Patient Safety Flashcards
What/Where is the center of gravity?
Point at which the mass of any body is centered; when standing, center of gravity is @ center of pelvis
What is good posture?
Body is aligned with all parts in balance; chest up to allow maximum lung efficiency & knees bent as shock absorbers; keep heaviest part close to body
How can friction be reduced?
Pull rather than push heavy objects/people
Rules for lifting heavy objects
Bend knees & lower body (do NOT bend @ waist); Balance weight over both feet (close to pt, flex gluteal muscles & bend knees)
Three best of support types
Normal, Wide & Narrow
Patient assessment considerations
Patient’s general condition, range of motions/weight bearing ability, strength/endurance, maintain balance, understanding of transfer, acceptance of move & medication history
What areas of the body could be supported with sponges/cushions?
Head, knees, padding under bony prominences, patients after abdominal surgery
What are some rules for immobilization?
Patient must be allowed as much mobility as possible; if leg immobilizers are used, wrist immobilizers must be applied to prevent patient from unfastening
Types of immobilizers
Limb holders/four-point restraints, ankle/wrist immobilizers, immobilizing vest (keeps pt in chair), waist immobilizer (keeps pt in bed/table)
What damage can immobilizers do to skin?
Decubitus ulcer from skin breakdown; immobilization in one position for extended period of time/moving pt too quickly (tissue necrosis); at risk: malnourished, elderly & chronically ill
Areas most susceptible to decubitus ulcers:
Scapula, sacrum, trochanters, knees, heels of feet
What are casts made of? What does this depend on?
Made of plaster, fiberglass, plastic or cast-tape. Depends on injury, length of immobilization, physician’s preference
What are signs of circulatory/neurological impairment?
Pain, coldness, numbness, burning/tingling of fingers/toes, swelling, skin color changes, inability to move fingers/toes, decrease/absence of pulse
What are types of bedpans?
Standard (Metal/plastic) and fracture pan
