Lecture Video: Patient Care, Safety, and Transfer

Sep 9, 2024

Unit 2: Safety, Patient Care, and Patient Transfers

Chapter 5 Review: Torres Patient Care Book

  • Topics Covered:
    • Safety techniques: environmental, occupational, patient
    • Evaluation of patient physical status
    • Principles of body mechanics
    • Patient transfer techniques
    • Legal ramifications of improper patient movement
    • Procedures for patients with health conditions
    • Patient safety measures and concerns
    • Immobilization techniques

Importance of Safety

  • Environmental Safety:
    • Crucial for healthcare workers
    • Reporting hazards prevents disasters
    • Compliance with OSHA and EPA standards is vital
  • Patient Safety:
    • Prevention of injuries through proper techniques
    • Safe disposal of hazardous waste
    • Government agencies (NRC, EPA, OSHA) regulate safety standards

Fire Safety

  • Know phone numbers for reporting fires
  • Locate and know how to use fire extinguishers
  • Report malfunctioning equipment promptly
  • Follow facility's fire containment and safety procedures

MRI Safety

  • Dangers of metallic objects becoming projectiles
  • Facility zones for safety (Zone 1-4)
  • Strict screening for metallic objects or implants

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

  • Catalogs information on hazards, handling, and disposal of chemicals
  • Ensure MSDS are updated and accessible

Patient Evaluation and Assessment

  • Consider social determinants of health
  • Data collection: subjective and objective
  • Planning and implementing patient care
  • Use of pain assessment tools

Body Mechanics and Patient Transfer

  • Safe posture and alignment is crucial
  • Assess patient’s pain and mobility before transfer
  • Use proper body mechanics and assistive devices for transfer

Transfer Techniques

  • By Stretcher or Gurney
  • Using Slide Boards
    • Reduces need for additional personnel
    • Slide board offers smoother transfer
  • Wheelchair Transfers
    • Use circular pivot discs or short slide boards for assistance

Patient Positions

  • Supine, Lateral Recumbent, High/Low Fowlers, Trendelenburg
  • Ensure comfort and prevent skin breakdown

Preventing Skin Breakdown

  • Relieve pressure every 30 minutes
  • Use cushions and reposition frequently

Patient Communication and Care

  • Clear instructions on gowning and personal items
  • Respect valuables and provide storage

Use of Immobilizers

  • Last resort; follow Joint Commission guidelines
  • Physician's order required

Conclusion

  • Safety in imaging is crucial for both patients and staff
  • Use critical thinking and proper techniques to ensure safety
  • Proper patient transfer and handling prevent injuries and preserve dignity