Safe Use Of Equipment, Assistive Devices - NCLEX-PN

Remove at least once per shift to assess skin and provide hygiene. Prevents skin breakdown and circulatory issues by allowing regular inspection and care.

Allow $2$–$3$ finger widths between axilla and crutch top. Prevents axillary nerve compression by maintaining adequate space for proper weight distribution.

Down with the bad: crutches and affected leg first, then good leg. Ensures safe descent by lowering the affected side first to maintain balance and control.

Remove heat source immediately and assess skin and sensation. Prevents potential burns or nerve damage by promptly discontinuing heat application and evaluating response.

Assess probe placement/perfusion and recheck before escalating. Rules out technical errors like poor sensor contact before assuming clinical deterioration.

Post no-smoking sign and keep oxygen away from flames and heat sources. Mitigates fire risk as oxygen supports combustion, requiring elimination of ignition sources.

Replace canister using standard precautions before suctioning. Maintains infection control and equipment functionality by handling biohazard waste appropriately.

Pause feeding and re-elevate HOB; resume per policy when safe. Prevents reflux and aspiration by interrupting feeding during position changes that increase risk.

Verify tube placement per policy and keep HOB elevated during feeding. Reduces aspiration risk by confirming tube position and maintaining semi-upright posture to aid digestion.

Assess for kinks/infiltration; correct cause; restart per policy. Systematically troubleshoots to restore flow and prevent complications like infiltration.

Up with the good: good leg first, then crutches and affected leg. Promotes stability on ascent by leading with the unaffected leg to support body weight.

Inspect cord and plug for damage; verify proper grounding and function. Ensures electrical safety by identifying defects that could cause shocks or fires before patient exposure.

Bed in lowest position, wheels locked, call light within reach. Reduces fall risk by minimizing bed height, securing position, and enabling quick access to assistance.

Remove bed from use and report for repair per facility policy. Prioritizes patient safety by immediately addressing equipment malfunction to prevent instability-related injuries.

Use a friction-reducing device and adequate staff; avoid pulling on skin. Minimizes shear forces and skin trauma while ensuring sufficient manpower for controlled movement.

Hold the cane on the stronger side. Optimizes balance and support by positioning the cane to counteract weakness on the opposite side.

Cane and left leg together, then right leg steps through. Facilitates stable gait by advancing support with the weak leg before the strong leg bears weight.

Back up until legs touch chair, reach for armrests, then sit. Ensures tactile confirmation of chair position for controlled, supported lowering to prevent falls.

Advance walker, step with weaker leg, then step with stronger leg. Enhances stability by positioning the walker ahead before advancing the weaker leg.

Guide patient to the floor, protect head, and call for assistance. Minimizes injury by controlling descent and prioritizing protection of vital areas while seeking help.

Lock the wheelchair wheels. Prevents unintended movement of the wheelchair, reducing risk of falls during standing.

Place at $30$–$45$ degrees to bed on stronger side; lock wheels; remove footrests. Facilitates smooth transfer by aligning for minimal reach and ensuring stability and accessibility.

Apply snugly over clothing at waist; grasp from the back/side. Provides secure, non-slip support at the center of gravity for safe assisted movement.

Support weight on hands, not on the axilla. Distributes weight through arms to avoid pressure on axillary nerves and potential palsy.