Contents
Reviewers
vii
Preface
ix
Introduction
x
Chapter 1
Vital signs
Skill 1-1
Assessing body temperature
1
Skill 1-2
Assessing the peripheral pulse by palpation
5
Skill 1-3
Assessing the apical pulse by auscultation
6
Skill 1-4
Assessing respiration
8
Skill 1-5
Assessing brachial artery blood pressure
9
Chapter 2
Health assessment
Skill 2-1
Taking a patient history
12
Skill 2-2
Performing a general survey
14
Skill 2-3
Assessing the skin, hair and nails
17
Skill 2-4
Assessing the head and neck
19
Skill 2-5
Assessing the thorax and lungs
23
Skill 2-6
Assessing the cardiovascular system
25
Skill 2-7
Assessing the abdomen
27
Skill 2-8
Undertaking a neurological examination
29
Skill 2-9
Undertaking a musculoskeletal assessment
32
Skill 2-10
Assessing the peripheral vascular system
34
Chapter 3 Safety
Skill 3-1
Falls prevention
36
Skill 3-2
Implementing alternatives to the use of restraints
39
Skill 3-3
Applying a restraint
41
Skill 3-4
Clinical handover
44
Skill 3-5
Documentation
45
Chapter 4
Asepsis and infection control
Skill 4-1
Performing hand hygiene using soap and water (handwashing)
46
Skill 4-2
Performing hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub
47
Skill 4-3
Preparing a sterile field using a packaged sterile drape
48
Skill 4-4
Preparing a sterile field using a commercially prepared sterile kit or tray
50
Skill 4-5
Adding sterile items to a sterile field
52
Skill 4-6
Putting on sterile gloves prior to a procedure and removing soiled gloves post-procedure 54
Skill 4-7
Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
57
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