Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Students will be able to perform clinical duties as related to the physicians office.
 

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Perform clinical competencies as required by the accrediting agency in a medical setting.
2. Apply techniques that ensure sterility and quality control in a medical setting.
3. Prepare patients for physical examinations and procedures, including surgical and diagnostic procedures, and assist the physician.
4. Apply general knowledge of vital signs, documentation, medications, medication administration, phlebotomy, specimen collection, and EKG in the medical setting.
5. Apply communication techniques and behaviors in the clinical setting that are therapeutic, respectful, and professional.
6. Apply professionalism in patient interviews and interactions with health care professionals and the general public.

ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE OUTCOME:
Students will demonstrate these learning outcomes by these tasks conducted
individually and in cooperation with other students:

The goal is to develop skills in the actual performance of medical assistant
clinical tasks in accordance with the theoretical knowledge taught in
the Clinical Procedures course.

Answer theoretical and application questions in modules after viewing
demonstrations and reading modules. Individual proficiency testing will
take place after modules have been graded and returned, reading has been
assigned, lab demonstrations, and supervised lab practice.

Structured lab, held weekly. Modules will be explained and worked.
Schedule is provided along with the lecture schedule.
Each lab project is packaged as an individual module which is self-
contained and includes all required directions.

1. Each module contains (as appropriate):
a. An overview sheet which explains the purpose and concept of the
module.
b. A study guide which outlines general directions for completing the
module.
c. Project sheets and/or worksheets which give step-by-step directions.
d. Information sheets which provide general background.
e. Evaluation sheets - for your comments on the module as a learning
experience.
2. These modules are available from the Clinical Lab Instructor
3. The corresponding medical office clinical procedures course
lecture and lab schedule indicates the order in which the
modules are to be completed. Lab modules must be completed by the
dates indicated in the schedule (refer to Student Handbook). The lab
modules must be completed in the sequence as listed on the schedule
for the course. Modules must be completed handed in and corrected
before proceeding to the next module listed.

1.0 Vital Signs
2.0 Aseptic Technique and Infection Control
3.0 Handling of Equipment
4.0 Injection Procedures
5.0 Electrocardiography
6.0 The Physical Examination
7.0 Dressings and Bandages
8.0 Physical Therapy
9.0 Venipuncture
 

The following list outlines the concepts, themes, and issues you need to understand and be able to use appropriately. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding in written and oral form, individually and in groups.

1.0 VITAL SIGNS

This module will give the student the skill in obtaining and recording vitals signs. Have an understanding of the procedures and an awareness of the significance of the results. The student should demonstrate ability to obtain and record patient's temperature, pulse and respiration accurately. Obtain and record patients blood pressure reading accurately. Weigh and measure a patient accurately.

2.0 ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE AND INFECTION CONTROL

This module will acquaint the student with the importance of cleanliness and asepsis in a medical office. It will help the student develop proficiency in hand washing. It will help the student gain proficiency in putting on sterile gloves after a surgical scrub. The student will demonstrate and state the importance of cleanliness and medical asepsis. Perform a surgical scrub. Perform a cleansing hand wash suitable for between patients. Put on sterile gloves without contaminating them.

3.0 HANDLING OF EQUIPMENT

This module will acquaint the student with various medical/surgical equipment in the medical office. It will help the student develop proficiency in preparation of equipment for sterilization. It will assist the student in differentiation between instruments which must be sterile and those which must be "clean". The student will identify common medical/surgical instruments and give their uses. Students will prepare items for sterilization and disinfection. The student will decipher which instruments need to be sterilized versus those which can be merely "cleaned".

4.0 INJECTION PROCEDURES

This module gives the student knowledge of and skill in preparing and administering subcutaneous, intramuscular and intradermal injections. The student will understand a physician's order to administer and injection. Prepare an injection from an ampule, single or multiple dose vial. Identify the correct route and site of administration. Administer medication by subcutaneous, intradermal, and intramuscular routes.

5.0 ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY

This module gives the student understanding of the electrocardiograph (ECG), its operation and relationship to the patient. Development of proper technique in obtaining ECG's. An understanding of artifacts, how they relate to the ECG and how to identify and avoid them. Practice in mounting the recordings of the ECG so as to present them to the physician in a legible, professional, standardized form and to preserve them in good condition for quick reference in the future. The student will practice running ECG's in lab. Mount ECG recordings on mounting paper/folder. Turn in for grading three mounted ECG's.

6.0 THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

This module will give the student an understanding and proficiency in visual acuity testing with the snellen chart. Screening test for color blindness. Screening test for audio perception. Positioning and draping patients for examination. Prepare examination trays and assist the physician as requested.

7.0 DRESSINGS AND BANDAGES

This module will give the student knowledge of and skill in preparing and /or applying dressings and bandages. The student will apply sterile dressings. Apply bandages to the finger, hand, foot, arm and leg neatly and with enough tension that they will remain in place.

8.0 PHYSICAL THERAPY

This module will acquaint the student with selected physical therapy modalities and their application. The student will demonstrate the ability to apply ultrasound. To apply hydrocollator packs. To administer immediate care for soft tissue injury. To fit crutches and demonstrate a three-point gait.

9.0 VENIPUNCTURE

This module gives the student an understanding of sources of blood for laboratory testing. Various amounts and types of venous blood necessary for performance of different laboratory tests. Professional attitude necessary when performing a venipuncture. Different methods of handling venous blood. The student will demonstrate the ability to assemble venipuncture supplies. Use sterile technique for venipuncture procedure. Follow body substances precautions. Properly label specimens obtained. Acquire a professional attitude when performing venipuncture.

10.0 SPIROMETRY

This module gives the student an understanding of a respiratory test and how to interpret basic spirometry results. The student will perform at least 3 spirometry exams, interpret them correctly and provide the physician with a legible and professional readout.