7. Safety & Body Mechanics

Question 1

What makes up the majority of accidents that occur in facilities? [STAR]

Answer 1

falls

Question 2

What should you do if a resident begins to fall? [STAR]

Answer 2

use your body to slide them to the floor safely; don’t try to stop it or catch them (may cause injury to yourself)

Question 3

At what temperature can a liquid start to cause serious burns in 5 seconds or less?

Answer 3

140F

Question 4

Who is at the highest risk for burns?

Answer 4

elderly people and people who have a loss of sensation (such as from paralysis or DM)

Question 5

inhaling food, fluid, or foreign lateral into the lungs [STAR]

Answer 5

aspiration

Question 6

What information is found on the safety data sheet (SDS) for chemicals? [STAR]

Answer 6

• chemical ingredients
• dangers of the product
• protective items to wear when using it
• correct method of using and cleaning up a chemical
• emergency response actions to be taken when a chemical is splashed, sprayed, or ingested by a person
• safe handling, storage, and disposal procedures for products

Question 7

How should a biohazard container be carried?

Answer 7

carry it by the bottom (not the top) and make sure the lid is closed

Question 8

refers to the way the parts of the body work together when a person moves

Answer 8

body mechanics

Question 9

When is the body in alignment?

Answer 9

when a vertical line drawn through the center of the body and center of gravity is straight

Question 10

Which is more stable: a wide base of support or a narrow base of support? [STAR]

Answer 10

wide base of support - stand with legs shoulder-width apart

Question 11

body point where the most weight is concentrated

Answer 11

center of gravity

Question 12

Which is more stable: a higher or lower center of gravity? [STAR]

Answer 12

lower center of gravity (bend knees when lifting an object rather than just bending over)

Question 13

How does a CNA’s center of gravity change when transferring a resident and what should you do to make it easier?

Answer 13

center of gravity will include the resident; when transferring, the resident needs to be as close to the CNA’s body as possible

Question 14

Generally, what is a safe working level for beds?

Answer 14

waist high

Question 15

any method, device, material, or equipment that restricts a person’s freedom of movement

Answer 15

physical restraint

Question 16

medications used to control a person’s mood or behavior

Answer 16

chemical restraint

Question 17

Something that promotes a resident’s independence, mobility, comfort, or safety

Answer 17

enabler

Question 18

What is an enabler considered if a person can’t remove it independently? Give an example.

Answer 18

a restraint; example is raised side rails

Question 19

What is entrapment?

Answer 19

when a resident becomes trapped in the side rail or between the side rail and the mattress, headboard, footboard, or bed frame

Question 20

When are facilities allowed to use restraints? What is needed to use them? [STAR]

Answer 20

only when they are medically necessary (can’t be used as discipline or for staff convenience); need a doctor’s order to use restraints

Question 21

How often should residents in physical restraints be checked on? How often should residents be released from physical restraints to be given care? What should you check for on residents in restraints? [STAR]

Answer 21

• must be checked on every 15 minutes
• must be released a minimum of every 2 hours
• check for cyanosis (sign that restraints are too tight and cutting off circulation)

Question 22

Oxygen is a dangerous fire hazard because it supports what?

Answer 22

combustion (burning of other things)

Question 23

the delivery of medication, nutrition, or fluids through a person’s veins

Answer 23

Intravenous (IV) therapy

Question 24

administration of fluids into surrounding tissue due to IV catheter coming out of the vein

Answer 24

infiltration

Question 25

Sxs of infiltration

Answer 25

tissue swelling, cool/cold skin, red/warm skin, pain, tenderness, bleeding, and leaking of fluid from IV site

Question 26

What 3 elements must be present for fire to occur? [STAR]

Answer 26

• heat: makes flame
• fuel: object that burns
• oxygen: gas that keeps fire burning

Question 27

How can e-cigarettes cause fires?

Answer 27

the battery can overcharge or overheat

Question 28

What is the acronym for what to do in case of a fire? What does it stand for? [STAR]

Answer 28

RACE

• Rescue anyone in danger if you are not in danger
• Activate alarm or call 911
• Contain the fire by closing all doors and windows if possible
• Extinguish fire or fire department will; evacuate if instructed to do so

Question 29

What is the acronym for how to use a fire extinguisher? What does it stand for? [STAR]

Answer 29

PASS

• Pull the pin
• Aim at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep back and forth at the base of the fire

Question 30

atrophy vs contracture [STAR]

Answer 30

• atrophy: weakening or wasting away of muscles

- contracture: permanent and painful shortening or muscle, tendon, or ligament that can restrict movement

Question 31

What should you make sure of beds and wheelchairs before moving residents? [STAR]

Answer 31

make sure the wheels are locked

Question 32

How should residents sit to prevent choking? [STAR]

Answer 32

sit upright at 90 degree angle (Fowler’s position)