patient safety

1. UNIT –
PROVIDING SAFEAND CLEAN
ENVIRONMENT

2. Learning Objectives
Identify factors influencing environment
Explain the importance of maintaining proper environment
Describe the nurses' role in promoting safety

3. INTRODUCTION
• 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
• Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air.
• A range from 30% to 50% is normally comfortable.
• 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
• The amount of light is an important factor in
comfort and can be natural 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. Odor control
• Illness changes sensory perceptions
• Heathcare facilities may have unpleasant odors
frombedpans, urinals, wound discharges etc.
• Good ventilation and cleanliness will control bad odor.

10. Odor control measures
• By emptying and rinsing bedpans, bedside
commode, urinal and emesis basin promptly.
• Change soiled linens as soon as possible.
• 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
• Removing old flowers from the unit.
• Use room deodorizer or spray after consulting with
your patient as he may be allergic or sensitive to it.

12. NOISE
Noise is inevitable in health care facilities.
Moving equipment, visitors and health care personnel's are
the sources of noise.
To avoid noise:
• 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. Interior Design
Rooms with draperies and colorful bedspreads may
give a feelings of home - like environment for the
patient

14. NEATNESS
• It is important to provide a neat and tidy
atmosphere for the patient.
• Keep unit clean and in order after bedmaking .
• Remove the used dishes and unused equipment.
• 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.

16. Privacy
• Privacy is essential for a patient's wellbeing.
• Always knock gently and identify yourself before
entering the room.
• Close the curtain around the patient for personal
tasks such as using a bedpan and bathing.
• Post a sign on the door when such tasks are being
done, so as to discourage anyone from entering
the room.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. REDUCTION OF PHYSICALHAZARDS
• 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.

20. 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.

21. •Provide a night light to aid ambulation in night.
•Encourage the useof 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

22. •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 uses side
rails.
•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.

23. In The Home
• Place a non-skid bath mat in the tub
and shower Use of night light
• Installation of grab bars for bathroom/toilet
• Install door buzzers or bed alarms that sound when
the patient leaves the bed Encourage removal of
extension cords because these may cause a fall.