Safety & Risk Reduction (item example & rationales

Safety & Risk Reduction

This framework establishes priority based on which situation poses the greatest threat to the client at that time. When multiple risks are present, another priority-setting framework, like the ABCs, may need to be used to identify the highest priority.

ITEM EXAMPLE

A nurse is planning care for a client who is in acute alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer first?

A. Disulfuram B. Lorazepam C. Clonidine D. Atenolol.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Safety risk to client

Greatest risk to client

Significance of risk compared to other risks

RATIONALES

A. Disulfuram is given to support abstinence from alcohol and prevent relapse; however, this is not the greatest risk to the client at this time.

B. The greatest risk to the client during acute alcohol withdrawal is seizures. Therefore, the nurse should first administer lorazepam to control or minimize seizures.

C. Clonidine can help minimize the autonomic symptoms that occur with acute alcohol withdrawal; however, these are not the greatest risks to the client at this time.

D. Atenolol can help minimize the autonomic symptoms that occur with acute alcohol withdrawal; however, these are not the greatest risks to the client at this time.