A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral feeding via NG tube.

Which of the following is an unexpected finding?

The correct answers are:

• c."I need to have a fire escape plan with my family."
• d."I will use the grab bars when getting in and out of the bathtub."

Rationale for each choice:

Choice c:

Having a fire escape plan is crucial for home safety. It ensures that all family members know what to do in the event of a fire, which can save valuable time and lives. Here's a detailed explanation of why a fire escape plan is essential:

1. Early Escape:A plan promotes quick evacuation,as everyone understands the escape routes and procedures.
2. Reduced Panic:Knowing what to do in a crisis minimizes panic and confusion,allowing for calmer and more efficient actions.
3. Accountability:The plan ensures that no one is left behind,especially children,older adults,or individuals with disabilities.
4. Firefighter Assistance:It provides vital information to firefighters,aiding their rescue efforts.
5. Regular Practice:Regularly practicing the plan familiarizes everyone with their roles and actions,ensuring smoother execution in a real fire.

Choice d:

Grab bars provide stability and support, reducing the risk of falls in bathrooms. Falls are a major safety hazard, especially for older adults, and can lead to serious injuries. Grab bars offer several benefits, including:

1. Entering and Exiting:They facilitate safe entry and exit from the bathtub or shower,especially on slippery surfaces.
2. Balance Support:They provide support when standing,reducing the likelihood of losing balance.
3. Transfer Assistance:They assist individuals with mobility impairments in safely transferring between the bathtub,shower,or toilet.
4. Confidence Boost:They offer a sense of security,allowing individuals to feel more confident and independent in the bathroom.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

Choice a:

Setting a hot water heater to 140 degrees Fahrenheit is unsafe. It can cause scalding burns within seconds, especially for children and older adults. The recommended temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit to balance safety and energy efficiency.

Choice b:

Taping over frayed electrical cords is a temporary and hazardous fix. It does not address the underlying issue of damaged wiring, which can lead to electrical shocks, fires, or electrocution. Frayed cords should be replaced immediately with new, undamaged ones.

The correct answer is d. Unplug the pump.

Rationale for Choice A:

• While notifying the biomedical department to fix the pump is important,it is not the immediate priority in this situation.The first step is to ensure patient and staff safety by removing the potential electrical hazard.
• Delaying the removal of the sparking pump could lead to electrical shock,fire,or other serious consequences.
• Biomedical staff can be notified after the immediate safety risk has been addressed.

Rationale for Choice B:

• Obtaining a replacement pump is necessary to continue the client's IV therapy,but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
• The priority is to eliminate the electrical hazard posed by the sparking pump.
• Once the faulty pump is unplugged and safety is ensured,the nurse can then proceed to obtain a replacement pump.

Rationale for Choice C:

• Labeling the pump with a defective equipment sticker is important to prevent others from using it,but it does not address the immediate safety risk.
• The priority is to disconnect the pump from the power source to eliminate the risk of electrical shock or fire.
• Labeling can be done after the pump has been unplugged and the situation has been assessed.

Rationale for Choice D:

• Unplugging the pump is the correct first action because it immediately removes the electrical hazard,preventing potential harm to the patient,staff,or equipment.
• This action prioritizes safety and mitigates the risk of electrical shock,burns,fire,or other serious consequences.
• It is essential to act quickly and decisively in such situations to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.