Saftey Flashcards
What are never events
Preventable hazards that should never happen to patients
-operating on wrong body part
-removing the wrong limb
-leaving a sponge in someone
What is the CDC
The center for disease control
Engages in health research, surveillance and health promotion to create safer interventions
What is the joint commission
Promotes quality and safety
Sets standard and make sure we’re doing them
What is OSHA
occupational and safety health act
Protects workers against safety hazards in the workplace. We repot accidents to them
What is the board of nursing
Enforce laws to protect the health and welfare of the public
The police of nurses. Make sure we are practicing safe.
Review offenses and decide if you can get your nursing license back
What is safety
Refers to decreasing the risk of danger,preventing accidents, injuries, mistakes or harm
What is quality
Refers to a level of performance consistent with evidence that increases effectiveness of a desired outcome
What Information is on the never events
Pressure injuries or falls, what to do to avoid complications, how to notice something is wrong, how to talk with the physician, when to notify a nurse for help, and how to ask appropriate questions
What is a three-pronged approach
First prong is promoting a safety culture that encourages all employees to make safe choices and what they do and how they do it
Second prong is the involvement in sustainability of healthcare employees to consistently choose to follow health safety rules and standards for the environment, patient care and to be safety advocate for others
The last prong is encouraging patients to be actively engaged in every aspect of their care: asking questions about the quality and safety precautions, medication administered, and other care provided to them
What are the concepts related to safety & how can you uphold them
Accountability: Report unsafe nursing practices
advocacy: nurses must support and uphold the rights of patients
assessment: continuously collect and interpret patient data
clinical decision making: prioritize patient’s needs & assess risk factors for ability to perform activities
evidence-based practice: evidence that provides the best practice for safety and quality patient centered care
quality improvement: resolve safety concerns, ensure medication administration is safe and accurate, and follow safety guidelines
What should you observe when observing and interviewing a patient
First and for most identify physical, psychological and emotional needs.
When interviewing asses:
Their ability to
Communicate & provide self care
Any:
cognitive, memory, visual and sensory deficits
Mobility restrictions
Nutritional issues
Always check If they have a colostomy, foley or catheter
What are some practices patients can do to promote health and safety
Physical exercise, taking medications as prescribed, maintaining good sleep habits, refraining from smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, keeping up-to-date with health screenings, wearing sunscreen, staining a healthy diet and weight
What are some independent interventions you should perform to prevent injury, accidents and infections
Standard precautions, latex precautions, chemical exposures, spoiled food, wet spills and surfaces
What are the 4 acute changes you should always look for when assessing a patient
Cognitive, Physical, Functional and Behavioral changes
Always use your eyes, ears and nose!
Cognitive change
Change in memory or mode, confusion, or decreased level of consciousness
Physical changes
Changes in skin color, vital signs, oxygen saturation or onset of pain
Functional changes
Slurred speech, numbness or weakness in extremity respiratory or mobility changes
Behavioral changes
hallucinating, depression, disorientation
What are standard precautions
Proper hygiene, use of PPE, managing contaminated surfaces, proper disposal of soiled items
Why should you perform latex precautions
Because common items such as blood pressure cuffs, gloves, bandages, syringes and catheters can contain latex which can trigger allergic reactions that can become severe
Why should you perform chemical exposure precautions
Chemical exposure can be caused from cleaning supplies and disinfectants which can cause hazards
What are some nurse injuries
Pinched nerves, herniated disks, sprains, strains, tears, carpal tunnel syndrome and back and neck injuries
What are some safe patents handling and transfers
Methods used to lift, reposition or transfer a patient
Include: height adjustable beds, Hoyer lifts, anti-friction devises and bed trasnsfer aid slide-boards
What are some ways you can promote medication saftey
Carry a list of medications, take medications as prescribes, use a pill organizer, assess the patient for the need for assistance taking medications and assess patient for difficulty opening bottles or reading labels
