Safety and infection prevention are foundational elements of nursing practice, critical to ensuring positive patient outcomes and protecting vulnerable populations. Nurses must identify risk factors, implement evidence-based interventions, and respond to complications to reduce harm. Whether managing environmental hazards, preventing falls, or controlling infectious diseases, nurses are responsible for maintaining a safety culture through detailed assessment, prevention, and education. This discussion integrates safe care and infection control concepts, applying the nursing process to promote wellness and respond to potential threats.
???? Case Study
Mrs. Velma Chan, an 84-year-old widow with diabetes and mild cognitive impairment, is admitted to the hospital for pneumonia. She lives alone, is hard of hearing, and uses a walker. During the first 24 hours of admission, the nurse observed clutter around her bedside, poor lighting, and her bed alarm not activated. Velma becomes disoriented at night, tries to ambulate unassisted, and falls, sustaining a wrist sprain. A fall risk and infection control assessment reveals multiple concerns: improper catheter care, missed hand hygiene by visitors, and nonadherence to PPE use. Post-fall, Velma develops a urinary tract infection (UTI) requiring antibiotics. The interdisciplinary team initiates a safety review, including hand hygiene training and environmental modifications. The nurse must assess Velma’s safety and infection risks, implement preventive measures, and evaluate outcomes across multiple care domains.
???? Discussion Prompt
Choose ONE of the following topic areas and respond thoroughly:
1. Assessing Safety and Infection Risk
What are the key components of a safety and infection risk assessment in older adult clients?
What red flags in Mrs. Chan’s case should have prompted early intervention?
What data should nurses collect to evaluate fall potential and infection susceptibility?
2. Preventing Falls and Breaking the Chain of Infection
What specific nursing interventions reduce fall risk in hospitalized clients like Mrs. Chan?
How can the nurse break the infection cycle using standard precautions and aseptic technique?
What complications should the nurse monitor for related to safety or infection breakdowns?
3. Responding to Infection and Supporting Recovery
What nursing actions are required after Mrs. Chan develops a UTI?
What strategies support healing in high-risk clients with cognitive or mobility impairments?
How should the nurse evaluate treatment effectiveness and educate for long-term safety?