6 Patient Safety in Clinical Practice Free Online FlashCards

What is patient safety?

Patient safety is the prevention of avoidable harm during health care.

What does SBAR stand for, and what is it used for?

SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation; it organizes urgent updates.

What kinds of changes or conditions may signal a safety hazard?

Watch for patient changes and unsafe conditions, such as altered breathing or alertness, medication discrepancies, wet floors, clutter, damaged equipment, or missed handoff details.

What is the priority response when a safety event occurs?

Protect the patient first: assess them, provide or summon appropriate care, and alert the responsible clinician or emergency team as indicated. Then address hazards, notify the supervisor, and follow procedures for documentation, reporting, and communication.

What supports safe practice at both individual and system levels?

It combines careful individual practice with reliable systems, including clear procedures, effective teamwork, and usable equipment.

What does a safety culture encourage staff to do?

A safety culture encourages staff to report hazards and learn from mistakes and near misses rather than hide them.

How does a check-back improve communication?

In a check-back, the receiver repeats key information and the sender confirms it, helping catch missed or misunderstood messages.

What information belongs in a patient handoff?

Include the patient’s current condition, relevant history, changes, pending tasks, uncertainties, and a contingency plan.

How should responsibility be confirmed during a handoff?

Clarify who is taking responsibility, allow questions, and confirm that the receiver accepts the handoff.

What is required for safe patient identification?

Use at least two approved identifiers and match the patient to the intended care; never identify a patient by room or bed number alone.

How can clinicians check whether a patient understands instructions?

Ask patients to explain important instructions in their own words. Use a qualified interpreter when needed.

What should you do when something seems unsafe?

Pause when possible, check the facts, and speak up promptly. State the concern and the action needed, such as verifying a possibly incorrect dose before giving it.