NURSING 202 SAFETY, SECURITY, AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS CHAPTER 27 REVIEWED STUDY GUIDE
2026
Key terms:
asphyxiation: stoppage of breathing or the lack of air reaching the lungs;
synonym for sufiocation
bioterrorism: the deliberate spread of pathogenic organisms into a
community to cause widespread illness, fear, and panic
bullying: negative, often repetitive, disruptive behavior; also referred to as
horizontal violence, lateral violence, and professional incivility
chemical emergency: event caused by the release of a chemical
compound that has the potential for harming people’s health
culture of safety: organizational environment where “core values and
behaviors resulting from a collective and sustained commitment by
organizational leadership, management, and workers emphasize safety
over competing goals”
cyber terror: the use of high-tech means to disable or delete critical
electronic infrastructure data or information
disaster: an emergency event of greater magnitude that requires the
response of people outside the involved community
elder abuse: intentional act or failure to act by a caregiver or another
person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes or
creates a risk of harm to an older adult; includes physical abuse, sexual
abuse/contact, emotional/psychological abuse, neglect, and financial
abuse/exploitation
intimate partner violence (IPV): domestic violence or battering between
two people in a close relationship
nuclear terrorism: intentional dispersal of radioactive materials into the
environment for the purpose of causing injury and death
poison control center: facility that handles poison exposure and provides
poison prevention teaching to the general population
restraint: device used to limit movement or immobilize a patient
safety event report: documentation describing any injury or potential for
injury suffered by a patient in a health care facility
,sentinel event: an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious
physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof
Safety and security are basic human needs. Safety – or freedom from danger, harm, or
risk – is a paramount concern that underlies all nursing care.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report To Err is Human
https://www.supersalud.gob.cl/observatorio/671/articles-
14460_recurso_1.pdf
Factors affecting safety:
Promoting safety and preventing injury are dual responsibilities of the nurse and allows
nurses to identify potential hazards and promote wellness. Many injuries and deaths can
be prevented with appropriate safety awareness and precautions.
Factors that affect safety:
Developmental considerations Each developmental level carries its own
particular risks. Health care needs and
safety risks change as people progress
from infancy to the older adult stage.
• For children, potential hazards multiply
as their motor skills develop and their
environment expands.
• Toddlers are increasingly active and
need appropriate safeguards to prevent
falls in the home.
• Adolescents face great dangers when
they abuse drugs or alcohol or engage in
high-risk sexual activity.
• Older adults experiencing altered
balance or decline in cognitive abilities
are increasingly vulnerable to falls and
episodes of confusion.
, Lifestyle Certain occupations and
recreational activities place people
in more hazardous situations. For
example, health care staff who
suffer sleep deprivation due to
extended work hours and variable
shift assignments are more likely to
commit errors and be a factor in
adverse events (see further
discussion in Chapter 34).
Occupation • People who work in certain
occupations may experience exposure
to health hazards, such as excessive
noise, pollution, toxic chemicals or
vapors, or infectious agents.
• Workplace violence has been identified
as a major issue for health care
providers.
Social behavior • Some people by nature are more
inclined to take risks and jeopardize their
safety. For example, failure to wear seat
belts or to follow safety precautions is
common behavior for some people.
• Stress may precipitate an unhealthy
lifestyle
that involves drug or alcohol abuse.
• Vulnerable populations also need
support and attention, regardless of the
circumstances that made them
vulnerable.
Environment Living in an area where crime is prevalent
can pose a threat to physical security and
emotional well-being.Violence, acts of
aggression, and terrorism are
components of 21st-century life. Security
measures such as locks, security
systems, and exterior lighting can
promote safety.
PREPAREDNESS CHAPTER 27 REVIEWED STUDY GUIDE
2026
Key terms:
asphyxiation: stoppage of breathing or the lack of air reaching the lungs;
synonym for sufiocation
bioterrorism: the deliberate spread of pathogenic organisms into a
community to cause widespread illness, fear, and panic
bullying: negative, often repetitive, disruptive behavior; also referred to as
horizontal violence, lateral violence, and professional incivility
chemical emergency: event caused by the release of a chemical
compound that has the potential for harming people’s health
culture of safety: organizational environment where “core values and
behaviors resulting from a collective and sustained commitment by
organizational leadership, management, and workers emphasize safety
over competing goals”
cyber terror: the use of high-tech means to disable or delete critical
electronic infrastructure data or information
disaster: an emergency event of greater magnitude that requires the
response of people outside the involved community
elder abuse: intentional act or failure to act by a caregiver or another
person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes or
creates a risk of harm to an older adult; includes physical abuse, sexual
abuse/contact, emotional/psychological abuse, neglect, and financial
abuse/exploitation
intimate partner violence (IPV): domestic violence or battering between
two people in a close relationship
nuclear terrorism: intentional dispersal of radioactive materials into the
environment for the purpose of causing injury and death
poison control center: facility that handles poison exposure and provides
poison prevention teaching to the general population
restraint: device used to limit movement or immobilize a patient
safety event report: documentation describing any injury or potential for
injury suffered by a patient in a health care facility
,sentinel event: an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious
physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof
Safety and security are basic human needs. Safety – or freedom from danger, harm, or
risk – is a paramount concern that underlies all nursing care.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report To Err is Human
https://www.supersalud.gob.cl/observatorio/671/articles-
14460_recurso_1.pdf
Factors affecting safety:
Promoting safety and preventing injury are dual responsibilities of the nurse and allows
nurses to identify potential hazards and promote wellness. Many injuries and deaths can
be prevented with appropriate safety awareness and precautions.
Factors that affect safety:
Developmental considerations Each developmental level carries its own
particular risks. Health care needs and
safety risks change as people progress
from infancy to the older adult stage.
• For children, potential hazards multiply
as their motor skills develop and their
environment expands.
• Toddlers are increasingly active and
need appropriate safeguards to prevent
falls in the home.
• Adolescents face great dangers when
they abuse drugs or alcohol or engage in
high-risk sexual activity.
• Older adults experiencing altered
balance or decline in cognitive abilities
are increasingly vulnerable to falls and
episodes of confusion.
, Lifestyle Certain occupations and
recreational activities place people
in more hazardous situations. For
example, health care staff who
suffer sleep deprivation due to
extended work hours and variable
shift assignments are more likely to
commit errors and be a factor in
adverse events (see further
discussion in Chapter 34).
Occupation • People who work in certain
occupations may experience exposure
to health hazards, such as excessive
noise, pollution, toxic chemicals or
vapors, or infectious agents.
• Workplace violence has been identified
as a major issue for health care
providers.
Social behavior • Some people by nature are more
inclined to take risks and jeopardize their
safety. For example, failure to wear seat
belts or to follow safety precautions is
common behavior for some people.
• Stress may precipitate an unhealthy
lifestyle
that involves drug or alcohol abuse.
• Vulnerable populations also need
support and attention, regardless of the
circumstances that made them
vulnerable.
Environment Living in an area where crime is prevalent
can pose a threat to physical security and
emotional well-being.Violence, acts of
aggression, and terrorism are
components of 21st-century life. Security
measures such as locks, security
systems, and exterior lighting can
promote safety.
