General Rules and Precautions
Make Your Stay a Safe One
To help speed your recovery, please adhere to the following rules and guidelines during your stay at Westchester Medical Center:
- Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of Westchester Medical Center and restricted to the designated smoking areas outside the buildings.
- You should not leave your patient care unit without permission.
- Take all medication only as prescribed. Please do not take any medication brought from home, including over-the-counter medications.
- Follow the diet and exercise plans that are prescribed for you.
- Ask your nurse or physician about potential food-drug interactions which may affect your diet and medication.
- Ask for pain medication if you feel you need it.
Avoid Falls
Your condition, medications or unfamiliar surroundings could lead to a fall and potentially lengthen your stay. Take these simple steps to reduce your risk of falling:
- Be aware of your physical surroundings. Know the location of the call bell in your room and in the bathroom.
- Use the bathroom and hallway handrails.
- Don't use overbed tables, bedside stands and IV poles for support.
- Wear short bathrobes, tied securely, and non-skid footwear.
- Be realistic about your physical abilities. Your safety is more important than your independence.
- Do not change positions quickly. Sit on the side of the bed for a few moments before standing up.
- If the side rails on your bed are up, do not climb over them or climb out the end of the bed. Call for assistance.
- If you are recovering from an operation or have given birth during the last 24 hours, please ask for assistance with walking.
- Check to be sure that all your personal items are within easy reach.
- Inform the nursing or housekeeping staff of any spills or debris on the floor.
- Have the bathroom light left on at night.
- Have any unnecessary equipment or furniture removed from your room.
- Have your nurse check that the wheels on your bed are locked before you get in and out independently.
- Follow all safety instructions given by healthcare professionals.
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