Safety and Hazards in Healthcare (3)

Latex Sensitivity

Latex sensitivity involves varying levels of allergic reactions:

• Contact dermatitis: A nonallergic response causing skin redness and itching.

• Type IV hypersensitivity: A cell-mediated allergic reaction occurring 24-48 hours post-exposure, leading to redness, itching, hives, localized swelling, and respiratory symptoms.

• Type I hypersensitivity: A potentially life-threatening true latex allergy, with symptoms ranging from hives and edema to bronchospasm, hypotension, and potential cardiac arrest.

For individuals sensitive to latex, exclusively use latex-free products, including gloves, and examine patient care supply kits for latex-containing items.

Electrical Hazards

Healthcare settings employ electrical equipment requiring regular maintenance. Properly grounded equipment reduces the risk of electrical injury and fire. Home health nurses educate patients on preventing electrical shock and avoiding electrical appliances near water sources.

Radiation

Radiation poses a health hazard if used incorrectly. To minimize radiation exposure:

• Limit time spent near radiation sources.

• Maximize distance from the source.

• Use shielding devices like lead aprons.

Staff working near radiation routinely wear exposure-tracking devices. Community health agencies, the EPA, the NRC, the DOE, and the DOT enforce strict guidelines for radioactive waste disposal. In case of a radioactive leak, these agencies act to prevent neighborhood exposure and provide medical care.

Mercury Spill

In the event of exposure to mercury (e.g., from broken thermometers):

1. Evacuate the room, except for the housekeeping crew.

2. Ventilate the area.

3. Do not vacuum the spill.

4. Mop the floor with a mercury-specific cleanser.

5. Dispose of collected mercury according to local environmental safety regulations.

Workplace Safety

Workplace violence includes any extreme behavior used to frighten, intimidate, threaten, or injure a person or damage property. Workplace violence includes physical, verbal, and nonverbal actions. Workplace violence resulting in days away from work was $10.4$ per $10,000$ full-time workers, compared to the all-worker incidence rate of $2.1$ days per $10,000$ full-time workers in 2018.

Risk factors for work-related assaults in health care agencies include:

• Presence of handguns.

• Hospitalized patients under police custody.

• Acutely disturbed and violent people seeking health care.

• Mentally ill people not taking medication or receiving follow-up care.

• Upset, agitated, or disturbed family members and visitors.

• Long emergency department waits.

• On-site agency pharmacies.

• Gang members and substance abusers.

• Staff being alone with patients.

• Low staffing levels.

• Poorly lit parking areas.

• Lack of staff training.

OSHA offers guidelines for violence identification and prevention programs. The nurse's responsibilities include:

• Following the workplace violence prevention program.

• Understanding safety measures.

• Voiceing safety concerns.

• Reporting violent incidents.

• Serving on health and safety committees.

• Participating in training programs.

Safety measures when dealing with agitated or aggressive people:

• Stand away from the person.

• Position yourself near the door.

• Note the location of panic buttons and security devices.

• Ensure your ID badge will break away if pulled.

• Keep your hands free.

• Stay calm.

• Tell the person you'll get a supervisor.

• Leave the room and notify the supervisor.

• Complete an incident report.

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