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Table 3-9

Area of ConcernSafety Interventions
Security
  • Be alert to all visitors; restrict prn
  • Monitor/report suspicious visitors
  • Assess high-risk children (e.g., custody disputes)
  • Identify person to whom child is discharged
  • All staff to wear photo ID, especially when transporting child
  • Transport one child at a time; never leave child unattended during transport
  • Do not allow visitors to borrow scrubs or lab coat
  • Infants placed near nurses’ station, in direct line of vision
  • Access to pediatrics unit limited; doors alarmed to indicate when someone enters or leaves the unit
Electrical equipment (e.g., apnea monitor, ECG monitor, respirator)
  • Maintain all equipment in good working order
  • Remove leads when not attached to monitor
  • Unplug power cord when not connected to equipment
  • Keep equipment away from moisture (e.g., puddle of water, tub)
  • Do not turn off alarm for any reason
  • Always check the child when an alarm sounds; never ignore the alarm
  • Teach other children not to touch or play with the equipment
Home care:
  • CPR guidelines posted near bed
  • Emergency numbers posted near phone
  • Notify electric company, get on priority service list in case of power outage
  • Use intercom or monitoring system
Environment
  • Keep unused electrical outlets covered with childproof caps
  • Secure screens on all windows
  • Strap infant securely into infant seat, high chair, stroller
  • Discourage use of walkers
  • Crib rails up at all times when infant or young child is alone
  • When a crib rail is down, keep one hand on the infant or young child at all times
  • Keep plants or flowers out of the reach of infants or young children
  • No small or sharp objects within reach of infants or young children; no pins on diapers
  • No small or removable parts of toys of infants or young children
  • Keep all medications out of the reach of infants or young children
  • Never leave an infant or young child alone in a bath or near water