Chapter 1: Introduction
Therapeutic Environment and Informed Consent
It is important to seek informed consent while creating a therapeutic and safe environment during all encounters with clients. You will usually begin by introducing yourself by name and designation so the client knows who you are. Next, explain what you are going to do and always ask permission to touch before beginning vital sign measurement. For example, an appropriate introduction is:
It is also important to ensure the client’s privacy by closing the curtains or the door to the room.
Infection Prevention and Control
Clean hands and clean equipment are essential to infection prevention and control when measuring vital signs. Ensuring cleanliness helps reduce communicable and infectious diseases, particularly health care-associated infections, which are infectious organisms acquired by a client while in hospital. Common infections include clostridium difficile (C. diff), vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Ensuring your hands are clean is the best way to prevent and control infection. Hand hygiene can include cleansing with hand gel (see Figure 1.1) and hand washing. (see Figure 1.2). Use an alcohol-based sanitizer before and after contact with clients. Place gel on your hands and rub all hand surfaces for at least fifteen seconds. When washing hands using soap and water, wet your hands and apply soap. Rub all hand surfaces for about fifteen seconds, then rinse your hands. If the tap is not automatic, then turn it off with a paper towel.
Points to Consider
Hand gel is the preferred method of hand hygiene because it kills more bacteria and is easily accessible to healthcare providers. Soap and water is used when hands/gloves come into contact with bodily fluids.
Figure 1.1: Hand gel
Test Yourself!
While watching the interactive video on applying hand gel, apply your knowledge and critical thinking skills by answering the questions throughout the video. Please note: there is no sound in this video.
Figure 1.2: Hand washing
Test Yourself!
While watching the interactive video on hand washing, perform the skill along with the student while applying your knowledge and critical thinking skills to answer the questions throughout the video. Please note: there is no sound in this video.
Equipment
Healthcare providers always inspect equipment before use to ensure it is in good working condition. Equipment (e.g., stethoscopes, pulse oximeters) can be cleaned with alcohol-based solutions to disinfect the surfaces. Automated devices should be regularly serviced to ensure accuracy. Biomedical technicians/experts are responsible for preventative maintenance and calibration to optimize functioning.
Click on the hotspots to learn about the following pieces of equipment:
Pain Assessment
A pain assessment is conducted in conjunction with the measurement of vital signs because pain can influence the findings. Pain can activate the sympath