chapter 7/8 -- safety and patient transfers

base of support

portion of body in contact with horizontal surface, such as the floor

body mechanics

principles of proper body alignment, movement, and balance

center of gravity

midpoint/center of weight of body or object. In standing adults, it is the midpelvic cavity

ergonomics

study of human body in relation to the working environment

line of gravity

imaginary line that extends from center of gravity to the base of support

MSDS

material safety data sheet

IHI

institute for healthcare improvement

OSHA

occupational safety and health administration

spontaneous combustion

occurrence of fire when a chemical reaction in/near a flammable material causes sufficient heat

Patient safety: New interventions targeted at preventing harm

• prevent harm form high-alert medications

• reduce surgical complications

• prevent pressure ulcers/sores

• reduce mrsa

• deliver reliable care for congestive heart failure

• get boards on board

3 components that must be present for a fire to burn

flammable substance (fuel), oxygen, and heat

hospital fires can be traces to one of four causes

spontaneous combustion, open flames, cigarette smoke, electricity

leading cause of fires in radiography department

electrical fires/electricity

what to do if an electrical fire occurs

• turn off the electricity at the main power source

• call for qualified assistance

• stand by with proper fore extinguisher

oxygen and fire hazards

oxygen itself does not burn, but it does support combustion

• no smoking, no open flames, no undergrounding appliances where oxygen is used. electrical equipment that could causes a spark should not be used where oxygen is used

• hospitals are required to have procedures in place in event of a fire

• coded communication used in hospitals — fire = code RED

fire safety inspections check to make sure that:

• nothing is blocking fire doors

• equipment is not stored in corridors and/or obstructing pathways to evacuate

• flammable materials are stored properly

• all extension cords are approved by hospital

be prepared for a fire by knowing the locations of:

• evacuation route maps

• fire doors

• fire alarms

• fire extinguishers

• main electrical power shut-off for your area

RACE

rescue, alarm, contain, extinguish/evacuate

Class A fire extinguisher

fires involving solid common combustibles, such as paper or wood

Class B fire extinguisher

fire involving flammable liquids or gases

Class C fire extinguisher

fires involving electrical equipment or wiring

Class D fire extinguisher

fires involving certain combustion solids, such as metal alloys

Class K fire extinguisher

fires involving cooking media, for example, oils and animal fats

PASS

Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side

electric shock

• never stand on a wet floor or use wet hands to perform task involving use of electricity

• can stop the heart, if someone if being shocked, do NOT touch them — use something wooden to separate them from source

chemical spill kits

kitty litter, heavy plastic bags, a broom, a dustpan, and gloves made of nitrile

steps to help ensure safety if there is a chemical spill

• limit access to the area

• evaluate the risks

• determine if you have the equipment and expertise to clean the spill safely

• if you can, clean up spill immediately

• if you lack the skills or equipment, call your supervisor of the appropriate department

eye splashes

if you get something in your eyes (chemical, blood, body fluids), flood the eyes with running water for 5 minutes

draw sheet

a single sheet folded in half that is placed under the patient and over the middle third of the bed; may be used to facilitate patient transfer

gait belt

also called transfer belt; strap for use when assisting patients who are weak or unsteady

gurney

stretcher; wheeled device for transporting patients in a recumbent or semirecumbent position

orthostatic hypotension

a transient state of cerebral anoxia and low blood pressure occurring when an individual assumes a standing posture; same as postural hypotension

slider board

a method of patient transfer that uses a stronger sheet of smooth plastic large enough to support patient’s body with handholds cut into the edges

sliding mat

a method of patient transfer that uses a soft tubular sheet of flexible plastic that features a low-friction surface and is used somewhat like a slider board

stretcher

wheeled device for transporting patients in a recumbent or semirecumbent position, also called a gurney

wheelchair

usual method or transport, for patients who can stand and sit with safety and comfort

walker

a mobility aid that helps to provide stability and balance when patient is walking