Healthcare Safety and Risk Management

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the use of limb restraints?

To allow patients to move freely

To secure the patient to the bed

To facilitate care procedures

To prevent interruption of therapy (correct)

Which type of restraint is considered the least restrictive if not tied to the bedframe?

Mitt restraint (correct)

Vest restraint

Limb restraint

Geri-chair

What must be assessed every two hours when a patient is in restraints?

Nutritional status

Vital signs only

Patient's medication intake

Skin integrity and pulses (correct)

Why should restraints not be tied to the siderail?

It may cause injury if the siderail is lowered Signup and view all the answers

What is required to maintain a restraint on a patient?

Healthcare provider's order Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor for nurses to assess when ensuring patient safety for older adults?

Physiologic changes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a fall prevention intervention for older adults?

Encouraging unrestricted mobility Signup and view all the answers

What does a yellow color-coded wristband indicate for a patient?

Fall risk Signup and view all the answers

How should a nurse ensure the safety of a patient upon leaving their room?

Lower the bed to its lowest position Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interventions is helpful in assessing fall risk factors?

Morse Fall Scale Signup and view all the answers

What role do mobility aids play in fall prevention for older adults?

They provide support and stability Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a chemical restraint?

Medication to calm a patient Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of ensuring safety in healthcare settings?

Increases patient’s risk of medication errors Signup and view all the answers

Which organization may deny hospital reimbursement for medical errors?

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events is considered a Serious Reportable Event in Healthcare?

Death associated with electric shock Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is part of the RACE protocol in case of a fire?

Rescue, Activate, Confine, Extinguish Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with damaged electrical equipment in a healthcare setting?

Tag the item for repair and remove it immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the QSEN competencies in nursing?

Enhance quality and safety in nursing education Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions could contribute to falls in patients?

Ignoring environmental hazards Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus when identifying environmental hazards in patient care?

Evaluate equipment safety and potential risks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a technique for using a wheelchair safely?

Locking the wheels when stationary Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of using assistive mobility devices? Select all that apply:

To increase mobility without injury Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical safety measure for using crutches?

Regularly inspecting crutch tips Signup and view all the answers

Which type of gait requires weight bearing on both legs?

Four-Point Alternate Gait Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes a quad cane from a standard cane?

A metal base with four feet Signup and view all the answers

Which action is recommended when transferring a patient from a bed to a chair?

Give clear instructions during the procedure Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct placement of crutches for a basic crutch stance?

6 inches in front and 6 inches to the side Signup and view all the answers

Which device is specifically designed to assist with transferring patients between beds or stretchers?

Transfer Board/Sliding Board Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured for the correct use of a mechanical lift?

Patient weight is within the device's guidelines Signup and view all the answers

In cane walking, which leg should move forward at the same time as the cane?

The weaker leg Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a recommended safety feature for wheelchairs?

Power steering Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake when using a walker?

Walking slowly with a head down Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of alarms in patient mobility safety?

To alert staff of a fall Signup and view all the answers

What angle should the elbow maintain when measuring for crutches?

15-30 degrees bend Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit Outcomes

Importance of promoting comfort and safety in healthcare.
Identification of environmental hazards in patient care settings.
Assessment of patients at risk for injury and safe ambulation techniques.
Application of various assistive devices: gait belts, walkers, canes, crutches, wheelchairs.
Techniques for safe patient transfers.

Safety in Healthcare

Defined as freedom from psychological and physical injury.
Aims to reduce illness/injury incidence, prevent extended hospitalization, and enhance patient well-being.
Medical errors, or adverse events, unintentionally harm patients and come under scrutiny by agencies like The Joint Commission (TJC) and CMS.

Serious Reportable Events

Includes serious injury or death due to:
- Electric shocks
- Burns
- Physical restraints or bedrails
- Patient falls
Nurse-sensitive indicators measure events that can be impacted by nursing care.

Clinical Facilities Safety Policies

Focus on patient safety related to falls and medication errors.
Address fire safety, equipment handling, security measures, and exposure hazards.

Fire Safety

RACE method for fire emergencies:
- Rescue/Remove
- Activate alarm
- Confine the fire
- Extinguish if safe to do so
PASS method for using fire extinguishers:
- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Environmental Hazards

Electrical safety emphasizes understanding equipment operation and immediate removal of damaged items.
Compliance with hospital equipment standards, including three-pronged plugs.

Fall Prevention

Understand risk factors contributing to patient falls, especially in older adults.
Employ environmental modifications such as adequate lighting and reality orientation.
Use mobility aids like treaded socks, crutches, and walkers.

Fall Risk Management

Implement daily assessment strategies and use tools like the Morse Fall Scale to determine individual risk factors.
Strategies include hourly rounding, reviewing medications, and utilizing color-coded wristbands.

Restraints in Patient Care

Physical restraints limit patient movement; chemical restraints manage behavior via pharmacological means.
Assess the necessity of restraints regularly to ensure alternatives are considered.
Types include limb, vest, mitt (least restrictive), and Geri-chairs.

Mobility Aids

Gait/Transfer belts assist patients who are weak or unstable.
Crutches should be properly fitted and used to increase mobility safely; ensure tips remain dry and intact.
Canes improve balance; types include single and quad, with each having specific usage protocols.
Walkers should be used at the wrist level and moved in sequence with the patient’s steps.

Transfer Techniques

Proper patient transfer techniques emphasize the use of transfer belts and ensuring bed heights are conducive to safe movements.
Mechanical lifts require careful positioning and collaboration with other caregivers for optimal safety during transfers.

Important Points for Healthcare Staff

Ensure all safety measures are in place before transferring or moving patients.
Continuous assessment of the need for restraints is critical.
Comfort and clear communication with patients during procedures are essential for effective patient care.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of safety in healthcare environments, focusing on the promotion of comfort and the identification of hazards. Key topics include safe ambulation techniques, the use of assistive devices, and serious reportable events that impact patient care. Understand how nursing practices contribute to patient safety and well-being.