Promotion of Safety
Infection control is safety
Standard precautions apply to every resident, every time: treat blood, body fluids, secretions, and non-intact skin as potentially infectious. Wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled, before eating, and after toileting; alcohol-based rub is acceptable otherwise. Don PPE in order - gown, mask, goggles, gloves - and remove gloves and goggles first, mask last by the straps, then wash hands. Contact precautions add gown and gloves; airborne precautions (such as tuberculosis) require a fitted N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room.
Environment and falls
Keep the bed low, wheels locked, call light and belongings within reach, and answer calls promptly. Use non-skid footwear. Clean spills at once, clear clutter and cords, and report loose handrails, broken equipment, and frayed cords. Identify residents by checking the ID band and asking their name before care, transport, or meals.
Fire and emergency
If you discover fire: rescue anyone in immediate danger, pull the alarm, contain the fire by closing doors, then extinguish only a small fire if you are trained - otherwise evacuate horizontally. PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Know your facility's codes and evacuation routes.
Restraints
Restraints require a physician's order, are the last resort, and are never used for convenience, discipline, or staffing. Follow the ordered schedule: check circulation and skin frequently (commonly every 15 minutes), release and reposition at least every 2 hours, offer fluids, food, and toileting, and document.
Traps
A raised side rail is a restraint if it restricts the resident. Incident reports record facts, not blame, and you do not chart "incident report filed" in the progress notes.
Rule of thumb
Prevention beats correction: scan the room through the eyes of someone who might fall.