Health Assessment Exam 2 (4-7 Flashcards
(159 cards)
Factors affecting safety
developmental considerations (children hazards increase as motor skills develop), lifestyle (occupation), environment (pollutants), mobility (older adults with unsteady gait), sensory perception (impacted sight/hearing)
Factors affecting safety pt 2
knowledge (awareness of safety precautions), ability to communicate (language barriers), physical health state (promote wellness while preventing accidents), psychosocial health state (stress can narrow persons attention)
Nursing assessment (safety)
identify patients at risk and unsafe situations
components of nursing assessment for pt risk and safety
nursing health history and physical examination
nursing health history analyzes (pt at risk and unsafe conditions)
Hx of falls of accidents (#1 indicator of future falls), use of assistive devices (walker), drug/EtOH abuse, family support and home environment (cluttered, lots of stairs, carpets)
physical examination (pt at risk and unsafe conditions)
assess mobility, assess communication, assess LOC, assess sensory perception, know signs of abuse/DV/neglect, assess environment
modifiable factors contributing to falls
lower body weakness, poor vision, gait/balance issues, feet problems, psychoactive meds, postural dizziness, home hazards
intrinsic factors contributing to falls
advanced age (solo is not a risk factor), PREVIOUS FALLS, muscle weakness, gait/balance problems, poor vision, orthostatic hypotension, chronic conditions, fear of falling
extrinsic factors contributing to falls
lack of handrails, poor stair design, no bathroom grab bars, dim lighting, tripping hazards, uneven/slippery surfaces, psychoactive meds, improper use of assistive devices
questions to ask patients
have you fallen in the past year? do you feel unsteady when standing or walking? do you worry about falling?
Morse fall scale
0 = no risk, <25 = low risk, 25-45 = implement standard fall prevention, 46+ = implement high-risk fall prevention
safety considerations for the older adult (characteristics)
impaired eyesight, decreased proprioception and balance, slower reflexes, impaired hearing, decreased sensitivity to touch, impaired thermoregulation, decreased flexibility/strength = weakness
fall prevention methods
patient teaching, orientation to unit (call bell, bathroom, bed alarm), use side rails, bed lowest position, bed locked, slipper socks, eliminate environmental hazards, indicate fall risk on door and in record
Fire safety
RACE
fire safety R
rescue anyone in immediate danger of the fire
fire safety A
alarm; pull the nearest fire alarm and call fire response
fire safety C
contain fire by closing all doors in the fire area
fire safety E
extinguish small fires; if not leave the area and close the door
types of restraints
physical and chemical
physical restrains can…
increase risk of falls,
negative outcomes of restraint use
falls, skin breakdown, contractures, incontinence, depression, delirium, anxiety, aspiration/respiratory difficulties, death
safe restraint use
hitch knot for quick release, tie to frame of bed or wheelchair, keep call bell within reach, reassess frequently, release every 2 hours for ROM, assess skin integrity, assess mobility, assess tightness/circulation (2 fingers)
can you apply physical restraints without an order?
yes in an emergency, but get provider order ASAP; need new order every 24 hours
definition of self-care
activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, any neurological impairments that will affect ability to care for self