Practice Question
The nurse is getting ready to discharge an elderly male client that was on the med-surge unit. The client came to the hospital because of a fall and had also broken his right shoulder. Which instruction should the nurse be certain to include when providing discharge teaching for this client who has a serious visual deficit?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Avoid using throw rugs on the floors
Rationale:
🌟 Clients with visual deficits are at high risk for falls, especially in unfamiliar or cluttered environments.
🌟 Throw rugs are a major cause of tripping hazards, sliding, and instability, making them unsafe for older adults with poor vision.
🌟 Removing throw rugs greatly improves home safety, reduces environmental risks, and prevents repeat injuries—especially crucial since the client already has a broken shoulder, limiting mobility and balance.
🌟 Fall-prevention teaching is a primary nursing responsibility during discharge, and environmental modifications are one of the most effective methods.
🌟 Clients with visual impairment rely heavily on safe flooring and clear walking paths, making rug removal essential for safety.
🌟 This strategy is directly aligned with evidence-based fall-prevention guidelines for elderly adults with sensory impairments.
🌟 Eliminating tripping hazards enhances independence and reduces hospital readmission rates due to preventable home injuries.
🌟 Because this client already suffered a fall, focusing on fall-prevention techniques is the highest-priority teaching point.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
Install blinking lights to alert an incoming phone call
❌ This is helpful for hearing deficits, not visual impairment.
❌ Clients with vision loss may not see the blinking lights, so it does not enhance safety.
❌ It does not address fall risks, which are the primary concern for this client.
❌ This intervention is not aligned with his specific sensory deficit.
❌ It does not prevent injury or promote mobility safety.
Have gas appliances inspected regularly to detect gas leaks
❌ This is appropriate for general safety but not specific to preventing falls.
❌ Gas inspection is important for all households, not directly related to visual deficits.
❌ It does not address the immediate risk associated with his condition—falling.
❌ It would not prevent reinjury or improve mobility hazards in the home.
❌ It is not the priority teaching point for this scenario.
Wear socks when walking around at home
❌ Wearing only socks increases the risk of slipping, especially on smooth surfaces.
❌ This is unsafe for clients with balance deficits or limited vision.
❌ The correct safety teaching is to wear non-skid footwear, not socks.
❌ Socks do not improve stability and may worsen fall risk.
❌ This contradicts fall-prevention guidelines.
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This question is from 106 Mock exam which contains 99 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: General Exams
- Domain: Medical-surgical📚
- Answer Choices: 4