Here are the four essentials:
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
1. Ensure patients and families are provided information on proper use of the patient-controlled analgesia pump so they understand the pump delivers a powerful narcotic and that there should be no “PCA by proxy,” a practice in which an unauthorized person activates the PCA.
2. Make sure patients and families understand why they must be monitored for safety reasons using oximetry on the finger and a capnography cannula on the nose.
3. Educate patients and families about monitor readouts.
4. Explain to patients why alarms sound and what to do when they sound.
More Articles on Patient Safety:
Drill Down to Step Up Hand Hygiene Compliance
Study: Noisy ORs May Pose Patient Safety Risk
5 Core Factors of a Patient Safety Program
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
