Environmental Safety Flashcards
Review basic safety principles.
What does “RACE” stand for in regard to fire safety?
- Rescue the clients
- Activate the alarm
- Contain the fire
- Extinguish the fire
What does “PASS” stand for in regard to fire safety?
How to use a fire extinguisher:
- Pull the pin
- Aim the extinguisher
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep from side to side
What should be turned OFF in a fire?
oxygen
Since oxygen can feed a fire.
If a client needs to be taken off the ventilator in an emergency, what should be used in place of a ventilator?
Ambu bag
Use this to manually ventilate the client.
In what order should clients be evacuated during a fire?
(Immediate Complication)
- Clients who can walk first
- Clients in wheelchairs next
- Bedridden clients last
Why are damaged electrical cords dangerous?
Because they can start a fire.
Report them immediately.
If extension cords have to be used where clients walk, what is the best way to place them?
Tape extension cords to the floor.
Don’t put cords under rugs due to risk of fire.
If a client experiences a shock from faulty electrical equipment, what should be done first before touching the client?
Turn off the electricity.
What are 3 sources of radiation in the clinical setting?
- x-rays
- radiation implants
- radioactive iodine
What should the nurse wear when close to a client who is radioactive?
lead apron
This blocks radiation.
What is a dosimeter badge?
Is worn on the shirt or wrist that monitors how much radiation the nurse has been exposed to.
What type of room should a client get that has a radiation implant?
Private room to protect others from receiving radiation.
When should the bed linens be removed when caring for a client with a radiation implant?
Keep the bed linens in the room until the client is discharged. Then remove them all at once.
Why are older clients at risk for falling?
They typically have decreased strength, balance, and vision putting them at risk for falls.
How do urinary problems with older clients put them at risk for falling?
They may have:
- nocturia (urinating at night), causing them to bump or trip over things in the dark
- incontinence: this causes them to rush to the bathroom, putting them at risk of falling
What can be implemented to prevent falls due to having to urinate or being incontinent?
A toileting schedule where the client is prompted to use the restroom every 2-3 hours.
How do medications cause risk of falling in older adults?
These medications can have side effects of:
- orthostatic hypotension: can cause dizziness
- sedation: can cause imbalance
Where should a client’s room be located when they are a high risk for falls?
Near the nurse’s station.
Where should the call light be placed when the client is at risk for falls?
In the client’s lap.
Instruct the client to use the call light to contact a nurse or UAP before getting up.
What are bed and chair alarms?
A pad is placed under the client that alerts the nurse when the client is getting up.
It is used for clients that are at risk of falling.
Which position should the bed be in when leaving the room in order to prevent falls?
In the lowest position with 2 or 3 of the side rails up.
Where should the client’s personal items be placed to prevent reaching too far or getting up and falling?
Near the client on the bedside table or in the client’s lap.
What should be cleaned up and removed from a client’s room to prevent falls?
Clean up clutter and remove throw rugs.
Both increase the risk of tripping and falling.
What can be turned on at night to prevent falls?
Adequate lighting is important such as a night light or bathroom light.
What does home safety include?
- preventing falls
- preventing break-ins
- working appliances and utilities
- fire/smoke/carbon monoxide alarms
- no gas cars running in a garage
How are falls prevented at home?
- using adequate lighting
- using handrails in bathroom
- removing clutter and throw rugs
What is a gait belt?
Used around a client’s waist to assist in getting the client up or down and to prevent injuries in the caretaker.
When lifting objects, where should the nurse keep the weight in order to prevent injuries?
Keep the weight close to the body to prevent strain and injuries.
How should the nurse bend when picking something up?
Bend at the knees to prevent back injuries.
What is the difference between a physical restraint and a chemical restraint?
- Physical restraint uses a device to restrain the client or putting a client in seclusion.
- Chemical restraint uses medication to restrain the client.
When should restraints be used?
When the client’s safety is at risk and all other measures to prevent the client from harm have been used.
How often are restraint orders renewed by the HCP?
Every 24 hours.