Safe Use Of Equipment - NCLEX-RN

Assess IV site/tubing for kinks or infiltration; correct then restart. Troubleshoots blockages to restore flow and prevent complications like infiltration or delay in therapy.

Secure lines, trace to patient, move as a team, and monitor tension. Coordinates handling to avoid tension that could disconnect or damage invasive devices.

Explain, inspect lift/sling, apply sling, raise, move, lower, remove. Follows a systematic sequence to ensure patient comfort, equipment integrity, and safe transfer.

Sling slipping, patient distress, equipment malfunction, or instability. Signals immediate hazards that could result in patient harm or equipment failure during transfer.

Lock wheels, remove/raise footrests, place chair on strong side. Stabilizes equipment and positions it optimally to facilitate safe patient movement during transfer.

Verify equipment is intact, plugged safely, and passes functional check. Ensures equipment functionality and electrical safety to prevent malfunctions or hazards during patient care.

Bed in lowest position, wheels locked, call light within reach. Reduces fall height, stabilizes the bed, and allows quick summoning of help to minimize injury risk.

Use the minimum rails needed; avoid raising all rails as routine. Minimizes entrapment hazards and avoids classifying rails as restraints unless clinically necessary.

Use a draw sheet and at least two staff; lift, do not drag. Distributes weight evenly and reduces shear forces on the patient's skin during repositioning.

Patient cannot bear weight or is unpredictable/uncooperative. Prevents injury to patient and staff when manual methods are insufficient for safe transfer.

Neutral spine, wide base, bend hips/knees, keep load close. Distributes force through legs and core to minimize spinal strain during lifting tasks.

Turn toward the unaffected (stronger) side unless contraindicated. Leverages the patient's stronger side for better stability and reduced injury risk during movement.

Maintain neutral ankle with a footboard or splint/boot. Prevents plantar flexion contractures by supporting proper ankle alignment in immobile patients.

Assess skin and pulses; verify no suspected DVT or severe PAD. Identifies contraindications to avoid exacerbating vascular issues or causing tissue damage.

Reapply promptly after return to bed or chair and restart device. Restores venous return enhancement to continue preventing deep vein thrombosis post-activity.

Snug at waist over clothing; hold at sides/back, not by buckle. Offers secure, non-injurious support to assist mobility and prevent falls during walking.

Widen stance, guide to floor, protect head; do not try to stop fall. Controls descent to minimize injury while protecting both patient and nurse from harm.

In the patient’s dominant hand and within easy reach. Facilitates easy access for summoning help, promoting independence and rapid response.

Assess orthostatic tolerance; dangle at bedside before standing. Evaluates for hypotension to prevent syncope or falls when transitioning to upright position.

Use least restrictive; ensure quick-release; maintain 2-finger space. Adheres to principles minimizing harm, allowing quick release, and ensuring adequate circulation.

Keep head of bed as low as tolerated, generally $\leq 30^\circ$. Minimizes friction and shear forces on skin to prevent pressure injuries in at-risk patients.

Keep equipment in room or disinfect per policy before removal. Controls infection spread by containing or decontaminating items used in isolation settings.

Stop use, unplug if safe, remove from service, and report per policy. Prevents escalation of electrical hazards like fire or shock by isolating the malfunctioning device.

Go to the patient immediately and assist; do not silence and delay. Provides immediate intervention to avert falls in vulnerable patients alerted by the system.