mod 6

Safety

Preventing errors and harm during patient care by following protocols (e.g., meds, infection prevention, monitoring).

Near Miss

An error that could have caused harm but was prevented before reaching the patient.

Sentinel Event

A serious, unexpected event that results in severe injury or death.

Adverse Event

An unintended error causing an undesirable outcome. Can be mild to life-threatening.

Diagnostic Error

Incorrect or delayed diagnosis affecting treatment and outcomes.

Treatment Error

Mistakes in care delivery leading to potential or actual harm.

Preventative Error

Failure to take steps that prevent health issues.

Communication Error

Miscommunication or incomplete info between healthcare workers or with patients.

Culture of Safety

Shared commitment to safety through standard practices and learning from mistakes—not assigning blame.

QSEN

Quality and Safety Education for Nurses, founded in 2005 to equip nurses with competencies for safety and quality care.

KSA Model

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes necessary for nursing safety and quality care.

Patient-Centered Care

Respecting patient needs/preferences.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Working with others to ensure quality patient care.

Evidence-Based Practice

Using research to guide care.

Quality Improvement

Analyzing and improving care processes.

Safety (QSEN competency)

Avoiding harm to patients.

Informatics

Using technology to improve safety in healthcare.

NPSG

National Patient Safety Goals, aimed at improving safety in accredited healthcare settings.

RACE

Fire response steps: Rescue, Activate, Confine, Evacuate.

PASS

Fire extinguisher use steps: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Safety Hazards in the Home

Risks such as trip hazards, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces.

Safety Hazards in the Community

Risks such as traffic hazards, environmental pollution, and public space maintenance.

Telephone Orders

Orders taken by licensed nurses that must include specific medication and confirmation protocols.

At-Risk Populations for Falls

Elderly, disabled, people with chronic illness, weakened immune systems.

Fall Prevention Strategies

Methods to reduce risk of falls such as environmental assessments and regular health checkups.

Choking Hazards

Potential risks for infants/toddlers from toys, small objects, and food.

Risk of Falls in Infants/Toddlers

Falls from beds and stairs.

Risk of Falls in Older Adults

Falls due to balance, medications, and vision issues.

Abuse (Safety Risk)

Includes child, elder, and partner abuse.

Mental Health/Suicide Risks

Factors such as bullying, depression, stress, and access to weapons.

Environmental Safety Risks

Unsafe conditions in home, school, hospital, or workplace.

Firearm Safety Risks

Improper access and lack of storage or training.

Cyber Safety Risks

Threats from predators, scams, and bullying.

Key Safety Protocols

Established methods for ensuring patient safety in healthcare.

Medication Errors

Errors in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications.

Infection Control Measures

Practices designed to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Patient Autonomy

Respecting the decisions and preferences of patients regarding their care.

Health Literacy

The ability of patients to understand health information and make informed choices.

Emergency Preparedness

Plans and protocols to effectively respond to emergencies in healthcare.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause injury or illness.

Incident Reporting

The process of documenting and analyzing incidents that lead to unexpected outcomes.

Risk Management

A systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in healthcare.

Patient Safety Culture

The shared values and behaviors that demonstrate a commitment to patient safety.

Advocacy in Nursing

Supporting and promoting the needs and rights of patients.

Informed Consent

The process of obtaining permission from patients after they have been informed of the risks and benefits.

Crisis Management in Healthcare

Strategies for effectively managing unexpected crises in a clinical setting.

Quality Assurance

Procedures that ensure services meet certain standards of quality.

Simulated Training

Practice scenarios that prepare nurses for real-life situations regarding safety.

Case Studies in Nursing Safety

Analyses of real patient safety incidents to learn and improve practices.

Patient Education

Information provided to patients to help them understand their conditions and treatments.

Behavioral Safety Practices

Proactive measures to ensure safety behavior among staff and patients.

Holistic Patient Care

Care that considers the whole person, including physical, emotional, social, and psychological.

Cultural Competence in Nursing

The ability to understand and respect diverse cultural practices in patient care.

Patient Feedback Mechanism

Channels through which patients can express their experiences and satisfaction.

Staff Training on Safety Protocols

Education and practice for team members on best safety practices and standards.

Assessment of Safety Risks

Evaluating patients and environments for potential safety hazards.