Patient Safety Measures to Know for Foundations of Nursing Practice

Patient safety measures are essential in nursing practice, ensuring quality care and minimizing risks. Key practices include hand hygiene, proper identification, medication safety, and effective communication, all aimed at protecting patients and enhancing their overall healthcare experience.

1. Hand hygiene

   • Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after patient contact.
   • Perform hand hygiene after removing gloves and before any invasive procedures.
   • Educate patients and visitors about the importance of hand hygiene.

2. Proper patient identification

   • Use at least two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) before administering care or medications.
   • Verify patient identity with wristbands and electronic health records.
   • Ensure all staff are trained on identification protocols to prevent errors.

3. Medication safety and administration

   • Follow the "Five Rights" of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time.
   • Double-check medications with another healthcare professional when necessary.
   • Educate patients about their medications, including potential side effects and interactions.

4. Fall prevention

   • Assess patients for fall risk using standardized tools and implement appropriate interventions.
   • Ensure the environment is free of hazards (e.g., clutter, wet floors) and provide assistive devices as needed.
   • Educate patients and families about fall risks and prevention strategies.

5. Infection control practices

   • Implement standard precautions for all patients, including hand hygiene and use of PPE.
   • Isolate patients with known or suspected infections to prevent transmission.
   • Regularly educate staff on infection control protocols and updates.

6. Safe patient handling and mobility

   • Use assistive devices (e.g., lifts, transfer belts) to minimize the risk of injury to both patients and staff.
   • Assess patient mobility and provide individualized mobility plans.
   • Train staff on proper body mechanics and lifting techniques.

7. Effective communication among healthcare team

   • Utilize standardized communication tools (e.g., SBAR: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) for handoffs.
   • Encourage open dialogue and reporting of concerns among team members.
   • Document and share critical information promptly to ensure continuity of care.

8. Proper documentation

   • Ensure all patient interactions, assessments, and interventions are accurately documented in real-time.
   • Use clear, concise language and avoid abbreviations that may lead to misunderstandings.
   • Regularly review documentation practices to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

9. Risk assessment and management

   • Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify potential risks (e.g., falls, pressure ulcers).
   • Develop and implement risk management plans tailored to individual patient needs.
   • Regularly review and update risk assessments based on changes in patient condition.

10. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

    • Select appropriate PPE based on the level of risk and type of exposure anticipated.
    • Train staff on the correct use, donning, and doffing of PPE to prevent contamination.
    • Ensure easy access to PPE in all patient care areas.

11. Safe use of medical equipment

    • Follow manufacturer guidelines for the operation and maintenance of medical devices.
    • Regularly inspect and test equipment to ensure it is functioning properly.
    • Train staff on the safe use of equipment and report any malfunctions immediately.

12. Prevention of pressure ulcers

    • Conduct regular skin assessments to identify at-risk patients.
    • Implement repositioning schedules and use pressure-relieving devices (e.g., specialized mattresses).
    • Educate patients and caregivers about skin care and the importance of mobility.

13. Time-out procedures for surgical safety

    • Conduct a time-out before any surgical procedure to confirm patient identity, procedure, and site.
    • Involve the entire surgical team in the time-out process to ensure accountability.
    • Document the time-out in the patient's medical record.

14. Proper disposal of sharps and medical waste

    • Use designated sharps containers for the disposal of needles and other sharp objects.
    • Follow facility protocols for the disposal of biohazardous waste.
    • Educate staff on the importance of proper waste disposal to prevent injury and infection.

15. Patient education on safety measures

    • Provide clear information about safety protocols and what patients can do to help.
    • Encourage patients to ask questions and express concerns about their care.
    • Involve family members in education to reinforce safety measures at home.