A home health care nurse is conducting a fall risk assessment for a client who has osteoarthritis and lives alone. The nurse should identify that which of the following factors creates a risk for falls?
Large pieces of furniture.
A bedside table next to the bed.
Raised toilet seats.
Throw rugs on hardwood floors.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Large pieces of furniture do not necessarily create a significant risk for falls unless they are poorly placed or obstructing pathways. While they can potentially cause accidents, the likelihood of tripping over them is generally lower compared to other hazards.
Choice B rationale:
A bedside table next to the bed is not a significant fall risk factor. In fact, having a bedside table can be beneficial for the client, as it provides a convenient surface for placing items that the client might need during the night.
Choice C rationale:
Raised toilet seats, although they may pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues, are typically installed to aid those with difficulty sitting down or standing up. They are not a primary risk factor for falls, especially when compared to other more hazardous factors.
Choice D rationale:
Throw rugs on hardwood floors are a significant fall risk factor, especially for older adults or individuals with mobility problems. The rugs can easily shift or bunch up, causing someone to trip and fall. Hardwood floors can also become slippery, and the combination of a throw rug on such a surface increases the risk of accidents. The rationale behind this choice is grounded in the potential for tripping and slipping hazards that these throw rugs can introduce, especially in individuals who might already have balance or mobility issues.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Instructing the client's loved ones that the client should not have fresh flowers in their room (Choice A) is not a necessary action for rubella isolation. Rubella is transmitted through respiratory droplets, and the prohibition of fresh flowers is not a relevant precaution.
Choice B rationale:
Wearing a surgical mask when within 0.9 m (3 feet) of the client (Choice B) is the correct action. Rubella is an airborne disease, and wearing a surgical mask helps prevent the spread of infectious respiratory droplets to the nurse and other individuals.
Choice C rationale:
Placing the client in a room with negative-airflow pressure (Choice C) is not specifically indicated for rubella isolation. Negative-airflow pressure rooms are typically used for diseases that require strict airborne precautions, such as tuberculosis.
Choice D rationale:
Instructing the client that visitors will not be allowed while they are in isolation (Choice D) is not entirely accurate for rubella isolation. While isolation precautions are necessary, visitors can enter the room if they are properly protected, including wearing masks and following infection control protocols.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Performing oral care once each day is not sufficient to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Ventilated patients are at an increased risk of developing VAP due to the presence of an endotracheal tube that bypasses the body's natural defenses. Bacteria can accumulate in the mouth and respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia. Therefore, performing oral care only once a day is inadequate for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing VAP.
Choice B rationale:
Brushing the client's teeth with a firm-bristle toothbrush can cause trauma to the oral tissues, potentially leading to bleeding and irritation. In critically ill patients with an endotracheal tube, using a firm-bristle toothbrush can exacerbate the risk of infection and VAP. It is essential to use gentle and non-traumatic methods for oral care to maintain the integrity of the oral mucosa.
Choice C rationale:
Swabbing the client's mouth with chlorhexidine solution is the correct choice. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic solution that effectively reduces the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. Regular use of chlorhexidine mouthwash has been shown to decrease the risk of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients. By reducing the bacterial load in the mouth, the risk of aspiration and subsequent pneumonia is lowered, making it a crucial intervention for preventing VAP.
Choice D rationale:
Raising the head of the bed by 15° for oral care is an important measure to prevent aspiration during oral care. However, it alone is not sufficient to reduce the risk of VAP. While proper head positioning helps prevent the entry of oral secretions into the lower respiratory tract, it must be combined with effective oral hygiene practices, such as using chlorhexidine solution, to comprehensively reduce the risk of VAP.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today