1. Safety Measures for the Resident and the Environment
Nursing Assistant Manual Unit 3
Lesson Plan 1, Part #1

2. Objectives Identify causes of accidents
List which residents require specific safety measures
Identify how a nursing assistant can prevent falls
Describe nursing care measures to ensure residents safety
Identify reasons for safety devices
Define physical restraint
Identify alternatives to restraints
Identify safety measures for a safe environment

3. Introduction Safety is a basic need
LTC residents are dependant upon caregivers to provide safety
Nurse assistant responsibility- monitor et report anything that may cause a resident, visitor, or employee to be involved in an accident or injury
U.S population over 65 yrs of age 34.9 million people
Adults over the age of 65 are at risk from dying or suffering severe long term effects from injuries due to accidents
Over ¼ of all deaths from burns occur from elderly over the age of 65

4. Causes of Accidents
Dizziness- lack of oxygen to brain or low blood sugar
Tumors- loss of balance
Tremors
Orthostatic Hypotension
Visual changes- depth perception
Confusion
Forgetfulness
Change in furniture arrangements
Unlighted halls
Inadequately identified medications
Wet floors, floor hazards

5. Residents who require specific safety measures
Confused residents- medication, poor nutritional status, emotional disturbance
Elderly
Aging process- decreased senses, inner ear disturbances, orthostatic blood pressure changes
Increased reaction time
Drug sedation
Unconscious

6. Falls Funniest Falls Causes of Falls
Result from tripping, slipping, climbing, or reaching for items
Shoes
Loose clothes
Stairs
Waxed Floors
Walker and cane defects
Loss of Balance
Low BP
Patient care equipment ex IV pole
Improper use of W/C, cane etc

7. Falls Prevention Fall Prevention- You Tube
Slow position changes
Clothes and shoes
Obstacles in path
Floor
Report to charge nurse if resident complains of dizziness, is prone to falling, unsteady gait, confused etc.
Report broken equipment
Report any hazards such as water leaks, loose handrails, loose carpet etc
C.N.A. **Call light functional, answer without delay!
Policy and procedures
** Very Important when transferring a resident make sure wheel chairs, beds, commodes, shower chairs are locked!!

8. C. Fall Prevention Use nonskid slippers, rubber mats in shower
Use gait belt
*Make sure rooms are well lit free from clutter

9. Safety Measures for All Residents
Check Eyeglasses
Check hearing aide
Call Light location
Check bed brakes
Side rails
Bed in low position
Precautions when feeding the residents
Provide clear instructions for residents
Wheelchair, commode, shower chair brakes
Bathing a resident

10. Safety Measures for All Residents
Assess residents ability to ambulate; Check for
Unsteady gait
Unbalanced
Posture
Complaints
Alert to potential hazards ex swing door
Watch for wandering elderly
Proper positioning, pressure points
Restorative nursing care

11. Safety Devices
Gait Belt
IV arm board
Positioning devices

12. Summary
As a nursing assistant in the residential facility or hospital it is your responsibility to provide safety to your residents/patients.
Observation