BEER-SEBA GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS

GENERAL DUTY ASSISTANT (GDA)

UNIT–1: INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH CARE & GDA
General Duty Assistant (GDA)
 GDA is a healthcare support worker.
 Works under supervision of Nurse/Doctor.
 Provides basic patient care in hospitals, clinics, home care.
Roles & Responsibilities
1. Bed making
2. Patient hygiene
3. Vital signs monitoring
4. Assisting in mobility
5. Infection control
6. Patient safety

Definition - Bed making is the procedure of preparing and arranging a patient’s bed to ensure comfort,
cleanliness, safety, and infection control.
Purposes of Bed Making
 Provide comfort to the patient
 Prevent infection
 Promote rest and sleep
 Maintain cleanliness
 Improve appearance of ward
 Prevent bed sores
Articles Required
 Bed sheet (bottom sheet)
 Draw sheet
 Mackintosh (rubber sheet)
 Top sheet
 Blanket
 Pillow with pillow cover
 Laundry bag
 Gloves
TYPES OF BED MAKING
 Closed Bed
(Bed prepared for a new patient)
 Open Bed
(Bed prepared for an ambulatory patient)
 Occupied Bed
(Bed made while patient is in bed)
PROCEDURE OF BED MAKING
A. CLOSED BED (Unoccupied Bed)
Steps
1. Wash hands and wear gloves
2. Remove used linen and place in laundry bag
3. Clean mattress if required
4. Place bottom sheet evenly
5. Tuck sheet using mitered corners
6. Place mackintosh in centre
7. Place draw sheet over mackintosh
8. Spread top sheet
 9. Place blanket and fold at top
10. Place pillow with clean cover
11. Fold top linen from foot end
B. OPEN BED
(Same as closed bed, but ready for immediate use)
Additional Step
 Fold top linen one-third down to allow easy entry of patient
C. OCCUPIED BED (Most Important for GDA)
Steps
1. Explain procedure to patient
2. Provide privacy (curtains/screens)
3. Wash hands and wear gloves
4. Loosen top linen and cover patient with bath blanket
5. Turn patient to one side
6. Remove soiled bottom sheet from one side
7. Place clean bottom sheet and roll it toward patient
8. Turn patient to other side
9. Remove soiled linen
10. Spread clean sheet fully
11. Replace draw sheet and mackintosh
12. Change top linen carefully
13. Reposition patient comfortably
14. Dispose used linen
15. Wash hands
PRECAUTIONS
 Do not shake dirty linen
 Use gloves
 Maintain correct posture
 Keep bed rails up if needed
 Ensure no wrinkles (prevents bed sores)
AFTER CARE
 Ensure patient comfort
 Adjust pillow and blanket
 Lower bed height
 Document procedure if required

Skills Required for Care Assistant

 Compassion
 Empathy
 Patience
 Observation skills
 Communication skills
 Professionalism
 Trustworthiness
Healthcare Team Members
 Doctor
 Nurse
 GDA
 Lab Technician
 Radiologist
 Pharmacist
Personnel Hygiene & Professional Behaviour
Personal Hygiene Includes
 Bathing
 Hair care
 Nail care
 Foot care
 Dental care
 Genital care
Hygiene in Nursing Care
 Hand hygiene (most important)
 Clean uniform
 Short nails, tied hair
 Use of PPE (gloves, mask, gown)
Ethics in Healthcare
 Confidentiality
 Respect and dignity
 Responsibility
 Self determination
 Emotional support
 Honesty
 Professional behaviour
UNIT–2: BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Human Body Systems
Skeleton
 Adult human has 206 bones
 Protects vital organs
 Bones connected by ligaments
 Joints allow movement
Types of Joints
 Movable joints
 Immovable joints
Muscles
 Attached to bones by tendons
 Work in pairs
 Help in movement and posture

Muscular System
o Types: Voluntary, Involuntary, Cardiac
o Function: Movement
Digestive System
 Breaks food into nutrients
 Includes: mouth, stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines
 Digestion starts in mouth
 Absorption in small intestine
 Waste eliminated through rectum
Respiratory System
 Oxygen intake, CO₂ removal
 Organs: trachea, bronchi, lungs, diaphragm
 Gas exchange occurs in alveoli
Nervous System
 Controls voluntary and involuntary actions
Types:
 Central Nervous System (Brain + Spinal cord)
  Peripheral Nervous System
UNIT–3: BASIC NURSING SKILLS
Vital Signs
 Temperature: 98.6°F
 Pulse: 72/min
 Respiration: 16–20/min
 Blood Pressure: 120/80 mmHg
Hand Hygiene
 Most effective infection control method
 Steps: Wet → Soap → Rub → Rinse → Dry
Bed Making
 Closed bed
 Open bed
 Occupied bed
Patient Positions
 Supine
 Prone
 Fowler’s
 Lateral
 Lithotomy
Measuring Intake & Output
 Intake: Oral, IV
 Output: Urine, stool, vomit
UNIT–4: INFECTION CONTROL & SAFETY
Infection
 Entry of microorganisms into body
Chain of Infection
1. Agent
2. Reservoir
3. Exit
4. Transmission
5. Entry
6. Host
Types of Infections
 Bacterial
 Viral
 Fungal
 Parasitic
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 Gloves
 Mask
 Gown
 Goggles
Body Cavities
 Cranial cavity – brain
 Pleural cavity – lungs
 Abdominal cavity – intestines, liver, spleen
Human Physiology
 Study of body functions
 Father of Physiology: Claude Bernard
Vital Organs
 Brain
  Heart
 Lungs
 Liver
 Kidneys
Major Organ Systems (Objective Points)
Circulatory System
 Heart + blood vessels
 Types:
o Systemic circulation
o Pulmonary circulation
o Coronary circulation
Biomedical Waste Management
Biomedical Waste
 Waste generated during diagnosis, treatment, or research
 80–90% general waste
 10–20% hazardous waste
Color - Waste Type
Yellow - Human waste/Anatomical waste
Red - Infected Plastic
Blue/White - Glass/sharps
- General waste/Chemical & discarded
Black
medicines
BMW Rules
 No storage beyond 48 hours
 Segregation at source
 Disinfection before disposal
 Authorized transport only
Disposal Methods
 Incineration
 Deep burial
 Sharp pit
 Autoclaving
 Recycling after disinfection
Safety Measures
 Gloves
 Masks
 Protective glasses
 Gum boots
 Hepatitis-B & Tetanus
vaccination

UNIT–5: PERSONAL HYGIENE & PATIENT CARE

Personal Hygiene
 Daily bath
 Clean clothes
 Nail trimming
Patient Hygiene
 Bed bath
 Oral care
  Hair care
 Perineal care
Elimination Care
 Bedpan
 Urinal
 Catheter care
Pressure Sores
 Caused by prolonged pressure
 Prevention: Repositioning every 2 hours
UNIT–6: FIRST AID & EMERGENCY CARE
First Aid
 Immediate care before medical help
Common Emergencies
 Bleeding
 Burns
 Fracture
 Fainting
 Snake bite
Emergency Medical Response
 Immediate care before hospital arrival
 Provided by EMRs, EMTs, paramedics
ABCDE Approach
 A – Airway
 B – Breathing
 C – Circulation
 D – Disability
 E – Exposure
Important Equipment
 First aid kit
 AED
 Oxygen cylinder
 Communication devices
SAMPLE History
 S – Symptoms
 A – Allergies
 M – Medications
 P – Past history
 L – Last meal
 E – Events
Body Mechanics
 Proper use of body to avoid injury
 Maintains balance and posture
 Prevents musculoskeletal injuries
Principles
 Wide base of support
 Bend knees
 Keep load close
 Avoid twisting
 Use assistive devices
Patient Positioning (Very Important for MCQs)
 Supine – Face up
 Prone – Face down
  Fowler’s – Sitting
 Lithotomy – Gynecological
 Lateral – Side lying
 Sims – Left lateral
 Trendelenburg – Head down
 Reverse Trendelenburg – Head up
Transferring & Mobility
 Bed to wheelchair
 Wheelchair to chair
 Use gait belt
 Use mechanical lifts if required
Benefits of Patient Mobility
 Prevents bed sores
 Improves circulation
 Improves lung function
 Enhances recovery

Bleeding Control
 Direct pressure
 Elevation
Burns
 Types: Thermal, Chemical, Electrical
 First aid: Cool water
CPR (Adult)
 Ratio: 30 compressions : 2 breaths
UNIT–7: PATIENT’S RIGHTS AND ENVIRONMENT
Patient Rights
 Right to informed consent
 Right to privacy and confidentiality
 Right to dignity and respect
 Right to access healthcare
 Right to participate in care decisions
 Right to refuse treatment
 Right to access medical records
 Right to pain management
Healthcare Environment
 Clean, safe, infection-free surroundings
 Noise and temperature control
 Cultural and religious sensitivity
 Transparent communication
 Support services (counseling, social workers)
Patient – Basic Care & Needs
Physical Needs
 Personal hygiene
 Nutrition and hydration
 Mobility and positioning
 Rest and sleep
 Pain management
Emotional Needs
 Emotional support
 Anxiety and fear reduction
 Respect and privacy
 Encouragement of independence
Social Needs
 Communication
 Family involvement
 Cultural and spiritual care
 Patient education
Environmental Needs
 Clean surroundings
 Safe environment
 Familiar personal belongings
Elimination (Very Important for GDA Exams)
Elimination
 Process of removing waste products from the body
 Urine = liquid waste
 Stool (feces) = solid waste
Factors Affecting Elimination
 Diet and fluid intake
 Age
 Illness
 Medications
 Mobility level
Common Elimination Problems
 Constipation
 Diarrhea
 Incontinence
 Fecal impaction
 Flatulence
 Hemorrhoids
 Polyuria
 Anuria
Assessment of Elimination
 Frequency of urination
 Time of bowel movement
 Amount of urine
 Night urination
 Dribbling of urine
Maintaining Dignity During Elimination
 Provide privacy
 Close curtains/doors
 Use professional language
 Wear gloves
 Dispose waste immediately
 Control odors professionally
Bedpans
Types of Bedpans
 Standard bedpan
 Fracture bedpan
Articles Required for Bedpan Care
 Bedpan with cover
 Gloves
 Towels
 Soap
 Toilet paper
 Wash basin
 Disposable pads
 Trash bag
Important Points While Using Bedpan
 Use gloves
 Maintain privacy
 Place patient comfortably
 Clean patient after use
 Wash hands after procedure
 Document elimination
Observing and Reporting
Observation Includes
 Physical changes
 Behavioural changes
 Environmental hazards
 Vital signs monitoring
Reporting Principles
 Report immediately if abnormal
 Report facts only
 No personal opinions
 Accurate documentation
 Follow confidentiality
Consent
Consent
 Patient’s permission for care or treatment
Elements of Consent
 Informed consent
 Voluntary consent
 Mental capacity
 Legal representative if needed
Principles of Documentation
 Accurate
 Complete
 Timely
 Objective
 Confidential
VERY IMPORTANT ONE-LINE FACTS (MCQ READY)
 Adult human bones = 206
 Father of Physiology = Claude Bernard
 BMW hazardous waste = 10–20%
 No BMW storage beyond = 48 hours
 Alveoli are found in = Lungs
 Supine position = Face up
 Prone position = Face down
 Fowler’s position = Sitting
 Lithotomy position = Gynecological procedures
 PPE includes gloves, mask, apron
UNIT–8: COMMUNICATION & DOCUMENTATION
Communication
 Verbal
 Non-verbal
 Written
Patient Communication
 Polite
 Clear
 Respectful
Records
 Intake-output chart
  Vital signs chart
 Patient file
UNIT–9: HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT & EQUIPMENT
Common Equipment
 Thermometer
 BP apparatus
 Pulse oximeter
 Wheelchair
 Stretcher
Hospital Areas
 OPD
 Ward
 ICU
 Emergency
UNIT–10: GERIATRIC & CHILD CARE BASICS
Elderly Care
 Fall prevention
 Nutrition
 Hygiene
Child Care
 Immunization
 Nutrition
 Growth monitoring
UNIT–11: PATIENT SAFETY & COMFORT
Patient Safety
 Prevention of injury during care
 Responsibility of all healthcare staff
Common Hospital Accidents
 Falls
 Burns
 Medication errors
 Needle stick injury
Fall Prevention
 Side rails
 Non-slip footwear
 Adequate lighting
 Call bell within reach
Patient Comfort Measures
 Proper positioning
 Clean bedding
 Pain relief support
 Privacy maintenance
UNIT–12: MOVING & LIFTING PATIENTS
Principles of Body Mechanics
 Keep back straight
 Bend knees
 Keep load close to body
Methods of Transfer
 Bed to wheelchair
 Wheelchair to bed
 Stretcher transfer
Assistive Devices
  Walker
 Crutches
 Wheelchair
Prevention of Injury
 Use proper posture
 Ask for help
 Avoid sudden movements
UNIT–13: OBSERVATION & REPORTING
Observation Includes
 Physical condition
 Mental status
 Skin colour
 Breathing pattern
Signs to Report Immediately
 High fever
 Difficulty breathing
 Bleeding
 Unconsciousness
Reporting Method
 Clear
 Accurate
 Timely
 To nurse/doctor only

UNIT–14: BASIC PHARMACOLOGY AWARENESS

Drug
 Any substance used to diagnose or treat disease
Routes of Drug Administration
 Oral
 Intramuscular
 Intravenous
 Subcutaneous
 Topical
GDA Role in Medication
 Never administer without order
 Observe patient reaction
 Report side effects
Common Side Effects
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Dizziness
 Allergy
UNIT–15: WOUND CARE BASICS
Wound
 Break in skin integrity
Types of Wounds
 Open wound
 Closed wound
 Surgical wound
Signs of Infection
 Redness
 Swelling
  Pain
 Pus
Dressing Care
 Use sterile material
 Follow aseptic technique
 Dispose waste properly
UNIT–16: OXYGEN THERAPY & AIRWAY CARE

Oxygen Therapy
 Used to improve oxygen level
Common Oxygen Devices
 Nasal cannula
 Face mask
 Oxygen cylinder
GDA Responsibilities
 Check oxygen flow
 Observe breathing
 Prevent fire hazards
Airway Care
 Keep airway clear
 Position patient properly

UNIT–17: CARE OF UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT

Causes of Unconsciousness
 Head injury
 Stroke
 Low sugar
 Poisoning
Care Measures
 Maintain airway
 Turn patient sideways
 Monitor vitals
 Do not give oral fluids

UNIT–18: CARE OF SPECIAL PATIENTS

Diabetic Patient Care
 Monitor sugar
 Foot care
 Diet control
Hypertensive Patient
 Low salt diet
 BP monitoring
 Stress reduction
Tuberculosis Patient
 Mask use
 Proper ventilation
 Medication adherence

UNIT–19: MATERNITY CARE BASICS

Antenatal Care
  Regular checkups
 Nutrition
 Iron & folic acid
Postnatal Care
 Mother hygiene
 Breastfeeding support
 Baby warmth
Danger Signs
 Excessive bleeding
 High BP
 Severe pain

UNIT–20: END-OF-LIFE & PALLIATIVE CARE

Palliative Care
 Comfort-focused care
 Pain management
 Emotional support
GDA Role
 Provide comfort
 Maintain dignity
 Support family

UNIT–21: HOSPITAL POLICIES & DISCIPLINE

Hospital Rules
 Timely duty
 Proper uniform
 ID card uses
Professional Behaviour
 Respect seniors
 Maintain confidentiality
 No mobile use during duty

UNIT–22: BASIC LAB TEST AWARENESS

Common Tests
 Blood sugar
 Haemoglobin
 Urine test
 BP measurement
Normal Values
 Hb: 12–15 g/dl
 Fasting sugar: 70–110 mg/dl

UNIT–23: DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Disaster
 Natural or man-made emergency
Types
 Earthquake
 Fire
 Flood
 Pandemic
GDA Role
 Patient evacuation
  First aid
 Crowd control

UNIT–24: NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

Important Programs
 National TB Elimination Program
 National Immunization Program
 Ayushman Bharat
Objective
 Disease prevention
 Health promotion