Session 3 Safety PDF

Session 3 Safety Key Terms: Asphyxiation: Suffocation; In suffocation, air does not reach the lungs and breathing stops. Common causes of suffocation are drowning, choking on a foreign substance inhaled into the trachea, and gas or smoke poisoning Bioterrorism: involves the deliberate spread of pat...

Session 3 Safety Key Terms: Asphyxiation: Suffocation; In suffocation, air does not reach the lungs and breathing stops. Common causes of suffocation are drowning, choking on a foreign substance inhaled into the trachea, and gas or smoke poisoning Bioterrorism: involves the deliberate spread of pathogenic organisms into a community to cause widespread illness, fear, and panic Bullying: a form of direct or indirect aggression that includes hostile physical, verbal, psychological, and/or relational behaviors Chemical Emergency: could be triggered by the deliberate or unintentional release of a chemical compound that has the potential for harming people’s health -​ Biotoxins—poisons from plants or animals -​ Blister agents/vesicants—chemicals that severely blister the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin on contact -​ Blood agents—poisons that are absorbed into the blood -​ Caustics (acids)—chemicals that burn or corrode the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes on contact -​ Choking/lung/pulmonary agents—chemicals that cause severe irritation or swelling of the respiratory tract -​ Incapacitating agents—drugs that affect the ability to think clearly or that cause an altered state of consciousness or even unconsciousness -​ Long-acting anticoagulants—poisons that cause bleeding by preventing blood from clotting properly -​ Metals—agents that consist of metallic poisons -​ Nerve agents—highly poisonous chemicals that prevent the nervous system from working properly -​ Organic solvents—agents that damage the tissues by dissolving fats and oils -​ Riot control agents/tear gas—highly irritating agents normally used by law enforcement for crowd control or by individual people for protection -​ Toxic alcohols—poisonous alcohols that can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system -​ Vomiting agents—chemicals that cause nausea and vomiting Culture of Safety: an organizational environment where “core values and behaviors—resulting from a collective and sustained commitment by organizational leadership, manager and workers—emphasize safety over competing goals” Cyber Terror: involves the use of high technology to disable or delete critical infrastructure data or information Disaster: is broadly defined as a tragic event of great magnitude that requires the response of people outside the involved community Elder Abuse: has no universally accepted definition, but legal, professional, and governmental definitions include elements of physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse, neglect (including abandonment), and/or financial exploitation Intersectionality: where race, sex, gender, class, and other individual characteristics intersect and overlap with one another, often leading to an increased burden of discrimination on several fronts and other negative outcomes Intimate Partner Violence: involves: physical violence (hitting kicking, or other physical force), sexual violence (forcing a sex act, sexual touching, or a nonphysical event without consent), stalking (a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact) and/or psychological aggression (verbal and nonverbal communication intended to mentally or emotionally harm and/or exert control by a current or former intimate partner, such as a spouse, dating partner, or sexual partner) Nuclear Terrorism: involves intentional introduction of radioactive materials into the environment for the purpose of causing injury and death Poison Control Centers: provide checklists for poison proofing a home and provide lists of toxic household items Restraints: are physical devices or chemical means used to limit a patient’s freedom and movement that cannot be easily removed (or eliminated) by the patient Safety: freedom from danger, harm, or risk—is a paramount concern that underlies all nursing care Safety Event Report: An accident or incident that compromises safety in a healthcare facility requires the completion of this Sentinel Event: an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk of death or injury Learning Objectives: 1.)​ Identify evidence based practice that improves safety in a person’s environment including home and health care settings -​ Fall prevention: Installing grab bars, removing hazards and using non-slip socks/mats, major risk for older adults -​ Medication Safety: medication reconciliation and electronic prescribing help prevent errors and adverse drug interactions -​ Hand hygiene: proper handwashing and sanitizer use reduces infections in both home and health care settings -​ Infection Control: proper wound care, disinfecting surfaces, and using PPE lowers risk of infection 2.)​ Identify safety risk through assessment to include person and environment -​ Person related risk -​ Fall Risk: history of falls, weakness, dizziness, impaired mobility, or medications affecting balance -​ Medication Safety: risk of overdose -​ Cognitive Impairment: dementia, confusion, or delirium increasing risk of injury -​ Skin Integrity: Risk of pressure ulcers in immobile patients -​ Infection Risk: Immunosuppression, surgical wounds, or poor hygiene -​ Environmental related risk -​ Trip Hazards: clutter, loose rugs, or wet floors increase fall risk -​ Fire Safety: oxygen use near open flames -​ Inadequate lighting: poor visibility increases risk of fall  -​ Infection Control: lack of hand hygiene, contamination of equipment, or improper PPE 3.)​ Discuss how nurses collaborate with team members to promote safe homes and healthcare environments -​ Working with OT/PT therapist: ensures fall prevention strategies, mobility aids, and home modifications -​ Coordinating with pharmacist: review medications for interactions, proper dosing, and patient education -​ Communicating with physicians: rapport safety concerns, pain management needs, and changes in patients condition -​ Educating patients and families: teach safe medication use, infection control, and home safety practices -​ Engaging social workers and case managers: arrange home health services, medical equipment, and community resources -​ Collaborating with infection control teams: implement proper hygiene, PPE, and sanitation protocols