Isolation & Common Precautions

Diabetic

check blood sugar regularly

do not skip meals

stay hydrated

be aware of retinopathy

be aware of neuropathy

G tube

do not position pt in supine or on side

pts head must be elevated to at least 30 degrees

observe feeding precautions (ex: NPO)

Aspiration/Dysphagia

observe prescribed diet

pt's head should be sitting up as much as possible while feeding/drinking

look for signs of aspiration (choking, wet cough, drooling, hoarse voice)

Hypertension

do not perform valsava maneuvers

do not perform activities that will cause over exertion

do not wear binders or constricted clothing

DVT signs

pain, tenderness, swelling, heat or redness in heel, calf or groin

skin that is pale, blue, or cold to touch

numbness or tingling in leg

chest pain or SOB

fever or chills

DVT prevention

do NOT massage or exercise if present

CHF pts more at risk

wear TED hose and exercise regularly

stay hydrated

Seizure

alert medical staff

place soft object under pt's head, loosen clothing

do not restrain pt

turn on side

note the time and symptoms

Sternal

do NOT lift greater than 8lbs.

no pushing/pulling with arms

no shoulder movement greater than 90 degrees

avoid reaching across body

avoid twisting

brace chest when coughing or sneezing post 2 wks.

do NOT hold breath

Contact

gloves

gown

(mask/shield for EVD or zika virus)

Droplet

mask

(gown and gloves if skin lesions are present)

Airborne

mask

(N-95 respirator)

Airborne plus contact

N-95 mask

gown

gloves

Spinal

no bending, lifting or twisting (BLT)

wear braces and supports

be aware of AD for SCI (do NOT lay pt down with signs)

Pacemaker

do not use diathermy or electrical stimulation on pt with pacemakers

avoid magnetic fields (MRI)

pursed-lip breathing

avoid valsava moments

Cardiac

avoid extreme exertion

use energy conservation techniques

pursed-lip breathing

avoid valsava moments

Weight-bearing

do NOT use affected limb to support body

minimize pressure on affected limb

braces and supports as prescribed

Hip (anterior)

do not hyperextend at the hip

do not point the toes in or out

do not cross the legs or ankles

keep operated leg in front during transfers

Hip (posterior)

do not flex the hip past 90 degrees

do not point the toes in or out

do not cross the legs or ankles

keep operated leg in front during transfers

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