A home health nurse is making a home visit to an older adult client. A nurse conducts a home safety assessment and screens the environment for potential hazards for falls. The nurse recommends that the client eliminate which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

A. Facilitates remote physical assessment and monitoring of chronic conditions

Explanation: Telehealth technology allows healthcare providers to remotely assess and monitor chronic conditions, enabling timely interventions and personalized care plans.

D. Promotes self-management of illness in rural and underserved areas

Explanation: Telehealth technology can help individuals in rural and underserved areas access healthcare services and information, promoting self-management of illnesses and improving overall health outcomes.

E. Decreases costs by reducing hospital readmissions

Explanation: Telehealth technology can contribute to reducing hospital readmissions by enabling remote monitoring, early detection of issues, and timely interventions, ultimately lowering healthcare costs associated with avoidable hospitalizations.

The following options are not accurate in relation to the benefits of telehealth technology:

B. Decreases costs by replacing the role of the nurse with technology

Explanation: Telehealth technology is not meant to replace the role of healthcare professionals, including nurses. Instead, it enhances their ability to provide care by extending access to patients, facilitating communication, and improving monitoring. The goal is to complement healthcare services rather than replace them.

C. Reimbursed by all health care insurances

Explanation: While reimbursement for telehealth services has expanded, it is not universally covered by all healthcare insurances. Coverage varies depending on the payer, state regulations, and the type of telehealth service provided. Reimbursement policies continue to evolve, and not all services may be covered by every insurance plan.

A. A standard assessment tool will increase the likelihood of obtaining accurate data.

Explanation: Standardized assessment tools, like the Mini-Cog, are designed to provide consistent and objective measures of specific aspects of a client's health, in this case, mental status. Using such tools helps ensure a standardized and systematic approach to data collection, increasing the reliability and accuracy of the information gathered. This, in turn, contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the client's health status.

B. A standard assessment tool is required by Medicare and Medicaid.

Explanation: While some standardized assessment tools may be recommended or required by certain healthcare agencies or institutions, there isn't a broad requirement from Medicare and Medicaid for a specific tool. The use of assessment tools may vary based on clinical judgment and institutional policies.

C. A standard assessment tool will increase reimbursement by Medicare and Medicaid.

Explanation: The use of a specific assessment tool is not a direct factor that influences reimbursement by Medicare and Medicaid. Reimbursement is typically based on the overall care provided and documented, rather than the specific assessment tool used.

D. A standard assessment tool will increase the client's confidence in the nurse.

Explanation: While utilizing a standard assessment tool may contribute to the overall professionalism and thoroughness of care, the primary purpose is to obtain accurate and objective data rather than specifically increasing the client's confidence in the nurse. Confidence is often influenced by the nurse's communication, empathy, and overall competence in providing care.