4 Patient Safety and Infection Prevention Free Online FlashCards

What does patient safety mean?

Patient safety means preventing avoidable harm and reducing care-related risks as much as reasonably possible.

What is a near miss, and why report it?

A near miss is an event that could have caused harm but did not. Reporting it can reveal hazards before someone is injured.

When should patient risks be reassessed?

Reassess when the patient’s status changes, after a procedure or medication, and during transitions between caregivers or care settings.

What makes a safety-focused handoff effective?

Share important risks and prevention plans during handoffs, and confirm that the receiving team understands what needs attention.

What is the foundation of patient-centered fall prevention?

Assess each patient’s fall risk, select measures suited to their needs, communicate the plan, and carry it out consistently.

Name key actions that help keep the care environment safe.

Keep walkways clear, clean spills promptly, ensure adequate lighting, and position functioning equipment safely.

Who should receive Standard Precautions?

Standard Precautions are baseline infection-prevention practices used for every patient, whether or not an infection is known or suspected.

When should you use hand rub versus soap and water?

Use alcohol-based hand rub in most clinical situations when hands are not visibly soiled; wash with soap and water when hands are visibly dirty or soiled.

How should healthcare workers choose PPE?

Choose PPE based on the task and anticipated exposure. A splash risk may require a gown and face or eye protection in addition to other PPE.

What are the three categories of Transmission-Based Precautions?

Contact, droplet, and airborne precautions. The measures depend on the likely transmission route and current clinical guidance.

How should used sharps be handled?

Dispose of used sharps promptly in designated sharps containers; do not leave them where another person could be injured.

What should you do after a needlestick or other potentially infectious exposure?

Follow the organization’s immediate first-aid and reporting procedures without delay.