Environmental Theory in Nursing by Florence Nightingale Flashcards
Major Concepts and Definitions
Healthy surroundings are necessary for proper nursing care (in modern healthcare this means clean rooms, beds well-kept, some decorations)
13 Canons as Guide to Nursing Care
Ventilation and Warmth,Health of Houses: Five Essential Points, Petty management, Noise, Variety,Food Intake, Food,Bed and Bedding, Light,Cleanliness in Room and Walls,Personal Cleanliness,Chattering hopes and advices,Observation of the Sick.
patient’s body temperature, ventilation and temperature in the patient’s room, room must also be free of odor
Ventilation and Warmth
Pure air (ensure access to clean air),Pure water (ensure access to fresh water and remove stagnant water)Efficient drainage,Cleanliness (remove garbage),Light
Health of Houses: Five Essential Points
nurse must ensure continuity of care; in modern hospitals, this is done through endorsements to the next shift nurse (e.g. charge nurse assigns patient loads to nurses, before they go off duty they must first endorse their patients to the next nurse); document plan of care and evaluate outcomes to ensure continuity
Petty management
minimize noise in patient environment to allow them to get proper rest; check noise levels in the room and the surrounding area
Noise
encourage patient to participate in various stimulating activities, whether alone or with friends, family, and other patients; today, we can also accomplish this through technology
Variety
nurse checks and records patient’s diet (amount of food and fluid ingested by the patient at ever meal); in hospitals this is done through a flow sheet which also indicates the time in which the food or fluid was ingested.
Food Intake
take note of the type of food being eaten or NOT being eaten in relation to the patient’s religious or spiritual beliefs
Food
check bed for dampness, wrinkles, and soiling; for elderly patients, wrinkle-free bedding is important because their skin integrity is very poor.
Bed and Bedding
check for adequate lighting; sunlight is very beneficial to the patient but only during the right times of the day (avoid 9am-3pm window); also, some doctors do not allow newborns to be exposed to sunlight because of possible harmful UV radiation.
Light
check room for dust, dampness, and dirt because it can result in bacteria growth and proliferation; if a recovered infectious patient is discharged, their room must be cleaned thoroughly before a new patient can be admitted.
Cleanliness in Room and Walls
