Deck 11: Safety

Question 1

An older adult has been diagnosed with presbyopia.To minimize the patient's risk for falls,the nurse suggests

A)that the edges of steps be painted a contrasting color.
B)the patient wear sunglasses when driving.
C)the patient wear a wide-brimmed hat when spending time outdoors.
D)hanging blinds over sunny windows.

Answer 1

that the edges of steps be painted a contrasting color.

Question 2

An older adult's risk for a fall-related injury is directly correlated to his or her ability to regain balance.To evaluate this ability,the nurse assesses the patient's

A)inner ear for possible fluid buildup.
B)musculoskeletal hip,ankle,and shoulder strength.
C)large muscle strength in thighs and upper arms.
D)gait for steadiness.

Answer 2

musculoskeletal hip,ankle,and shoulder strength.

Question 3

A patient smokes.What advice does the nurse give this patient for safety?

A)Do not smoke inside the house.
B)Install working smoke detectors.
C)Only smoke during the daytime.
D)Install carbon monoxide detectors.

Answer 3

Do not smoke inside the house.

Question 4

A patient is brought to the emergency department after falling while shoveling snow.The patient's core temperature is 92.0°F (33.30°C).What rewarming measures does the nurse prepare to initiate?

A)Warm blankets
B)Warm heating lamps
C)Peritoneal dialysis
D)Warmed intravenous (IV)solutions

Question 5

A patient is diagnosed with bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees.To best address the long-term risk for falls,the nurse encourages the patient to

A)use assistive mobility devises when necessary.
B)report exacerbation of symptoms promptly.
C)add a daily walk to exercise the knees appropriately.
D)take analgesic medication as prescribed to manage joint pain.

Question 6

Which nursing intervention best demonstrates the understanding that older adults are at increased risk for falls because of normal age-related changes?

A)Speaking in a loud voice when warning the patient about safety hazards
B)Turning on bright lights so the patient can see objects such as furniture
C)Encouraging the patient to rise from a supine position slowly
D)Advising the patient to avoid exercising painful joints

Question 7

The gerontologic nurse's decision to identify a specific patient as a falls risk is primarily based on the

A)presence of visual deficiencies and musculoskeletal weakness.
B)results determined by cognitive and physiologic assessment tools.
C)degree of frailty and functional limitation observed.
D)inability to follow instructions and communicate effectively.

Question 8

A patient is brought to the emergency department after an unexplained fall.What actions by the nurse are most appropriate? (Select all that apply. )

A)Placing the patient on a cardiac monitor
B)Obtaining a urine sample for cultures
C)Checking a quick bedside blood glucose
D)Assessing the patient for asthma
E)Performing tests for orthostatic vital signs

Question 9

A nurse is watching a parade during the summer and notices an older adult looking faint and acting somewhat confused.The patient has hot dry skin.While waiting for the rescue squad,what action by the nurse is most effective?

A)Spraying the person with a water mist
B)Giving the person iced tea to drink
C)Having the person sit down on the grass
D)Pouring cold water over the person's head

Question 10

The nurse teaches that which of the following is the best place to store medications?

A)Bathroom medicine cabinet
B)Near the kitchen sink
C)In the laundry room
D)In a drawer in the bedroom

Question 11

The nurse identifies the older adult patient at the greatest risk for a fall-related injury as the

A)male with a history of a vitamin deficiency.
B)female with a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
C)male with a cognitive deficient.
D)female with a history of depression.

Question 12

An older patient diagnosed with dementia has begun behaviors that increase the risk of falling.The patient's son tells the nurse that "physical restraints may be used." The nurse responds

A)"I'll document that,so that the staff can use them when necessary."
B)"Physical restraints are seldom effective on patients with dementia."
C)"The staff will use physical restraints only as a last resort."
D)"There are more effective methods to use to help ensure her safety."

Question 13

When assessing an older adult for intrinsic risk factors for falls,the nurse is particularly interested in which of the following? (Select all that apply. )

A)An unsteady gait when asked to walk without assistance
B)The presence of throw rugs in the living room of the home
C)The patient's report that he wears corrective lenses
D)An inability to see changes in height because of poor lighting
E)Evidence of short-term memory deficiency

Question 14

A cognitively impaired older adult patient is a resident at a skilled nursing facility.The nurse acting as the patient's advocate will consistently address the patient's risk for injury issues based on

A)preferences generally expressed by patients.
B)professional nursing knowledge.
C)implementation of the less restrictive intervention.
D)established facility policies and procedures.

Question 15

The nurse working with older patients would assess which patient as being at highest risk for developing secondary hypothermia?

A)The patient who has osteoarthritis and limited mobility
B)The patient who has a raised rash on both arms
C)The patient who drinks four alcoholic drinks a day
D)The patient who takes furosemide (Lasix)

Question 16

The nurse assesses which patient as being at the highest risk for poisoning related to mixing garden chemicals?

A)The patient who has Parkinson's disease with hand tremors
B)The patient who has low vision or uses magnifying glasses
C)The patient who has hearing impairment or wears hearing aid
D)The patient who has osteoarthritis or using a wheeled walker

Question 17

A patient is being discharged after hip replacement surgery.The gerontologic nurse recognizes that the most effective intervention to minimize the potential of a fall injury is to

A)identify the most common causes of falls that the patient is likely to encounter.
B)discuss what kind of in-home assistance the patient will need.
C)impress the patient with the importance of being careful not to fall.
D)educate the patient that falling is not a normal part of aging.

Question 18

A patient has had several falls ascribed to "numb feet." What action by the nurse is best?

A)Assess patient for undiagnosed diabetes.
B)Instruct the patient on using a cane.
C)Ensure the patient has sturdy footwear.
D)Tell the patient to lift the feet when walking.

Question 19

When appropriately addressing safety issues,the gerontologic nurse plans the patient's care plan directed by the standard of care that requires

A)promoting both health and wellness by assuring safety.
B)minimizing the patient's risk for physical injury while preserving autonomy.
C)identifying safety from injury as a patient right.
D)emphasizing beneficence as an ethical standard of nursing care.

Question 20

The nurse working with older adults understands that which age-related condition contributes to driving safety concerns?

A)Wearing glasses
B)Hearing impairment
C)Confusion
D)Slower reflexes

Question 21

A nurse is delivering a community teaching project to senior center participants on home safety.Which actions does the nurse teach to best reduce the risk of burns in the home? (Select all that apply. )

A)Instruct patients to install smoke detectors.
B)Tell patients to have their water heaters checked.
C)Encourage patients to switch from gas to electric stoves.
D)Teach patients not to smoke in their houses.
E)Have fireplaces and wood stoves checked annually.