what is assessment?
is a system which is developed and put in place to:
gather
verify
analyze
communicate information concerning a client or patient.
Skills of assessment techniques include:
vital signs analysis
data collection
general medication administration principles
documentation techniques
patient education methods
The data obtained is classified in two categories:
subjective and objective information.
what is subjective assessment ?
Subjective information - is the information received from the patient. Subjective information includes statements the patient may make, ie: “I have a dull pain in my abdomen for three days.”
what is objective assessment
Objective information - is the information compiled by the radiographer from observing, hearing, feeling, smelling or other valid resources.
Vital signs - are signs which indicate a person’s health status. These signs pertain to life. Vital signs include:
Pulse
Respirations
Blood pressure
Body temperature.
Pulse ?
may be taken where large arteries are close to the skin surface including temporal, carotid, brachial, radial, femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, dorsalis pedis and apical. Normal range for an adult pulse is 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Respiration?
A respiration cycle is the combination of an inspiration and expiration. Respiration is assessed throughthe rate, depth and rhythm of ventilatory movements. Normal range for an adult respiration is 12 to 20 respirations per minute.
Blood Pressure?
Is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). BP measurements consist of systolic pressure (maximum force) and diastolic pressure (minimum force) applied to wall of the arteries. Normal average for an adult BP is 120 mmHg and 80 mmHg. BP can be measured using a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff), auscultation (stethoscope) and palpation.
Body Temperature?
The physiological balance between the heat produced by the body and the heat lost to the environment. Heat is produced by a chemical process called metabolism. The instrument used to measure body temperature is a thermometer. The average body temperature for an adult is 98.6 degrees F or (36 degrees C) plus or minus one degree.
Pharmacokinetics ?
is the principle of interaction of drugs and body tissues. The interactions include reception, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of any byproducts of the medication.
Pharmacodynamics?
is the principle of study of changes in physiological functions of the body as a result of the drugs. These changes may include stimulating, slowing down, irritating, replacing and weakening or killing cells.
There are 5 basic characteristics of reporting and recording patient care activities?
These characteristics are Accuracy, Conciseness, Thoroughness, Currentness, and Organization (ACTCO).
(ARRT)
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the recognized certifying agency for radiographers.
NYS DOH
- Bureau of Environmental Protection
• Licensing
• Status maintenance
• Ensures public safety
AHARA
American Healthcare Radiology Administrators
ACERT
Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic Technology
AEIRS
Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences
NYSSRS
1. New York State Society of Radiologic Sciences
AERT( state)
Association of Educators in Radiologic Technology
NSSRT ( local)
Nassau Suffolk Society of Radiologic Technologists
ISSRT
International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
Responsible of educational program accreditation
• Functions under the US Department of Education
• Provide site visitors to verify program self-study reports, evaluate adequacy of clinical
education setting, and interviewing students.
Categories of program accreditation:
- Initial
- Continuing
- probationary