P&P Safety chapter 27 EXAM 4

Which activity will increase the need for the nurse to monitor for equipment-related accidents? a. Using a patient-controlled analgesic pump b. Making an entry in a computer-based documentation record c. Using a plastic measuring device to accurately measure urine d. Removing medications from a manual medication-dispensing device

ANS: A Accidents that are equipment related result from the malfunction, disrepair, or misuse of equipment or from an electrical hazard. To avoid rapid infusion of IV fluids, all general-use and patient-controlled analgesic pumps need to have free-flow protection devices. Measuring devices used by the nurse to measure urine, computer documentation, and manual dispensing devices can break or malfunction but are not used directly on a patient and are considered procedure-related accidents.

The nurse is caring for an older-adult patient admitted with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to food poisoning. The nurse completes the health history. Which priority concern will require collaboration with social services to address the patient's health care needs? a. The electricity was turned off 3 days ago. b. The water comes from the county water supply. c. A son and family recently moved into the home. d. This home is not furnished with a microwave oven.

ANS: A Electricity is needed for refrigeration of food, and lack of electricity could have contributed to the nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to food poisoning. This discussion about the patient's electrical needs can be referred to social services. Foods that are inadequately prepared or stored or subject to unsanitary conditions increase the patient's risk for infections and food poisoning, and an assessment should include storage practices.

The nurse is presenting an educational session on safety for parents of adolescents. Which information will the nurse include in the teaching session? a. Frequent injuries related to poor psychomotor coordination b. Recognizing common signs and symptoms of the schizophrenia c. Failing grades and changes in dress may indicate substance abuse d. The importance of the use seat belts whenever riding in the backseat of a car

ANS: A Failing grades and changes in dress may indicate substance abuse. Schizophrenia is not generally noted in adolescents. School-age children are often uncoordinated. Seat belts should be used all the time. In fact, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use.

A nurse is teaching a community group of school-aged parents about safety. The proper fitting of which safety item is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching session? a. A bicycle helmet b. Soccer shin guards c. Swimming goggles d. Baseball sliding shorts

ANS: A Head injuries are a major cause of death, with bicycle accidents being one of the major causes of such injuries. Proper fit of the helmet helps to decrease head injuries resulting from these bicycle accidents. Goggles, shin guards, and sliding shorts are important sports safety equipment and should fit properly, but they do not protect from this leading cause of death.

A patient has an ankle restraint applied. Upon assessment the nurse finds the toes a light blue color. Which action will the nurse take next? a. Remove the restraint. b. Place a blanket over the feet. c. Immediately do a complete head-to-toe neurological assessment. d. Take the patient's blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate.

ANS: A If the patient has altered neurovascular status of an extremity such as cyanosis, pallor, and coldness of skin or complains of tingling, pain, or numbness, remove the restraint immediately and notify the health care provider. Light blue is cyanosis, indicating the restraints are too tight, not that the patient is cold and needs a blanket. A complete head-to-toe neurological assessment is not needed at this time. The nurse can take vital signs after the restraint is removed.

The nurse is discussing threats to adult safety with a college group. Which statement by a group member indicates understanding of the topic? a. "Smoking just to control stress is not good for my body." b. "Our campus is safe; we leave our dorms unlocked all the time." c. "As long as I have only two drinks, I can still be the designated driver." d. "I am young, so I can work nights and go to school with 2 hours' sleep."

ANS: A Lifestyle choices frequently affect adult safety. Smoking conveys great risk for pulmonary and cardiovascular disease. It is prudent to secure belongings. When an individual has been determined to be the designated driver, that individual does not consume alcohol, beer, or wine

The nurse enters the patient's room and notices a small fire in the headlight above the patient's bed. In which order will the nurse perform the steps, beginning with the first one? 1. Pull the alarm. 2. Remove the patient. 3. Use the fire extinguisher. 4. Close doors and windows. a. 2, 1, 4, 3 b. 1, 2, 4, 3 c. 1, 2, 3, 4 d. 2, 1, 3, 4

ANS: A Nurses use the mnemonic RACE to set priorities in case of fire. The steps are as follows: rescue and remove all patients in immediate danger; activate the alarm; confine the fire by closing doors and windows; and extinguish the fire using an appropriate extinguisher.

A nurse is teaching the patient and family about wound care. Which technique will the nurse teach to best prevent transmission of pathogens? a. Effective hand hygiene b. Saline wound irrigation c. Appropriate use of gloves d. When eye protection is needed

ANS: A One of the most effective methods for limiting the transmission of pathogens is the medically aseptic practice of hand hygiene. The most common means of transmission of pathogens is by the hands. While washing the wound is needed, the best method to prevent transmission is hand hygiene.

A home health nurse is assessing a family's home after the birth of an infant. A toddler also lives in the home. Which finding will cause the nurse to follow up? a. Plastic grocery bags are neatly stored under the counter. b. Electric outlets are covered in all rooms. c. No bumper pads are in the crib. d. Crib slats are 5 cm apart.

ANS: A Plastic grocery bags increase the risk for suffocation. The nurse will follow up with instructions to remove or keep locked or out of reach. All the rest are correct and do not require follow-up. Electrical outlets should be covered to reduce electrical shock. Bumper pads are not used in the crib to prevent suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment. Crib slats should be less than 6 cm apart.

The nurse is teaching a group of older adults at an assisted-living facility about age-related physiological changes affecting safety. Which question would be most important for the nurse to ask this group? a. "Are you able to hear the tornado sirens in your area?" b. "Are you able to read your favorite book?" c. "Are you able to taste spices like before?" d. "Are you able to open a jar of pickles?"

ANS: A The ability to hear safety alerts and seek shelter is imperative to life safety. Decreased hearing acuity alters the ability to hear emergency vehicle sirens. Natural disasters such as floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires are major causes of death and injury. Although age-related changes may cause a decrease in sight that affects reading, and although tasting is impaired and opening jars as arthritis sets in are important to patients and to those caring for them, being able to hear safety alerts is the most important.

A confused patient is restless and continues to try to remove the oxygen cannula and urinary catheter. What is the priority nursing diagnosis and intervention to implement for this patient? a. Risk for injury: Check on patient every 15 minutes. b. Risk for suffocation: Place "Oxygen in Use" sign on door. c. Disturbed body image: Encourage patient to express concerns about body. d. Deficient knowledge: Explain the purpose of oxygen therapy and the urinary catheter.

ANS: A The priority nursing diagnosis is Risk for injury. This patient could cause harm to self by interrupting the oxygen therapy or by damaging the urethra by pulling the urinary catheter out. Before restraining a patient, it is important to implement and exhaust alternatives to restraint.

The nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly becomes confused and tries to remove an intravenous (IV) infusion. Which priority action will the nurse take to minimize the patient's risk for injury? a. Assess the patient. b. Gather restraint supplies. c. Try alternatives to restraint. d. Call the health care provider for a restraint order.

ANS: A When a patient becomes suddenly confused, the priority is to assess the patient, to identify the reason for change in behavior, and to try to eliminate the cause. If interventions and alternatives are exhausted, the nurse working with the health care provider may determine the need for restraints.

The nurse is assessing a patient who reports a previous fall and is using the SPLATT acronym. Which questions will the nurse ask the patient? (Select all that apply.) a. Where did you fall? b. What time did the fall occur? c. What were you doing when you fell? d. What types of injuries occurred after the fall? e. Did you obtain an electronic safety alert device after the fall? f. What are your medical problems that may have caused the fall?

ANS: A, B, C, D Assess previous falls; using the acronym SPLATT: Symptoms at time of fall Previous fall Location of fall Activity at time of fall Time of fall Trauma after fall Medical diagnoses and an alert device are not components of SPLATT.

The nurse is caring for a group of medical-surgical patients. The unit has been notified of a fire on an adjacent wing of the hospital. The nurse quickly formulates a plan to keep the patients safe. Which actions will the nurse take? (Select all that apply.) a. Close all doors. b. Note evacuation routes. c. Note oxygen shut-offs. d. Move bedridden patients in their bed. e. Wait until the fire department arrives to act. f. Use type B fire extinguishers for electrical fires.

ANS: A, B, C, D Closing all doors helps to contain smoke and fire. Noting the evacuation routes and oxygen shut-offs is important in case evacuation is needed. You will move bedridden patients from the scene of a fire by a stretcher, bed, or wheelchair. The nurse cannot wait until the fire department arrives to act. Type C fire extinguishers are used for electrical fires; type B is used for flammable liquids.

A home health nurse is assessing the home for fire safety. Which information from the family will cause the nurse to intervene? (Select all that apply.) a. Smoking in bed helps me relax and fall asleep. b. We never leave candles burning when we are gone. c. We use the same space heater my grandparents used. d. We use the RACE method when using the fire extinguisher. e. There is a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and garage workshop.

ANS: A, C, D Incorrect information will cause the nurse to intervene. Accidental home fires typically result from smoking in bed. Advise families to only purchase newer model space heaters that have all of the current safety features. The PASS method is used for fire extinguishers. All the rest are correct and do not require follow-up. Candles should not be left burning when no one is home. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, near the furnace, and in the garage.

An older-adult patient is using a wheelchair to attend a physical therapy session. Which action by the nurse indicates safe transport of the patient? a. Positions patient's buttocks close to the front of wheelchair seat. b. Backs wheelchair into elevator, leading with large rear wheels first. c. Places locked wheelchair on same side of bed as patient's weaker side. d. Unlocks wheelchair for easy maneuverability when patient is transferring.

ANS: B A correct action when using a wheelchair is to back wheelchair into an elevator, leading with large rear wheels first. A patient's buttocks should be well back into the seat. A locked wheelchair should be placed on a patient's strong or unaffected side. Brakes should be securely locked when a patient is transferring.

A home health nurse is teaching a family to prevent electrical shock. Which information will the nurse include in the teaching session? a. Run wires under the carpet. b. Disconnect items before cleaning. c. Grasp the cord when unplugging items. d. Use masking tape to secure cords to the floor.

ANS: B A guideline to prevent electrical shock is to disconnect items before cleaning. Do not run wires under carpeting. Grasp the plug, not the cord, when unplugging items. Use electrical tape to secure the cord to the floor, preferably against baseboards.

The nurse has placed a yellow armband on a 70-year-old patient. Which observation by the nurse will indicate the patient has an understanding of this action? a. The patient removes the armband to bathe. b. The patient wears the red nonslip footwear. c. The patient insists on taking a "water" pill in the evening. d. The patient who is allergic to penicillin asks the name of a new medicine.

ANS: B A yellow armband is an alert for high risk of falls. Red nonslip footwear helps to grip the floor and decreases the chance of falling. The communication armband should stay in place and should not be removed, so that all members of the interdisciplinary team have the information about the high risk for falls. A red armband indicates an allergy. Give diuretics ("water" pill) in the morning to decrease risk of falls during the night—when most falls occur.

When making rounds the nurse observes a purple wristband on a patient's wrist. What information about the patient does this provide the nurse? a. They are allergic to certain medications or foods. b. A "Do not resuscitate" order is in effect c. The patient has a high risk for falls. d. The patient is at risk for seizures.

ANS: B In 2008 the American Hospital Association issued an advisory recommending that hospitals standardize wristband colors: red for patient allergies, yellow for fall risk, and purple for do not resuscitate preferences.

The emergency department has been notified of a potential bioterrorism attack. Which action by the nurse is priority? a. Monitor for specific symptoms. b. Manage all patients using standard precautions. c. Transport patients quickly and efficiently through the elevators. d. Prepare for posttraumatic stress associated with this bioterrorism attack.

ANS: B Manage all patients with suspected or confirmed bioterrorism-related illnesses using standard precautions. For certain diseases, additional precautions may be necessary. The early signs of a bioterrorism-related illness often include nonspecific symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, fever, confusion) that may persist for several days before the onset of more severe disease. Limit the transport and movement of patients to movement that is essential for treatment and care. Psychosocial concerns (posttraumatic stress) are important but are not the first priority at this moment.

During the admission assessment, the nurse assesses the patient for fall risk. Which finding will alert the nurse to an increased risk for falls? a. The patient is oriented. b. The patient takes a hypnotic. c. The patient walks only 2 miles a day. d. The patient recently became widowed.

ANS: B Numerous factors increase the risk of falls, including a history of falling and the effects of various medications such as anticonvulsants, hypnotics, sedatives, and certain analgesics. Being oriented will decrease risk for falls while disorientation will increase the risk of falling.

The nurse is caring for a hospitalized patient. Which behavior alerts the nurse to consider the temporary need for a restraint? a. The patient refuses to call for help to go to the bathroom. b. The patient continues to remove the nasogastric tube. c. The patient gets confused regarding the time at night. d. The patient does not sleep and continues to ask for items.

ANS: B Patients who are confused, disoriented, and wander or repeatedly fall or try to remove medical devices (e.g., oxygen equipment, IV lines, or dressings) often require the temporary use of restraints to keep them safe. Restraints can be used to prevent interruption of therapy such as traction, IV infusions, NG tube feeding, or Foley catheterization. Refusing to call for help, although unsafe, is not a reason for restraint. Getting confused at night regarding the time or not sleeping and bothering the staff to ask for items is not a reason for restraint.

When the nurse discovers a patient on the floor, the patient states, "I fell out of bed". The nurse assesses the patient and then places the patient back in bed. Which action should the nurse take next? a. Do nothing, no harm has occurred. b. Notify the health care provider. c. Complete an incident report. d. Re-assess the patient.

ANS: B Report immediately to physician or health care provider if the patient sustains a fall or an injury. The nurse must provide safe care and doing nothing is not safe care.

The nurse is monitoring for Never Events. Which finding indicates the nurse will report a Never Event? a. Lack of blood incompatibility with a blood transfusion. b. A surgical sponge is left in the patient's incision. c. Pulmonary embolism after lung surgery d. Stage II pressure ulcer

ANS: B The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services names select serious reportable events as Never Events (i.e., adverse events that should never occur in a health care setting). A surgical sponge left in a patient's incision is a Never Event. No blood incompatibility reaction is safe practice.

The nurse is assessing a patient for possible lead poisoning. Which patient is the nurse most likely assessing? a. A teenager b. A toddler c. A young adult d. An adolescent

ANS: B The incidence of lead poisoning is highest in late infancy and toddlerhood. Children at this stage explore the environment and, because of their increased level of oral activity, put objects in their mouths. The other age-groups are less likely to indiscriminately put objects in their mouth.

Which patient will the nurse see first? a. A 56-year-old patient with oxygen with a lighter on the bedside table b. A 56-year-old patient with oxygen using an electric razor for grooming c. A 1-month-old infant looking at a shiny, round battery just out of arm's reach d. A 1-month-old infant with a pacifier that has no string around the baby's neck

ANS: B The nurse will see the patient shaving with an electric razor first as this is an actual problem. Do not use oxygen around electrical equipment or flammable products. A lighter on the bedside table and a shiny, round battery are potential problems, not actual. Plus, it would be hard, almost impossible, for a 1 month old to actually grab the battery when it is out of arm's reach. A baby should use a pacifier without strings.

The patient applies sequential compression devices after going to the bathroom. The nurse checks the patient's application of the devices and finds that they have been put on upside down. Which nursing diagnosis will the nurse add to the patient's plan of care? a. Risk for falls b. Deficient knowledge c. Risk for suffocation d. Impaired physical mobility

ANS: B The patient has a knowledge need and requires instruction regarding the device and its purpose and procedure. The nurse will intervene by teaching the patient about the sequential compression device and instructing the patient to call for assistance when getting up to go to the bathroom in the future, so that the nurse may assist with removal and proper reapplication. No data support a risk for falls, impaired physical mobility, or suffocation.

An adult patient presents to the emergency department and is treated for hypothermia. What risk factor should the patient be assessed for? a. Tobacco use b. Homelessness c. High carbohydrate diet d. History of chronic respiratory disorder

ANS: B The temperature indicates the patient is experiencing hypothermia. Homeless individuals are more at risk for hypothermia. None of the other options are a known risk factor for hypothermia.

The nurse is performing the "Timed Get Up and Go (TUG)" assessment. Which mobility issues will this test measure? (Select all that apply.) a. Pain b. Balance c. Walking d. Moving from sitting to standing positions e. Ability to self-report regarding ability to ambulate

ANS: B, C, D The TUG test measures the progress of balance, sit to stand, and walking. Visual observation of the patient is preferred to reliance on self-reporting. Pain is not an evaluation included in this assessment.

The nurse is caring for an older adult who presents to the clinic after a fall. The nurse reviews fall prevention in the home. Which information will the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.) a. Water outdoor plants with a nozzle and hose. b. Walk to the mailbox in the summer. c. Encourage yearly eye examinations. d. Use bathtubs without safety strips. e. Keep pathways clutter free.

ANS: B, C, E Walking to the mailbox in summer provides exercise when pathways are not icy and slick. Encourage annual vision and hearing examinations. Pathways that are clutter free reduce fall risk. Using a hose to water plants and using tubs without safety strips are all items the patient should avoid to help in the prevention of falls in the home.

The nurse is caring for a patient in restraints. Which essential information will the nurse document in the patient's medical record to provide safe care? (Select all that apply.) a. Family member has left room and gone to lunch. b. Patient is placed in bilateral wrist restraints at 0815. c. Bilateral radial pulses present, 2+, hands warm to touch. d. Straps with quick-release buckle attached to bed side rails. e. Attempts to distract the patient with television are unsuccessful. f. Released from restraints, active range-of-motion exercises completed.

ANS: B, C, E, F Proper documentation, including the behaviors that necessitated the application of restraints, the procedure used in restraining, the condition of the body part restrained (e.g., circulation to hand), and the evaluation of the patient response, is essential. Record nursing interventions, including restraint alternatives tried, in nurses' notes. Record purpose for restraint, type and location of restraint used, time applied and discontinued, times restraint was released, and routine observations (e.g., skin color, pulses, sensation, vital signs, and behavior) in nurses' notes and flow sheets. Straps are not attached to side rails. Comments about the activities of one family member are not necessarily required in nursing documentation of restraints.

A patient requires restraints after alternatives are not successful. The nurse is reviewing the orders. Which findings indicate to the nurse the order is legal and appropriate for safe care? (Select all that apply.) a. Health care provider orders restraints prn (as needed). b. Health care provider writes the type and location of the restraint. c. Health care provider renews orders for restraints every 24 hours. d. Health care provider performs a face-to-face assessment prior to the order. e. Health care provider specifies the duration and circumstances under which the restraint will be used.

ANS: B, D, E A physician's/health care provider's order is required, based on a face-to-face assessment of the patient. The order must be current, state the type and location of restraint, and specify the duration and circumstances under which it will be used. These orders need to be renewed within a specific time frame according to the policy of the agency. In hospital settings each original restraint order and renewal is limited to 8 hours for adults, 2 hours for ages 9 through 17, and 1 hour for children under age 9. Restraints are not to be ordered prn (as needed).

A nurse is providing care to a patient. Which action indicates the nurse is following the National Patient Safety Goals? a. Identifies patient with one identifier before transporting to x-ray department. b. Initiates an intravenous (IV) catheter using clean technique on the first try. c. Uses medication bar coding when administering medications. d. Obtains vital signs to place on a surgical patient's chart.

ANS: C One of the National Patient Safety Goals is to use medicines safely. For example, proper preparation and administration of medications, use of patient and medication bar coding, and "smart" intravenous (IV) pumps reduce medication errors. Identifying patients correctly is a national patient safety goal, and two identifiers are needed, not one. Another goal is to prevent infection; starting an IV should be a sterile technique, not a clean technique. While obtaining vital signs is a component of safe care, it does not meet a national patient safety goal.

A nurse is attempting to minimize the risk of future infection for a post-surgical patient about to be discharged. Which technique will the nurse teach the patient to best achieve this goal? a. Sanitizing of eating utensils b. Medical asepsis handwashing c. Wound care using surgical asepsis d. Limiting visitors during flu season

ANS: C One of the most effective methods for limiting the transmission of pathogens in health care is the medically aseptic practice of hand hygiene. It is important that nurses educate patients, families, and caregivers about the importance of incorporating hand hygiene in all aspects of their lives. While effective dish washing and limiting visitors during periods when the risk for an infection is elevated may be prudent, neither will be as impactful as effective handwashing. Surgical asepsis is needed in only very select situations.

The nurse is admitting an older adult to the surgical unit. What intervention is necessary when determining the safe use of side rails for this patient? a. Explain to the patient the need to call for assistance when side rails are up. b. Discuss whether the patient is accepting of having the side rails up. c. Assess the patient's ability to effectively follow instructions. d. Always keeping the bed in its lowest position to the floor.

ANS: C When used correctly, side rails help to increase a patient's mobility and/or stability when repositioning or moving in bed or moving from bed to chair. Although side rails are the most commonly used physical restraint, they increase the risk of falls when patients attempt to get out of bed or crawl over a rail. Side rails also can lead to patients becoming caught, trapped, entangled, or strangled, especially in the frail, elderly or confused (FDA, 2017). Therefore an assessment of a patient's mobility and responsiveness to instructions help determine if using a side rail is safe. Providing patient education, discussing the use of side rails, and proper bed positioning are all appropriate interventions but none are as directly associated with patient safety regarding the use of side rails is the assessment of cognitive understanding.

A patient is admitted and is placed on fall precautions. The nurse teaches the patient and family about fall precautions. Which action will the nurse take in accordance with hospital policy? a. Check on the patient once a shift. b. Encourage visitors in the early evening. c. Place all four side rails in the "up" position. d. Keep the patient on fall risk until discharge.

ANS: D A fall-reduction program includes a fall risk assessment of every patient, conducted on admission and routinely (see hospital policy) until a patient's discharge. The timing of visitors would not affect falls. All four side rails are considered a restraint and can contribute to falling. Individuals on high risk for fall alerts should be checked frequently, at least every hour.

What statement by the nurse demonstrates an understanding of food safety to be provided for a patient living alone? a. "It's acceptable to eat unwashed fruits and vegetables if they are organically grown." b. "It's best to allow cooked foods to thoroughly cool off before putting them into the refrigerator." c. "You can use the same cutting board for meats and for vegetables if it is washed between uses." d. "Your perishable left-over food should be stored in a refrigerator at below 45° F"

ANS: D Keep a refrigerator below 40° F to assure proper storage of perishable foods. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices away from other foods. Use separate cutting boards. Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

A nurse reviews the history of a newly admitted patient. Which finding will alert the nurse that the patient is at risk for falls? a. 55 years old b. 20/20 vision c. Urinary continence d. Orthostatic hypotension

ANS: D Numerous factors increase the risk of falls, including a history of falling, being age 65 or over, reduced vision, orthostatic hypotension, lower extremity weakness, gait and balance problems, urinary incontinence, improper use of walking aids, and the effects of various medications (e.g., anticonvulsants, hypnotics, sedatives, certain analgesics).

The nurse is monitoring for risks for injury identified in the health care environment. Which finding will alert the nurse that these safety risks are occurring? a. Tile floors, cold food, scratchy linen, and noisy alarms b. Dirty floors, hallways blocked, medication room locked, and alarms set c. Carpeted floors, ice machine empty, unlocked supply cabinet, and nurse call system in reach d. Wet floors unmarked, failure to use lift for patient, and alarms not functioning properly

ANS: D Specific risks to a patient's safety within the health care environment include falls, patient-inherent accidents, procedure-related accidents, and equipment-related accidents.

The nurse is providing information regarding safety and accidental poisoning to a grandparent who will be taking custody of a 1-year-old grandchild. Which comment by the grandparent will cause the nurse to intervene? a. "The number for poison control is 800-222-1222." b. "Never induce vomiting if my grandchild drinks bleach." c. "I should call 911 if my grandchild loses consciousness." d. "If my grandchild eats a plant, I should provide syrup of ipecac."

ANS: D The administration of ipecac syrup or induction of vomiting is no longer recommended for routine home treatment of poisoning. The nurse must intervene to provide additional teaching. All the rest are correct and do not require follow up. The poison control number is 800-222-1222.

A patient may need restraints. Which task can the nurse delegate to a nursing assistive personnel? a. Determining the need for restraints b. Assessing the patient's orientation c. Obtaining an order for a restraint d. Applying the restraint

ANS: D The application and routine checking of a restraint can be delegated to nursing assistive personnel. The skill of assessing a patient's behavior, orientation to the environment, need for restraints, and appropriate use cannot be delegated. A nurse must obtain an order from a health care provider.

The patient is confused, is trying to get out of bed, and is pulling at the intravenous infusion tubing. Which nursing diagnosis will the nurse add to the care plan? a. Impaired home maintenance b. Deficient knowledge c. Risk for poisoning d. Risk for injury

ANS: D The patient's behaviors support the nursing diagnosis of Risk for injury. The patient is confused, is pulling at the intravenous line, and is trying to climb out of bed. Injury could result if the patient falls out of bed or begins to bleed from a pulled line. Nothing in the scenario indicates that this patient lacks knowledge or is at risk for poisoning. Nothing in the scenario refers to the patient's home maintenance.

A home health nurse is performing a home assessment for safety. Which comment by the patient will cause the nurse to follow up? a. "Every December is the time to change batteries on the carbon monoxide detector." b. "I will schedule an appointment with a chimney inspector next week." c. "If I feel dizzy when using the heater, I need to have it inspected." d. "When it is cold outside in the winter, I will use a non-vented heater."

ANS: D Using a non-vented heater introduces carbon monoxide into the environment and decreases the available oxygen for human consumption and the nurse should follow up to correct this behavior. Checking the chimney and heater, changing the batteries on the detector, and following up on symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and fatigue are all statements that are safe and appropriate and need no follow-up.

The nurse is completing an admission history on a new home health patient. The patient has been experiencing seizures as the result of a recent brain injury. Which interventions should the nurse utilize for this patient and family? (Select all that apply.) a. Demonstrate how to restrain the patient in the event of a seizure. b. Instruct the family to move the patient to a bed during a seizure. c. Teach the family how to insert a tongue depressor during the seizure. d. Discuss with the family steps to take if the seizure does not discontinue. e. Instruct the family to reorient and reassure the patient after consciousness is regained.

ANS: D,E Prolonged or repeated seizures indicate status epilepticus, a medical emergency that requires intensive monitoring and treatment. Family should know what to do. Family should reorient and reassure the patient after consciousness is regained. Never force apart a patient's clenched teeth. Do not place any objects into patient's mouth such as fingers, medicine, tongue depressor, or airway when teeth are clenched. Do not lift patient from floor to bed while seizure is in progress. Do not restrain patient; hold limbs loosely if they are flailing. Loosen clothing.