Patient Care Flashcards

Which type of isolation precaution is used for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis?

Answer: Airborne precautions

Pulmonary tuberculosis is spread by airborne particles (droplet nuclei <5 µm) requiring airborne precautions including N95 respirator use and negative-pressure rooms.

A patient receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min needs a portable chest X-ray. The technologist should:

Answer: Leave the oxygen in place and proceed with the exam

Supplemental oxygen should not be interrupted; nasal cannulas do not significantly affect image quality and the patient's oxygenation status must be maintained.

The term 'NPO' means:

Answer: Nothing by mouth

NPO is Latin for 'nil per os,' meaning nothing by mouth, and is used to restrict food and fluid intake before procedures or surgery.

When performing a venipuncture for contrast administration, the needle bevel should be oriented:

Answer: Facing up (bevel up)

The bevel-up orientation allows the needle to enter the vein smoothly and reduces the risk of piercing the posterior vein wall.

A patient undergoing a radiographic exam becomes unresponsive and pulseless. The technologist should FIRST:

Answer: Begin chest compressions immediately while calling for help

According to current AHA guidelines, high-quality chest compressions should begin immediately while simultaneously calling for emergency help.

Which of the following is an example of a breach of patient confidentiality?

Answer: Discussing a patient's case with a family member without patient consent

Under HIPAA, patient health information may not be shared with family members without the patient's explicit consent, except in specific circumstances.

The purpose of a body mechanics principle such as 'keeping the load close to the body' when lifting a patient is to:

Answer: Reduce strain on the lumbar spine by minimizing torque

Keeping a load close to the body reduces the moment arm and therefore the torque placed on the lumbar vertebrae, preventing injury.