lecture recording on 11 March 2025 at 20.37.52 PM

Patient Needs and Environmental Safety

• Basic Needs: Ensure patient's needs for oxygen, nutrition, and temperature are met.

• Environmental Hazards: Recognize dangers like falls and poisons that can affect patient safety.

Poison Control Resources

• Poison Control: An essential resource for emergency situations involving exposure to chemicals and drugs.

  • Physicians may lack comprehensive knowledge of all poison effects and treatments; poison control provides immediate access to a detailed database.

  • Poison control can assess risks and provide recommendations for necessary medical actions.

  • Example: Personal emergency where a toddler ingested nail polish remover led to a successful intervention through poison control.

Safety Considerations by Age Group

• Infants and Toddlers:

  • Risks include choking and suffocation; common items that pose hazards include small toys and food debris.

  • Constant supervision is crucial due to mobility dynamics.

• Elderly:

  • High risk for falls, often due to altered mobility or health conditions such as osteoporosis.

  • Falls can lead to serious injuries like fractures; preventing falls is critical.

Individual and Environmental Risk Factors

• Workplace Culture: Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) leads to safety concerns.

• Impaired Mobility: Impacts ability to safely navigate environments, increasing fall risks.

• Sensory/Mental Impairments: Cognitive or communication issues that can hinder awareness of hazards.

• Education: Necessary to improve understanding of safety awareness and individual circumstances.

Reporting Incidents in Healthcare

• Reporting accidents, near misses, and chemical exposures is vital for improving safety measures and preventing future occurrences.

  • Quality department utilizes reported data to identify problems and enhance patient care practices.

Assessing Patient Safety

• Conduct thorough assessments, including psychosocial and cultural factors that may affect safety and care understanding.

• Factors such as patient support systems and cultural backgrounds can significantly influence care decisions.

• Risk assessments for home environments:

  • Cluttered or dark environments increase fall risks for elderly patients.

Activity and Exercise Role in Health Promotion

• Regular physical activity can benefit mental health by elevating mood, reducing the risk for chronic illnesses, and improving overall health outcomes.

• Physical activity improves sleep, self-image, confidence, and acts as a coping mechanism for stress.

Body Mechanics for Healthcare Providers

• Proper body mechanics are essential to prevent injuries for nurses and caregivers while transferring patients.

• Utilize leg strength and maintain proper posture during patient transfers. Avoid twisting motions to prevent back injuries.

Mobility Aids

• Gait Belt: Provides support for patients who are ambulating, and helps prevent falls.

• Walking Aids: Canes and walkers should be used appropriately, ensuring correct measurements and usage to maximize balance and support.

Psychological and Physiological Considerations of Mobility

• Immobility has significant effects on physical health, increasing the risk of conditions like pneumonia, pressure ulcers, and depression.

• Importance of early ambulation and maintaining activity when clinically safe to do so to prevent complications.

Understanding and Managing Hypertension

• Educating patients about the impact of diet, medication adherence, and physical activity on blood pressure is crucial for management and reducing cardiovascular risks.

• Goals should include specific metrics (e.g., target blood pressure) to gauge progress.

Infection Control and Disease Precautions

• Recognizing transmission-based precautions for diseases like tuberculosis and meningitis is essential in patient care to prevent outbreaks.

• Emphasizing hand hygiene, proper room placements, and personal protective equipment is critical for preventing infection spread.

Medication Management and Calculations

• Accurate medication dosage calculations and understanding conversion factors are vital in nursing practice to ensure patient safety and effective treatment.

  • Common conversions: 1 kg = 1000 g, 1 g = 1000 mg, 1 mg = 1000 mcg, 1 liter = 1000 ml.

  • Avoid trailing zeros to eliminate confusion during medication administration.