Chapter 4 Safety and Infection Control 97 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Patient Safety Caring for patients requires serious attention to detail to provide compe- tent care and prevent accidents. As a conscientious healthcare worker acting in a professional manner, you are responsible for the safety of your patients. Even if you do not work directly with patients, you must still be observant. It is important that you act quickly if you see safety hazards, such as liquid spills, loose rugs, or confused and disoriented patients. Universal Patient Safety Guidelines If you do work directly with patients, follow the guidelines of your facility. The following are some universal guidelines for patient safety: • Always identify the patient before you interact with him or her. Check the patient’s identifi cation bracelet and your paperwork to make sure that you have the correct patient. Ask the patient to tell you her name. • Make sure your patient has privacy during all procedures (Figure 4.3). It is your responsibility to ensure the safety and comfort of a patient at all times. • When leaving a patient, make sure the bed is in a low position. The call button must be within reach of the patient. • Be sure that the patient knows the location of the bathroom, call buttons, emergency call lights, handrails, and safety rails. • Before performing a procedure, explain the entire procedure and make sure you have the patient’s consent. For example, if a patient does not want you to take his or her blood and refuses permission, you must tell the nurse in charge that the patient has refused. Make sure that the patient understands you. If language is a barrier, your facility may have designated translators available to help. If the patient cannot understand you because of a medical challenge, make sure someone who can speak for the patient is there, such as a guardian or a close relative. Always remember that the patient has the right to refuse treatment! If an employee performs a procedure that the patient has refused, the employee may be sued for battery, or unlawful touching. • Never start or perform a procedure that you are not trained to perform. Never take shortcuts such as skipping a time-consuming step because you are in a hurry. If a particular step is part of the approved procedure, it is important. Operating within your scope of practice is not only ethical but legal. Ragne Kabanova/Shutterstock.com Figure 4.3 Curtains surround these hospital beds for a reason. Always close them when working with patients to respect their privacy.