PRELIMS: Acute Rehabilitation Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is the primary goal of an acute care setting?
To provide immediate and intensive treatment for patients with severe medical conditions.
What are some characteristics of the acute care environment?
- 24-hour care
- Short-term treatment
- Specialized medical equipment
- Rapid assessment and diagnosis
Why is fall prevention important in an acute care setting?
Falls increase hospital personnel needs, length of stay, costs, and can cause serious morbidity and mortality, especially in older adults.
What are some interventions to prevent falls in the hospital?
- Personal alarms
- Proper footwear
- Medication review
- Frequent toileting
- Adequate room lighting
- Routine mobilization
What is a restraint in a healthcare setting?
Any manual method, physical device, or medication that restricts a patient’s movement or behavior and is not a standard treatment for their condition.
What are common types of physical restraints?
- Wrist or ankle restraints
- Mitt restraints
- Vest restraints
- Enclosure bed
- Raised side rails
What are some risks of using restraints?
- Pressure ulcers
- Limited mobility
- Urinary incontinence
- Constipation
- Physical deconditioning
What are alternatives to restraints?
- Regular assessment for personal needs
- Bed and chair alarms
- Diversion activities
- Family or companion involvement
- Securing medical devices in alternative ways
What is medication reconciliation?
The process of comparing a patient’s current medications with new orders during admission, transfer, or discharge to prevent medication errors.
How can physical therapists contribute to medication reconciliation?
By assessing how medication side effects may impact physical therapy interventions.
What are symptoms of a latex allergy?
- Hives
- Edema
- Contact dermatitis
- Rhinitis
- Headache
- Respiratory difficulty (wheezing, SOB)
- Anaphylaxis
What are common medical items that may contain latex?
- Gloves
- Stethoscopes
- Blood pressure cuffs
- IV tubing
- Adhesive tape
- Therapy bands
What are the physiological effects of prolonged bed rest?
- Fluid redistribution
- Altered body weight distribution
- Muscle inactivity
- Aerobic deconditioning
What are some PT interventions to prevent complications from bed rest?
- Proper positioning
- Early mobilization
- Preventing muscle atrophy and pressure sores
What is the nature of care provided in an acute hospital setting?
Short-term, intensive treatment for severe symptoms, illnesses, or life-threatening conditions.
What are some challenges faced by patients, families, and caregivers in acute care?
- Physical and emotional effects of illness
- Psychological distress from hospitalization
- Need for rapid decision-making regarding treatment
What are some patient safety goals in an acute care environment?
- Prevent falls
- Minimize medication errors
- Reduce complications from immobility
Why are falls considered a major risk in acute care?
They increase hospital stays, costs, and lead to higher morbidity and mortality, especially in older adults.
How can hospital staff help prevent falls?
- Regularly checking on patients’ needs
- Ensuring proper footwear
- Using alarms and mobility aids
What is the primary purpose of restraints in acute care?
To prevent injury, ensure patient safety, and manage dangerous behaviors.
What is an enclosure bed, and when is it used?
A fully enclosed hospital bed that prevents patients from getting out unassisted, often used for those at high risk of falls or self-injury.
How does prolonged restraint use negatively impact a patient?
- Decreased mobility
- Risk of pressure ulcers
- Increased agitation and psychological distress
What is an alternative intervention to using restraints?
- Providing engaging activities
- Using personal sitters or family involvement
- Ensuring pain management and comfort
