The home health nurse is caring for a patient with a tactile deficit; the nurse is concerned about injury related to inability to feel harmful stimuli

Question

The nurse evaluates that the patient is able to safely care for himself when the patient demonstrates which action?
a. Places colored stickers on faucet handles to indicate temperature and keeps a thermometer near the tub
b. Asks the nurse to test the temperature of the water before entering the bath
c. Replaces all lace-up shoes with Velcro ones and purchases shampoo caps
d. Dispenses all medications onto a plate for easy access in the morning

Answer 1

ANS: A
By placing color-coded stickers and other reminders about dangerous stimuli, the patient is able to safely keep up hygiene. Asking the nurse to test the water does not promote independence, although it does promote safety. Zipper and Velcro clothing is easier for a patient with a tactile deficit to wear, and shower caps allow the patient to stay well groomed with minimal effort. Leaving the lids off of medications can be dangerous, as can placing all medications out at once. It may be difficult for the patient to sort through mixed medications and select the correct types and numbers of pills.