CCMA 3.0 Focused Review Notes

Patient Safety Within the Clinical Setting

• Importance of Safety:

  • Maximizing safety in ambulatory care is crucial to prevent injury and litigation.
  • Planning for environmental emergencies such as fires and natural disasters is necessary.
  • Identify emergency policies, evacuation plans, and ensure accessibility of emergency equipment.

• Special Patient Considerations:

  • Children, older adults, and patients requiring accommodations need special attention during emergencies.
  • Precautions to prevent children from falling or injuries.
  • Maintain contact with children until they are with a parent or guardian.
  • Assist patients needing help with mobility, or while waiting.
  • Ensure restrooms have handrails and emergency alert buttons.

Prepare Patient for Procedures

• Patient Instruction:

  • Review patient's medical record and understand required procedures and equipment.
  • Ensure necessary patient preparation for specific procedures (e.g., colonoscopy, fasting glucose test).
  • Confirm informed consent is signed and documented.

• Procedure Preparation:

  • Knock and ask for permission before entering occupied exam rooms.
  • Explain procedures empathetically and in simple terms.
  • Encourage questions and address patient concerns.
  • Provide gowns and drapes for patient comfort and privacy.
  • Assist with disrobing and positioning on examination table.
  • Ensure availability of gowns in all sizes.
  • Assist patients post-procedure if needed.

• Patient Education:

  • Provide information on follow-up appointments, aftercare, and referrals.
  • Inform patients about lab results and diagnostic test timelines.
  • Direct urgent questions to healthcare providers or recommend emergency services if necessary.

Phlebotomy

• Patient Preparation:

  • Importance of fasting for accurate test results, especially for tests like lipid panels.
  • Check if patients followed preparation guidelines; otherwise, reschedule the procedure.

• Procedure Execution:

  • Introduce yourself warmly; be sensitive to patient anxiety.
  • Position patients comfortably and securely during venipuncture.
  • Utilize phlebotomy chairs or have patients stabilize their arm appropriately.
  • Use support for children to minimize injury risk.

• Communication:

  • Inquire about previous blood draw reactions to prepare for adverse responses.
  • Use semi-Fowler's or supine position for patients prone to fainting.
  • Explain procedures and observe patient distress, pausing if necessary.