UNITEK LVN safety term 1
A safe environment includes - ANSFreedom from injury
Prevention
Aware and report
Involves the patient, visitors, and membrrs of the health care team
Protection and education
When do the majority of patients fall ? - ANSDuring transfers
who are high risk for falls - ANSThe very young
Older adults
Individuals who become ill or who are injured
Ways to prevent falls: - ANSUse skid resistant shoes or slippers when ambulatory
Wipe up spills immediately, barricade or use wet floor signs
Orient patient to surroundings
Use assistive devices
Use safety reminder devices
Nurses role in Fall Prevention - ANSKeep enviro. Well lit and free from obstacles
Keep beds in low position except when care is being rendered
Instruct pt on how to use call bells
Keep call bells, phone, glasses within pt reach
Use toileting programs
slip - ANSTo slide along smoothly resulting in a sudden mishap
trip - ANSTo catch the foot on something so as to stumble
Gait Belts - ANSAdded safety feature in ambulatory pts
Apply around pts waist
Walk to side of pt, 1 arm around waist & hand on belt. Walk on weaker side
Pt can support themself by leaning or holding onto nurses arm
Nurse should walk w/ his or her closest leg just behind the patients knee
Walk with knees and hips flexed
Age related considerations Older Adult - ANSChanges in vision
Changes in Hearing
Changes in muscle strength
Changes in cardiovascular system
Changes in peripheral vascular system
, Changes in Reflexes - slowed
Age Related considerations ACCIDENTAL POISONING - ANSVisual changes
Overdosing
Slower liver metabolism
Age related considerations MEDICATIONS - ANSSedatives
Hypnotics
Tranquilizers
Diuretics
Antihypertensive
Narcotics
Safe enviro. CHILDREN & INFANTS - ANSEnsuring safety of the environment of infants and
children requires protection of the child and education of the parents
Accidents involving children are largely preventable, but parents and caregivers need to be
aware of the specific dangers at each stage of growth and development
Safe enviro. For INFANTS & TODDLERS - ANSGrowth development :
Oral stage : poisons
Crawling : electrocuted, burns, drowning
Side rails should be up to protect them from falling
Safe enviro. PATIENT TEACHING - ANSSafety Latches
Safety Gates
Doorknob covers and locks
Anti-scald devices
Smoke detectors
Window guards and safety netting
Safe enviro. OLDER ADULTS - ANSChanges associated w/ aging significantly affect the ability
of the older adults to protect themselves from injury
Unsteadiness in gait causes falls
Vision changes may affect the ability to see the height of stairs
Vertigo may occur due to disease and/or meds
Accidental Poisoning- CHILD - ANSChildhood poisoning is one of the major causes of death in
children under 5 yo
Accidental Poisoning- ADULT - ANSOlder adult is also at risk
Changes associated with aging interfere w/ the individuals ability to absorb or effete drugs
A safe environment includes - ANSFreedom from injury
Prevention
Aware and report
Involves the patient, visitors, and membrrs of the health care team
Protection and education
When do the majority of patients fall ? - ANSDuring transfers
who are high risk for falls - ANSThe very young
Older adults
Individuals who become ill or who are injured
Ways to prevent falls: - ANSUse skid resistant shoes or slippers when ambulatory
Wipe up spills immediately, barricade or use wet floor signs
Orient patient to surroundings
Use assistive devices
Use safety reminder devices
Nurses role in Fall Prevention - ANSKeep enviro. Well lit and free from obstacles
Keep beds in low position except when care is being rendered
Instruct pt on how to use call bells
Keep call bells, phone, glasses within pt reach
Use toileting programs
slip - ANSTo slide along smoothly resulting in a sudden mishap
trip - ANSTo catch the foot on something so as to stumble
Gait Belts - ANSAdded safety feature in ambulatory pts
Apply around pts waist
Walk to side of pt, 1 arm around waist & hand on belt. Walk on weaker side
Pt can support themself by leaning or holding onto nurses arm
Nurse should walk w/ his or her closest leg just behind the patients knee
Walk with knees and hips flexed
Age related considerations Older Adult - ANSChanges in vision
Changes in Hearing
Changes in muscle strength
Changes in cardiovascular system
Changes in peripheral vascular system
, Changes in Reflexes - slowed
Age Related considerations ACCIDENTAL POISONING - ANSVisual changes
Overdosing
Slower liver metabolism
Age related considerations MEDICATIONS - ANSSedatives
Hypnotics
Tranquilizers
Diuretics
Antihypertensive
Narcotics
Safe enviro. CHILDREN & INFANTS - ANSEnsuring safety of the environment of infants and
children requires protection of the child and education of the parents
Accidents involving children are largely preventable, but parents and caregivers need to be
aware of the specific dangers at each stage of growth and development
Safe enviro. For INFANTS & TODDLERS - ANSGrowth development :
Oral stage : poisons
Crawling : electrocuted, burns, drowning
Side rails should be up to protect them from falling
Safe enviro. PATIENT TEACHING - ANSSafety Latches
Safety Gates
Doorknob covers and locks
Anti-scald devices
Smoke detectors
Window guards and safety netting
Safe enviro. OLDER ADULTS - ANSChanges associated w/ aging significantly affect the ability
of the older adults to protect themselves from injury
Unsteadiness in gait causes falls
Vision changes may affect the ability to see the height of stairs
Vertigo may occur due to disease and/or meds
Accidental Poisoning- CHILD - ANSChildhood poisoning is one of the major causes of death in
children under 5 yo
Accidental Poisoning- ADULT - ANSOlder adult is also at risk
Changes associated with aging interfere w/ the individuals ability to absorb or effete drugs
