Lecture 11 Flashcards
Client safety and Infection Control
What vulnerable groups need help in achieving a safe environment?
- Children
- Older Adults
- The Ill
- The Physically and Mentally Disabled
- The Illiterate
- The Poor
A patient’s environment includes…
physical and psychosocial factors that influence or affect the life and survival of that patient
what protects the staff and allows them to function properly?
A safe environment
What is one environmental factor that could decrease the amount of available oxygen when not in a healthcare setting?
Carbon Monoxide
Who regulates commercially processed and packed foods?
the FDA
Who is at higher risk for hypothermia?
- Older Adults
- Young People
- Patients who are intoxicated on drugs or alcohol
- The Homeless
Temperature extremes that often occur in the winter and summer affect what?
- Comfort
- productivity
- safety
What is a pathogen?
Any microorganism that is capable of producing illness
What is the most common mode of transportation of pathogens?
The hands
What is one of the most effective methods for limiting the transmission of pathogens?
Hand hygiene
How is HIV, AIDS, and Hep B transmitted?
Through blood and other body select bodily fluid
Immunization does what?
it can reduce or prevent the transmission of disease from person to person
True or False: As a nurse you are responsible for educating patients about the benefits of immunization.
T
What is a pollutant?
A harmful chemical or waste material that is discharged into the water, air, or soil
In the home, school, or workplace, what is the primary cause of air pollution?
Cigarette smoke
what type of pollutant is typically found in water pollution?
Industrial pollutants
Describe physical hazards in the environment.
Physical hazards in the environment threaten a persons safety and often results in physical or psychological injury or death
What are some examples of physical hazards (5)?
Hazards associated with:
1) Motor Vehicle Accidents
2) Poison
3) Falls
4) Fires
5) Disasters
What are the leading cause of death for americans of all ages?
Accidents are the leading cause of death followed by poisonings and falls
Child safety and booster seats should be used…
At all times
A poison is…
Any substance that impairs health or destroys life when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the body
Almost any substance is (BLANK) if too much is taken.
poisonous
What are some sources of potential poisoning in a person’s home (5)?
1) Drugs
2) Medicines
3) Solid and liquid chemicals
4) Gases
5) Vapors
Which organ system can poisons affect?
Every major organ system
what is the best resource for patients and parents needing info on treatment of accidental poisonings?
Poison control centers
What is the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in people 65 and older?
Falls
what kinds of factors increase the risk of falling(8)?
1) Being 65 or older
2) Reduced vision
3) Orthostatic hypotension
4) Leg weakness
5) Gait and balance problems
6) Urinary incontinence
7) Improper use of walking aids
8) Medications
What is the leading cause of fire-related death?
Careless smoking, especially when people smoke in bed at home.
where should multipurpose fire extinguishers be located?
Near the kitchen and any workshop area
what should nurses advise patients concerning space heaters?
to purchase newer-model space heaters that have safety features
What is bioterrorism considered?
A cause of disaster
While caring for a child, you identify that additional safety teaching is needed when a young and inexperienced mother states that:
A. teenagers need to practice safe sex.
B. a 3-year-old can safely sit in the front seat of the car.
C. children need to wear safety equipment when bike riding.
D. children need to learn to swim even if they do not have a pool.
B
Apart from physical safety risk, what factors influence patient safety(4)?
1) Patient’s developmental level
2) Mobility, sensory, and cognitive status
3) lifestyle choices
4) Knowledge of common safety precautions
What are the greatest risks for children younger than 5 years old(7)?
Home accidents including:
1) Poisoning
2) Choking
3) Fires started by playing with fire
4) Falls
5) Unrestrained car riding
6) Drowning
7) Head trauma
Accident prevention for children less than five includes
Health education for parents and removal of dangers whenever possible
Where are school-aged children most at risk for injury(3)?
1) Home
2) School
3) While traveling to and from school
What should be taught to school aged children to reduce risk for injury(3)?
1) Stranger danger
2) Sports safety
3) Use of safety equipment especially bike helmets
What are adolescents most at risk for injury due to(3)? Why?
1) Auto accidents
2) Suicide
3) Substance abuse
Because they engage in risk-taking behavior
Threats to an adult’s safety are frequently associated with…
Lifestyle habits (Smoking, Drinking, Hazardous work, etc.)
Risks for injury for older adults are directly related to what(3)?
The physiological changes of the aging process including:
1) Effects of multiple meds
2) Psychological and cognitive factors
3) Effects of chronic and acute disease
What are the individual risk factors for injury(4)?
LISL
1) Lifestyle
2) Impaired mobility
3) Sensory or communication impairment
4) Lack of safety awareness
People experiencing stress, Anxiety, fatigue, alcohol or drug withdrawal, or those taking prescription meds are sometimes more prone to what?
Accidents
Patients with delirium, dementia, and depression become easily confused with their surroundings and are more likely to have…
Falls and burns
Why are people with visual, hearing, tactile, or communication impairment such as aphasia or a language barrier at an increased danger risk?
Because they are not always able to perceive potential danger or express their need for assistance
A nursing assessment that includes a home inspection helps you to identify…
A patients level of knowledge about home safety so you can correct deficiencies with an individualized nursing care plan
Medical errors happen when…
something that was planned as part of medical care doesn’t work out or the wrong plan was used. They occur in all health care settings.
- Building consensus on national priorities and goals for performance improvement and working in partnership to achieve them;
- Endorsing national consensus standards for measuring and publicly reporting on performance; and
- Promoting the attainment of national goals through education and outreach programs.
These are whose methods of improving healthcare in America?
The National Quality Forum (NQF)
The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) emphasize error prevention and patient safety. Their “Speak up” campaign…
Encourages patients to take a role in preventing healthcare errors by becoming active, involved, and informed participants on the health care team
When does a nurse or HCP complete an incident or occurrence report?
When an actual or potential adverse event occurs
What are some environmental risks that nurses face(4)?
CACD
1) Chemicals found in some medication (e.g. Chemotherapy)
2) Anesthetic drugs
3) Cleaning solutions
4) Disinfectants
What are the specific risks to a patient’s safety within the healthcare environment(4)?
1) Falls
2) Patient-inherent accidents
3) Procedure-related accidents
4) Equipment related accidents
What are Patient-inherent accidents?
Accidents classified as self-induced
Need to figure out whether accident was caused by seizure activity
What are procedure-related accidents?
Accidents that occur during therapy
What are some Procedure-related accidents(4)?
MIII
1) Medication administration errors
2) IV therapy errors
3) Improper application of external devices
4) Improper performance of procedures
What technique is used for sterile dressing changes or invasive procedures such as foley catheter insertion?
Sterile technique
What are equipment-related accidents?
Accidents that result from Malfunction, disrepair, or misuse of equipment, or from an electrical hazard
How can you avoid equipment-related accidents?
Make sure equipment has been well maintained and has undergone safety inspection. also make sure you know how to use something before you use it
Facilities must report all suspected medical device-related deaths to who?
Both the FDA and manufacturer of the product if known
You are caring for a patient who underwent surgery 48 hours ago. On physical assessment, you notice that the wound looks red and swollen. The patient’s WBCs are elevated. You should:
A. start antibiotics.
B. notify the provider.
C. document the findings and reassess in 2 hours.
D. place the patient on isolation precautions.
B
A patient is admitted to a medical unit for a home-acquired pressure ulcer. The patient has Alzheimer’s disease and has been incontinent of urine. The nurse inserts a Foley catheter. You will identify a link in the infection chain as:
A. restraints.
B. poor hygiene.
C. Foley catheter bag.
D. improper positioning.
C
A nurse floats to a busy surgical unit and administers a wrong medication to a patient. This error can be classified as:
A. a poisoning accident.
B. an equipment-related accident.
C. a procedure-related accident.
D. an accident related to time management.
C
A newly admitted patient was found wandering the hallways for the past two nights. The most appropriate nursing interventions to prevent a fall for this patient would include:
A. raise all four side rails when darkness falls.
B. use an electronic bed monitoring device.
C. place the patient in a room close to the nursing station.
D. use a loose-fitting vest-type jacket restraint.
B