ATI: SAFETY

National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs)

Annual goals established by The Joint Commission to improve client safety and clinical outcomes.

Identify Clients Correctly

Use at least two client identifiers, verify identity before medications, treatments, and procedures.

Critical Results

Laboratory or diagnostic findings that are life-threatening and must be promptly reported.

Medication Reconciliation

The process of comparing home medications with new prescriptions during admission, transfer, and discharge.

Alarm Fatigue

A condition where staff become desensitized to clinical alarm sounds, increasing the risk of missed emergent events.

CLABSI

Central line-associated bloodstream infection.

CAUTI

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection.

SSI

Surgical-site infection.

VAP

Ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Hand Hygiene

The single most important intervention for preventing hospital-acquired infections.

Safety-Limiting Disorders

Conditions that increase fall and injury risks, including certain medical and behavioral health issues.

Time-Out Protocol

A surgical safety procedure where a pause occurs to confirm correct client, site, and procedure.

R.A.C.E.

A fire safety acronym standing for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish.

P.A.S.S.

A fire extinguisher usage acronym: Pull pin, Aim at base, Squeeze handle, Sweep side-to-side.

Potassium Iodide

A medication given in the event of radiation exposure to protect the thyroid.

Physical Restraints

Used only as a last resort and require a provider prescription, with regular re-evaluation.