Becker chp 7-8

List the National Patient Safety Goals for Hospitals and discuss their implementation by technologists in medical imaging departments.

• Identify Patients Correctly

  • Even after calling back a patient by name, ask for them to verify name and DOB

• Improve staff communication

  • Get important test results to the right staff person on time

• Use medicines safely (barium, iodine)

  • Get a consent form signed, explain the medicine and its effects 

• Use alarms safely

  • Make sure alarms on equipment are heard and responded to on time. If they don't work, file a work order

• Prevent infection

  • Use hand cleaning guidelines from CDC. Foam in and out of a patient room. Soap and water if hands are dirty or if finished handling c. diff. Use gloves

    • C. Diff is immune to anti-bacterials

• Identify patient safety risks

  • Reduce risk of suicide, pay attention to things patients say that might imply self harm and notify nurse or anybody above you

• Prevent mistakes in surgery

What should you always ask a patient even after calling their name?

Name and DOB

What should you always do before and after entering a patients room?

Hand sanitize. Foam in, foam out

What should you clean your hands with after handling a patient with C. Diff?

Soap and water and wipe any surfaces down with a bleach based cleaner

What do fires require?

Oxygen

Fuel

Heat

What are most fires caused by?

• Spontaneous combustion

• Open flames

• Cigarette smokers

• Electricity

List in sequence the steps to be taken if you discover a fire in or near your work area.

• Know where the fire alarms, extinguishers, and doors are in your area

• Know evacuation route and alternatives

• Know the fire plan of your facility

• RACE (Rescue Alarm Contain Extinguish) used for reacting to a fire. Think of rescue as evacuating

• PASS (Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep) how to use a fire extinguisher

What does RACE stand for and when is it used?

Rescue Alarm Contain Extinguish. It’s used to react to a fire

What does PASS stand for and when is it used?

Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep, used when using a fire extinguisher

Type A fire extinguisher

Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth, etc)

Type B fire extinguisher

Flammable Liquids (grease, oil, paint, solvents)

Type C fire extinguisher

Live electrical equipment (electrical panel, motor wiring, etc)

Type D fire extinguisher

Combustible metal (magnesium, aluminum)

Type K fire extinguisher

Commercial cooking equipment (oils fats)

What are electrical safety precautions

• All electrical equipment and appliance must be approved for hospital use

• Follow equipment manufacturers’ instructions

• Equipment used on or near patients or water must have grounded plugs (plugs with the third hole)

• Inspect equipment regularly, paying attention to cords and plugs. Arrange for repairs as needed (especially check portable cord and plug)

• Do not overload circuits by connecting too many devices in a single outlet

• Don’t open the equipment unless trained to do so

• Use class C extinguisher for electrical fire

Discuss hazards caused by obstructions and spills and describe methods for preventing or dealing with these hazards.

• Mark spills, limit area of spill, call EVS

• Know where the Material Safety Date Sheet is for OSHA

• Don’t park equipment near corners

• No heavy items on high shelves

• Stack items neatly

• Do not string electrical cords across doorways or walkways without taping them down first

• When moving patients, especially in/from ER,  keep them in the stretcher or wheelchair

• Eyewash stations for eye splashes, use sink or fountain if one is closer

Ergonomics

Study of the human body in relation to the working environment

• Ergonomic awareness and education has reduced job injuries in recent years

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

Most common injuries reported by healthcare workers

• Subcategories of MSDs

  • Repetitive motion injuries (RMIs)

  • Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)

  • Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs)

Vision Problems

experienced by techs with extended periods viewing cathode ray tube monitors. Happens especially to radiologist

Center of Gravity

Point inside of you where weight is distributed

• Keep whatever you're carrying close to body

Base of Support

Your feet, how you're holding yourself up. Wider the base of support, easier to keep center of gravity 

• Keep broad base of support

Gravity Line

Line between center of gravity to base of support

Rules of Body Mechanics

• Provide a broad base of support

• Work at a comfortable height

• Bend knees and keep back straight when lifting

• Keep load balanced and close to body

• Roll or push a heavy object. Avoid pulling or lifting