Lecture Notes Review — Bed Linen Handling, Mobility, Waste Management

Forty-two flashcards based on the provided notes, covering bed linen handling, mobility, waste management, transport, and patient safety.

How will you protect yourself when changing the patient's bed linen?

By wearing an apron and gloves; avoid letting your uniform touch the bed linen to prevent transfer of microorganisms.

What would you do if you found the patient's ring or dentures under the pillow while changing the bed linen?

Wrap it in tissue and endorse to the relative with proper documentation.

Are you going to shake off the linen that you stripped from the bed? Why?

No, to avoid spreading dust and microorganisms.

What is the most appropriate solution that would be used to disinfect the linen?

Bleaching solution, Lysol spray, or Lysol aerosol.

When changing the linen of an occupied bed, what would you do to ensure safety and comfort of the patient? What will you do if the bed cannot be adjusted?

Provide privacy, do not expose the patient; ensure linen is firm, neat, wrinkle-free to protect from bedsores; use bed side rails.

When are you going to collect soiled linen? What will you do with the soiled linen bag?

As often as necessary—every hour or every day. Dispose properly into a linen bag or hamper.

What is the most appropriate equipment to transport soiled linen? What will you use to protect yourself?

Linen cart or bag; always wear apron, gloves, and a face mask.

Do you know your linen stocks? How often do you request for new linen?

Yes, everyday; always check linen stocks.

What if there were sharp objects left in the linen, what would you do?

Wear gloves, pick up the sharp objects, and dispose properly to the designated waste bag or disposal.

What will you do before going to the patient to assist him with his mobility? What protective device will you use?

Handwashing for infection control and wearing a face mask.

You are tasked to assist the patient with mobility, what will you tell the patient while doing an activity? How will you tell him/her?

Explain the procedure to the patient: “Sir/Madam, I will be the one to assist you.”

What are some safe handling methods that would be used in carrying out patient mobility? Give at least 3 methods.

Pillow/lifter, side rails, and gait belt; check assistive devices like wheelchair, commode, stretcher, etc.

While assisting the patient with his mobility, how will you ensure his comfort and safety?

Raise the side rails.

Why is it necessary for you and the patient to observe correct body mechanics during mobility? Give at least 2 reasons.

To prevent back contractures and back injury from stooping or improper lifting.

In preparing a patient for transport, why is it necessary to confirm the transportation requirements with appropriate health care professional? Who will issue the transport order?

To assist the patient's condition; the doctor on duty issues the transport order.

Why is it necessary to explain the transport procedures to the patient/relative? Give at least 2 reasons.

To ensure comfort and safety; to build rapport with the patient.

What will you do to ensure comfort and safety to the patient while transporting him to designated location?

Take steps to prevent falls during transport.

Why is it important that you check the condition of the transport equipment before the patient is transported? Give at least 3 reasons.

To avoid accidents; to prevent injury, ensure patient safety and comfort; to build trust.

What would you do if the transport equipment is not working?

Inform the clinical supervisor about the equipment issue.

What are hospital policies regarding waste segregation? Explain and give examples of waste materials found in hospitals.

Waste is segregated into proper bags/boxes: sharp needles and syringes, gauze, used Foley catheter, urine bags, gloves, masks, soiled dressings, etc.

How will you collect and segregate waste in a health care environment?

Collect and dispose according to color coding: yellow for infectious waste, green for biodegradable, black for non-biodegradable.

Why is it important to label soiled waste? Give at least 2 reasons.

To prevent spread of microorganisms and for environmental concern.

Do you have color coding for contaminated materials? Why?

Yes, to ensure proper disposal and waste management.

What is waste management? Why is this important in a health care environment?

Segregation of waste materials; prevents spread of microorganisms and supports infection control.

What are some of the potential risks and hazards that you would encounter when handling waste in a health care environment?

HIV, Hepatitis B, and other risks.

When handling waste in a health care environment, how would you prevent the spread of disease?

Handwashing; wearing protective gloves and a face mask.

Are you aware of waste categories? Can you enumerate at least 5 examples?

Regular waste (black bag); Infected waste (yellow bag with biohazard sign); Sharp waste (yellow sharp container, red lid); Pathological waste (red bag with biohazard sign); Cytotoxic/genotoxic waste (yellow bag); Chemotherapy waste (yellow sharp container, white lid); Radioactive waste (orange bag).

What is the best way to protect you when handling waste materials?

Wear gloves, a face mask, an apron, and goggles.

What will you do first before making up bed? Why?

Handwashing to prevent infection control.

What do you put when patient is soaking?

A rubber sheet.

Why after-care activities are important?

To maintain cleanliness in the area and organize all materials needed in the workplace.

How will you handle a patient who always complains every time you make up his/her bed? Why?

Just listen to the patient and avoid arguing to prevent conflict.

How often do you change bed linens? Why?

Every morning, if necessary.

What is the most important thing to know when collecting soiled linens in a health care environment? Why?

Separate infectious and wet linens to prevent spread of microorganisms.

How will you ensure your safety when collecting contaminated linens?

Wear gloves and an apron.

How do you keep track/monitor linen stock at end-users location?

Check the linen stock at the end-user location to prevent contamination.

How often will you collect and maintain linen stocks at end-users location?

Everyday.

What would you do if the outgoing shift didn’t endorse a report on linen stocks?

Report to the supervisor.

Why is maintaining rapport with patient important? How are you going to maintain rapport with patient?

To build trust or open communication; provide privacy by closing doors/windows.

How are you going to provide/maintain privacy for your patient?

Prepare drapes and close the door/window to provide privacy.

Conflicts usually arise in the performance of your work? How are you going to manage it and prevent it?

Be broad-minded.

Why is a comfort and safety measure necessary when handling a patient? Give at least 2 reasons.

To make the patient feel comfortable and to build rapport.