Term | Definition |
Safety: | The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury: "they should leave for their own safety".
Denoting something designed to prevent injury or damage: "a safety barrier"; "a safety helmet". |
Security: | The state of being free from danger or threat.
The safety of a state or organization against criminal activity such as terrorism, theft, or espionage: "national security". |
Factors Affecting Safety: | Developmental considerations
Lifestyle
Mobility
Sensory perception
Knowledge
Ability to communicate
Physical health state
Psychosocial health state |
Developmental: | Each developmental stage is associated with inherent risks. The identified risks change as the individual transitions from one developmental stage to the other; from infancy throughout adult hood. |
Developmental cont': | changes in physical and cognitive function and skill set are associated with the transitions. |
Developmental cont': | environmental safety and potential for risks for injury and harm need to be identified in an expedited manner by nurses with an awareness of developmental stages |
Developmental cont': | potential risk to developing fetus with maternal consumption ETOH, illicit medications; substance abuse, physical abuse
- adolescence- risk for teen pregnancy, sexual transmitted disease, alcohol related accidents, suicide |
Developmental cont': | abuse; children, elders, victims of intimate partner violence = the nurse maybe the first healthcare worker in contact with these individuals |
Role: | work in partnership with families, communities and other healthcare workers to reduce and eliminate the risks of accidents in the home. |
Role: cont' | increase awareness of risks of teen drinking and driving, preventative education on multiple topics, and referrals to support systems and resources. |
Lifestyle: | certain occupations, lifestyle habits, social behavior, recreational activities and environments place people at risk |
Mobility: | risks related to ambulation and movement. |
Knowledge: | intellectual processing and literacy level – vital to assess to properly educate patient about safety in a manner beneficial to them. |
Communication: | language difference? Side effect of medications? |
Psychosocial Health: | stress can limit one’s attention span, increasing risk of accidents. Depression can associated with confusion, inattentiveness. |
Assessment: | Observe patients posture, ROM, strength, balance and body alignment. |
Diagnoses: (potential or actual) | Risk for injury related to seizures and balance disorders or related to altered mobility. Risk for skin integrity related to immobility |
Outcome and Plan: | Design your interventions to help a patient feel safe to move about and interact freely within the environment. |
Evaluate: | Pt remained safe when rising up in bed
Patient demonstrated use of cane appropriately when ambulating |
Infants & Neonates: Developmental Factors | Cannot recognize danger
Tactile exploration of environment
Totally dependent |
Infants & Neonates: Actions | Avoid behaviors that might harm the fetus.
Never leave the infant unattended.
Use crib rails, back to sleep
Monitor setting for objects that are choking hazards.
Use car seats properly |
Toddlers & Preschoolers: Developmental Factors | More adventurous, explore environment and Play extends outside, riding toys. climbing
Everything in mouth |
Toddlers & Preschoolers: Actions | Childproof home environment.
Prevent poisoning.
Be alert to manifestations of child abuse.
Use car seats properly. |
School Age: Developmental Factors | Try new activities without practice
More time outside the home
Stranger danger
Playing with weapons |
School Age: Actions | Help to avoid activities that are potentially dangerous.
Provide interventions for safety at home, school, and neighborhood.
Teach bicycle safety.
Teach about child abduction.
Wear seatbelts. |
Adolescence: Developmental Factors | False confidence; feel indestructible
Risk-taking behaviors
Lack adult judgment
Peer Pressure |
Adolescence: Actions | Teach safe driving skills.
Teach avoidance of tobacco and alcohol.
Teach risk of infection with body piercing.
Teach about guns and violence. |
Adults: Developmental Factors | Exposed to injury in the workplace
Can make poor lifestyle choices
Some decline in strength and stamina |
Adults: Actions | Discuss the effects of stress on lifestyle and health.
Counsel about unsafe health habits (reliance on drugs and alcohol).
Counsel about intimate partner violence. |
Aging Adults: Developmental Factors | Loss of muscle strength, joint mobility; slowing reflexes; sensory losses |
Aging Adults: Actions | Prevent accidents.
Orient person to surroundings (avoid falls).
Maintain vehicle in working order, schedule eye exams, and keep noise at a minimum.
Promote safe environment at home (avoid fires).
Use medication trays (avoid poisoning). |
Bioterrorism: | involves the deliberate spread of pathogenic organisms into a community. |
Sentinel Event: | is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk of death or injury. |
Safety Event Report: | is a confidential document, formerly referred to as an incident report, that objectively describes the circumstances of the accident or incident. |
Mummy Restraint: | restraint swaddles an infant to prevent him or her from harm. |
Intimate Partner Violence: | Domestic violence or battering between two people in a close relationship. |
Among adults older than 65: | falls are the leading cause of injury fatality. |
All infants and toddlers: | should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight and height allowed by their car seat’s manufacturer. |
Safety Hazards for Health Care Workers: | Back injury
Needle stick injury
Radiation injury
Workplace violence |
PREVENTION: | Body mechanics
Sharps awareness, proper disposal
Radiation precautions
Environmental awareness of personal safety |
Physical Restraints: | Wrist, Vest, Mummy, Elbow |
Chemical Restraints: | Drugs |