NRS 101 Safety

Overview of Safety in Nursing

• Safety is a primary concern for nurses, encompassing:

  • Ensuring a safe physical environment.

  • Administering medications safely.

  • Helping patients feel secure in their surroundings.

Safe Environment Considerations

• A safe environment means freedom from injury, preventing:

  • Falls

  • Electrical injuries

  • Fires and burns

  • Poisoning

• Maintenance of safety includes checking:

  • Functionality of call light or signal systems.

Precautions to Promote Safety

• Key safety measures include:

  • Assisting patients when getting out of bed.

  • Teaching proper use of emergency cords.

  • Encouraging use of non-slip slippers and handrails.

  • Activating bed alarms for restless or disoriented patients.

  • Keeping beds in the lowest position.

  • Ensuring a clutter-free environment and locking wheels.

  • Orienting patients to their environment for familiarity.

  • Providing adequate lighting and placing essential items within reach.

  • Assessing fall risk upon admission and addressing spills immediately.

Fall Risk Assessment

• Falls: the leading cause of preventable injury in healthcare facilities.

• Assessment components include:

  • History of falls.

  • Gait stability and ambulation ability.

  • Effects of high-risk medications.

  • Mental status and blood pressure issues.

  • Age considerations: patients 70+ are at higher risk.

  • Assess presence of IV or chest tubes.

  • Vision and sensory impairments.

Additional Risk Factors

• Patients at risk for falls include those:

  • Recovering from illness or injury.

  • Under the influence of anesthesia, sedatives, or narcotics.

  • With unstable balance or gait.

• Always use a gait belt during ambulation.

Safety Considerations for Different Age Groups

Infants and Children

• Protect infants and educate parents about:

  • Choking hazards from small objects.

  • Potential for electrical hazards.

  • Safety in bathing and pool environments.

  • Preventing bed falls using side rails or cribs.

Older Adults

• Aging impacts safety through:

  • Vision and hearing changes.

  • Slowing response times and altered muscle strength.

  • Cardiovascular changes increasing fall risk.

• Encourage the use of glasses and hearing aids, monitor medications for side effects that may impair function.

  • Speak with patients about proper handling of heat applications to prevent burns.

Restraint Use Guidelines

• The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act limits routine restraint use.

• Restraints should only be used for:

  • Patient safety or others' safety issues.

  • Require a doctor's order with a 24-hour renewal.

  • Consider alternative strategies prior to restraint application

• Regularly assess and document restraint needs:

  • Include reasoning, patient observation, and outcomes.

Safety Hazards in the Healthcare Environment

• Latex sensitivity is a concern:

  • Always inquire about allergies.

  • Use latex-free products as necessary.

• Electrical hazards:

  • Ensure the use of properly grounded equipment.

• Radiation safety precautions include:

  • Limiting exposure time and maintaining distance.

• Mercury spills involve specific protocols for clean-up due to health risks.

Workplace Safety

• Biological hazards:

  • Understand risks related to needle stick injuries and proper needle disposal.

  • Vaccination against disease is essential.

• The Hazard Communication Act mandates health facilities inform employees of potential hazardous exposures.

• Workplace violence protocols:

  • Maintain safe positioning and always have an exit strategy.

  • Report incidents and remain calm when defusing situations.

Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness

• Major causes of fires include cooking; familiarize yourself with fire safety protocols:

  • Use RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Evacuate) for emergencies.

  • PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) for operating extinguishers.

  • Know specific types of fire extinguishers available.

Poisoning and Disaster Planning

• Awareness of poisoning, particularly in children, is essential:

  • Appropriate handling and contact with Poison Control.

  • Avoid actions like inducing vomiting unless advised.

• Emergency preparedness for disasters includes:

  • Familiarizing with facility policies and participating in drills.

  • Understanding potential disaster scenarios.

Terrorism and Bioterrorism Preparedness

• Recognize signs of bioterrorism:

  • Increased disease incidence and unusual patient presentations.

• Staff must know how to respond to chemical and nuclear incidents, including exposure decontamination protocols.

Conclusion

• Always stay updated on safety protocols and remain vigilant to ensure the safety of patients, yourself, and colleagues in healthcare environments.