Providing safe and clean environment.pptx

patient safety

1. UNIT – PR O VID I NG SAFE AND CL E AN ENVIRONMENT

2. Learning Objectives Identify factors influencing environment Explain the importance of maintaining proper environment Desc r ib e the nurses' r o l e i n p r om o ting safety

3. I NTRODUCTION Environment is the total of all elements and conditions that surround us and influence our development. Caring for the patient's environment is important in providing holistic care. The goal is to provide safety while making the patient as comfortable as possible .

4. FACTORS AFFECTING THE ENVIRONMENT Temperature As individuals differ in their reaction to atmospheric conditions, there is a set indoor temperature, which can be ideal for everyone. Infants and older adults may need their rooms warmer than usual due to their poor thermoregulation.

5. temperature regulation For every individual, the most suitable indoor temperature is that which is warm enough to prevent feeling chilly, yet not warm enough to cause perspiration. Keep the temperature between 68° and 74 ° F or 20 ° -23 ° C Operating rooms and critical care areas are kept slightly cooler to reduce the metabolic demands

6. Ventilation Ventilation is the process or act of supplying a building or room continuously with fresh air. Most health care facilities have air conditioning units that regulate temperature, humidity and air exchange. Fans are discouraged because air currents spread microorganisms Air in motion increases the evaporation of perspiration and radiation of heat from the skin.

7. Humidity Hu mi d it y i s the a m ou n t of moistu r e i n the ai r . A r an g e f r om 3 % to 5 0% i s no r m a ll y com f o r ta b l e . Very low humidity will dry respiratory passages and a person's skin. Most hospitals maintain a low humidity setting to discourage the growth of microorganisms. Vaporizers or humidifiers may be ordered to a patient with a respiratory condition who requires more humidified air .

8. Lighting T h e a m ou n t of ligh t i s an impo r tant factor i n co m f o r t and can be natu r al or artificial light. A cheerful and sunny room can improve patents spirits. Areas must have adequate lighting for performing tasks and to prevent accidents and injury. The light should be bright enough to see with out glare, to avoid eye strain.

9. Odo r contro l Ill n ess c han g es se n so r y percep t io n s Heath care facili ties m a y ha v e un ple a sant od ors f r om be d p an s , ur i nals, w o u nd discharges etc . Good v entil ation and cleanl i ne s s will con t r ol bad odor .

10. Odor control measures By emptying and rinsing bedpans, bedside commode, urinal and emesis basin promptly. Ch an g e soi le d li n ens a s soon a s poss i ble. Dispose off used dressings catheters, drainage bags, tubing, diapers and other disposable equipment according to standard precautions and hospital policy.

11. Avoiding being the source of odors yourself, by wearing clean clothes and bathing. Deodorants, perfumes or strong scented lotions should not be worn in a patient care setting R emovin g old fl o w ers f r om the u n it. Use room deodorizer or spray after consulting with your patient as he may be allergic or se n si ti v e t o i t .

12. NOISE N o is e i s inevita b l e i n health care facilitie s . Movin g e q uipment, vi s itor s and h ealth care perso n nel 's are the sou r ces of noise. T o a v oid nois e: Use sound absorbing flooring and ceiling materials, carpeting, and plastic. Proper maintenance of equipment to reduce the noise. Encourage staff to limit conversation in unit and to speak in low volume. Soft pleasant background music may be played to mask other sounds and promotes relaxation.

13. Interio r D e sign Rooms with draperies and colorful bedspreads may give a feelings of home - li k e en v i r onment f or the p a tient

14. NEATNESS It is important to provide a neat and tidy atmosphere for the patient. Keep unit clean and in order after bed m aking . R emov e the used dis h es and un u sed equip m ent. The over bed table should be cleaned and wiped off after meals are served. Obtain the patient's permission before disposing off newspapers or magazines.

15. Privacy Privacy is essential for a patient's wellbeing. Always knock gently and identify yourself before entering the room. Clo s e the cu r tain a r ou n d the p a tient f or perso n al tasks su c h as us in g a bed p an and bathing. Post a sign on the door when such tasks are being done, so as to discourage anyone from entering the room.

16. PEST CONTROL Hospital unit should be free from vermin and other vectors of disease. Keep a fly swatter within easy reach. Keep food well covered or in a fly-proof net cupboard . Remove soiled dishes immediately after the patient has eaten. Place soiled dressings in covered bins and make sure they are removed .

17. PEST CONTROL contd….. Cover and remove bedpans at once after use. Make sure that toilets are kept clean. Encourage the use of mosquito nets. Keep screen doors tightly closed and teach patient and attendants to close them properly. Cockroaches and ants can be prevented by keeping the area clean. Use of gammexane and dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) spray should be done around areas where they appear. Cleaning beds with a disinfectant can prevent bed bugs.

18. RED UC T IO N O F PHYSIC A L HA Z A R DS Safety is a primary concern when caring. Safety is needed to prevent accidents and possible injuries to patients, visitors, and health care personnel. The most common accidents among patients are Falls, Burns, cuts & Fights with others, loss of personal possessions choking and electric shock.

19. Role of a Nurse in Promoting Safety a Health Care Orient the patient and family when admitted to health care facility regarding facilities, call bell system, bed and electric switches. Check that the patient can operate the controls. Assess the patient's gait and risk for falling. If needed, tell the patient to call for help. Evaluate the patient's drug regimen for side effects that may increase the risk of falling. Help the patient to go to toilet on a regular schedule to decrease the chances of patient bed wetting.

20. Provide a night light to aid ambulation in night . Encourage the use of firm, non-skid slippers to prevent falls . Be sure patient is comfortable and all desired items and call bell are within easy reach. Answer call lights quickly , so that patients learn to trust you and do not feel the need to get up without help. Encourage the use of grab bars for the toilet, tub and shower

21. Place the high risk or restless patient in a room close to the nurses' station for easy observation Stay with the patient who is confused, agitated, or unsteady whenever the patient gets up and u ses si de r ails. Restrict fluids after 6.00 pm so that patient does not have to get up frequently at night. Make sure for wheel chair brakes are locked before transferring a patient into or out of it.

22. I n Th e H o me Place a no n - s k i d b a th m a t i n the tub and s h o w er Us e of night light Installation of grab bars for bathroom/toilet Install door buzzers or bed alarms that sound when the patient leaves the bed E n cou r a g e remo v al of e xtens i on cords because these m a y cause a fal l .