UPMSP Vocational Health Care flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Anatomy vs physiology

Anatomy is the study of body structure and the relationships between parts; physiology is the study of how those structures function. Both are studied together because form predicts function.

Normal adult vital signs

Temperature 36.1–37.2 °C oral, pulse 60–100 per minute, respiration 12–20 per minute, blood pressure around 120/80 mmHg, oxygen saturation 95% or above.

Homeostasis definition

The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external change. Receptors detect a change, a control centre compares it to a set point, and effectors act to reverse it.

Braden Scale purpose

A six-item risk assessment tool for pressure injury covering sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition and friction/shear. Lower scores indicate higher risk and need for preventive care.

Pressure area repositioning rule

Immobile patients are turned at least every two hours. Bony prominences such as sacrum, heels, occiput and trochanters are inspected at each turn and kept off the mattress.

Intake-output charting

All fluid entering (oral, tube, intravenous) and leaving (urine, vomit, stool, drains) is measured and recorded. Normal adult urine output is about 0.5–1 mL per kg per hour.

Adult CPR compression ratio

For one- or two-rescuer adult CPR, give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Compress 5–6 cm deep at 100–120 per minute and allow full chest recoil.

Choking adult first aid

With an effective cough, encourage coughing. If the cough is ineffective and the patient is conscious, give 5 back blows then 5 abdominal thrusts, alternating until relief or unconsciousness.

Burn first aid rule

Cool the burn with running water for 20 minutes, remove jewellery and loose clothing, cover with cling film or a clean non-fluffy dressing. Never apply ice, butter or toothpaste.

Chain of infection links

Six links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host. Infection control aims to break at least one link in this chain.

Autoclave standard cycle

Steam sterilisation at 121 °C and 15 psi for 15–20 minutes. It kills bacteria, viruses and spores but is unsuitable for heat-sensitive items such as endoscopes.

Biomedical waste colour codes

Yellow for infectious and incinerable waste, red for recyclable plastics, white for sharps, blue for glassware, green for general waste. Segregation happens at the point of generation.

Energy value of nutrients

Carbohydrate and protein each supply 4 kcal per gram, fat supplies 9 kcal per gram, and alcohol supplies 7 kcal per gram. These values are used for dietary calculations.

BMI formula and Asian cut-offs

Body mass index equals weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Asian cut-offs: underweight below 18.5, normal 18.5–22.9, overweight 23–24.9, obese 25 and above.

Marasmus versus kwashiorkor

Marasmus is severe wasting with weight-for-age under 60% and no oedema. Kwashiorkor shows oedema, moon face, fatty liver and low albumin, usually with adequate calorie but low protein intake.

Preeclampsia diagnostic triad

Hypertension of 140/90 mmHg or above after 20 weeks of pregnancy, plus proteinuria and oedema. Convulsions indicate eclampsia and magnesium sulphate is the treatment of choice.

Stages of normal labour

First stage from onset to full 10 cm dilatation, second stage to birth of the baby, third stage to delivery of the placenta, fourth stage the first one to two hours of observation.

Exclusive breastfeeding rule

Give only breast milk, without water or other feeds, for the first six months. Start complementary foods at six months and continue breastfeeding until two years of age.

Sub-centre and PHC norms

A sub-centre serves 5,000 people in plains and 3,000 in hilly or tribal areas. A primary health centre serves 30,000 in plains and 20,000 in hilly areas.

Infant mortality rate definition

The number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given year. It reflects maternal health, nutrition and access to child health services.

Herd immunity meaning

Indirect protection of unvaccinated people when a sufficient proportion of the population is immune, reducing transmission. The required threshold rises with how contagious the pathogen is.

Suffix -itis and -ectomy

The suffix -itis means inflammation, as in gastritis. The suffix -ectomy means surgical removal, as in appendectomy. Both attach to a root word, often with a combining vowel.

Common prescription abbreviations

OD means once daily, BD twice daily, TDS three times daily, PRN as required, NPO nothing by mouth, IM intramuscular and IV intravenous. Always confirm unclear abbreviations.

SBAR handover structure

Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. This structured format is used for shift handover and for escalating a deteriorating patient to a senior clinician clearly and briefly.

Radial pulse technique

Count the radial pulse for a full 60 seconds using the index and middle fingers, never the thumb. Record the rate, rhythm and volume, and note any irregularity.

Intradermal injection details

Inject 0.1 mL at a 5–15 degree angle into the inner forearm, producing a visible bleb. Used for Mantoux testing; BCG is given intradermally at a steeper 60–70 degree angle.

Blood pressure cuff sizing

The cuff bladder should cover about 80% of arm circumference and 40% of arm length. Undersized cuffs give falsely high readings; the arm should rest at heart level.

Normal laboratory values

Haemoglobin 13–17 g/dL in males, fasting blood glucose 70–110 mg/dL, serum creatinine 0.6–1.2 mg/dL. These values are frequently asked in practical and viva examinations.

Nursing process sequence

Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation. This systematic five-step sequence guides all nursing care and is a common viva question asking for the correct order.

Apgar score components

Five components scored 0–2 each: appearance (colour), pulse, grimace (reflex), activity (muscle tone) and respiration. Scored at one and five minutes after birth.

Sensitivity versus specificity

Sensitivity is the proportion of true cases correctly identified by a test; specificity is the proportion of non-cases correctly identified. Screening tests require high sensitivity to avoid missed cases.

Standard precautions scope

Hand hygiene, gloves, gown, mask and eye protection, safe injection practice and safe waste handling, applied to every patient regardless of diagnosis. They protect staff and patients alike.