App CMS

Urinalysis is the process of testing a sample of urine for abnormal contents. Abnormalities in urine may be indicative of a number of pathologies and diseases. Urine can be evaluated by its physical appearance, for example the colour and clarity; and by biochemical analysis of its contents.

Urine can be tested for abnormalities at the point of care using chemical reagent strips, which are known as urine dipsticks, as well as formally in the laboratory.

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The measurement of body temperature is an observation that can provide important physiological information. Core body temperature is maintained between 36 and 37 point five degrees Celsius and is regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain. Any deviation from the normal range may indicate disease or infection, deterioration in condition, or reaction to treatment. There are several sites that may be used for measuring core body temperature including the ear, the mouth, the axilla and the rectum. In this film, we will demonstrate the use of a tympanic membrane thermometer in the ear. Tympanic membrane thermometers should not be used where there is trauma to the external ear, the patient has undergone surgery to the ear or surrounding area, or if the patient has signs of an ear infection. In these cases, the opposite side or an alternative route should be used to measure the temperature.

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The aim of suturing and good wound care is to minimise deformity and scarring and to prevent infection. There are some situations where closure by suturing is not appropriate. In these cases the patient should be referred to a surgeon from the appropriate specialty for further advice on management before closure is carried out.

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A subcutaneous injection is given into fat and loose connective tissue underlying the dermis. This route is used for administering small doses of non-irritating, water soluble substances. Subcutaneous tissue is not richly supplied with blood vessels, so medication is absorbed slowly. For this reason, it is the preferred route for administration of medications that require a slow and steady release into the blood stream. Examples of medications commonly delivered via this route include insulin and low molecular weight heparins. Some medications may be supplied in a pre-filled syringe and needle system.

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Manual Handling refers to the process of transporting or supporting of a load by hand or bodily force. This may be a person or an object. To create a safe environment for all staff, patients and visitors, manual handling should be avoided when possible if the option of using other techniques or equipment is feasible. Where it is necessary to undertake manual handling activities, suitable and sufficient assessment of all such operations should be carried out, and appropriate steps should be taken to reduce the risk of injury. Anybody undertaking manual handling activities should be provided with suitable information, instruction and training. When moving patients, an assessment should be made to look at the patient’s mobility and their ability to carry out moving and handling activities. These should be regularly reviewed, as the risks are dynamic. Also, you should always remember that not all patients need assistance and that you should aim to facilitate independent movement as much as possible. In some situations, it may be necessary to use equipment to aid a movement. For example, slide sheets can be used to reposition an immobile patient without the need to lift them, significantly reducing the risk of back injuries.

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Manual Handling refers to the process of transporting or supporting of a load by hand or bodily force. This may be a person or an object. To create a safe environment for all staff, patients and visitors, manual handling should be avoided when possible if the option of using other techniques or equipment is feasible. Where it is necessary to undertake manual handling activities, suitable and sufficient assessment of all such operations should be carried out, and appropriate steps should be taken to reduce the risk of injury. Anybody undertaking manual handling activities should be provided with suitable information, instruction and training. When moving patients, an assessment should be made to look at the patient’s mobility and their ability to carry out moving and handling activities. These should be regularly reviewed, as the risks are dynamic. Also, you should always remember that not all patients need assistance and that you should aim to facilitate independent movement as much as possible.

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Hand washing is required when entering any clinical area and before commencing any procedure. For most procedures carried out in a ward environment, it is adequate to wash with soap and water or use alcohol gel. Procedures carried out in a theatre environment usually require the hands and forearm to be washed using an aseptic hand washing technique, also known as the surgical scrubbing technique. Once hands have been washed and dried, a sterile gown and gloves should be put on without touching any non sterile surfaces. Effective hand decontamination significantly reduces potential pathogens on hands and can prevent patient morbidity and mortality.

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A urinary pregnancy test measures the presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin, or HCG, in a sample of urine. The test will be positive if a certain level of HCG is present in the urine. HCG is a hormone which is secreted from the placenta, and can usually be detected in the urine 7 days from conception, with an accuracy of up to 99%. There are many devices that can be used. In this film, we will show examples of HCG testing using two different kinds of test kit. As well as to confirm a pregnancy, all females of reproductive age will routinely have their urine tested for HCG on admission to hospital, to rule out pregnancy before certain medical investigations or treatment.

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Simple respiratory tests can be used to measure lung volumes and flows, during inspiratory and forced expiratory manoeuvres. These are valuable in the detection of mechanical abnormalities associated with respiratory disorders.

The Peak Expiratory Flow Rate can indicate the presence of airflow obstruction, which may be seen in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The measurement of peak expiratory flow is effort dependent, and also relies on the lung volume at which the measurement is performed. Therefore it is important that the measurement is obtained correctly and in a technically acceptable manner. Values obtained which are not reproducible can be misleading in the diagnosis and management of respiratory patients.

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Preparing medications for parenteral administration involves preparing medications for administration intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously. In this film, we will look specifically at the preparation of an antibiotic for intravenous administration. The general principles of aseptic preparation and drawing up will be applicable to the preparation of intramuscular and subcutaneous medications; although the drugs, diluent and volumes may differ.

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