An elderly client is hospitalized for the first time.
Which of the following actions ensures the safety of the client? (Select all that apply).
Keep call bell within the client’s reach.
Keep a dim light on at night.
Keep unnecessary furniture out of the way.
Keep all side rails up at all times.
Keep all lights off at night.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
These actions ensure the safety of the client by reducing the risk of falls, confusion and injury.
Keeping a call bell within the client’s reach allows them to ask for help when needed.
Keeping a dim light on at night helps them orient themselves and see their surroundings.
Keeping unnecessary furniture out of the way prevents tripping and cluttering. Choice D is wrong because keeping all side rails up at all times can be considered a form of physical restraint, which is associated with many professional, legal and ethical challenges. Physical restraint should only be used as a last resort when other alternatives have failed or are not feasible. Keeping all side rails up can also increase the risk of injury if the client tries to climb over them.
Choice E is wrong because keeping all lights off at night can increase the risk of falls and confusion for the client.
Older adults may have impaired vision and cognition, and they may need to use the bathroom frequently at night. Keeping all lights off can make it difficult for them to find their way and increase their anxiety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Neglect refers to the refusal or failure to provide an elderly person with necessary care, such as food, water, shelter, personal hygiene, medicine, and other essentials of daily living. Signs and symptoms of neglect in elders can include: dehydration, malnutrition, bed sores, fractures, urinary tract infections, contractures, over-medication, elopements, and poor personal hygiene. An elderly client who is admitted to the hospital looking unkempt, with dirty clothing, and smelling of urine may be suffering from neglect by a caregiver or by themselves (self-neglect).
Choice A is wrong because institutionalism is not a type of elder abuse but a term that describes the loss of individuality and autonomy that can occur in institutional settings such as nursing homes.
Choice C is wrong because emotional abuse is the infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, intimidation, or other abusive conduct. Signs and symptoms of emotional abuse in elders can include: depression, confusion, withdrawal, isolation from friends and family. An elderly client who smells of urine may not necessarily be emotionally abused.
Choice D is wrong because stubborn behavior is not a type of elder abuse but a personality trait that may or may not be present in an elderly person.
Stubborn behavior does not indicate any harm or neglect inflicted upon an older adult by others or themselves.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F) and affects the normal functioning of the body. Elderly people are more at risk for hypothermia because they have a lower muscle mass, a decreased
shiver reflex, and lower immunity. They also tend to have a lower body temperature and may not develop fevers when they contract a viral or bacterial illness.
Choice B. Normothermia is wrong because it means having a normal body temperature, which is around 37°C (98.6°F).
Choice C. Hyperthermia is wrong because it means having a high body temperature, which is above 37.5°C (99.5°F).
Hyperthermia can be caused by heat exposure, infection, inflammation, or certain medications.
Choice D. Malignant hyperthermia is wrong because it is a rare genetic disorder that causes a severe reaction to certain anesthetics or muscle relaxants.
It is not related to thermoregulation in elderly people.
Question 5.
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