Safety Flashcards
What are some factors that contribute to a risk of falls?
Age (over 65 years) Gender Confusion Disorientation Impulsivity Depression Altered elimination Dizziness or vertigo Medication use Ability to move independently Previous falls
What is the acronym to assess previous falls?
Symptoms at time of fall Previous fall Location of fall Activity at time of fall Time of fall Trauma post fall
What are some of the risks factors of falling in a health care setting?
being attached to equipment, such as sequential compression hose, intravenous [IV] tubing, or oxygen tubing; improperly lit room; obstructed walkway to bathroom; clutter of supplies and equipment; inability to reach or use the call light
What are some physiological changes that could contribute to a risk of falling?
musculoskeletal changes (e.g., osteoporosis), nervous system changes (e.g., slowing of voluntary or automatic reflexes), sensory changes (e.g., decreased vision, cataracts), genitourinary changes (e.g., nocturia, incontinence), or use of anticoagulant therapy.
What is a chemical restraint?
“any form of psychoactive medication used, not to treat illness, but to intentionally inhibit a particular behaviour or movement”
Which restraint should be selected?
The least restrictive one
What are four objectives of restraints?
Reduce patient injury
Prevent the interruption of therapy (ex traction)
Prevent a confused or combative patient from removing lifesaving equipment
Reduce injury to other patients
What are some serious injuries associated with restraints?
Pressure ulcers, pneumonia, constipation, urinary and fecal incontinence, urinary retention, contractures, nerve damage, and circulatory impairment.
What are some expected outcomes of restraint?
The patient will be free from injury
The patient will maintain intact skin integrity, pulses, temp, colour and sensation
Prescribed therapies will be continued without interruption
Restraint will be discontinued ASAP
What is a shear injury?
When the skin and subcutaneous layer ramins stationary and the underlying layers of muscle and bones slide in the direction of body movement resulting in tissue damage.
What is orthostatic hypotension?
A drop of greater than 20mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and of 10 mm HG in diastolic blood pressure, with dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, tachycardia, pallor, or fainting when moving from lying or sitting to standing.
What conditions is orthostatic hypotension associated with?
Bed rest
Hypovolemia (decreased circulating blood volume)
Hypokalemia (low serum potassium level)
Medications like sedatives, hypnotics, analgesics, antihypertensives, antiemetics, antihistamines, diuretics, antianxiety agents, muscle relaxants
What are the signs of dysphagia?
coughing during eating; change in voice tone or quality after swallowing; abnormal movements of the mouth, tongue, or lips; slow, weak, imprecise, inconsistent, or uncoordinated speech; abnormal gag reflex; delayed swallowing; incomplete oral clearance or pocketing of food or medications; and regurgitation.
Four things to always do before transferring:
Hand hygiene, patient sitting at side of bed, assess for dizziness, wheelchair at 45 degrees
