Skip to main content

Precautions

This page contains reusable precaution, restriction, and safety-related option sets that therapy companies can copy and paste into their own RehabAlpha schemas.

These lists are commonly used in:

  • therapy evaluations
  • treatment notes
  • post-surgical documentation
  • mobility and transfer sections
  • dysphagia and swallowing documentation
  • wound and skin integrity workflows
  • discharge planning
  • caregiver and staff education

If your clinicians repeatedly document the same precautions, define them once with an options and reuse them across your forms.

When should I use a precautions list?​

Use a reusable precautions list when:

  • the same safety restrictions appear in multiple forms
  • you want consistent terminology across clinicians
  • you want documentation to be easier to scan
  • you want reporting to be cleaner later
  • you want to avoid copying the same options into multiple templates

For example, instead of manually typing "Fall Precautions", "Weight Bearing as Tolerated", "Hip Precautions", and "Aspiration Precautions" into several forms, you can define them once and reference them everywhere.

A note on scope​

“Precautions” can mean different things depending on the workflow.

Some precautions are broad and general:

  • Fall Precautions
  • Seizure Precautions
  • Skin Precautions

Others are highly discipline- or diagnosis-specific:

  • Posterior Hip Precautions
  • Aspiration Precautions
  • Sternal Precautions
  • Spinal Precautions
  • Weight-Bearing Restrictions

Because of that, it is usually better to create separate focused lists instead of one giant master list.

The examples below are meant to be starting points you can adapt to your setting.

Example 1: Basic General Precautions​

This is a broad, simple list that works well in many therapy workflows.

{
  id: "precautions_basic",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Fall Precautions",
    "Safety Awareness Deficit",
    "Weight-Bearing Restriction",
    "Spinal Precautions",
    "Hip Precautions",
    "Sternal Precautions",
    "Aspiration Precautions",
    "Seizure Precautions",
    "Skin Integrity Precautions"
  ]
}

Common use cases​

  • evaluation templates
  • quick therapy safety review
  • interdisciplinary communication
  • broad precaution checklists

Example 2: Structured General Precautions​

This version uses { label, value } objects. It is useful when you want clinicians to see friendly labels while saving standardized values.

{
  id: "precautions_structured",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    { label: "None", value: "none" },
    { label: "Fall Precautions", value: "fall_precautions" },
    { label: "Safety Awareness Deficit", value: "safety_awareness_deficit" },
    { label: "Weight-Bearing Restriction", value: "weight_bearing_restriction" },
    { label: "Spinal Precautions", value: "spinal_precautions" },
    { label: "Hip Precautions", value: "hip_precautions" },
    { label: "Sternal Precautions", value: "sternal_precautions" },
    { label: "Aspiration Precautions", value: "aspiration_precautions" },
    { label: "Seizure Precautions", value: "seizure_precautions" },
    { label: "Skin Integrity Precautions", value: "skin_integrity_precautions" }
  ]
}

Why use structured options?​

Use structured options when you want:

  • cleaner stored values
  • more consistent reporting
  • easier downstream filtering
  • stable values even if labels change later

Example 3: Weight-Bearing Precautions​

This list is useful for orthopedic, post-surgical, and mobility workflows.

{
  id: "weight_bearing_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Weight Bearing as Tolerated",
    "Partial Weight Bearing",
    "Toe Touch Weight Bearing",
    "Touch Down Weight Bearing",
    "Non-Weight Bearing"
  ]
}

Common use cases​

  • PT evaluations
  • orthopedic treatment notes
  • gait training documentation
  • post-operative mobility restrictions

Example 4: Hip Precautions​

This list is helpful when documenting total hip replacement or hip surgery restrictions.

{
  id: "hip_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Anterior Hip Precautions",
    "Posterior Hip Precautions",
    "Avoid Hip Flexion Greater Than 90 Degrees",
    "Avoid Hip Adduction Past Midline",
    "Avoid Hip Internal Rotation",
    "Avoid Hip External Rotation"
  ]
}

This version is useful for:

  • post-THA documentation
  • orthopedic rehab
  • SNF mobility workflows
  • caregiver education

Example 5: Spinal Precautions​

This list is useful for post-surgical spinal and mobility-related documentation.

{
  id: "spinal_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "No Bending",
    "No Lifting",
    "No Twisting",
    "Log Roll for Bed Mobility",
    "Use Brace When Out of Bed"
  ]
}

This version is helpful for:

  • spinal surgery rehab
  • mobility and transfer training
  • inpatient and SNF therapy
  • caregiver and staff education

Example 6: Swallowing Precautions​

This list is especially useful for dysphagia documentation and SLP workflows.

{
  id: "swallow_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Aspiration Precautions",
    "No Straws",
    "Single Sips Only",
    "Small Bites Only",
    "Alternate Solids and Liquids",
    "Upright During Meals",
    "Remain Upright 30 Minutes After Meals",
    "Check for Pocketing",
    "Oral Care After Meals"
  ]
}

This version is useful for:

  • bedside swallow assessments
  • dysphagia treatment plans
  • diet recommendation sections
  • caregiver and nursing communication

Example 7: Fall and Safety Precautions​

This list focuses on general safety and fall-risk concerns.

{
  id: "fall_and_safety_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Fall Precautions",
    "High Fall Risk",
    "Requires Supervision for Mobility",
    "Requires Cueing for Safety",
    "Poor Safety Awareness",
    "Impulsive Behavior",
    "Monitor for Orthostatic Symptoms"
  ]
}

This version is useful for:

  • fall-risk documentation
  • PT and OT safety sections
  • mobility training notes
  • discharge planning

Example 8: Skin and Pressure Precautions​

A focused skin-related list can help standardize wound and pressure injury precautions.

{
  id: "skin_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Skin Integrity Precautions",
    "Pressure Relief Schedule",
    "Frequent Repositioning",
    "Heel Protection",
    "Offloading Required",
    "Monitor for Skin Breakdown"
  ]
}

This version is helpful for:

  • wound care workflows
  • seating and positioning documentation
  • rehab nursing communication
  • pressure injury prevention notes

Example 9: Cardiac and Medical Precautions​

Some organizations may want a broader medical precaution list for higher-acuity documentation.

{
  id: "medical_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Sternal Precautions",
    "Cardiac Monitoring Considerations",
    "Shortness of Breath with Exertion",
    "Monitor Vital Signs",
    "Oxygen Use",
    "Seizure Precautions"
  ]
}

This version can be helpful for:

  • medically complex rehab patients
  • cardiopulmonary workflows
  • higher-acuity SNF or inpatient documentation
  • interdisciplinary safety communication

Using a precautions list in an input​

Once you define an options, you can reference it from radioInput, selectInput, or multiSelectInput.

Example: General precautions​

{
  id: "general_precautions_input",
  type: "multiSelectInput",
  label: "General Precautions",
  options: "precautions_basic",
  placeholder: "Select all that apply..."
}

Example: Weight-bearing precaution​

{
  id: "weight_bearing_precaution_input",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Weight-Bearing Status",
  options: "weight_bearing_precautions",
  placeholder: "Select a weight-bearing precaution..."
}

Example: Swallow precautions​

{
  id: "swallow_precautions_input",
  type: "multiSelectInput",
  label: "Swallow Precautions",
  options: "swallow_precautions",
  placeholder: "Select all that apply..."
}

Copy/paste example: general precautions section​

Here is a full example showing a reusable precautions list used in a small therapy safety section.

{
  id: "precautions_basic",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Fall Precautions",
    "Weight-Bearing Restriction",
    "Spinal Precautions",
    "Hip Precautions",
    "Aspiration Precautions",
    "Seizure Precautions"
  ]
},
{
  id: "safety_precautions_template",
  type: "template",
  label: "Safety Precautions",
  appliesTo: "evaluation",
  children: [
    "general_precautions_input",
    "precaution_notes_input"
  ]
},
{
  id: "general_precautions_input",
  type: "multiSelectInput",
  label: "General Precautions",
  options: "precautions_basic",
  placeholder: "Select all that apply..."
},
{
  id: "precaution_notes_input",
  type: "textAreaInput",
  label: "Precaution Notes",
  placeholder: "Document any relevant details, restrictions, or safety concerns..."
}

PT example​

A Physical Therapist may want broad precautions plus weight-bearing and mobility-related restrictions.

{
  id: "pt_general_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Fall Precautions",
    "Hip Precautions",
    "Spinal Precautions",
    "Sternal Precautions"
  ]
},
{
  id: "pt_weight_bearing_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Weight Bearing as Tolerated",
    "Partial Weight Bearing",
    "Toe Touch Weight Bearing",
    "Touch Down Weight Bearing",
    "Non-Weight Bearing"
  ]
},
{
  id: "pt_precautions_template",
  type: "template",
  label: "PT Precautions",
  appliesTo: "evaluation",
  children: [
    "pt_general_precautions_input",
    "pt_weight_bearing_input",
    "pt_precautions_notes"
  ]
},
{
  id: "pt_general_precautions_input",
  type: "multiSelectInput",
  label: "General Precautions",
  options: "pt_general_precautions"
},
{
  id: "pt_weight_bearing_input",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Weight-Bearing Status",
  options: "pt_weight_bearing_precautions"
},
{
  id: "pt_precautions_notes",
  type: "textAreaInput",
  label: "Precaution Notes",
  placeholder: "Document restrictions, mobility implications, and safety concerns..."
}

OT example​

An Occupational Therapist may want a list focused on functional safety and ADL implications.

{
  id: "ot_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Fall Precautions",
    "Spinal Precautions",
    "Sternal Precautions",
    "Poor Safety Awareness",
    "Requires Cueing for Safety",
    "Skin Integrity Precautions"
  ]
},
{
  id: "ot_precautions_template",
  type: "template",
  label: "OT Precautions",
  appliesTo: "evaluation",
  children: [
    "ot_precautions_input",
    "ot_adl_safety_notes"
  ]
},
{
  id: "ot_precautions_input",
  type: "multiSelectInput",
  label: "Relevant Precautions",
  options: "ot_precautions"
},
{
  id: "ot_adl_safety_notes",
  type: "textAreaInput",
  label: "ADL / Safety Notes",
  placeholder: "Describe how precautions affect ADLs, transfers, and daily routines..."
}

SLP example​

An SLP workflow may need dysphagia-related precautions and mealtime recommendations.

{
  id: "slp_swallow_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Aspiration Precautions",
    "No Straws",
    "Single Sips Only",
    "Small Bites Only",
    "Alternate Solids and Liquids",
    "Upright During Meals",
    "Remain Upright 30 Minutes After Meals",
    "Check for Pocketing"
  ]
},
{
  id: "slp_precautions_template",
  type: "template",
  label: "SLP Swallow Precautions",
  appliesTo: "evaluation",
  children: [
    "slp_swallow_precautions_input",
    "slp_precaution_notes"
  ]
},
{
  id: "slp_swallow_precautions_input",
  type: "multiSelectInput",
  label: "Swallow Precautions",
  options: "slp_swallow_precautions"
},
{
  id: "slp_precaution_notes",
  type: "textAreaInput",
  label: "Swallowing Notes",
  placeholder: "Document rationale, patient response, and caregiver education..."
}

SNF example​

A skilled nursing workflow may need a broader multidisciplinary safety list.

{
  id: "snf_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Fall Precautions",
    "Hip Precautions",
    "Spinal Precautions",
    "Aspiration Precautions",
    "Skin Integrity Precautions",
    "Seizure Precautions",
    "Requires Supervision for Mobility"
  ]
},
{
  id: "snf_precautions_template",
  type: "template",
  label: "SNF Precautions",
  appliesTo: "evaluation",
  children: [
    "snf_precautions_input",
    "snf_precaution_notes"
  ]
},
{
  id: "snf_precautions_input",
  type: "multiSelectInput",
  label: "Precautions",
  options: "snf_precautions"
},
{
  id: "snf_precaution_notes",
  type: "textAreaInput",
  label: "Precaution Notes",
  placeholder: "Document nursing implications, therapy considerations, and safety concerns..."
}

Outpatient ortho example​

This example shows a common outpatient orthopedic pattern.

{
  id: "ortho_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Weight-Bearing Restriction",
    "Hip Precautions",
    "Spinal Precautions",
    "Sling Use",
    "Brace Use"
  ]
},
{
  id: "ortho_weight_bearing_precautions",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Weight Bearing as Tolerated",
    "Partial Weight Bearing",
    "Toe Touch Weight Bearing",
    "Touch Down Weight Bearing",
    "Non-Weight Bearing"
  ]
},
{
  id: "ortho_precautions_template",
  type: "template",
  label: "Orthopedic Precautions",
  appliesTo: "evaluation",
  children: [
    "ortho_general_precautions_input",
    "ortho_weight_bearing_input",
    "ortho_precaution_notes"
  ]
},
{
  id: "ortho_general_precautions_input",
  type: "multiSelectInput",
  label: "General Precautions",
  options: "ortho_precautions"
},
{
  id: "ortho_weight_bearing_input",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Weight-Bearing Status",
  options: "ortho_weight_bearing_precautions"
},
{
  id: "ortho_precaution_notes",
  type: "textAreaInput",
  label: "Precaution Notes",
  placeholder: "Document post-surgical restrictions, brace use, and mobility implications..."
}

Choosing the right version​

Use this quick guide:

  • Basic General Precautions: best for broad general therapy documentation
  • Structured General Precautions: best when you want cleaner saved values
  • Weight-Bearing Precautions: best for orthopedic and gait workflows
  • Hip Precautions: best for post-THA and hip-related rehab
  • Spinal Precautions: best for spinal surgery and mobility documentation
  • Swallowing Precautions: best for SLP and dysphagia workflows
  • Fall and Safety Precautions: best for safety-focused mobility documentation
  • Skin and Pressure Precautions: best for wound and seating workflows
  • Cardiac and Medical Precautions: best for more medically complex rehab settings

Naming tips​

Try to name precaution lists clearly so they are easy to reuse later.

Good examples:

  • precautions_basic
  • precautions_structured
  • weight_bearing_precautions
  • hip_precautions
  • spinal_precautions
  • swallow_precautions

Avoid vague IDs like:

  • precaution_list
  • choices1
  • safety_options_a

Common mistakes​

1. Making one giant master list​

A single mega-list can become hard to browse and harder to use correctly.

It is often better to separate:

  • general precautions
  • mobility precautions
  • swallow precautions
  • skin precautions
  • medical precautions

2. Mixing broad precautions with very specific instructions​

For example, avoid mixing:

  • "Hip Precautions"
  • "Avoid Hip Flexion Greater Than 90 Degrees"

in the same list unless that is intentional for your workflow.

Sometimes a broad list and a detailed follow-up list work better.

3. Saving display labels when you really want standardized values​

If reporting consistency matters, use structured options like:

{ label: "Fall Precautions", value: "fall_precautions" }

instead of storing slightly different text labels over time.

4. Forgetting that “None” can be useful​

In many workflows, clinicians need an explicit way to indicate that no relevant precautions apply.

Including "None" can make documentation cleaner than leaving the field blank.

5. Using a precautions list where a narrative note is actually needed​

A checklist is useful, but some workflows still need a textAreaInput for details such as:

  • who gave the restriction
  • how long it applies
  • whether the patient understands it
  • how it affects treatment

Often the best pattern is a list plus a short note field.

You may also want to build related pages for:

  • Assistance Levels
  • Gait Devices
  • Diet Textures
  • Patient Positions
  • Body Regions
  • Fall Risk
  • Mobility Templates
  • Dysphagia Templates

Next step​

After adding this page, strong companion articles would be:

  • lists/assistance-levels.md
  • lists/gait-devices.md
  • sections/safety-and-precautions.md

These pages pair naturally with precaution and restriction option lists.