A home health nurse is conducting a home-safety risk appraisal for an older adult client. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a safety risk for the client? (Select all that apply.)
Water heater temperature 54.4°C (130° F)
Electric cords behind furniture
Bathtub with rails
Raised toilet seats
Throw rugs
Correct Answer : A,B,E
A. Water heater temperature 54.4°C (130° F):
This water heater temperature is too high and poses a scalding risk. The recommended temperature setting for water heaters is generally below 49°C (120° F) to prevent burns.
B. Electric cords behind furniture:
Placing electric cords behind furniture can create tripping hazards. It is safer to have cords organized and placed away from areas where the client may walk.
C. Bathtub with rails:
Having a bathtub with rails is a safety feature that can assist the client in getting in and out of the bathtub safely. It is not a safety risk.
D. Raised toilet seats:
Raised toilet seats are often recommended for older adults to facilitate safe and easier use of the toilet. They are not a safety risk when used appropriately.
E. Throw rugs:
Throw rugs can be a tripping hazard, especially for older adults who may have mobility issues. They should be secured or removed to prevent falls.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Offer to request a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter.
Indwelling urinary catheters come with their own set of risks and complications. It is generally not recommended to use them solely for the purpose of preventing falls unless there are other medical indications for their use. Catheters increase the risk of infection and other complications, and their use should be based on clear medical necessity.
B. Keep a night light on in the client's room.
This option directly addresses the client's concern about falling during the night. Providing a night light in the room helps to alleviate disorientation, making it safer for the client to navigate to the bathroom. It is a practical and non-invasive intervention.
C. Put the side rails up and tell the client to call for assistance to the bathroom.
While using side rails can be a fall prevention measure, it's important to consider that they are not without risks. Side rails can lead to entrapment or injury if not used appropriately. In addition, telling the client to call for assistance is good advice, but relying solely on this instruction may not address the immediate concern of disorientation in new surroundings.
D. Limit the client's fluid intake in the evening.
While limiting fluid intake in the evening might reduce the frequency of bathroom trips, it is not the most appropriate response to the client's concern. Dehydration can lead to other health issues and should not be used as the primary strategy for fall prevention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I need to talk to you about unit expectations regarding timely completion of tasks."
This statement is non-confrontational and focuses on discussing the expectations of the unit regarding task completion. It allows the nurse to address the specific behavior (taking long breaks and making personal phone calls) without making accusatory or negative statements.
B. "You have been very inconsiderate of others by not completing your share of the work."
This statement may be perceived as accusatory and could escalate the conflict. It is important to communicate concerns without placing blame.
C. "Several staff members have commented that you don't do your fair share of the work."
This statement involves bringing in third-party opinions, which may not be the most direct and effective way to address the issue. It's better to address the concern directly with the individual involved.
D. "If you don't do your share of the work, I will have to inform the nurse manager."
Threatening to inform the nurse manager without first addressing the issue through communication can escalate the conflict. It's generally more productive to attempt to resolve conflicts through open and direct communication before involving higher authorities.
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