Client Safety, Infection Control, Seizure Precautions, Restraints, and Fire Safety

Vocabulary flashcards covering infection stages, isolation precautions, fall safety, seizure management, seclusion and restraint protocols, and healthcare facility fire safety guidelines.

Incubation stage

The interval between the pathogen entering the body and the presentation of the first general symptoms of infection.

Prodromal stage

The stage of infection characterized by general manifestations prior to specific illness symptoms.

Illness stage

The stage of infection when symptoms specific to the infection occur.

Convalescence stage

The final stage of infection in which recovery occurs.

Droplet precautions

Transmission-based precautions used to prevent transmission of respiratory droplets greater than $5\,\text{microns}$, requiring a mask, wearing a gown when caring for respiratory secretions, and placing a surgical mask on the client during transport.

Airborne precautions

Transmission-based precautions used to prevent transmission of microorganisms smaller than $5\,\text{microns}$.

Safety

Freedom from injury, which is a major nursing responsibility.

Never Events

Quality care priorities designated by the National Quality Forum representing major adverse event trends and patterns that health care facilities work to prevent.

Fall-risk assessment

An evaluation completed for each client upon admission and at regular intervals to develop an individualized plan for fall prevention.

Partial seizures

Electrical surges originating in one hemisphere of the brain, also referred to as focal seizures.

Generalized seizures

Seizures that involve electrical surges across both hemispheres of the brain.

Status epilepticus

A prolonged seizure state that constitutes a medical emergency.

Seizure precautions

Measures implemented to protect clients from injury during a seizure, including keeping oxygen, an oral airway, suction equipment, and side rail padding at the bedside.

Physical restraint

Any manual or mechanical device or equipment (such as a vest, belt, mitt, limb restraint, or lap board) that restricts a client's movement.

Chemical restraint

Pharmacological agents, including sedatives, neuroleptic medications, or psychotropic medications, used to calm a client or manage behavior.

Emergency restraint prescription rule

A policy permitting nurses to apply restraints in an emergency with immediate risk, provided an order is obtained as soon as possible (usually within $1\,\text{hr}$).

Restraint prescription time limits

Time restrictions on restraint orders allowing up to $4\,\text{hr}$ for an adult, $2\,\text{hr}$ for ages $9$ to $17$, and $1\,\text{hr}$ for under age $9$, renewable up to a maximum of $24$ consecutive hours.

Quick-release knot

A specific knot used to tie restraint straps to the movable bed frame (not the side rail) when buckle straps are unavailable.

RACE sequence

The standard sequence for responding to a fire: Rescue and protect clients, Alarm system activation, Contain/confine the fire, and Extinguish the fire.

PASS sequence

The procedural sequence for operating a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.

Class A fire extinguisher

An extinguisher intended for combustibles such as paper, wood, upholstery, rags, and trash fires.

Class B fire extinguisher

An extinguisher designated for flammable liquid and gas fires.

Class C fire extinguisher

An extinguisher designated specifically for electrical fires.

Class D fire extinguisher

An extinguisher designated for fires involving metals or metal shavings.

Class K fire extinguisher

An extinguisher designated for kitchen fires involving fats and oils.

Class ABC fire extinguisher

A multipurpose fire extinguisher suitable for combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment fires.