Key Terms
Unintentional injuries
Injuries that happen accidentally, not on purpose. Over 11,000 people die annually in the U.S.
Fall
A person accidentally and suddenly moves from a higher to a lower position; injury may or may not occur.
Worldwide
Falls are the SECOND leading cause of accidental injury (WHO, 2012). Approximately 424,000 people die globally from fall
Highest death rate from falls
Adults over 60 globally. Highest morbidity (injury) rate: adults over 65, young adults 15-29, children 15 and under.
Dry heat
Fire, irons, hair dryers, curling irons, stoves Wet/moist heat (scalds): hot liquids, steam. Scalds occur within seconds
Electrical burns
Burn both outside AND inside the body; internal damage not visible; life threatening. Radiation burns: sunlight and othe
All burns
Remove from heat source first.
Minor
Surface layer only (e.g., paper cut) Serious: deep enough to reach muscle, bone, or organ; risk of serious injury or dea
Poisoning
A harmful substance is intentionally or unintentionally ingested. Forms: plants, cleaning supplies, spoiled food, medica
Highest risk
Children (curious, exploring); adults with confusion or vision problems.
Choking
Airway is compromised; person unable to breathe. Highest risk: young children and infants (explore by mouth).
TWO most common locations
KITCHEN and BATHROOM.
Patient education
Teach patients to wash hands after bathroom use, before eating or food prep, after contact with body fluids, and wheneve
Order
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
Bruise
Blood vessels below the skin break; blood leaks into tissue. Can range from small to very large; changes color as it hea