A nurse is preparing an education program on safety concerns for elderly adults living in their own homes. To address the sensory changes in this age group, what should the nurse recommend to this group?

Question

1. Have carbon monoxide detectors that are checked on a scheduled basis.
2. Place a list of emergency numbers near the phone.
3. Install telephones that use a blinking light instead of a ringer.
4. Ask someone to do their cooking for them.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: A decreased or absent sense of smell adds to the safety issues of this age group. Because of this, and if the elderly person's home has natural gas appliances or furnace, a carbon monoxide detector would alert the person of any gas leaks or problems present.
Rationale 2: Emergency numbers by the phone is a good idea, but does not address sensory changes.
Rationale 3: Telephones that utilize a blinking light are used for people who are significantly hearing impaired.
Rationale 4: It is not necessary for someone to do cooking for this age group, although they may be inclined to use more salt due to decreased sense of smell and taste.