Chapter 6 Safety and Body Mechanics

Scalds

Burns caused by not liquids

Flammable

Easily ignited and capable of burning quickly

Guidelines for preventing falls

1) Clear all walkways 2) use rugs with a non-slip backing 3) Have residents wear non-skid, sturdy shoes 4) Have residents avoid wearing clothing that is too long or drags. 5) Keep call lights and frequently used personal items close to patient. 6) Answer call lights right away 7) Immediately clean up spills 8) Report loose hand rails immediately 9) Mark uneven flooring or stairs with tape 10) Improve lighting where needed

Examples of restraint alternatives

1) Improve safety measures to prevent accidents and falls. 2) Make sure the call lights are within reach and answered promptly. 3) Ambulate the resident when restless 4) Encourage activities and independence 5) Give frequent help with toileting 6) Distract or redirect interest 7) Decrease the noise level 8) Reduce pain levels 9) Provide familiar caregivers 10) Use a team approach.

More guidelines for preventing falls

1) Lock bed wheels before helping a resident into or out of bed. 2) Before giving care, raise the the bed to make job easier and safer. After completing care, return bed to lowest position. 3) Get help when moving a resident; do not assume you can do it alone. When in doubt, ask for help. 4) Offer help with toileting regularly. 5) Leave furniture in the same place as you found it. 6) Know which residents are at risk for falls. 7) If a resident starts to fall, be in a good position to help support her. Never try to catch a falling resident. Use your body to slide him/her to the floor. 8) Whenever a resident falls, it must be reported to the nurse.

Safety guidelines for oxygen use

1) Post No smoking and Oxygen in Use signs 2) Remove all fire hazards from the room or area- ex: electrical razor, hair dryers. 3) Do not burn candles, light matches or use lighters around oxygen. 4) Do not use an extension cord with an oxygen concentrator. 5) Do not place electrical cords or oxygen tubing under rugs or furniture. 6) Avoid using fabrics such as nylon and wool that can cause static electricity discharges. 7) Report if the nasal cannula or face mask is causing skin irritation. 8) Do not use any petroleum based products- ex: Vaseline or Chapstick- on the resident. 9) Learn how to turn oxygen off in case of fire. Never adjust the oxygen setting or dose.

Guidelines for using proper body mechanics

1) Use both arms and hands to lift, push, or carry 2) When lifting, spread your feet shoulder width apart. Bend your knees. Use the strong, large muscles in your thighs, upper arms, and shoulders to lift the object. 3) Hold objects close to your body when carrying 4) Push or slide objects when possible 5) Avoid bending or reaching as much as possible 6) Adjusts beds to safe working levels (usually waist high) 7) Use a good stance, when lifting is required. 8) Get help when possible for lifting or helping residents 9) Talk to residents before moving them. 10) Never try to catch a falling resident

Factors that increase the risk of falls

1) clutter 2) throw rugs 3) exposed electrical cords 4) slippery or wet floors 5) uneven floors or stairs 6) poor lighting 7) call lights that are out of reach or not promptly answered

Physical and psychological problems associated with restraint

1) pressure ulcers 2) pneumonia 3) Risk of suffocation 4) Reduced blood circulation 5) incontinence 6) constipation 7) muscle atrophy 8) poor appetite 9) sleep disorders 10) stress/anxiety/loss of dignity and independence 11) increased agitation 12) severe injury or death

Restraint

A physical or chemical way to restrict voluntary movement or behavior (ex of physical restraints: vest and jacket restraints, belt restraints, ankle/wrist restraints). May not be used without a doctor's orders or for convenience or to discipline a resident.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

All hazardous chemicals have sheets that detail the chemical ingredients, chemical dangers, emergency response actions to be taken, and safe handling procedures for the products that are used in a facility. Must be accessible in work areas for all employees.

Abrasions

An injury that rubs off the surface of the skin.

Restraint alternatives

Any interventions used in place of restraint that reduces the need for restraints.

fall

Any sudden, uncontrollable descent from a higher to a lower level, with or without injury resulting. Make up the majority of accidents that occur in LTCF.

A restrained resident must be monitored constantly and checked how often?

Must be checked every 15 minutes and the following steps followed - release restraint or d/c -offer help with toileting -offer fluids and food -check the skin for signs of irritation and check the body part for any swelling -reposition the resident -ambulate the resident if he/she is able

What does the PASS acronym stand for when using a fire extinguisher?

P- Pull the pin A- Aim at the base of fire when spraying S- Squeeze the handle S- Sweep back and forth at the base of the fire

In case of a fire, the RACE acronym is a good rule to follow. What does RACE stand for?

R- Remove residents in danger A- Activate alarm or call 911 C- Contain the fire if possible E- Extinguish, or fire dept will extinguish

Restraint-free care

Restraints are not kept or used for any reason.

Base of support

The foundation that supports an object

Paralysis

The loss of ability to move all or part of the body.

Center of gravity

The point where the most weight is concentrated. A lower center of gravity gives a more stable base of support.

Combustion

The process of burning.

Posture

The way a person holds and positions his body

Body mechanics

The way the parts of the body work together when a person moves.

Alignment

When a person stands up straight a vertical line could be drawn through the center of his body and his center of gravity.

fracture

a broken bone

Disorientation

confusion about person, place or time

lever

moves an object by resting on a base of support, called a fulcrum.