Hospice Training Guide

SAFETY

Oxygen & Smoking Device Safety

Disposing of Sharp Objects (Needles, syringes, lancets, etc.)

• Drop sharp objects in a puncture-proof container with a lid. You can use bleach bottles, detergent bottles, metal containers, or we can provide you with a sharps disposal box. • Be sure to label the container “Hazardous/Sharp Materials/Do Not Recycle.” • Do not use glass or clear plastic containers. • Do not overfill the containers. Dispose of the con- tainer when it is no more than two-thirds full.

• Keep container out of reach of children and pets. • DO NOT RECAP needles before discarding them. Many puncture injuries occur when trying to recap a needle. Place the needle or sharp object directly into the puncture-proof container. • Close the lid of the container tightly and seal with heavy-duty tape before placing in the trash.

• Place a “NO SMOKING OR VAPING” sign on the doors leading into your home. The equipment company that brings the oxygen equipment can provide these signs. • If anyone is going to smoke, use open flames (such as a gas grill, candles, or stove), or use an electronic smoking device, you must do these things first: 1. Remove the oxygen mask or tubing from the patient’s face. 2. Turn off the oxygen machine or tank com- pletely. 3. Wait 30 minutes before smoking, utilizing an open flame, or using an electronic smok- ing device indoors. Oxygen may remain in or on the body and clothing and can cause a fire even if the oxygen equipment has been turned off. • Avoid petroleum-based products. Use only wa- ter-based products for skin care. This includes lip balm, face and body lotion, and hair products. • Keep tubing as short as possible to increase the amount of oxygen the patient receives. • Do not use aerosol sprays near oxygen equip- ment.

• Do not lubricate or clean equipment with oil, grease, or chemical products. • Place the oxygen machine (concentrator) on a carpet, rug, or some type of thick pad to reduce the noise.

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• Handle tanks carefully and store them in an upright position in the cart or holder sup- plied. Oxygen tanks have very high pressure and can become dangerous if dropped. • Store oxygen tanks in a well-ventilated area and do NOT store tanks in a closet. oxygen • Do not store or use oxygen within 10 feet of an open flame. Open flames and potential fire sources include such items as candles, stoves, matches, cigarettes, heaters, cooking devices, and fireplaces. • Be sure you have a working smoke detector, a working fire extinguisher, and a plan of escape in case of fire. • Make sure that your guests and visitors are aware you have oxygen and follow all of the above safety rules.

High Risk Medications High risk medications such as prescription opioids and blood thinners are powerful medications that can help with symptom management. These medications can be an important part of your treatment plan, but there can be serious associated risks if not taken as directed. DOs: • DO take medication as prescribed. • DO keep your medication in the original pre- scription bottle. • DO use caution when standing, walking, or climbing stairs. • DO store your medication in a secure (preferably

DON’Ts: • DON’T drink alcohol with your pain medication. • DON’T double up on medication if you miss a dose or take more frequently than prescribed. • DON’T share your medication with others or take another person’s prescription medication. • DON’T drive after taking opioids. Opioids may increase drowsiness or impair judgement. • DON’T crush, chew, or dissolve extended-re- lease medications. • DON’T stop medications without consulting your medical provider and Care Team.

locked) place, out of reach of others (this may include children, visitors, friends, and family). • DO notify Four Seasons if your medication is missing or stolen. • DO talk to your Care Team about any side ef- fects, questions, or concerns.

Risks of Opioids and Other High-Risk Medications • Overdose: There is a greater risk of overdose with older age, history of sleep apnea, taking opioids with alcohol, sleeping pills, or benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan, or Valium. • Side Effects: Increased sleepiness, constipation, nausea, confusion, depression, itching and sweating, decreased energy or strength.

CALL YOUR CARE TEAM IF: • The oxygen equipment does not seem to be working correctly. • The patient is short of breath and is not improving. • The patient has nose or ear irritation that sometimes can be caused by the oxygen or the mask or tubing.

CALL YOUR CARE TEAM IF:

• You increase use of medication for symptoms (pain, nausea, anxiety, etc.) by one dose per day for more than three days • A refill will be needed in three to five days. • You spill your medication or you seem to be running out before the planned refill is due.

• Gagging, choking, or coughing occurs when the patient is trying to swallow medications. • Any unusual or uncomfortable symptoms oc- cur that you think may be associated with tak- ing medications, such as nausea, rash, trouble breathing, itching, etc.

866.466.9734 • FourSeasonsCare.org

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