Patient Safety and Age-Related Risks

An incident that could have resulted in harm to the patient but was prevented.

An incident that occurred without causing any harm to the patient.

A serious incident that caused significant physical or psychological harm to the patient.

An incident report used to identify and address the underlying causes of errors.

A measure taken to prevent errors related to patient identity or medication.

Providing information about their rights and involvement in their care.

Measures taken to reduce the risk of infections, such as hand hygiene and environmental cleaning.

Processes for managing medications safely, including verifying the correct medication, dose, and route.

A structured communication technique used in healthcare to ensure clear and concise communication.

Clearly identifies who is communicating, the patient, location, and the reason for the communication.

States the current problem, reason for contact, or changes in patient's condition.

Includes relevant patient information such as diagnosis, medications, allergies, vital signs, and lab results.

Provides the nurse's assessment of the patient, including their general impression and significant findings.

Offers the nurse's recommendations for further action, such as additional tests, treatments, or a specialist consultation.

The receiver acknowledges the information and repeats back any orders or instructions.

The nurse documents all relevant information, including patient status changes, provider notifications, orders, interventions, and evaluations.

Checking vital signs, including oxygen saturation, before a seizure occurs helps to establish a baseline for comparison during and after the seizure. It assists in identifying any potential issues and informs subsequent care.

Establishing two IV sites before a seizure allows for immediate access to medication and fluids, crucial for managing a seizure and addressing potential complications.

Removing potentially constrictive clothing and jewelry helps to prevent any restriction of blood flow or airway obstruction during a seizure. It ensures patient safety and comfort.

Asking about an aura helps to identify a potential warning sign that precedes seizures. This information allows for early intervention and preparation for the seizure.

Placing padding under the client's head during a seizure protects them from injury. This simple measure reduces the risk of head trauma, a common complication associated with seizures.

Monitoring the specific body parts involved in the seizure helps to determine the extent and type of seizure activity. It assists in assessing the severity and informing potential treatment options.

Assessing eye movements during a seizure provides insights into the neurological activity involved. Observing whether eyes are open or closed, twitching, or pupil size helps characterize the seizure type and severity.

Administering benzodiazepines IV (or IM if IV is not yet established) as prescribed by the provider, helps to control seizures and reduce their duration. This medication is a vital component of managing seizures.

A condition that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, causing inflammation and infection.

Increased frequency and urgency to urinate.

Pain or burning sensation during urination.

Repositioning the client at least every 2 hours to improve blood flow to bony prominences and prevent skin breakdown.

Using pillows and cushions to support the client in different positions, reducing pressure on bony prominences and preventing skin breakdown.

Using pressure redistribution devices to minimize pressure on areas prone to skin breakdown.

Keeping the skin dry and clean to prevent bacterial growth and skin breakdown.

Encouraging the client to increase activity level in bed to promote blood flow and prevent urinary stasis.

A comprehensive report that includes all patient information, from demographics to discharge planning, used for seamless communication between healthcare teams.

A concise report delivered via phone, used for urgent updates or requests for specific information about a patient.

These prescriptions are only given in emergencies. When receiving a verbal prescription, it's crucial to write it down immediately for verification and read-back to ensure accuracy.

A process where a nurse clarifies and verifies the details of a verbal prescription with the prescriber before implementing it. The prescriber's cosignature is needed to validate the order.

These are safety measures to prevent errors when receiving verbal prescriptions. They include: verifying the correct patient, checking for allergies, confirming prescription details, clarifying similar-sounding words, documenting the prescription immediately, read-backing the prescription, and resolving any concerns.

Specific instructions for patients after they are discharged from the hospital. This could include medications, follow-up appointments, dietary changes, and necessary equipment or aids.

Communication with the family about the patient's care, involving them in decision-making and providing support and education.

A person designated by the patient to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so themselves.

The natural bending of the spine, especially in the upper back, increases with age due to bone loss and wear and tear on the discs between vertebrae.

Loss of muscle mass, especially in the legs, can lead to tiring quickly during walking.

The ability to move a joint through its full range of motion without assistance from others.

The voluntary movement of a joint performed by the individual without any help.

The ability to maintain balance, often affected by changes in the nervous system.

Stiffness and less flexibility in joints as we age can be caused by wear and tear on cartilage and bone changes.

Weakness in the ankles and feet can make walking more difficult and increase the risk of falls.

Changes in the eyes, such as weakened muscles and thicker lenses, can make it harder for older adults to see clearly, increasing the risk of falls.