POISON
A SUBSTANCE THAT CAUSES DAMAGE TO
LIVING TISSUES AND HAS INJURIOUS OR FATAL
EFFECTS ON THE BODY.

HOW IT OCCURS IN THE HOSPITAL SETTING
Prolonged use of some medications.
Overdose of drugs and medications.
Inhalation of detergents used in a hospital.
Ingestion of contaminated food by patients causes botulism.
 Prescription of allergic medication to patients

DANGERS OF POISON TO PATIENTS,
VISITORS & WORKING PERSONEEL
• Fits
• Gastroenteritis
• Difficulty in breathing
• Some patients coma death may result
• Internal organ damage; brain damage
• Skin rash

PREVENTIONS OF POISONING
Keep all poisonous substances in a lockable cupboard, out of reach of all patients
especially children
All chemicals must be stored in bottles that a clearly labelled with the name of the
chemical and strength of solution.
The bottles should be clearly marked poison, with a lid that is tightly closed when
not used
Poisons must not decantated into other bottles
Keep cleaning products in their original containers.
Throw away old medicines or other potential poisons

FALLS
Losing one’s balance and collapse
OR
Moving from a higher to a lower level typically rapidly
and without control.

HOW FALLS OCCUR IN HOSPITAL SETTING
• Slippery floors
• Lack of energy
• Impaired awareness
• Patients on high risk medication(sedatives and
antidepressants)
• Impaired vision
• Improper waste disposal( banana peels)

DANGERS OF FALLS TO PATIENTS, VISITOR
AND WORKING PERSONNEL
• Injuries
• Disability
• Fractures
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Osteoporosis( holes in bones)
• Wounds

PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO FALLS
• Put ‘slippery floor’ signs on wet floors
• Have your eyes tested regularly
• Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk
• Find out the effects of the medication you take
• Wear properly fitting shoes and non slippery shoes
• Light up the wards
• Practice proper waste disposal