A home health nurse is providing teaching about home safety to an older adult client. Which of the following examples of home safety should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A Reason:

Using extension cords to prevent overloading circuits is not a recommended safety practice. Extension cords can pose tripping hazards and may not be designed to handle the electrical load of multiple devices, which can lead to overheating and potential fire risks.

Choice B Reason:

Obtaining a raised toilet seat for the bathroom is a practical safety measure for older adults. It helps reduce the risk of falls by making it easier for individuals with limited mobility to sit down and stand up from the toilet. This modification can significantly enhance bathroom safety.

Choice C Reason:

Covering slippery stairs with an area rug is not advisable. Area rugs can slip and create additional hazards. Instead, using non-slip treads or securing the rug with non-slip backing is a safer alternative.

Choice D Reason:

Securing loose wires under carpeting is not recommended. This practice can create a fire hazard and make it difficult to access the wires if needed. It’s better to use cable management solutions that keep wires organized and out of the way without hiding them under carpeting.

Choice A Reason:

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and is spread through airborne particles. When a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air, which can be inhaled by others1. Therefore, placing a client with TB in airborne precautions is essential to prevent the spread of the infection. This involves using a negative pressure room and requiring healthcare workers to wear N95 respirators or higher-level protection.

Choice B Reason:

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid or pus. While pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, it is typically spread through respiratory droplets rather than airborne particles. Therefore, droplet precautions, rather than airborne precautions, are usually sufficient for managing clients with pneumonia. This includes wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from the infected person.

Choice C Reason:

Shigella is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestines and is spread through the fecal-oral route. It is not transmitted through the air, so airborne precautions are not necessary. Instead, contact precautions are recommended to prevent the spread of Shigella, which involves wearing gloves and gowns when handling the patient or their environment and practicing good hand hygiene.

Choice D Reason:

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Similar to pneumonia, droplet precautions are sufficient for managing clients with strep throat. This includes wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from the infected person to prevent the spread of the bacteria.