The nurse is making a home care visit for the first time to a patient recently discharged after hip replacement surgery. Which of the following, if observed in the home, would the nurse document as safety concerns? (Select all that apply.)
a. The patient has a large birdcage sitting on the floor in the middle of the living room.
b. The hallway between the bedroom and bathroom is partially blocked by a cedar chest.
c. Smoke detectors are located in the kitchen and near the bedrooms.
d. A bathmat towel is on the floor in front of the tub.
e. The patient's recliner faces the television.
f. A safety bar has been installed in the shower.
ANS: A, B, D
The home health nurse should always assess the patient's safety in the home. Things to look for are overcrowded spaces especially for ambulation, scatter/throw rugs, bathroom safety, adequate lighting, access to needed supplies, steps to enter the home, pets, and electrical cords. In this scenario, the patient will need to use a walker and may have difficulty maneuvering through narrow spaces, so the cedar chest should be moved to clear the hallway. The bathmat towel should be replaced by a rubber-backed or skid-proof mat to reduce the risk of falls. There is no inherent risk related to the birdcage. Smoke detectors should be located throughout the home. The placement of the patient's recliner does not pose any particular risk. The safety bar in the shower will help prevent falls.
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