Patient Safety Guildelines
What are three safety hazards that could occur in a patient’s Rome?
Liquid spills, loose rugs, or confused and disoriented patients
What is an “incident” and what is an incident report? (Define Incident and incident report)
Incident: any event that is not a part of the routine operation of the healthcare facility
Incident Report: form that documents safety- and non-safety related occurences
What injuries can be caused by electricity?
Moderate burns, severe skin damage, unconsciousness, or even death
When can radiation exposure occur?
It can occur when unprotected employees are near a machine that uses radiation.
What are the common causes of fire?
Matches, heating and cooking equipment, electrical equipment, flammable liquids, and smoking (which is prohibited in all healthcare facilities).
Before leaving a patient’s room, what precautions should the healthcare worker take with the patient’s bed?
Make sure the bed is in a low position and the call button must be within reach of the patient
Who are three type of people that can be involved in an “incident”?
Examples are a patient or visitor falling, a healthcare worker hurting their back while lifting a patient, or a patient receiving an incorrect medication
Non-safety related incidents: theft or abusive language from a patient or employee
What safety guideline should be followed concerning electrical plugs and equipment?
Do not overload any electrical plugs or outlets, all equipment must have a three-prong plug, equipment must be in safe, working condition with no frayed cords or loose wires, and minimize the use of extension cords.
What does the degree of exposure depend on?
The duration of exposure, the distance from the source, and the type of shielding in place.
What is the fire triangle?
The three elements of fuel, heat, and oxygen that can cause a fire.
Before interacting with a hospitalized patient, what must the healthcare worker do?
Always identify the patient before interacting with them. Check the patient’s identification bracelet and the paperwork to make sure they have the correct patient. Ask the patient for their name.
What information should be included when writing an incident report?
Date of incident, names of persons involved, location and time of incident, person to whom the incident is reported, date and time of the reporting, brief description of what happened, name of any witnesses, name of any machine or piece of equipment involved, action taken to prevent recurrence, signature of person filling out the report
What should a healthcare worker do before operating equipment?
Receive proper training
What can alert the healthcare worker of the radiation and what need to be worn when around radiation?
The radiation hazard symbol will alert the healthcare worker of the presence of radiation. A Dosimeter badge needs to be worn to record the exposure, the badge should be checked periodically(sent in and read, typically monthly) to make sure that the healthcare worker is not being exposed to damaging levels of radiation.
What are the five types of fire extinguisher?
Pressurized Water: Ordinary combustibles (wood,paper, or textiles)
Carbon Dioxide(CO2): Flammable liquids(grease, gasoline, oils, and paints)
Dry Chemical: Electrical equipment (wiring, computers,andany other energized electrical devices)
Class D Dry Chemical Chemical: Combustible metals (magnesium, potassium, titanium, and sodium)
Multi-Purposele Dry Chemical: Labeled for use on ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment fires
Does a patient have the right to refuse treatment prescribed by the doctor?
Yes. If an employee performs a procedure that the patient has refused, the employee can be sued for battery, or unlawful touching
What is the purpose of the OSHA hazard communication standard?
Rules established you OSHA that require employers to educate employees about chemical hazards in the workplace
What does the healthcare worker need to keep dry before operating the equipment?
Hands, the patient’s hands, and the floor
What does ALARA stand for and what there factors does it take into account?
It stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. It takes into account three factors: 1. Time, or duration of exposure 2. Distance from the source of radiation 3. Shielding devices used
what rules can a healthcare worker follow to keep them and their patients safe during a fire?
1. Know where the fire extinguishiers and the fire alarms are located(they should be in plain view) and how to use them. Make sure fire fi extinguishers are inspected on a routine basis.
2. Keep areas uncluttered and free of debris.
3.Evacuate ambulatory patients(those able to walk) first, then the patients who need wheelchairs, and finally any bedridden patients.
4. Do not prop open any fire doors.
5. Never use an elevator during a fire.
6. Don’t evacuate unless instructed to do so by an authority.
7. Participate professionally during drills to ensure proper participation during a real emergency.
8. If there is no way out, close all doors between you and the fire. Do not open the doors without first checking to make sure they are cool to the touch. Place towels at the bottom of the door, if possible.
What should the healthcare worker do before performing a procedure?
The healthcare worker should explain the procedure to the patient and make sure that the patient consents to the procedure
What is a material safety data sheet (MSDS) and what does it explain?
It is a document that contains information about a particular chemical used in the healthcare facility. It contains information about the chemical’s makeup, dilution, and mixture concentration, and instructions of use. It also explains the possible hazard of using the chemical and the appropriate first aid treatment needed in case of an accident spill.
What should the healthcare worker do before performing routine maintenance and before using the equipment?
Before routine maintenance: makes sur the equipment is unplugged
Before using the equipment: look for frayed wires or other maintenance issues to ensure that it is safe
What employees are usually exposed to or work with some form of radiation?
Employees in the diagnostic services
What does RACE and PASS stand for?
R: rescue, A: Alarm, C: contain, E: extinguish
P: pull, A: aim, S: squeeze, S: sweep