The nurse is preparing for a home visit to complete a newborn wellness checkup. The neighborhood has a reputation for being dangerous. Identify which precautions the nurse should take to ensure her safety (Select all that apply)

Question

a. Having access to a cell phone at all times.
b. Visiting alone due to the agency's staffing model.
c. Carrying an extra set of car keys.
d. Avoiding groups of strangers hanging out in doorways.
e. Wearing her usual amount of jewelry.

Answer 1

ANS: A, C, D
Nurse safety is an important component of home care. The nurse should be fully aware of the home environment and the neighborhood in which the home care is being provided. In this situation, nurses should visit in pairs, have access to a cell phone at all times, and wear a limited amount of jewelry. The car should be parked in a well-lit area and locked at all times. An extra set of keys kept in the nursing home care bag avoids time and frustration if the nurse should become locked out of her automobile. Car keys spread between the fingers can also be used of the weapon if necessary. Groups of strangers, dark alleys, and unrestrained dogs should be avoided at all times.