Patient Care Quiz

The distal tip of the catheter should be seen in the superior vena cava, near the right atrium.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile are highly contagious and require contact precautions to prevent transmission.

Violating ARRT Rules of Ethics can result in professional sanctions, including revocation of certification.

Logrolling is a technique designed to move patients with suspected spinal injuries while maintaining proper alignment, minimizing further damage.

Flail chest refers to the condition where two or more adjacent ribs are fractured, leading to instability in the chest wall.

Iatrogenic infections are infections acquired as a result of medical intervention, like surgery, medication, or treatments.

Gerontologic patients (older adults) commonly experience age-related changes including loss of muscle mass, bone calcium, and mental alertness.

Unintentional misconduct involves actions that cause harm or injury due to carelessness, negligence, or lack of skill.

A type of infection contracted in a healthcare setting. It can be caused by various microorganisms and is often spread through contact with medical equipment or healthcare providers.

A medical condition where the air sacs in the lungs lose their elasticity and become permanently inflated, making it difficult for the patient to exhale normally.

Medical term for a newborn infant, typically up to 1 month old.

The legal obligation to provide a patient with complete and accurate information about a medical procedure, including potential risks and benefits, before they consent to it.

A condition in which the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is higher than normal, indicating potential problems with kidney function.

A surgical procedure involving the insertion of a device that helps regulate the heart's rhythm, often implanted in the chest.

A medical condition that results in an obstruction of the intestines in babies, typically caused by a buildup of meconium.

A potentially life-threatening condition in which a portion of the intestine folds into itself, creating a blockage.

Angina pectoris is the pain caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart, usually due to narrowed coronary arteries. It's a common symptom of coronary artery disease.

For a valid patient consent, the patient must sign the form before receiving sedation, and the form must have no blank spaces left after signing. The physician performing the procedure needn't be the one named on the consent form.

Nonionic, water-soluble contrast media offer cost-containment benefits and low toxicity, resulting in fewer adverse reactions for patients.

A vasovagal response is a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate triggered by stress or pain. It's characterized by nausea, syncope (fainting), and anxiety, but not hypertension (high blood pressure).

In a two-member mobile radiography team handling an MRSA patient, one radiographer remains 'clean' (no patient contact) while the other handles positioning and exposure. The 'clean' radiographer retrieves and removes the IP after exposure.

A patient's medical record or chart must include diagnostic and therapeutic orders, medical history, and informed consent. These are crucial for accurate care and legal documentation.

A patient has the right to see their medical record, but they should ask their doctor for clarification and interpretation. You should direct them to their physician for this.

It's crucial to respect patient confidentiality and privacy. Never share information about a patient with someone who doesn't need to know.

A portal of entry is any way that a pathogen can enter the body. Some common examples include breaks in the skin, mucous membranes (like the nasal passages), and the urinary tract. It's important to note that a pathogen can't infect if it can't get into your body!

An iodinated contrast medium is a special dye used in imaging to help make certain areas of the body more visible. When injected intravenously, it can cause a variety of side effects, including a warm feeling, taste alterations, nausea, and skin reactions like itching or hives. These reactions are usually mild and temporary.

The doctrine of res ipsa loquitur means "the thing speaks for itself." It applies when the cause of an injury is so obvious that it's clear negligence occurred. For example, imaging the wrong patient or cropping an image to hide a mistake shows that the radiographer's actions directly caused harm. This can lead to accusations of professional negligence.

A tracheostomy is a surgical opening made in the trachea (windpipe). Patients with tracheostomies often have difficulty speaking because air is being delivered directly to the lungs, bypassing the vocal cords. They may also experience a rattling sound when breathing, which indicates a need for suctioning to clear the airway. It's important to remember that a tracheostomy tube should never be rotated out of view during chest imaging.

A vial is a small container that holds a solution, typically for multiple doses of medication. This is especially common for medications that are liquid-based or require careful handling. It stands in contrast to other container types, such as ampoules that are sealed and single-use.

A bolus is a concentrated dose of medication that's given rapidly over a short period of time. This can be done intravenously or orally, and is often used to achieve a specific therapeutic effect.

In the cycle of infection, a portal of entry is the way a pathogen gains access into the body. This can be physical, like a break in the skin, or through mucous membranes such as the nasal passages or urinary tract. Without a portal of entry, a pathogen cannot infect a host.

The apex of the left ventricle is the bottom-most point of the left ventricle, which is the heart's main pumping chamber. This region is important because it's involved in pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

The inspiration act involves the upward movement of the sternum and ribs, and the downward movement of the diaphragm.

An intermittent injection port is a venous device often used for frequent or regular intravenous injections.

Cleaning contaminated surfaces should be done from least to most contaminated areas, top to bottom, avoiding circular motions.

A Swan-Ganz catheter is a type of catheter used to monitor heart function and measure pressure inside the heart and lungs.

A febrile patient exhibits symptoms of being warm, flushed, or feverish.

A defibrillator is a medical device used to deliver an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat.

When caring for a patient with an IV line, maintain the IV fluid bag 18-24 inches above the level of the vein to ensure proper flow.

Rubella, mumps, and influenza are diseases that require droplet precautions to prevent transmission.

A double-contrast barium enema (BE) is essential for visualizing polyps and diverticulosis. The contrast helps to outline the intestinal wall and differentiate any abnormalities.

Pathogens spread by direct or close contact are contagious and require precautions to minimize transmission. Examples include MRSA and conjunctivitis. Rotavirus, however, is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route.

When a patient feels faint, safety is paramount. Laying them down stabilizes them, and elevating their legs or placing the table in Trendelenburg improves blood flow to the brain. Do not leave the patient unattended.

Urticaria is the medical term for hives, which are itchy, raised welts on the skin. Other terms have different meanings: Vertigo is dizziness, epistaxis is nosebleed, and aura is a sensory symptom.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), which is a unit of pressure. Other options are incorrect: beats per minute refers to heart rate, degrees Fahrenheit is for temperature, and liters per minute is for flow rate.

Veracity is the ethical principle that emphasizes truthfulness and honesty in healthcare interactions. It ensures patients receive accurate information and promotes trust between professionals and patients.

Talipes is the medical term for clubfoot, a congenital condition where the foot is twisted inwards and downwards. Other terms have different meanings: Coxa plana is a hip condition, osteochondritis is a joint condition, and muscular dystrophy is a muscle-weakening condition.

Examinations should be performed in a logical order to minimize risk of complications. The IVU uses contrast and can affect subsequent procedures. The BE is typically performed first, followed by the Upper GI to avoid contrast interference.