Module 1: Infection Contol, Asepsis & Sterile Technique

Hours: 4 Didactic | 8 Lab

Learning Objectives: Master chain-of-infection interruption, maintain sterile boundaries, and execute biohazard waste safety.

Core Procedures:

1.1 Performing Hand Hygiene: Decontaminating hands using soap and water or alcohol-based rub to break the chain of infection.

1.2 Establishing Sterile Field: Setting up an uncontaminated working area free of microorganisms for sterile clinical procedures.

1.3 Adding Items to Sterile Field: Introducing sterile packaged supplies onto a sterile field without breaching its border or contaminating the area.

1.4 Pouring Sterile Solution: Transferring sterile liquid into a field basin without contacting basin edges or splashing fluid.

1.5 Donning and Doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Sequentially applying and removing gowns, masks, eye protection, and gloves to prevent cross-contamination under Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions.

1.6 Disposal of Biohazardous Waste & Sharps Safety: Operating needle-safety devices, managing puncture-resistant sharps containers, and segregating clinical waste according to biohazard protocols.

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Module 2: Vital Signs & Physical Health Assessment

Hours: 5 Didactic | 10 Lab

Learning Objectives: Execute accurate physiological measurements, recognize baseline deviations, and conduct systemic head-to-toe screenings.

Core Procedures:

2.1 Assessing Radial Pulse: Palpating the radial artery at the wrist to evaluate cardiac rate, rhythm, and arterial pulse quality.

2.2 Obtaining Blood Pressure by Two Step Method: Palpating systolic pressure first to avoid underestimation from an auscultatory gap before stethoscopic measurement.

2.3 Obtaining Blood Pressure by One Method: Measuring blood pressure via cuff inflation and stethoscopic auscultation in a single continuous cycle.

2.4 Assessing Apical Pulse: Auscultating the cardiac apex at the 5th intercostal space for one full minute to determine central heart rate.

2.5 Assessing Apical-Radial Pulse: Concurrently measuring apical and radial rates with two clinicians to identify a pulse deficit.

2.6 Obtaining Oxygen Saturation: Monitoring capillary blood oxygen levels via a photoelectric sensor on a finger, toe, or earlobe.

2.7 Head-to-Toe Assessment Music Video: Executing a complete physical examination of all body systems following systematic IPPA principles.

2.8 Auscultation of the Lungs: Listening to anterior and posterior lung fields with a stethoscope to evaluate breath sounds and airflow obstruction.

2.9 Heart Auscultation: Listening to cardiac valves to identify normal S1/S2 sounds, extra heart sounds, or murmurs.

2.10 Measuring Body Temperature: Assessing core and surface body temperature using oral, tympanic, temporal artery, and axillary methods.

2.11 Assessing Respiration Rate and Rhythm: Counting full respiratory cycles per minute, evaluating effort, depth, and identifying abnormal patterns (e.g., Cheyne-Stokes, Kussmaul).

2.12 Assessing Pain Level: Evaluating intensity, location, duration, and quality using validated clinical tools (e.g., Numeric Rating Scale, PQRST framework, FACES scale).

2.13 Performing Basic Neurological Screening: Evaluating pupillary light reflex and symmetry (PERRLA), level of consciousness (AVPU or Glasgow Coma Scale), and basic motor response.

2.14 Measuring Weight and Height: Obtaining accurate baseline and ongoing patient body mass and stature measurements for clinical nutritional assessment and medication dosage calculation.

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Module 3: Personal Hygiene, Grooming & Environmental Care

Hours: 3 Didactic | 7 Lab

Learning Objectives: Provide dignified personal care while preserving skin integrity, preventing infection, and maintaining ergonomic patient environments.

Core Procedures:

3.1 Assisting Patient in Tub or Shower: Assisting a patient with bathing in a tub or shower while ensuring privacy, hygiene, and fall safety.

3.2 Hair Care & Shampooing: Cleansing and grooming a patient’s hair and scalp to maintain skin integrity and personal dignity.

3.3 Oral Hygiene for Unconscious Patient: Cleansing the mouth and gums of an unresponsive patient using suction swabs to prevent aspiration.

3.4 Cleaning Dentures: Removing, brushing, and rinsing removable dental prostheses over a padded sink basin.

3.5 Bed Making in Occupied Bed: Replacing bed linens while the patient remains in bed, ensuring comfort and avoiding shear injury.

3.6 Shaving a Male Patient: Trimming or shaving facial hair using a safety razor or electric shaver while preserving skin integrity.

3.7 Performing Nail & Foot Care: Cleaning, inspecting, and filing nails straight across to prevent skin breakdown and soft tissue infections.

3.8 Assisting with Gown Change: Removing and replacing patient clothing while preserving modesty and accommodating lines or injuries.

3.9 Performing Perineal Care Male / Performing Perineal Care Female: Cleansing mucosal tissues and external genitalia from clean to dirty areas to prevent contamination and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).

3.10 Providing Eye Care: Cleaning secretions from the inner to outer canthus using separate sterile wipes to prevent cross-contamination in dependent or sedated patients.

3.11 Giving a Complete or Partial Bed Bath: Cleansing dependent patients in bed while preserving privacy, maintaining proper skin integrity, and preventing shear injuries.

3.12 Performing a Sitz Bath: Administering warm perineal soaking therapy to relieve discomfort, enhance circulation, and promote healing following perineal or rectal surgical procedures.

3.13 Giving a Back Massage: Executing comforting cutaneous stroke maneuvers to reduce muscular tension, enhance systemic relaxation, and promote localized circulation.

3.14 Assisting with Dressing & Undressing: Helping patients remove and don personal attire safely while accommodating mobility limitations and maintaining personal dignity.

3.15 Changing the Gown of the Person with an IV: Removing and replacing patient apparel without disrupting continuous intravenous lines, fluid bags, or infusion access sites.

3.16 Making a Closed Bed: Preparing an unoccupied bed with fresh linens and neat corner tucks to maintain environmental hygiene between patient admissions.

3.17 Making a Surgical Bed: Arranging open, accessible bed linens to facilitate smooth, safe lateral transfers directly from stretchers post-operatively.