Preventing Hospital Infections and Inspection Techniques

Preventing Hospital Infections

• Strict hand hygiene, including frequent and thorough handwashing with antimicrobial soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs, is crucial.
• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, gowns, and masks, is essential.
• Environmental hygiene, including cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, equipment, and rooms, is critical to prevent the spread of infections.
• Isolation procedures for patients with infectious diseases are necessary to contain the spread of contagion.
• Vaccination programs for healthcare workers and patients are important preventative strategies.

Inspection

• Inspection involves visually examining a body part or system for any abnormalities or irregularities..
• The examiner uses their senses to observe details like skin color, texture, size, shape, and any visible lesions or deformities along with assessing body movement.

Palpation

• Palpation assesses the texture, temperature, size, shape, moisture of tissues, presence of tenderness, masses, or crepitus.
• It involves feeling the consistency, firmness, and any abnormalities of body parts.
• Palpation helps detect issues such as organ enlargement, masses, and tenderness.

Percussion

• Percussion is a method to assess the underlying structures by tapping on the body.
• It detects the density of tissues by eliciting sounds.
• It can help determine the location, size, and shape of organs.

Auscultation

• Auscultation uses a stethoscope to listen to sounds within the body.
• Sounds like heartbeats, lung sounds, and bowel sounds are analyzed and recorded.

Normal Vital Signs

• Blood Pressure (BP): Generally considered normal is below 120/80 mmHg although values can vary based on age and other factors.
• Heart Rate (HR): Normally between 60-100 bpm in adults.
• Respiratory Rate (RR): Typically 12-20 breaths per minute in adults.
• Temperature: Typically 36.5–37.5°C (97.7–99.5°F).
• Pulse Oximetry: Normally above 95% in healthy adults.

Bradycardia and Tachycardia

• Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate):*

• Normal Finding: Heart rate below 60 bpm.

• Abnormal Finding: Hypotension, fatigue, dizziness, or syncope (fainting).

• Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate):*

• Normal Finding: Heart rate above 100 bpm.

• Abnormal Finding: Palpitations, anxiety, dyspnea, chest pain, or significant stress.

Sources of Pain

• Visceral pain: originates from internal organs.
• Somatic pain: arises from the skin, muscles, bones, and joints.
• Referred pain: felt in a location distant from the pain source and can be connected with the nerve pathway.

Nonverbal Pain Behaviors

• Chronic Pain:*

• May exhibit a stoic appearance, difficulty sleeping, or reduced physical activity.

• Can engage in distraction techniques, like prolonged focusing on work or hobbies.

• Acute Pain:*

• May display guarding, grimacing, moaning, or vocalizing.

• May exhibit restlessness, agitation, or reduced attention span.

This quiz covers essential strategies for preventing hospital infections, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and environmental hygiene. It also examines the techniques of inspection and palpation used in healthcare settings. Test your knowledge on these critical practices to enhance patient safety.