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Questions and Answers
Which factor affects blood pressure by increasing it after eating?
Which factor affects blood pressure by increasing it after eating?
What should be avoided before taking an oral temperature?
What should be avoided before taking an oral temperature?
Which method of taking temperature may be affected by ear infections or earwax?
Which method of taking temperature may be affected by ear infections or earwax?
What is afebrile?
What is afebrile?
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Which system in the body increases blood pressure?
Which system in the body increases blood pressure?
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When using a sphygmomanometer, which sound indicates systolic blood pressure?
When using a sphygmomanometer, which sound indicates systolic blood pressure?
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When should a nurse take her own vitals instead of delegating?
When should a nurse take her own vitals instead of delegating?
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What are the six vital signs?
What are the six vital signs?
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How often should a patient's vitals be taken at a minimum?
How often should a patient's vitals be taken at a minimum?
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Which of the following is NOT a reason to assess vitals?
Which of the following is NOT a reason to assess vitals?
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What are the four ways heat can be transferred to external environments?
What are the four ways heat can be transferred to external environments?
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Which of the following is an example of convection?
Which of the following is an example of convection?
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What is the recommended frequency for removing contacts?
What is the recommended frequency for removing contacts?
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When storing a hearing aid, what is the correct procedure?
When storing a hearing aid, what is the correct procedure?
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What is the most crucial aspect to inquire about when assessing a patient's skin?
What is the most crucial aspect to inquire about when assessing a patient's skin?
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For hygiene assessment of nails and feet, what should be done after cleaning dentures?
For hygiene assessment of nails and feet, what should be done after cleaning dentures?
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During skin assessment, what should be compared for symmetry?
During skin assessment, what should be compared for symmetry?
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When assessing the skin, what should be used to report and record findings?
When assessing the skin, what should be used to report and record findings?
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What are the purposes of bathing for a patient?
What are the purposes of bathing for a patient?
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During perineal and vaginal care, what should be done?
During perineal and vaginal care, what should be done?
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Which of the following is part of proper eye care?
Which of the following is part of proper eye care?
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What should be avoided for patients on anticoagulant therapy during hair care?
What should be avoided for patients on anticoagulant therapy during hair care?
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How should external ear care be performed?
How should external ear care be performed?
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When teaching skin care to patients, what points should be addressed?
When teaching skin care to patients, what points should be addressed?
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What should be inquired about during a skin assessment to understand the patient's symptoms better?
What should be inquired about during a skin assessment to understand the patient's symptoms better?
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When assessing dentures, what is the correct storage recommendation to keep them clean and hydrated?
When assessing dentures, what is the correct storage recommendation to keep them clean and hydrated?
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What is the recommended frequency for turning a patient to prevent bedsores?
What is the recommended frequency for turning a patient to prevent bedsores?
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During a skin assessment, why is it essential to compare bilateral parts for symmetry?
During a skin assessment, why is it essential to compare bilateral parts for symmetry?
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What should be considered the primary focus when storing a hearing aid?
What should be considered the primary focus when storing a hearing aid?
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Which aspect is crucial for assessing the skin during examinations of other body systems?
Which aspect is crucial for assessing the skin during examinations of other body systems?
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What should be assessed during hygiene assessment for perineal and vaginal areas?
What should be assessed during hygiene assessment for perineal and vaginal areas?
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What is the purpose of bathing for a patient?
What is the purpose of bathing for a patient?
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Which step is part of proper eye care for patients?
Which step is part of proper eye care for patients?
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What is recommended when caring for a patient's hair who is on anticoagulant therapy?
What is recommended when caring for a patient's hair who is on anticoagulant therapy?
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What should be done during oral hygiene care for a patient?
What should be done during oral hygiene care for a patient?
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Why is capillary refill and contour of the nail bed important in hygiene assessment?
Why is capillary refill and contour of the nail bed important in hygiene assessment?
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Which type of exercise is defined as muscle contraction without shortening?
Which type of exercise is defined as muscle contraction without shortening?
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What is a key factor that can lead to back injuries in healthcare workers?
What is a key factor that can lead to back injuries in healthcare workers?
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Which equipment is used for stand-assist and repositioning in patient handling?
Which equipment is used for stand-assist and repositioning in patient handling?
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What is the correct way to lift objects to prevent back injuries?
What is the correct way to lift objects to prevent back injuries?
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Which type of exercise involves muscle shortening and active movement?
Which type of exercise involves muscle shortening and active movement?
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What should be avoided to prevent patient handling injuries?
What should be avoided to prevent patient handling injuries?
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What is the purpose of positioning patients every 4 hours?
What is the purpose of positioning patients every 4 hours?
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In which position is the patient sitting with legs straight in front of them?
In which position is the patient sitting with legs straight in front of them?
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What is the correct definition of the Sim's position?
What is the correct definition of the Sim's position?
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Which temperature range is considered normal for adults?
Which temperature range is considered normal for adults?
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What can walking aids like crutches help prevent when used properly?
What can walking aids like crutches help prevent when used properly?
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Which fever type involves the temperature remaining above normal with minimal variations per day?
Which fever type involves the temperature remaining above normal with minimal variations per day?
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What is a common symptom associated with Tachypnea?
What is a common symptom associated with Tachypnea?
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Which condition is characterized by a pulse rate below 60 BPM?
Which condition is characterized by a pulse rate below 60 BPM?
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What is the primary purpose of using compression stockings?
What is the primary purpose of using compression stockings?
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When is it appropriate for a nurse to take her own vitals instead of delegating the task?
When is it appropriate for a nurse to take her own vitals instead of delegating the task?
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Which is an example of evaporation as a way to transfer heat to the external environment?
Which is an example of evaporation as a way to transfer heat to the external environment?
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What is the primary source of heat loss from the body?
What is the primary source of heat loss from the body?
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How often should a patient's vitals be taken at a minimum?
How often should a patient's vitals be taken at a minimum?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a vital sign?
Which of the following is NOT considered a vital sign?
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In which situation should a nurse be the one to assess the vital signs?
In which situation should a nurse be the one to assess the vital signs?
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What physical, mental, and behavioral change follows a 24-hour cycle and happens naturally?
What physical, mental, and behavioral change follows a 24-hour cycle and happens naturally?
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If a patient has Thrombocytopenia (low platelets), why is it advised not to take a rectal temperature?
If a patient has Thrombocytopenia (low platelets), why is it advised not to take a rectal temperature?
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What is the primary factor that affects blood pressure according to the text?
What is the primary factor that affects blood pressure according to the text?
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Which body system increases blood pressure through the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system according to the text?
Which body system increases blood pressure through the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system according to the text?
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What is the correct sequence of sounds when taking blood pressure with a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer?
What is the correct sequence of sounds when taking blood pressure with a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer?
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Which statement is true about axillary temperature measurements?
Which statement is true about axillary temperature measurements?
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What is an example of a subjective assessment?
What is an example of a subjective assessment?
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When should a nurse be the one to take her own vitals?
When should a nurse be the one to take her own vitals?
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In which situation should a nurse NOT delegate the task of taking vitals?
In which situation should a nurse NOT delegate the task of taking vitals?
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What is the primary mode of heat loss from the body?
What is the primary mode of heat loss from the body?
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How many vital signs are typically assessed?
How many vital signs are typically assessed?
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Which is an example of heat transfer by conduction?
Which is an example of heat transfer by conduction?
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Which method is least suitable for taking temperature if the patient is unable to open and close their mouth?
Which method is least suitable for taking temperature if the patient is unable to open and close their mouth?
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What system in the body is responsible for increasing blood pressure, according to the information provided?
What system in the body is responsible for increasing blood pressure, according to the information provided?
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Which physical position is expected to have lower blood pressure based on the information given?
Which physical position is expected to have lower blood pressure based on the information given?
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What body factor influences blood pressure by decreasing it during exercise?
What body factor influences blood pressure by decreasing it during exercise?
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What is the first sound heard in a blood pressure measurement known as?
What is the first sound heard in a blood pressure measurement known as?
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If a patient has an ear infection, which temperature measurement should be avoided?
If a patient has an ear infection, which temperature measurement should be avoided?
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What should a nurse do if there is a change in a patient's condition regarding taking vitals?
What should a nurse do if there is a change in a patient's condition regarding taking vitals?
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Which situation warrants a nurse to personally take her own vitals?
Which situation warrants a nurse to personally take her own vitals?
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What can be considered as an example of heat transfer by conduction?
What can be considered as an example of heat transfer by conduction?
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When should a nurse take her own vitals based on the text?
When should a nurse take her own vitals based on the text?
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Which of the following is a primary source of heat loss according to the text?
Which of the following is a primary source of heat loss according to the text?
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What are the four ways heat can be transferred to external environments?
What are the four ways heat can be transferred to external environments?
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What is the most important factor to consider when deciding whether to take an oral temperature?
What is the most important factor to consider when deciding whether to take an oral temperature?
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If a patient has Thrombocytopenia (low platelets), which temperature measurement method should be avoided?
If a patient has Thrombocytopenia (low platelets), which temperature measurement method should be avoided?
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What is the primary cause of increased blood pressure in some races like African Americans?
What is the primary cause of increased blood pressure in some races like African Americans?
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Which system in the body plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by increasing it?
Which system in the body plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by increasing it?
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What is the primary reason for avoiding taking a forehead temperature?
What is the primary reason for avoiding taking a forehead temperature?
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During skin assessment, what is crucial to ensure when comparing bilateral parts?
During skin assessment, what is crucial to ensure when comparing bilateral parts?
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Which step is part of proper denture care to keep them clean and hydrated?
Which step is part of proper denture care to keep them clean and hydrated?
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What is the purpose of using compression stockings in patient care?
What is the purpose of using compression stockings in patient care?
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Which position involves the patient lying flat on their back with legs slightly bent or straight?
Which position involves the patient lying flat on their back with legs slightly bent or straight?
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Which fever type involves the temperature returning to normal between exacerbations?
Which fever type involves the temperature returning to normal between exacerbations?
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What is the primary source of heat loss from the body through electromagnetic waves?
What is the primary source of heat loss from the body through electromagnetic waves?
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Which method is used for transferring heat through direct contact?
Which method is used for transferring heat through direct contact?
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What is the suggested pulse rate range for an adult in a normal state?
What is the suggested pulse rate range for an adult in a normal state?
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Which type of respiratory rate is characterized by over 20 breaths per minute?
Which type of respiratory rate is characterized by over 20 breaths per minute?
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$Grade 0$ pulse strength indicates:
$Grade 0$ pulse strength indicates:
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$Orthostatic hypotension$ results from position changes to:
$Orthostatic hypotension$ results from position changes to:
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What is the primary function of bathing according to the text?
What is the primary function of bathing according to the text?
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Which of the following is NOT part of the hygiene assessment for perineal and vaginal areas as described in the text?
Which of the following is NOT part of the hygiene assessment for perineal and vaginal areas as described in the text?
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What is the correct order of steps for oral hygiene care based on the information provided?
What is the correct order of steps for oral hygiene care based on the information provided?
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Why do patients on anticoagulant therapy require electric razors instead of regular razors according to the text?
Why do patients on anticoagulant therapy require electric razors instead of regular razors according to the text?
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What is an important aspect to consider during proper eye care based on the information given?
What is an important aspect to consider during proper eye care based on the information given?
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Which type of exercise is characterized by muscle contraction without shortening?
Which type of exercise is characterized by muscle contraction without shortening?
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What should be avoided during proper lifting techniques according to the text?
What should be avoided during proper lifting techniques according to the text?
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What is a common variable leading to back injuries in healthcare workers based on the information provided?
What is a common variable leading to back injuries in healthcare workers based on the information provided?
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What is the primary effect of isotonic exercise on muscles according to the text?
What is the primary effect of isotonic exercise on muscles according to the text?
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Why is squatting down to pick up objects recommended over bending over?
Why is squatting down to pick up objects recommended over bending over?
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Study Notes
Circadian Rhythms and Body Temperature
- Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle and happen naturally
- Examples of circadian rhythms include:
- Lower body temperature and blood pressure in the morning
- Higher body temperature and blood pressure in the evening
- Factors that affect body temperature:
- Circadian rhythms
- Age or gender (peds and elderly are more sensitive and need more coverings)
- Physical activity (e.g., running a mile)
- State of health (e.g., severe infection)
- Environmental temperature (e.g., walking in 102°F heat)
Vital Signs
- The six vital signs are:
- Temperature
- Pulse
- Respiration
- Blood pressure
- Pulse oximetry
- Pain
- The frequency of vital sign assessment:
- Every 4 hours, unless there is a change in condition
- Seven times to assess vitals:
- On admission
- Based on policy and procedures
- Change in condition
- Change in or loss of consciousness
- Before or after surgery or other invasive diagnostic procedure
- Before or after activity that may increase risk
- Before or after administering meds that affect cardio and respiratory
Blood Pressure
- Regulation of blood pressure:
- Nerve regulation
- Cardiac output
- Stimulation of the vagus nerve
- Sympathetic stimulation
- Baroreceptors in the heart
- Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
- Factors that affect blood pressure:
- Age
- Circadian rhythm
- Sex
- Food intake
- Exercise
- Weight
- Emotional state
- Body position
- Race
- Drugs and medications
Temperature Assessment
- The five ways to take a temperature:
- Oral
- Rectal
- Axillary
- Tympanic
- Forehead
- Contraindications for taking a temperature:
- Oral: eating, chewing gum, facial surgery, trauma, pediatrics, or inability to open and close mouth
- Rectal: thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
- Axillary: environmental factors
- Tympanic: ear infections, earwax, or discharge
- Forehead: scar tissue or wearing a hat
Hygiene and Skin Care
- Hygiene assessment for skin:
- Cleanliness and intactness
- Capillary refill and contour of the nail bed
- Swelling, inflammation, lesions
- Hygiene assessment for perineal and vaginal areas:
- Color lesions, swelling, inflammation, excoriation, tenderness, discharge
- Anal cracks, nodules, distended veins, masses, or polyps
- Odor
- Steps to oral hygiene:
- Moisten the mouth
- Clean the mouth
- Care for dentures
- Brush and floss teeth
- Use mouthwash
- Proper eye care:
- Cleaning from inner to outer with wet, warm cloth
- Use artificial tear solution every 4 hours if blink reflex is absent
- Care for eyeglasses, contacts, or artificial eyes
- Ear and nose care:
- Wash external ear with washcloth-covered finger
- Perform hearing aid teaching and care
- Clean nose by having patient blow it if both nares are patent
- Remove crusted secretions around nose by applying warm, moist compress### Hygiene Assessment
- Hygiene assessment for nails and feet: cleanliness and intactness, capillary refill and contour of the nail bed, swelling, inflammation, lesions of the feet
- Hygiene assessment for perineal and vaginal areas: color, lesions, swelling, inflammation, excoriation, tenderness, discharge, anal cracks, nodules, distended veins, masses, or polyps, odor
Oral Hygiene
- Steps to oral hygiene: moisten the mouth, clean the mouth, care for dentures, brush and floss teeth, use mouthwash
- Potential oral problems: dental caries, plaque, or periodontal disease, loose teeth
Eye Care
- Proper eye care: cleaning from inner to outer with wet, warm cloth, use artificial tear solution every 4 hours if blink reflex is absent, care for eyeglasses, contacts, or artificial eyes
Ear and Nose Care
- Ear and nose care: wash external ear with washcloth-covered finger, not Qtips, perform hearing aid teaching and care, clean nose by having patient blow it if both nares are patent, remove crusted secretions around nose by applying warm, moist compress
Hair Care
- Hair care for patients on anticoagulant therapy: use electric razors, not regular razors, assist with caring for beards and mustaches, as well as assisting with unwanted hair removal
Skin Care
- Purposes of bathing: cleanses the skin, acts as a skin conditioner, helps to relax a person, promotes circulation, increases sensation, serves as musculoskeletal exercise, stimulates rate and depth of respirations, promotes comfort, provides person with sensory input, helps improve self-image/self-esteem, strengthens nurse-patient relationship
- What to do during perineal and vaginal care: assess for problems and related treatments, perform a physical assessment of genitalia, perform care in a matter-of-fact and dignified manner according to procedure, cleanse vaginal area with plain soap and water
Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM)
- Variables leading to patient handling injuries: uncoordinated lifts, high exertion, awkward or static postures, manual lifting and transferring, repetitive movements or tasks, standing for long periods of time
- The 8 main variables leading to back injury in health care workers: uncoordinated lifts, manual lifting and transferring of patients without assistive devices, lifting when fatigued or after recent back injury recovery, repetitive movements, standing for long periods of time, transferring patients, repetitive tasks, transferring/repositioning uncooperative or confused patients
- Proper way to lift: use your legs, not your back, squat down to pick up objects, not bend over
Vital Signs
- The six vital signs: temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, pulse ox, pain
- How often should patients' vitals be taken at minimum: every 4 hours, unless there is a change
- Four ways to transfer heat to external environments: radiation, convection, evaporation, conduction
Body Temperature
- Factors affecting body temperature: circadian rhythms, age or gender, physical activity, state of health, environmental temperature
- Afebrile: without fever
- Pyrexia: with fever (febrile)
Pulse
- Tachycardic: pulse rate above 100
- Bradycardic: pulse rate below 60
- Normal pulse rate: 60-100 BPM
Blood Pressure
-
Regulation of blood pressure: nerve regulation, cardiac output, stimulation of the vagus nerve, sympathetic stimulation, baroreceptors in the heart, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
-
How to take a blood pressure: using a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer, or using an electronic or automated device
-
Factors affecting blood pressure: age, circadian rhythm, sex, food intake, exercise, weight, emotional state, body position, race, drugs and medications### Mechanical Lateral-Assist Devices
-
Types of mechanical lateral-assist devices include transfer chairs, powered stand-assist and repositioning lifts, and powered full-body lifts.
Patient Positioning
- Patients must be positioned every 4 hours to prevent bed sores.
- Fowler's position: sitting with legs straight in front of them.
- Supine or dorsal recumbent position: laying flat on their back with legs straight or slightly bent.
- Side lying or lateral position: laying on their side with legs straight.
- Sim's position: laying on their side with the opposite leg up and bent in front of them.
- Prone position: lying face down.
Transfer and Ambulation
- To help transfer a patient, have them cross their arms and feet.
- Mechanical aids for walking include walkers, canes, braces, and crutches.
- Proper positioning of crutches prevents axillary nerve damage.
Vital Sign Norms in Adults
- Pulse rate: 60-100 (average: 80)
- Respirations: 12-20 breaths per minute
- Blood pressure: less than 120/80
- Oral temperature: 35.8-37.5°C (96.4-99.5°F)
- Pulse strength:
- Grade 0: absent, unable to palpate
- Grade +1: diminished, weaker than expected
- Grade +2: normal, brisk, expected
- Grade 3+: bounding
Heat Transfer
- Radiation: dissemination of heat by electromagnetic waves (e.g., body gives off heat waves from uncovered surfaces)
- Convection: dissemination of heat by motion between areas of unequal density (e.g., oscillating fan blowing cool air)
- Evaporation: conversion of a liquid to a vapor (e.g., body fluid in the form of sweat vaporizing from skin)
- Conduction: transfer of heat to another object during direct contact (e.g., body heat transferred to an ice pack, causing it to melt)
Fevers
- Intermittent fever: temperature returns to normal between exacerbations, at least once every 24 hours
- Remittent fever: temperature does not return to normal and fluctuates a few degrees
- Sustained or continuous fever: temperature remains above normal with minimal variations
- Relapsing or recurrent fever: temperature returns to normal for one or more days with one or more episodes of fever
Pulse and Respiratory
- Pulse:
- Tachycardic: pulse rate above 100
- Bradycardic: pulse rate below 60
- Normal pulse rate: 60-100 BPM
- Amplitude and quality: strong or weak pulse
- Respiratory:
- Normal rate: 12-20 breaths per minute
- Eupnea: normal, unlabored respiration
- Tachypnea: increased respiratory rate
- Bradypnea: decreased respiratory rate
- Apnea: periods of no breathing
- Dyspnea: difficult or labored breathing
- Orthopnea: changes in breathing when sitting or standing
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Test your knowledge on delegating vitals and assessing vital signs in nursing. Topics include when nurses should take their own vitals, the six vital signs, and the frequency of vital sign assessments for patients.