safety and patient transfer

what 3 elements should you ensure never occur in the same place

1. a flammable substance (fuel)

2. oxygen

3. heat

spontaneous combustion

occurs when a chemical reaction in or near a flammable material causes sufficient heat to generate a fire

open flame

may occur in kitchen or labs where burners are used

electrical fires

special concern in radiology departments (much electrical equipment)

electrical fires info

1. short circuits in xray control panel may result in fire

2. be aware of any smoke or unpleasant odor

3. if fire is suspected, turn off electricity at main power, call for assistance

4. stand by with fire extinguisher

in case of fire.. use what acronym

RACE (rescue, alarm, contain, and extinguish/evacuate

rescue

coordinate with nursing staff, remove patients from danger

move them at least two fire doors within facility

for larger fires

follow the instructions of coordinating personnel

Alarm

activate the alarm system or call code

contain

close any open doors to limit the oxygen supply to the fire and prevent the spread of smoke and heat

if a patient is in their room still during a fire you should

put a trashcan infront of their door

extinguish/evacuate

for small fires, use the available fire extinguisher to put out the fire or smoother it with a blanket

for larger fires, evacuate the area of all personnel and wait for fire personnel

fire extinguishers

fires are classified according to the type of fuel involved

fire extinguishers are marked to indicate the class for which they should be used

multipurpose, dry chemical extinguishers

can be used for any class and are most common

Class A fire

fire involves solid combustibles like paper or wood

Class B fire

fire involves flammable liquids and gases

Class C fire

fire involves electrical equipment or wiring

to use a fire extinguisher use the acronym x

PASS

pull the pin

aim the nozzle

squeeze the handle

sweep

electrical shock

can pose serious hazards if safety precautions are not use

x ray equipment carries electric potential of x volts

100,000

in storage heavy items should be placed

low by floor not high

Spills

pose both chemical hazards as well as injury from falls

work areas have spill kits containing

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

OSHA requires that

all chemicals be properly labeled and that material safety data sheets (MSDSs) be easily accessible for all personnel

eye splashes

prompt treatment is essential for chemical splashes

ergonomics

the study of the human body in relation to the working environment

body mechanics

the principals of proper body alignment, movement, and balance

body mechanics may be represented by

lining the points of contact, such as between the feet when the body is erect

center of gravity

center of body; the point around which body weight is balanced

center of gravity

usually the mid portion of the pelvis or lower abdomen

increases when holding objects of weight

body is most stable when center of gravity is near center of base of support

line of gravity

imaginary vertical line passing through the center of gravity

patient transfer

wheeled transfer is required from one place to another, even if patients believe they can walk to the radiology department

when patients first stand up they may experience x which is

orthostatic hypotension; mild reduction in oxygen supply to the brain that occurs with changes in body position

infants and children should not be carried they should x

be transported in high railed cribs

premature infants may be transported in a close incubator

stroke patients usually have x so what you do is x

have weakness of one side of the body so position yourself at that side and brace the patients weak leg with knee

fractures of lower extremities

elevate and support the injured limb during transfer

knee replacements

weight bearing is usually tolerated, but a walker is needed when taking more than 1 or 2 steps

what to do with knee replacement patients

move the patient toward the strong side and place support under the calf and knee of the affected leg to provide comfort and support

spine trauma or spinal recovery

transfer with stretcher

hip replacement surgery via the anterior approach

patients may sit upright

avoid adduction, internal or external rotation, and hyper extension

hip replacement surgery via the posterior approach

must not flex hips beyond 90 degrees

avoid adduction and interal rotation

stretcher transfers

should be used to transport anyone who is unable to stand safely or cannot sit comfortable for extended periods

draw sheet transfers

single sheet folded in half that is placed under the patient and over the middle third of the bed