Editing Infection Control and Safety – LPN Flashcards (section)

== Safety in the Environment ==

;List five actions that reduce a client's risk of falling.
:'''Bed in the lowest position with wheels locked''', '''call light and belongings within reach''', '''nonskid footwear''', adequate lighting and a clear path to the bathroom, and '''scheduled toileting''' with assistance for the first time up after surgery or sedation.
;When are side rails considered a restraint?
:When they keep the client from getting out of bed voluntarily, classically '''all four rails up'''. This raises the risk of '''entrapment''' and of a worse injury from climbing over the rail.
;What is the first action if a client is found on the floor?
:'''Assess the client before moving them''': check responsiveness, vital signs, pain, and for obvious injury such as a shortened, externally rotated leg. Call for help, notify the registered nurse and provider, and document objectively what was found and done.
;What must be checked on a client in restraints, and how often is the restraint released?
:Check '''circulation, sensation, movement, skin, and correct placement''', typically every 2 hours for nonviolent restraint and every 15 minutes with continuous observation for violent restraint. '''Release at least every 2 hours''' for range of motion, repositioning, toileting, fluids, and skin care.
;How and where are restraints tied?
:To the '''movable bed frame''' with a '''quick-release knot''', never to a side rail, applied over clothing or padding with room for '''two fingers''' underneath. Keep scissors accessible, and never restrain a client face down.
;Is a PRN restraint order acceptable?
:'''No.''' PRN and standing restraint orders are prohibited. A restraint requires a current provider order, and it may be '''discontinued at any time without a new order'''.
;What does RACE stand for?
:'''R'''escue anyone in danger, '''A'''ctivate the alarm, '''C'''onfine the fire by closing doors and shutting off oxygen, '''E'''xtinguish only if the fire is small and you have a clear exit.
;What does PASS stand for, and which extinguisher is used in most hospital areas?
:'''P'''ull the pin, '''A'''im at the base of the fire, '''S'''queeze the handle, '''S'''weep side to side. An '''ABC''' multipurpose extinguisher is used for most healthcare fires. Never use water on an electrical or grease fire.
;Who is evacuated first, and which route is never used?
:'''Ambulatory clients first''', then those needing assistance, then bedbound clients. Move '''horizontally past smoke barrier doors first'''. '''Never use an elevator.'''
;List four oxygen safety measures.
:Post '''"oxygen in use"''' signage, prohibit smoking and open flames, avoid '''spark-producing devices such as electric razors and heating pads''' and petroleum- or alcohol-based products near the face, use '''cotton''' rather than wool or synthetic fabrics, and '''secure cylinders upright''' so they cannot fall.
;What should the nurse do with a frayed electrical cord or damaged equipment?
:'''Unplug it, remove it from service, tag it, and report it immediately.''' Never tape or repair it, and never keep using it. Grasp the plug rather than the cord when unplugging, and keep cords out of walkways.
;How are used needles handled?
:'''Never recap, bend, or break a needle.''' Activate the safety device and drop the whole assembly into a '''puncture-resistant sharps container at the point of use'''. Replace the container when it is about three-quarters full.
;How is soiled linen handled?
:Hold it '''away from your uniform''', '''never shake it''', never place it on the floor or a clean surface, and bag it '''in the client's room'''.