4 Patient Guide Your Safety Fall Safety When ill or weak, you may feel dizzy or confused which increases your risk of falling. Use these safety tips: ⬤ Make sure your call light and things you need are within reach. ⬤ Ask your nurse or health care provider which activities are safe for you to do on your own. ⬤ Ask for help to get in and out of bed. ⬤ Wear slippers, slip-resistant socks or shoes. ⬤ Use the toilet often to avoid needing to hurry. ⬤ Use walking aids (canes, walkers and wheelchairs) as instructed. ⬤ Wear your eyeglasses, contacts or hearing aids. ⬤ Notify your nursing team if you see a spill or slippery area on the floor. We will: ⬤ Make hourly rounds ⬤ Keep room free of clutter ⬤ Make sure your room is adequately lit ⬤ Keep your bed in low and locked position ⬤ Video/bed/chair alarm as needed We need you to: ⬤ Tell us if you have fallen recently ⬤ Tell us all the medications you take ⬤ Participate with physical therapy ⬤ Call for assistance to get out of bed/chair Pressure Ulcers Prevention Ulcers occur when pressure on skin cuts off blood supply. Usually when person lies or sits in one position for too long. Most often on the heels, buttocks, back and head. Prevention: ⬤ Change position with help every 2 hours ⬤ Elevate heels off the mattress ⬤ Special mattress if appropriate ⬤ Keep skin clean, dry, moisturized ⬤ If incontinent– use barrier cream ⬤ Eat a healthy diet, visit with a MercyOne dietitian for ideas to help your appetite ⬤ If you smoke, quit. DVT (Blood Clot) Prevention ⬤ Work with physical therapy as ordered ⬤ Use incentive spirometer ⬤ Walk frequently if possible ⬤ Wear your SCDs pumps/ted hose if ordered ⬤ Do leg exercises in bed/chair ⬤ Take medications as ordered for prevention ⬤ Don’t smoke Keeping You Safe It is important for your care team to know where you are at all times. For your safety, please remain on the unit where you are staying. Should you need to leave the unit, please contact a member of your health care team. We’re happy to help!
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