A community health nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of gonorrhea.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale

Securing electrical cords to the edges of the floor can create a tripping hazard, as cords can still be lifted or become loose, potentially causing falls for an older adult with impaired gait or balance. Instead, cords should be tucked away or routed along the baseboards to minimize any elevated surfaces that could obstruct movement and lead to injury. This prevents falls.

Choice B rationale

Using tape that is gray, a color often found on floors, can decrease visibility of the stair edges, making it difficult for an older adult to perceive the steps, especially if they have age-related vision changes. Markings should be in a contrasting, bright color to enhance visual cues and improve depth perception, thus reducing the risk of missteps and falls.

Choice C rationale

Bathmats with foam backing are generally not recommended because they can be slippery when wet and may not provide sufficient grip, increasing the risk of falls in the bathroom. Additionally, foam backing can degrade over time and lose its non-slip properties. A better option is a bathmat with a rubberized or suction-cup backing.

Choice D rationale

Keeping the water heater temperature below 49°C (120°F) is a crucial safety measure to prevent scalding and burns, which can be more severe in older adults due to thinner skin. At temperatures above this threshold, a third-degree burn can occur in as little as 5 seconds. This simple modification greatly reduces the risk of accidental thermal injury.

Choice A rationale

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, but a vaccine is not yet available to prevent it. Prevention focuses on avoiding contact with infected blood, such as through safe injection practices, sterile medical equipment, and screening of blood products. Therefore, it is not considered a vaccine-preventable disease in a public health context.

Choice B rationale

Botulism is a rare and serious paralytic illness caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. While there are treatments, including antitoxins, there is currently no vaccine available for routine use to prevent botulism in humans. Prevention focuses on proper food handling and avoiding contaminated sources.

Choice C rationale

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. While a vaccine for Lyme disease was once available, it was discontinued due to low demand and is not currently on the market. Prevention relies on avoiding tick bites.

Choice D rationale

Smallpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the variola virus, which was successfully eradicated globally in 1980 through a concerted vaccination effort. The smallpox vaccine was highly effective and played a critical role in its elimination. Therefore, smallpox is a classic and definitive example of a vaccine-preventable disease.