Healthcare Practices and Infection Control

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the scope of practice?

What you are allowed/not allowed to do by state law.

An expired certificate means you may not pass medications.

True

Which of the following are ways to prevent infection? (Select all that apply)

Wear gloves (correct)

Immunizations (correct)

Wash hands (correct)

Do not visit doctor

Match the following terms to their definitions:

Germs = Microorganisms that can cause infection Place = The location of infection spread Host = An organism that provides a hotspot for infection Portal of Entry = The means through which germs enter a host Signup and view all the answers

What are common signs and symptoms of infection?

Inflamed skin, fever/chills, pus, vomiting/nausea, diarrhea, sore throat/cough, painful urination. Signup and view all the answers

The most accurate way to take temperature is _______.

rectal Signup and view all the answers

What are the five vital signs that alert us to change?

Temperature, Blood Pressure, Pulse, Respiration, Oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the range for a radial pulse?

60-100 bpm, average 80. Signup and view all the answers

At what range should respirations be monitored?

12-20 per minute. Signup and view all the answers

What is needed to take vital signs? (Select all that apply)

Stethoscope Signup and view all the answers

When is a good time to monitor respirations?

When the person is unaware. Signup and view all the answers

What two pressures are measured when taking blood pressure?

Systolic and Diastolic. Signup and view all the answers

What does CRMA stand for?

Certified Residential Medication Aide. Signup and view all the answers

How long are psychotropic medications good for?

3 months or 90 days. Signup and view all the answers

How long are narcotics valid for?

1 month or 30 days. Signup and view all the answers

List two locations for taking a pulse.

Radial (thumb side of person's wrist) and Apical (stethoscope, mid nipple of left chest). Signup and view all the answers

Who can accept telephone orders?

RN or pharmacist. Signup and view all the answers

What are Schedule 2 medications?

Controlled substances that need to be counted and signed daily if used, kept separate from other meds, and double-locked. Signup and view all the answers

What is a normal blood pressure reading?

120/80. Signup and view all the answers

When must one re-certify?

After two years. Signup and view all the answers

What does PRN stand for?

As needed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average body temperature?

98.6. Signup and view all the answers

Which methods can be used to check temperature? (Select all that apply)

Otic Signup and view all the answers

What medications must be kept separately? (Select all that apply)

Oral Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scope of Practice

Defines what is permitted and prohibited by state law for healthcare professionals.

Expired Certificate

Individuals with an expired certificate are not authorized to administer medications.

Infection Prevention

Key methods include:
- Handwashing
- Wearing gloves
- Staying up to date with immunizations

Breaking the Chain of Infection

Disrupt the following four links to prevent infection:
- Germs
- Place
- Host
- Portal of Entry

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

Common indicators:
- Inflamed skin
- Fever and chills
- Presence of pus
- Vomiting and nausea
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat and cough
- Painful urination

Methods to Measure Temperature

Five routes for taking temperature:
- Orally
- Axillary (underarm)
- Rectally
- Otic (ear)
- On the skin

Most Accurate Temperature Measurement

Rectal measurement is the most reliable method.

Vital Signs (VS)

Key vital signs include:
- Temperature (T)
- Blood Pressure (BP)
- Pulse (P)
- Respiration (R)
- Oxygen Saturation (O2)

Radial Pulse

Normal range: 60-100 beats per minute, with an average of 80 bpm.

Respiratory Rate

Normal range: 12-20 breaths per minute.

Equipment for Taking Vital Signs

Essential tools include:
- Blood pressure cuff
- Stethoscope
- Thermometer
- Timer

Locations to Measure Pulse

Common locations include:
- Radial pulse: Wrist
- Apical pulse: Mid-nipple area of the left chest, using a stethoscope

Monitoring Respirations

Best observed when the individual is unaware to avoid altered breathing.

Blood Pressure Measurement

Two types assessed:
- Systolic (pressure during heartbeats)
- Diastolic (pressure when the heart is at rest)

CRMA Acronym

Stands for Certified Residential Medication Aide.

Medication Duration

Psychotropic medications are valid for three months (90 days).
Narcotics are valid for one month (30 days).

Pulse Measurement Locations

Various locations include:
- Radial (wrist)
- Brachial (elbow)
- Carotid (neck)
- Apical (chest)

Accepting Telephone Orders

Authorized personnel to accept include registered nurses (RNs) or pharmacists.

Schedule II Medications

Controlled substances that require:
- Daily counting and signing if in use
- Weekly counting if not in use
- Two-person presence for destruction
- Separate and double-locked storage

Blood Pressure Norms

Typical reading is 120/80 (systolic/diastolic).

Recertification Requirements

CRMA must recertify every two years, with a 30-day grace period before retaking the class.

PRN Medication

Allows medication to be taken "as needed."

Normal Body Temperature

Average is typically 98.6°F.

Medication Labeling Requirements

Prescription must include:
- Prescription number
- Expiration date
- Name, strength, and dosage of the drug
- Refill date
- Directions for use
- Resident's full name
- Prescriber’s full name
- Accessory and cautionary instructions
- Pharmacy name and address

Medication Measuring Equipment

Graduated containers must be used for accurate measurement of liquid medications.

Medication Absence Protocol

If a resident's absence from the facility exceeds 72 hours, medications must be packaged and labeled by a pharmacist, except for those who self-administer.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the essentials of healthcare practices, including infection prevention, vital signs, and the implications of expired certifications. This quiz covers key methods for breaking the chain of infection and accurate temperature measurement techniques.