PCA Test Flashcards

Accountability and Responsibility

• Accountability involves being responsible for one’s actions and those of others.
• The PCA encourages postoperative patients to TCDB (turn, cough, deep breathe) every two hours.

Healthcare Practices

• Dirty linens should be placed in green bags.
• Urine collected midstream is essential for accurate testing.
• A low sodium diet restricts salt intake.
• Physical abuse includes actions like hitting, slapping, or kicking.
• Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing.

Health Monitoring

• Blood vessels contract when heat is applied to the skin.
• PCA responsibilities include ensuring basic needs of restrained patients are met.
• Assessing the quality, rate, and rhythm of a radial pulse is important.
• A red arm band indicates an allergy; the color pink signifies do not take BP in that arm.

Nutrition and Fluid Intake

• A healthy diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fluids.
• Aspiration occurs when food/fluids enter the lungs.
• Nutritional assessment involves recording the percentage of consumed food and liquids.

Patient Conditions and Observations

• Subjective data is patient-reported symptoms (e.g., nausea, pain).
• Signs of poor circulation in restrained patients include bluish discoloration and cool skin.
• Report immediately any changes in a patient’s condition to the RN.

Safety and Precautions

• Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg and/or diastolic greater than 90 mmHg.
• Restraints are used only when necessary to prevent harm to the patient or others.
• Hand washing is crucial for preventing the spread of pathogens.

Positioning and Ambulation

• For an enema, patients should be turned to the left side.
• Difficulty breathing is referred to as dyspnea; the correct term for vomiting is emesis.
• Edema indicates excessive fluid in the body tissues; dehydration signifies insufficient fluid.

Reporting and Documentation

• Report urine output less than 30ml per hour to the nurse.
• Accurate patient identification requires two identifiers, such as name and date of birth.
• All accidents or incidents should be reported to the nurse manager or RN in charge.

Restraint Procedures and Safety

• Restraints should be monitored, and patients may show signs of discomfort under them.
• Always secure restraints to the bed's fixed frame and have assistance available to loosen them if needed.
• Long periods of immobility can lead to pneumonia, urine retention, and sensory deprivation.

Patient Care and Interaction

• Approach patients from the front and use their names; explain actions before touching them.
• Assist with hygiene, nutrition, ambulation, and positioning to support patient well-being every two hours.
• Use validation therapy to understand and respond to patients with dementia effectively.

Identifiers and Alerts

• Different colored armbands indicate various conditions: yellow for high fall risk, red for allergies, and purple for DNR status.
• It’s crucial to maintain a safe environment for patients, including the correct use of alarms and bed positions.

General Patient Safety and Protocols

• Document all patient interactions and care provided; it is a shared responsibility among healthcare coworkers.
• The presence of blood in urine is termed hematuria, while loss of bladder control is urinary incontinence.
• Proper use of both urinals and condom catheters is essential for male patients' comfort and hygiene.

Test your knowledge on the concepts and responsibilities of a PCA with these flashcards. Each card focuses on key definitions and practical knowledge important for post-operative care. Perfect for anyone preparing for PCA certification or improving their healthcare skills.