Visual: can they see what’s in front of them while walking? Can they see that they are taking the appropriate medication? Hearing: can they hear someone speaking to them or yelling at them? Can they hear if they are in danger? Sensory/perceptual: can they feel if they are too hot or cold?

Various factors can influence the likelihood that a  patient will get injured Age and developmental stage: elderly as well patients that may physically be older, but mentally younger Lifestyle: do they use seat belts? Do they drive impaired (alcohol, texting/using their smartphone?) Do they use drugs recreationally? Do they own guns? Mental status:  confusion, meds […]

Many facilities have various protocols on how to deal with various safety issues Falls Armed intruder Large patient influx/at capacity Infant abduction Weather issues Acts of terrorism Unsafe/violent patients or visitors Know what you need to do as a nurse for your personal safety and the safety of your patients Participate in drills Know how […]

Important to ask about all allergies, not just medication allergies Some medications may have ingredients from different foods in their coating or capsules Must ask about allergies to IV dyes or contrast Ask about all food, environmental, and medication allergies Ensure this is charted appropriately Make sure to chart what happens when the patient has […]

Examples of necessary referrals include therapy services (physical, occupational, speech), wound care, nutritional services, and so forth Recognize the need for referrals and obtain necessary orders Identify community resources for the client with health care team (Meals on Wheels, respite services, public transportation, various programs and shelters) Identify which documents to include for referrals (actual […]

Performance Improvement (Quality Improvement)   Define performance improvement/quality assurance activities Participate in performance improvement/quality improvement process* Report identified client care issues/problems to appropriate personnel (e.g., nurse manager, risk manager) Utilize research and other references for performance improvement actions Evaluate … Continued

Visual: can they see what’s in front of them while walking? Can they see that they are taking the appropriate medication? Hearing: can they hear someone speaking to them or yelling at them? Can they hear if they are in danger? Sensory/perceptual: can they feel if they are too hot or cold?

Many facilities have various protocols on how to deal with various safety issues Falls Armed intruder Large patient influx/at capacity Infant abduction Weather issues Acts of terrorism Unsafe/violent patients or visitors Know how to safely exit building and expectations of how to get patients out Know what you need to do as a nurse for […]

Various factors can influence the likelihood that a  patient will get injured Age and developmental stage: elderly as well patients that may physically be older, but mentally younger Lifestyle: do they use seat belts? Do they drive impaired (alcohol, texting/using their smartphone?) Do they use drugs recreationally? Do they own guns? Mental status:  confusion, meds […]

(This does not include medications) At home oxygen and supplies, CPAP’s, assistive devices, drains, tubes, and so forth. Make sure assistive devices are sized appropriately Crutches not too tall, walker not to short, and so forth Make sure they know how to use assistive devices Make sure they know who to call if they have […]