Patient Care Skills (7th Edition) (Original PDF from Publisher)

Unraveling the Intricacies of Patient Care Skills: A Comprehensive Guide

Vital Signs:

• Pulse: The rhythmic expansion and contraction of an artery indicative of heart activity.
• Respiratory rate: The number of breaths taken per minute, an indicator of lung function.
• Temperature: A measure of the body’s internal heat, reflecting metabolic activity.
• Blood pressure: The force exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels, a crucial indicator of cardiovascular health.

Aseptic Techniques:

• Antiseptic: A chemical agent that kills microorganisms on living surfaces.
• Sterilization: A process eliminating all forms of microbial life on surfaces or objects.
• Disinfection: A process that reduces the number of microorganisms on surfaces or objects to a safe level.
• Isolation: Separating infected individuals from others to prevent disease spread.

Patient Positioning and Transfer:

• Fowler’s position: Sitting upright with the legs elevated and the head of the bed raised, facilitating breathing.
• Prone position: Lying face down, allowing for better drainage of secretions.
• Supine position: Lying on the back with the legs extended, suitable for many procedures.
• Lateral position: Lying on one side with the knees flexed, reducing pressure on the spine.

Documentation and Communication:

• Accurate: Recording information without errors or omissions, ensuring completeness and reliability.
• Clear: Presenting information concisely and understandably, facilitating effective communication.
• Readable: Ensuring ease of reading and comprehension, optimizing accessibility.
• Concise: Summarizing essential information without excessive detail, promoting efficiency.

Patient Care Principles:

• Empathy: Understanding and responding to the emotional needs of patients, fostering trust and compassion.
• Privacy: Maintaining the confidentiality of patient information, respecting their dignity.
• Respect: Treating patients with dignity and consideration, valuing their input and preferences.
• Advocacy: Protecting and promoting the rights and interests of patients, ensuring their well-being.

Professionalism in Patient Care:

• Accountability: Taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions, ensuring adherence to ethical and professional standards.
• Competence: Possessing the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective patient care.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical principles and maintaining honesty in all interactions.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with healthcare professionals to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to patient care.