DMS 100 - Patient Care and Management

Credits: 1

     A.          Describe methods for evaluation of patient status.

     B.          Identify the information/data to be collected prior to patient examination.

     C.          Demonstrate methods of obtaining a patient history.

     D.          Describe vital signs used to assess patient condition.

     E.          State the normal temperature values for the oral and rectal methods of measurement for temperature.

     F.          Describe the method of monitoring respirations and state the normal values expected.

     G.         List the equipment necessary for acquisition of the blood pressure on a patient.

     H.         Identify the normal values for blood pressure for males and females.

     I.           Identify the major sites for monitoring the pulse and indicate the normal values.

     J.          Demonstrate the assessment of vital signs.

2.    Demonstrate the knowledge and skills utilized in communicating with patients, patient's family, colleagues, physicians, and other
       health care team members.

     A.          Define communication.

     B.          Identify methods of communication and discuss how each can be utilized.

     C.          Identify patient communication problems and determine possible solutions.

     D.          Discuss verbal versus nonverbal communication.

     E.          Discuss challenges in communication:

                  1.    non-English speaking patients

                  2.    hearing, vision, and speech impaired

                  3.    impaired mental function

                  4.    altered states of consciousness

                  5.    communicating with children/adolescents

                  6.    communicating with geriatric patients

                  7.    communicating under stress

                  8.    cultural diversity

                  9.    artificial speech

     F.          Discuss other factors that impede communication with patient, families, etc.

                  1.    colloquialism/slang

                  2.    medical terminology

     G.         Determine appropriate communication guidelines

     H.         Determine when to utilize listening and therapeutic silence

     I.           Discuss issues related to appropriate and necessary communication with other health care professionals.

3.    Demonstrate the knowledge and skills related to the principles of body mechanics, safe patient transfer, and patient restraint.

     A.          Describe and demonstrate good principles of body mechanics applicable to patient care.

     B.          Demonstrate techniques for various types of patient transfer.

     C.          Describe and demonstrate the procedures for turning patients with various conditions.

     D.          Describe and demonstrate restraint techniques for various types of procedures and patient conditions.

     E.          Describe the aspects of patient comfort and discuss the importance of each to the care and safety of the patient.

4.    Demonstrate an understanding of infection control and the utilization of Universal Precautions and aseptic procedures.

    A.          Define the following

                  1.    infectious pathogens

                  2.    communicable diseases

                  3.    nosocomial infections

                  4.    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

                  5.    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

                  6.    Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

     B.          Describe the utilization of Universal Precautions and Isolation Procedures.

     C.          Describe sources and modes of transmission of infections and diseases.

     D.          Describe the procedures for infection control through Universal Precautions.

     E.          Discuss psychological considerations for the management of patients utilizing Universal Precautions.

     F.          Identify the cycle of infection.

     G.         Differentiate between medical and surgical asepsis.

     H.         Demonstrate proper techniques

                  1.    opening packs

                  2.    gowning/gloving

                  3.    skin preparation

                  4.    draping

                  5.    wound care

                  6.    handling linens

                  7.    eye protection

     I.           Discuss isolation techniques and communicable diseases.

     J.          Demonstrate proper isolation procedure.

5.    Demonstrate an understanding of basic medical emergencies including recognizing signs and symptoms and appropriate response.

     A.          Identify the signs and symptoms which manifest the following emergencies:

                  1.    cardiac arrest

                  2.    shock

                  3.    convulsion/seizure

                  4.    cerebral vascular accident

                  5.    hemorrhage

                  6.    airway obstruction

                  7.    diabetic coma/insulin shock

                  8.    reaction to contrast media

                  9.    other medical conditions

     B.          Discuss acute care procedures for each various emergencies.

     C.          Discuss the use of medical emergency equipment and supplies

     D.          Demonstrate the use of oxygen and suction equipment.

6.    Demonstrate an understanding of the considerations necessary when performing sonographic procedures on patients with acute and
       special conditions.

     A.          Identify the precautions necessary when working with a patient with

                  1.    fracture

                  2.    head injury

                  3.    spinal injury

                  4.    massive wounds

                  5.    burns

     B.          Explain the care and management of patients with nasogastric tubes.

     C.          Explain the steps in the operation and maintenance of suction equipment.

     D.         Determine a normal pattern from an abnormal pattern when given an EKG strip.