A community health nurse is performing a home visit for a client and is evaluating the home environment for safety. Which of the following findings would indicate to the nurse that the client has a proper understanding of safety in the home?

Choice A reason: Asking parents to wait outside may increase the preschooler’s anxiety, as parental presence provides comfort. Unless clinically necessary, excluding parents is not ideal, so this action is inappropriate for preparing the child, making it incorrect.
Choice B reason: Teaching deep-breathing to a preschooler is challenging due to their developmental stage, and it may not effectively reduce anxiety for a dressing change. Simpler reassurance is more suitable, so this is less effective, making it incorrect.
Choice C reason: Explaining the procedure in simple terms helps the preschooler understand what to expect, reducing fear and promoting cooperation. This developmentally appropriate approach aligns with pediatric care principles, making it the correct action for preparation.
Choice D reason: Limiting teaching to 20 minutes is impractical for a preschooler, whose attention span is short. Brief, simple explanations are more effective, and prolonged sessions may overwhelm the child, so this is incorrect for preparing them.

Choice A reason: Using two identifiers (e.g., name and medical record number) ensures the correct client receives the medication, preventing errors. This aligns with safety protocols, reducing risks of administering drugs to the wrong person. Verification confirms identity before administration, safeguarding against adverse events and ensuring compliance with standards like The Joint Commission.
Choice B reason: Checking the medication label twice is part of the “rights” of administration but is less specific than using two identifiers for client verification. While important, it addresses medication accuracy, not client identity, which is the primary safety concern to prevent errors, making it less critical in this context.
Choice C reason: Administering medication within 3 hours of the scheduled time relates to timing protocols, not the core action of ensuring safe administration. While timely administration is important, verifying client identity is the priority to prevent errors, as incorrect patient identification can lead to severe adverse events, making this less relevant.
Choice D reason: Administering medications to treat a condition to the actual prescriptions is vague and not a standard safety action. The focus is on verifying client identity and medication accuracy, not a general treatment alignment. This statement does not address a specific, actionable step in safe medication administration, making it incorrect.