Question 1

Which of the following would least improve home security?

Accepted Answer

The hook and eye latch on the screen door,although a retardant,would not offer adequate security in the case of a break-in.

Question 2

What would be an appropriate suggestion for an 80-year-old woman who recently placed a deadbolt lock on her door?

Accepted Answer

Unlocked deadbolts allow rapid access by emergency personnel.

Question 3

What should the home health nurse suggest in the case of a fire in the home of the older adult? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Keep a flashlight for emergency lighting in case of dense smoke or an electrical failure. Do not try to extinguish the fire,close doors and windows to prevent spread of fire,and call 911 after exiting the building.

Question 4

The daughter of an 80-year-old woman asks the home health nurse for advice in selecting a cane for her mother, who has an unsteady gait. What cane would be a poor choice?

Accepted Answer

The lack of a nonskid tip makes the colorful carved cane an inappropriate choice.

Question 5

The nurse is volunteering at a homeless shelter. What intervention should be taken for a patient admitted with severe hypothermia?

Accepted Answer

The hypothermic individual should be moved to a warmer environment,wrapped in blankets or other insulating material,and given warm,not hot,drinks or food. Putting an individual in a warm bath may cause cardiovascular problems or skin damage.

Question 6

Which of the following may be a thermoregulation risk in the older adult?

Accepted Answer

Reduced activity,lower basal metabolism rate,and slowed circulatory rate contribute to the feeling of being cold.

Question 7

The home health nurse conducts a safety assessment in a patient's home. Which of the following would be identified as a fire hazard?

Accepted Answer

Multiple electrical appliances plugged into one outlet can create an overload and cause a fire.

Question 8

What is the primary focus of a fall prevention program in a long-term care facility?

Accepted Answer

Most exercise programs are focused on improvement of balance to reduce the incidence of falls. Improved balance is seen as an effort to improve the confidence of the older adult.

Question 9

What would be the initial choice of interventions to help prevent a fall in a confused 85-year-old extended-care facility patient?

Accepted Answer

The alarm is the best initial choice because it does not require a physician's order. The vest restraint requires an order. The tray table and "trapping" the resident between the wall and a dining table may lead to injuries as the resident attempts to get out of confinement.

Question 10

The home health nurse is assessing the home environment of an 85-year-old patient with Parkinson disease. What symptom of Parkinson disease makes the patient at an increased risk of falls?

Accepted Answer

The propulsive gait and reduced ability to lift the feet make falls a constant threat to a patient with Parkinson disease.

Question 11

The home health nurse counsels a family in making safe driving "rules" for their 85-year-old father. Which rule would not be effective in promoting safety?

Accepted Answer

Driving "rules" are significant when there are no alternatives to driving. Driving slowly causes accidents.

Question 12

What does the nurse hope to achieve by teaching tai chi daily in the long-term care facility?

Accepted Answer

Tai chi is a low-impact,nonstressful exercise that develops balance and coordination.

Question 13

Why is it important for the home health nurse to interview an 82-year-old patient following the patient's fall in the home?

Accepted Answer

Gaining insight into the cause of falls will help the patient and family become aware of factors in the home that are so familiar that they are not seen as hazards. Recognition of hazards will lead to an alteration of the environment for improved safety. While the nurse will document the fall in her notes,that is not the primary reason to interview the patient. Further falls cannot be guaranteed.

Question 14

In order to decrease fall risk due to orthostatic hypotension, what advice should be given to an older adult who is taking medication for hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Sitting on the side of the bed before ambulation gives the vascular system time to adjust to a positional change.

Question 15

What is a common reason that an older adult may deny that he has fallen?

Accepted Answer

Many older adults do not report falls because they fear that they will be seen as frail and dependent.

Question 16

The nurse is aware that the older adult is at greater risk for hypothermia than a younger person because the older adult has a diminished ability to:

Accepted Answer

Older adults have a diminished ability to shiver. Shivering is a muscular activity that increases metabolism and body heat.

Question 17

What is an expected assessment finding in an older adult suffering from hyperthermia?

Accepted Answer

Persons with heat exhaustion have leg and abdominal cramps; dry,hot,nonperspiring skin; tachycardia; and a temperature over 102° F.

Question 18

What are internal factors that threaten the safety of the older adult? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Thermal hazards are not internal risk factors. All other options listed are internal risk factors.

Question 19

Why does the home health nurse give his 90-year-old patient a framed poster that says "We need each other."?

Accepted Answer

Asking for assistance is good judgment rather than attempting risky acts without help.

Question 20

An older adult man has been diagnosed as having diminished depth perception. What does the nurse expect him to have difficulty with in his everyday activities?

Accepted Answer

Diminished depth perception results in an inability to judge height and depth of steps and judge distance. These deficits result in falls.

Quiz 9: Meeting Safety Needs of Older Adults