Law and Ethics in Healthcare

Step-by-Step Procedure

Procedure: Pulse measurement (relevant to law and ethics in healthcare).

Technique: Radial (most common), count 60 sec if irregular. Apical: left MCL, 5th ICS, count 60 sec. Pulse deficit: apical minus radial.

Normal values: Normal adult: 60-100 bpm. Tachycardia over 100, bradycardia under 60.

Key Values & Ranges

BMP:

• Glucose: 70-100 mg/dL (fasting)
• BUN: 7-20 mg/dL
• Creatinine: 0.7-1.3 mg/dL
• Sodium: 136-145 mEq/L
• Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
• CO2: 23-29 mEq/L
• Calcium: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL

Lipid panel:

• Total cholesterol: under 200 mg/dL desirable
• LDL: under 100 mg/dL optimal
• HDL: over 40 mg/dL (M), over 50 mg/dL (F)
• Triglycerides: under 150 mg/dL

Safety Considerations

Safety considerations for law and ethics in healthcare in the medical office include proper technique and universal precautions.

Intramuscular injections: angle 90 degrees, sites include Vastus lateralis (thigh), Deltoid (upper arm), Ventrogluteal (preferred for adults), Dorsogluteal (avoided due to sciatic nerve risk). Maximum volume: Deltoid max 1mL, VG/VL max 3mL. Needle: 21-23G, 1-1.5 inch.

Clinical Significance

Medical assistants encountering law and ethics in healthcare should be familiar with associated laboratory values. Lipid panel reference ranges:

• LDL: under 100 mg/dL optimal
• Total cholesterol: under 200 mg/dL desirable
• Triglycerides: under 150 mg/dL

Patient Communication

Patient education about law and ethics in healthcare should use simple language (6th-grade reading level). Verify understanding with teach-back: ask the patient to explain in their own words what was discussed. Provide written instructions to reinforce verbal education. Address cultural and language barriers using certified interpreters, not family members, for medical discussions.