Strategies for promoting safety and preventing injury

Injuries can be classified as (1) MVAs, (2) unintentional injuries in the home environment, (3) occupational hazards, and (4) violent and abusive behavior. The word accident is misleading; the injuries have a cause that can be prevented. Nurses can help decrease the frequency of injuries by counseling clients regarding the consequences of their behavior and recommending basic precautions appropriate to the activity.