Promotion of Safety
Infection control
Hand hygiene is the most important infection-control action. Perform it before and after resident contact, after removing gloves, and after touching body fluids or contaminated items. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene. Use standard precautions with all residents and add transmission-based precautions when posted. Know which PPE is required for contact, droplet, and airborne precautions, and follow isolation signage. Do not share personal items such as razors or toothbrushes.
Environment and injury prevention
Prevent falls by keeping the bed low, brakes locked, call light within reach, clutter cleared, and non-skid footwear on. Answer call lights promptly and round frequently. Restraints require a provider order and the least restrictive option; never tie restraints to bed rails, and release and reposition per policy. For fire, remember RACE: rescue, alarm, contain, evacuate. Use PASS for extinguishers. Keep oxygen away from flames and petroleum products. Use good body mechanics: wide base, bend knees, keep the load close, and get help for heavy lifts.
Traps
If a resident is found on the floor, first check responsiveness and call for help; do not move them unless there is immediate danger. In a fire, rescue the person in danger first. Incident reports document facts, not blame, and are not placed in the resident’s chart unless policy directs. Questions may test “least restrictive” and “first action.”
Rule of thumb
Safety comes before completing the task. When in doubt, lower the bed, place the call light, and ask for help. Example: a resident with a new walker wants to walk alone; you ensure non-skid shoes, clear the path, and walk beside them per the care plan.