Springfield Technical Community College

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Course Number:	MAST 210	Department:	Medical Assistant	
Course Title:	Health Science II	Semester:	Spring	Year:	1997	

Objectives/Competencies

Course Objective	Competencies	
1.	Common hospital procedures that can precipitate nosocomial infections and to learn ways of preventing and reducing these infections through planned therapeutic interventions that emphasize aseptic techniques.

2.	To apply the principles of good body mechanics so as to conserve energy and decrease the potential for strain, injury and fatigue for the health care professional and to promote the safety of the patients.

3.	To be able to recognize vital signs as a reflection of the body’s physiological status and provide important information critical in evaluating homeostatic balance.

4.	To gain an understanding of the written forms of communication necessary for legal documentation and communication among health team members.

5.	To be able to identify situations where sterile technique is needed and to recognize breaks in technique when they occur.

6.	To gain an understanding of the conceptual basis for administering therapeutic agents including basic formation about drugs, drugs metabolism and the actions involved in drug administration.

7.	To understand the need for various skills and encompassing procedures important for assisting the patient to adapt to health care in the hospital environment.

8.	To provide a fundamental overview of the more common diagnostic procedures with which the student will come in contact during the clinical experience.

9.	To recognize the need for and to apply principles and techniques necessary to perform emergency resuscitation procedures on individuals of all ages.
	1.	Define medical asepsis, disinfection and sterilization.
2.	List four factors involved when pathogenic organisms are transferred from one person to another (cycle of infection).
3.	State five examples of personal hygiene that aid in preventing the spread of infection.
4.	Demonstrate techniques for effective handwashing.
5.	Describe the correct method of linen disposal using medical asepsis principles.
6.	Name three common agents used for disinfecting equipment.
7.	Demonstrate steps used in discarding disposable equipment in the clinical area.
8.	Contrast isolation techniques for infections and immuno-deficient patients.
9.	Discuss body substance precautions according to CDC guidelines.
10.	Demonstrate removal and disposal of gowns, gloves and masks without breaking isolation principles.

1.	State the most common cause of hospital fires.
2.	List four important electrical safety precautions.
3.	List in sequence the steps to be taken if you discover a fire in the hospital.
4.	Demonstrate safe techniques for patient moving and transferring, using the principles of good body mechanics:
a.	assist patient to sit from a recumbent position
b.	assist patient into and out of wheelchair
c.	two-person transfer from bed to stretcher and stretcher to bed with patient assisting transfer as well as patient unable to assist transfer
5.	List four complications that may arise from improper patient positioning.
6.	Demonstrate the use of pillows and positioning blocks to assure patient comfort.
7.	List three situations where the patient’s head should be elevated for safety and/or comfort.
8.	Demonstrate the proper use of safety straps and side rails and restraints for an infant.

1.	State four reasons for learning good evaluation skills.
2.	Know how to handle patients with urinary drainage bag.
3.	List three personal comfort needs common to most patients.

1.	Take and record temperature, pulse and respiration.
2.	Obtain and record blood pressure readings.
3.	State normal values for vital signs.
4.	Identify and respond correctly to allergic reactions.

1.	Differentiate between medical and surgical asepsis.
2.	Recognize situations that indicate use of surgical aseptic techniques.
3.	Demonstrate appropriate technique for sterile gloving.
4.	Demonstrate appropriate technique for handling sterile equipment.
5.	List five different methods of sterilization.

1.	Define the term “Standing Order.”
2.	Explain what is meant by “Side Effects.”
3.	Give an example of five trade and generic names of commonly used medications.
4.	Demonstrate the use of the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR).
5.	Explain the steps used in the administration of oral medication.
6.	List five routes of medical administration.
7.	Explain the steps taken to discontinue an I.V.

1.	State the difference between syncope and vertigo.
2.	List the four levels of consciousness.
3.	Discuss the procedure for assisting a patient having an   asthmatic attack, and state which medications are needed.
4.	Describe the signs of physical and/or psychological shock.
5.	List precautions to be taken in handling fractures.
6.	Contrast diabetic coma and insulin reaction or hypoglycemia.

1.	State three precautions to be taken with patients who have a tracheostomy.
2.	State the consequences of dislodging a thoracic tube and  explain how to avoid this occurrence.
3.	Define the term “sterile corridor,” and explain the significance of this concept.

1.  Discuss what CPR and BLS is and how it works.
2.	List conditions when CPR should be started and when it may be stopped.
3.	Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
4.	Discuss prudent heart living.
5.	Describe signals of heart attack.
6.	List and describe actions for survival of victims with symptoms of heart attack.
7.	Discuss medical legal considerations.
8.	Demonstrate on adult, child, and infant manikins the psychomotor skills to provide BLS when necessary.
9.	Demonstrate a knowledge of CPR and BLS by correctly   answering, with a minimum of 80% accuracy, the written examination required by American Red Cross standards or certification.