Personal Support Worker Responsibilities and Practices
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Questions and Answers

What do PSWs primarily assist with in their scope of practice?

  • Complex case management
  • Advanced wound care
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) (correct)
  • Clinical tasks like administering medications

PSWs are regulated by professional bodies.

False (B)

List two examples of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).

Managing finances, preparing meals

PSWs help clients with mobility assistance by helping them _______ between locations.

<p>transfer</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the role to its responsibility:

<p>PSW = Monitoring client condition RN = Managing complex cases RPN = Handling stable or predictable cases</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a PSW?

<p>Administering medications (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compassionate care includes ensuring the client's dignity and preference.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of discretion in personal support work?

<p>To ensure private information is shared only when appropriate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should caregivers do upon entering a client's home?

<p>Change into appropriate footwear (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be applied after changing into appropriate footwear.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one method by which infections can spread.

<p>Through inanimate objects or from individuals with communicable diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Older adults have ________ immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections.

<p>weakened</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT an outcome when exposed to a pathogen?

<p>The immune system always fails (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the common infections with their pathogens:

<p>Common cold = Virus Hepatitis = Virus Pneumonia = Bacteria Tuberculosis = Bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following safety precautions can help protect caregivers from infection.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if personal protective equipment (PPE) is unavailable?

<p>Notify your supervisor and do not enter the home.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of support involves assisting clients with activities such as eating, bathing, and grooming?

<p>Personal Care (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Social Support includes helping clients manage medications and finances.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one responsibility of Support Workers in the area of Documentation?

<p>Recording assessments and observations</p> Signup and view all the answers

Support Workers assist families by providing ADL support and __________.

<p>meal preparation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary responsibility of Support Workers?

<p>Counseling Clients (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following responsibilities to their descriptions:

<p>Social Support = Encouraging client participation in social activities Healthcare Support = Assisting with vital signs and observations Family Support = Relieving family caregivers Housekeeping = Managing household chores</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in education required between a PSW and an RN?

<p>PSWs complete a short certificate program while RNs require a 4-year degree.</p> Signup and view all the answers

RPNs require a 4-year degree to practice.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method through which pathogens are transmitted?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Proper hand hygiene does not significantly affect the spread of infections.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'susceptible host' refer to?

<p>A person at risk of infection due to a weakened immune system or lack of prior exposure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The _______ of exit is the route by which the pathogen leaves the reservoir.

<p>portal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components of infection control to their descriptions:

<p>Hand Hygiene = Washing hands to remove pathogens PPE = Equipment worn to protect against infection Isolation Precautions = Guidelines to prevent cross-contamination Contaminated = Exposed to pathogens</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mode of transmission for pathogens?

<p>Reading a book (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Using hand sanitizer with less than 60% alcohol is effective in preventing infections.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action can healthcare workers take to break the chain of infection?

<p>Practice proper hand hygiene and use personal protective equipment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors increases the risk of infections in healthcare settings?

<p>Poor nutrition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Airborne transmission occurs when pathogens are spread over short distances.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of a disease that spreads through droplet transmission.

<p>Influenza</p> Signup and view all the answers

The __________ is the environment where a pathogen lives before infecting a person.

<p>reservoir</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of transmission with its examples:

<p>Contact Transmission = Gastrointestinal infections Droplet Transmission = COVID-19 Airborne Transmission = Measles Vehicle Transmission = HIV/AIDS</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mode of transmission for infectious diseases?

<p>Thermal Transmission (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Open wounds can increase a patient's risk of infection.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the chain of infection?

<p>Pathogen</p> Signup and view all the answers

Close contact with __________ diseases increases the risk of infections.

<p>communicable</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of placing a small pillow under the knees?

<p>To keep them flexed, reducing back strain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The supine position is primarily suitable for sleeping and resting.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked before placing a client in the SIMS position?

<p>Proper alignment</p> Signup and view all the answers

The head of the bed is raised _____ to _____ degrees in the High Fowler’s position.

<p>45, 90</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which position should the head of the bed be at 30-45 degrees?

<p>Semi-Fowler’s (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Clients should be repositioned every hour to avoid discomfort.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following positions with their descriptions:

<p>Sims = Left side-lying position with pillows for comfort Lateral = Comfortable for sleeping and resting Supine = Lying on your back Fowler's = Head raised at various degrees for specific activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action for clients sitting at the edge of the bed?

<p>Steady themselves before standing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Personal Care Support?

Helping clients with basic daily tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, and moving around.

What is Healthcare Support?

Supporting nurses and healthcare providers by assisting with tasks like cleaning equipment, measuring vital signs, and helping with wound care.

What is Family Support?

Assisting families by providing support with activities of daily living, meal preparation, child care, and light housekeeping.

What is Social Support?

Encouraging clients to participate in social activities for recreation and independence.

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What is Housekeeping Support?

Managing household tasks like making beds, delivering meals, tidying, and managing household chores.

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What is Documentation?

Recording client care, basic assessments, and observations in client records.

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What is a Registered Nurse (RN)?

A healthcare professional with a 4-year degree who assesses clients, develops care plans, and implements them.

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What is a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)?

A healthcare professional with a 2-year diploma who provides similar care to RNs but with a shorter education.

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Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Basic self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and mobility.

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Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

More complex tasks needed for independent living, such as managing finances, preparing meals, shopping, housekeeping, and using transportation.

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Scope of Practice for PSWs

Tasks that PSWs can perform, such as assisting with ADLs, mobility, monitoring, housekeeping, providing emotional and social support, and basic health support.

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Compassionate Care (DIPPS)

Providing care that respects the client's individuality and dignity, promoting their independence, considering their personal preferences, ensuring their privacy, and prioritizing their safety.

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Discretion

The ability to keep private information confidential and to use good judgment in communicating about clients.

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Confidentiality

Protecting confidential information about clients, including their personal details and their care needs.

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Confidentiality in Social Settings

The ethical practice of using responsible judgment when communicating about clients, avoiding revealing their private information in social settings.

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Personal Life and Client Care

Avoiding discussions about personal matters while performing client care tasks.

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Pathogen

A type of microorganism that causes infection by invading the body.

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Localized vs. Systemic Infection

A localized infection affects only one body part, like an infected cut. A systemic infection affects the whole body with general symptoms.

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Immune System

The body's ability to fight off pathogens, preventing infection.

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Immunological Memory

The ability of the body to remember a pathogen it has encountered before and fight it off quickly, often without symptoms.

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MRO Precautions

Precautions taken when caring for a client infected with a multi-drug resistant organism (MRO) to prevent the spread of infection.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to protect caregivers from exposure to pathogens during client care. Examples of PPE include gloves, gowns, and masks.

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Older Adults and Infections

Older adults are more susceptible to infections due to age-related changes in their immune system and overall health.

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Hand Sanitizing

The process of using alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill pathogens.

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Infection Risk Factors

Factors that increase the likelihood of infection in healthcare settings, including weakened immunity, age, medical procedures, and contact with infectious diseases.

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Mode of Transmission

The way a pathogen travels from one person to another, such as direct contact, droplets, or airborne transmission.

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Contact Transmission

The spread of microbes through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirect contact with contaminated objects.

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Droplet Transmission

The spread of microbes through small droplets released when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks.

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Airborne Transmission

The spread of microbes through air currents over long distances, which can be inhaled or deposited on the skin.

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Vehicle Transmission

The spread of microbes through contaminated sources such as food, water, or medical equipment.

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Chain of Infection

The pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.

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Reservoir

An environment where a pathogen lives before infecting a human, such as on or in humans, animals, food, water, soil, or objects.

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Portal of Exit

The way a pathogen leaves its host, such as through the mouth, nose, or breaks in the skin.

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Portal of Entry

The entry point for a pathogen into a new host, often mirroring the exit point.

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Susceptible Host

A person who is vulnerable to infection due to a weakened immune system or lack of prior exposure.

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Hand Hygiene

The practice of washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.

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Isolation Precautions

Guidelines for preventing the spread of infection based on how pathogens transmit.

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Cleaning and Disinfecting Equipment

The process of cleaning and disinfecting equipment, tools, and surfaces to remove pathogens.

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Knee Flexion Pillow

Pillows placed under knees to keep them bent, easing back strain.

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Body Alignment Pillows

Placing pillows under body parts like lower back, thighs, and ankles, following instructions.

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SIMS Position

A position with the client lying on their left side with pillows supporting the head, arms, and knees for comfort and pressure sore prevention.

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Lateral (Side-Lying) Position

A comfortable side-lying position, helpful for resting and easing pressure on certain areas, but requiring hip checks for sores.

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Supine Position

A position with the client lying flat on their back, suitable for sleeping and resting.

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High Fowler's Position

A bed position with the head of the bed raised between 45-90 degrees, promoting comfort and breathing.

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Semi-Fowler's Position

A bed position with the head of the bed raised between 30-45 degrees, suitable for eating, visiting, and watching TV.

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Low Fowler's Position

A bed position with the head of the bed raised between 15-30 degrees, offering a slight incline for comfort.

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Study Notes

Personal Support Worker (PSW) Role

  • A PSW plays a crucial role in patient care, providing direct care to the elderly, frail, disabled, and chronically ill.
  • PSWs assist individuals with daily tasks, including personal needs, emotional support, and health condition monitoring.
  • They communicate with other healthcare professionals to ensure client wellbeing.

PSW Communication Skills

  • PSWs need diverse communication skills to provide care and support to clients and families.
  • Open conversation reduces isolation and improves overall mental health.
  • A friendly demeanor, eye contact, participation in discussions, active listening, and demonstrating presence support mental health and wellness.
  • Active listening is a key interpersonal skill showing clients engagement and acknowledging their needs.
  • Recognizing diverse client needs and requirements is essential for appropriate responses.

PSW Workplace Settings

  • PSWs work in various settings, including hospitals, residential facilities and in the community.
  • They assist with client's overall wellbeing, including personal care, home management and social, recreational and housekeeping tasks.
  • They also document client care in detailed records.

PSW Qualities

  • Key qualities of a PSW include kindness, compassion, caring, responsibility, continuous learning and professional, dedicated, accountability, and motivation.

PSW Goals

  • The goal of PSWs is to improve a client's quality of life.
  • They provide care with kindness and compassion.
  • They uphold client confidentiality and dignity and provide culturally sensitive care.

PSW Scope of Practice

  • A PSW scope of practice defines the skills, limits, extent of role.
  • These guidelines are determined by employers and dictate the amount of time taken to perform each skill.

Regulated vs Unregulated Workers

  • Regulated workers such as dentists, dental hygienists, chiropractors, RMTs, RPNs/RNs, psychologists, pharmacists/pharmacy technicians, and midwives have specific training, licensure and are supervised for their practice.
  • PSWs, physicians' assistants, and physiotherapy assistants are unregulated and supervised.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential roles and responsibilities of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) in the healthcare setting. This quiz covers topics such as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), infection control, and compassionate care. Understand the significance of discretion and safety precautions in providing quality support to clients.

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