Final answer:
The subject is Medicine, and the focus is on vital signs and the Apgar score for a newborn, as well as ensuring the correct surgical procedures and response to patient symptoms like those presented in the case of Olivia. Vital signs are basic health indicators and the Apgar score assesses newborn health right after birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vital Signs and The Apgar Score
The evaluation of a patient's vital signs is a critical component of medical assessment and includes measurements of body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Vital signs are crucial indicators of a patient's health status and can alert medical professionals to potential health issues. For newborns, the Apgar score is a quick test performed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to assess the health of the infant. The Apgar score includes five criteria: skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration. Each criterion is scored on a scale of 0 to 2, with a total possible score of 10. Higher Apgar scores suggest the infant is transitioning well from womb to world, whereas lower scores may indicate distress and the possible need for medical intervention.
During surgical procedures, it is essential that the healthcare team ensures patient safety by verifying the patient’s identity, obtaining consent, and checking for known allergies. A pulse oximeter is used to monitor the oxygen saturation in the patient's blood. The presence and roles of all team members are confirmed, and the plan for the procedure, including any potential critical events, is reviewed. This ensures that all necessary preparations are made, such as having appropriate equipment and assistance ready for managing the patient's airway and potential risks of aspiration.
Olivia, a one-year-old with symptoms like excessive crying and vomiting, is an example of how clinical observations and palpation can find signs of possible disease or distress, such as swollen lymph nodes or a tender abdomen, indicating an inflammation or other issues requiring further medical evaluation.