home safety
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Post signs in every room where oxygen is in use. Make sure that absolutely no smoking occurs in the home or in the car when oxygen is in use. Secure an oxygen cylinder to a solidly fixed object to avoid creating a missile out of the tank. This might happen if it was accidentally knocked over and gas was allowed to escape. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Be familiar with the equipment and the safety checks established by the medical equipment provider. Keep their contact telephone numbers, and the numbers for other emergency services, posted near a phone. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. Make sure smoke detectors in the home are working. Have fresh batteries installed. Perform monthly checks. Have a fire extinguisher available in the home as well ( Use type ABC ). Create and practice an escape and rescue plan in the event of a fire. Notify the local fire department, gas and electric companies and telephone company when home oxygen therapy is started. Request a "priority service listing". This is for those times when there is a power or telephone failure or repairs are needed on any utility.
Patient was instructed on measures for fire safety: Do not overload circuits. Turn off all appliances before leaving the home. i.e., iron, oven, curling iron etc.... install a smoke detector on each floor and always check batteries.
SN educated patient and caregiver on the importance of always using assistive device with ambulation and transfers to avoid falls or injuries. Nurse instructed patient and caregiver on the importance of home safety such as proper lighting, and to keep walkways free of debris and clutter. Patient was instructed to contact PCP or home health agency if they fall or if current health status declines. Patient was instructed to not walk unassisted when not feeling steady . Patient verbalized understanding
Patient was instructed on measures for fire safety: Store flammable substances in a well-ventilated area. Use candles with caution. Put doors and screens on fire places.
Patient was instructed on measures for fire safety. Always sleep with the bedroom doors closed. This will keep deadly heat and smoke out of the bedroom, giving additional time to escape.
Patient was instructed on tips for fire safety. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking. Keep the handles of the pots turned inward so they do not ever-hang the stove. If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan and smother the flames, then turn off the burner.
Patient was instructed on tips for fire safety. If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug immediately and have it repaired. Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords and don
Patient was instructed on measures for fire safety. If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound under cool water for two minutes. If the burn blisters or chars, see a doctor immediately.
Patient was instructed on measures for fire safety:Call-Feel a door before opening it (if it
Sn instructed patient in walker safety. When you stand wait one minute before attempting to walk. Do not take a step until all 4 legs of the walker are level on the ground. Do not place the walker too far ahead of you. Keep the walker’s back legs even with your toes. Always look forward at your path, don’t look down at your feet. To get up from a seat, do not pull up on your walker. Push up from your seat. Do not lean forward over your walker. Work at keeping good posture. Be careful when you walk from a tile or hardwood floor to a carpeted floor. Do not use your walker on stairs or on an escalator. Check the rubber tips on the legs of your walker often. Replace the tips when they become worn. Patient verbalized understanding of teaching.