40 cards
Asepsis
The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to prevent infection.
What is the primary purpose of the nursing process?
To provide a systematic approach to patient care through assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Nosocomial Infection
An infection acquired in a hospital or healthcare facility.
Florence Nightingale
Pioneer of modern nursing, known for her work during the Crimean War and her influence on hospital hygiene.
Standard Precautions
Infection control practices used to prevent transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes.
Braden Scale
A tool used to assess a patient's risk for developing pressure ulcers.
What is the significance of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in nursing?
Prioritizes patient care by addressing physiological needs first, followed by safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
SBAR Communication
A structured method for communicating critical information that requires immediate attention and action: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.
Vital Signs
Clinical measurements that indicate the state of a patient's essential body functions: temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
What does HIPAA stand for and why is it important?
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; it protects the privacy and security of patients' health information.
Triage
The process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition.
Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory
Emphasizes the importance of a clean environment in the healing process.
What is the role of a Registered Nurse (RN) in patient advocacy?
To protect patients' rights and ensure they receive appropriate care through effective communication with the healthcare team.
Informed Consent
The process of obtaining permission from a patient to perform a medical procedure after providing all necessary information.
What are the components of a nursing care plan?
Assessment data, nursing diagnoses, expected outcomes, interventions, and evaluation.
Chain of Infection
The process by which an infectious agent passes from one host to another: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.
PICO Framework
A method used to formulate clinical questions: Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome.
What is the purpose of therapeutic communication in nursing?
To support the patient's emotional well-being and promote a healing relationship by effectively listening and responding to their needs.
Scope of Practice
Legal and ethical boundaries that define the duties and responsibilities of a healthcare provider.
Five Rights of Medication Administration
Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale used for?
To assess a patient's level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses.
Holistic Care
An approach to healthcare that considers the physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs of the patient.
Advance Directives
Legal documents that allow patients to convey their decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time.
What is the difference between subjective and objective data in nursing assessment?
Subjective data are reported by the patient (e.g., pain levels), while objective data are observable and measurable (e.g., vital signs).
Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
A theory that identifies eight stages of human development, each characterized by a different psychological challenge.
What is the purpose of a sentinel event report?
To analyze an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, in order to improve safety and prevent future incidents.
Restraint Protocol
Guidelines for the use of physical or chemical restraints to ensure patient safety while respecting their rights.
What are the stages of grief according to Kubler-Ross?
Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.
Delegation in Nursing
The process of assigning tasks or responsibilities to other healthcare personnel while maintaining accountability for the outcome.
What is the purpose of a root cause analysis in healthcare?
To identify the underlying causes of an error or adverse event to prevent recurrence.
Cultural Competence
The ability of healthcare providers to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with patients across diverse cultures.
What is the role of a clinical nurse specialist?
An advanced practice nurse who provides expert advice related to specific conditions or treatment pathways.
Patient-Centered Care
An approach to healthcare that respects and responds to the preferences, needs, and values of the patient.
What is the role of evidence-based practice in nursing?
To improve patient outcomes by integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.
Telemetry
Continuous monitoring of a patient's heart rate and rhythm in a healthcare setting, often using remote technology.
What is the significance of the Nurse Practice Act?
A law that defines the scope of nursing practice and establishes guidelines for nurses to ensure safe and competent care.
Pain Management
Strategies used to alleviate pain, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
What is the role of a nurse in discharge planning?
To ensure that a patient has a safe and effective transition from hospital to home or another care setting by coordinating care, resources, and follow-up appointments.
Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)
An infection that patients acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting.
What is the purpose of a nursing diagnosis?
To identify patient problems that nurses can address independently through interventions, forming the basis of a care plan.
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