Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness

Vocabulary flashcards covering safety considerations across the lifespan, fall prevention, restraints, fire protocols, and emergency preparedness based on Chapter 28.

Developmental considerations

Factors affecting safety that change throughout the lifespan, from neonates and infants to older adults.

Asphyxiation

A developmental safety consideration particularly relevant to toddlers and preschoolers involving the deprivation of oxygen.

Concussion (Physical Signs)

Indications including headache, vomiting, problems with balance, fatigue, and a dazed or stunned appearance.

Concussion (Cognitive Signs)

Symptoms such as being mentally foggy, difficulty concentrating and remembering, confusion, and forgetting recent activities.

Concussion (Emotional Signs)

Symptoms characterized by irritability, nervousness, and very emotional behavior.

Concussion (Sleep Signs)

Indications including drowsiness, difficulty falling asleep, or sleeping more or less than usual.

Intimate partner violence

A safety consideration for adults involving domestic abuse within a relationship.

Falls

The leading cause of injury fatality among older adults.

Polypharmacy

The use of multiple medications simultaneously, which is a safety risk for poisoning in older adults.

Functional Ability

A factor affecting safety that includes mobility, sensory perception, and the ability to communicate.

Orthostatic hypotension

A physical factor that contributes to the risk of falls.

Preventing Falls Targeted Solutions Tool (TST)

A specific safety improvement strategy used to identify and prevent patient falls.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

A safety improvement tool used to analyze the underlying causes of safety events.

Physiologic hazards of restraints

Possible negative outcomes including skin breakdown, contractures, incontinence, depression, delirium, anxiety, and aspiration.

Side rail (non-restraint usage)

A device not considered a restraint if the patient requests it to aid in mobility and if the patient can raise/lower it on their own.

Mummy restraint

A specific type of restraint used for children to limit movement.

Wrist restraint

A type of physical restraint applied to the wrists of adults or children.

Elbow restraint

A type of restraint used to prevent a patient from bending their arm and reaching tubes or dressings.

RACE

An acronym guide to fire safety priorities: Rescue, Activate, Confine, and Evacuate.

R (in RACE)

Rescue anyone in immediate danger.

A (in RACE)

Activate the fire code and notify the appropriate person.

C (in RACE)

Confine the fire by closing doors and windows.

E (in RACE)

Evacuate patients and other people to a safe area.

Safety Event Report

A document completed immediately after an accident that describes circumstances and patient response; it is not part of the medical record.

Procedure-Related Accidents

Errors occurring during care, such as administering medications, transferring a patient, or changing a dressing.

Blister agents/vesicants

Chemicals used for mass destruction that cause severe skin, eye, and mucosal pain/irritation.

Blood agents

A category of chemicals used for mass destruction that affects the body's ability to use oxygen.

Nerve agents

Highly toxic chemicals that interfere with the nervous system, used as weapons of mass destruction.

Incapacitating agents

Chemicals used for mass destruction designed to cause temporary disability.

Riot control agents/tear gas

Chemicals used to disperse crowds by causing irritation to the eyes and respiratory system.

Cyber terror

A threat to emergency preparedness involving attacks on computer systems and information technology.

Vitamin D deficiency

A nutritional factor that contributes to the risk of falls.

Elder abuse

A safety risk for older adults that nurses must objectively document and report.

Substance use, misuse, and abuse

A developmental safety consideration specifically listed for the adolescent population.

Sex trafficking

A significant safety threat categorized under developmental considerations for adolescents.

Defensive driving course

A recommended safety intervention for both adults and older adults to prevent motor vehicle accidents.

Safety Plan for Domestic Abuse

A strategy involving safety while living with an abusive partner, planning for children/pets, and planning for leaving.

Patient environment

The workplace, social, and home surroundings that affect a person's safety.

Equipment-related accidents

Accidents in a facility caused by the failure or improper use of medical devices.

Emergency Preparedness

The act of maintaining readiness for biologic, chemical, radiation, and mass trauma threats.