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Safety and Infection Control

This chapter addresses protecting clients and staff from injury, error, and infection. It covers client identification, medication safety, fall and injury prevention, emergency response, and the principles of standard and transmission-based precautions. The LPN/LVN plays a central role in maintaining a safe environment and preventing the spread of infection.

Client Identification and Medication Safety

Correct identification and safe medication practices prevent some of the most common and serious errors in health care. The LPN/LVN follows systematic checks before every intervention that depends on client identity.

Use two identifiers
Verify at least two client identifiers such as name and date of birth; never use room number alone.
Follow the rights of medication administration
Confirm the right client, drug, dose, route, time, and documentation before giving any medication.
Check the label three times
Compare the medication label to the order when retrieving, preparing, and administering it.
Do not leave medications unattended
Give medications directly and observe the client take them rather than leaving them at the bedside.

Fall and Injury Prevention

Falls are a leading cause of injury, especially among older adults and sedated clients. Identifying risk factors and implementing precautions reduces harm.

Screen for fall risk
Assess age, mobility, medications, and history of dizziness or falls.
Keep the environment safe
Keep the bed low and locked, the call light within reach, and pathways clear.
Use assistive measures
Provide nonskid footwear, gait belts, and assistance with ambulation as needed.
Use restraints only as a last resort
Restraints require a time-limited provider order, less restrictive alternatives first, and frequent monitoring; never for convenience.

Emergency and Environmental Safety

The LPN/LVN must respond correctly to emergencies such as fires and know how to handle hazards and equipment safely. Preparation and correct sequencing save lives.

Follow RACE for fire
Rescue anyone in danger, Activate the alarm, Contain the fire, and Extinguish or Evacuate.
Use PASS for extinguishers
Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.
Protect during seizures
Cushion the head, turn the client to the side, and never force objects into the mouth or restrain movements.
Handle oxygen safely
Prohibit smoking and open flames, post warning signs, and secure tanks upright.

Standard Precautions

Standard precautions are used with all clients regardless of diagnosis to prevent transmission of bloodborne and other pathogens. Hand hygiene is the single most important measure.

Perform hand hygiene
Clean hands before and after every client contact and after removing gloves.
Use personal protective equipment appropriately
Wear gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection based on anticipated exposure.
Handle sharps safely
Dispose of needles in puncture-resistant containers and never recap needles by hand.
Treat all body fluids as infectious
Apply precautions to blood and body fluids from every client.

Transmission-Based Precautions

When standard precautions are not enough, transmission-based precautions are added according to how an organism spreads. Correct precaution type prevents outbreaks.

Apply contact precautions
Use gloves and gowns for organisms spread by contact; wash with soap and water for C. difficile because alcohol does not kill spores.
Apply droplet precautions
Wear a surgical mask within close range for organisms spread by large respiratory droplets.
Apply airborne precautions
Use an N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room for tuberculosis, measles, and varicella.
Maintain a closed catheter system
Keep urinary drainage bags below bladder level and the system intact to prevent infection.
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Last updated: July 2026

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