanical Devices Used

Gait belts or transfer belts are equipped with handles for safer patient transfers.
Rollators provide mobility assistance with added support.
Walkers aid balance and stability during ambulation.
Lift cushions and chairs assist patients in standing up.
Powered sit-to-stand devices offer mechanical support for standing.
Transfer boards facilitate safe patient movement, available in wood or plastic.
Portable lift devices (sling types) assist with lifting; options include universal/hammock slings and band/leg slings.
Geriatric and cardiac chairs can adjust to various positions for comfort.
Ceiling-mounted lift devices assist in transferring patients with limited mobility.
Trapeze bars provide an anchor for patients to reposition themselves in bed.

Fall Safety

Multiple risk factors contribute to falls, with intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (environmental) classifications.
Intrinsic factors include advanced age, muscle weakness, gait issues, and chronic conditions.
Extrinsic factors involve environmental hazards such as poor lighting, stairs without handrails, and slippery surfaces.
Healthcare providers can mitigate fall risks by addressing modifiable factors like balance disorders and medication effects.
Effective interventions include discussing health goals with patients and implementing exercises to enhance strength and balance.

Common Medications Contributing to Falls

Certain medications, such as antihypertensives, antipsychotics, narcotics, and sedatives, can increase fall risks, especially long-term use of proton pump inhibitors.

Nursing Interventions and Rationales

Encourage regular exercise and gait training to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and reduce fall risk.
Chair rise exercises target mobility and increase independence by strengthening thighs and buttocks.
Vitamin D supplementation is vital for maintaining balance and gait performance in older adults; recommended dosage is at least 800 IU daily.
Interventions are based on a thorough assessment of the patient’s behavior and potential underlying issues, evaluating the necessity and appropriateness of restraints.

Fire Drills and Safety

Fire drills educate participants on emergency response and ensure readiness for real fire situations.

Restraints for Violent Behaviors

Physical restraints prevent aggressive behavior, maintaining safety for staff and patients.
Chemical restraints involve administering drugs to limit movement, often under scrutiny in healthcare settings.
Seclusion involves confining a patient to a room for their safety during violent episodes.

Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare

A living will specifies medical treatment preferences and decisions regarding end-of-life care.
Durable power of attorney designates an agent to make healthcare choices if the principal is incapacitated.

Head-to-Toe Assessment Components

Neuro: Assess state of awareness, pupil response, and cranial nerve function.
Cardiovascular: Analyze heart sounds, EKG lead placements, pulse checks, and capillary refill.
Respiratory: Inspect chest shape and assess breath sounds, respiratory rate, and pattern.
Gastrointestinal: Inspect bowel sounds and abdominal shape and color.
Skin: Identify decubitus ulcer stages and overall skin hygiene.
Musculoskeletal: Evaluate muscle resistance during movement.

IV Insertion and Foley Catheter Procedures

Understand and explain the steps and rationales for these essential nursing actions.

SBAR Charting Technique

Utilize the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) format for effective communication with healthcare team members about patient care scenarios.

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Description

This quiz covers common mechanical devices used in healthcare settings, focusing on equipment that assists mobility and patient transfer. Test your knowledge on gait belts, rollators, lift devices, and more. Understanding these tools is essential for both caregivers and healthcare professionals.