The home health nurse is assessing the client’s environment for safety

The home health nurse is assessing the client’s environment for safety concerns and finds that most of the rooms in the house have only one outlet with various cords entering the outlet. The nurse notes this concern to the client and the client’s spouse.

They inform the nurse that “this is the way we’ve lived for years.” The nurse should:
1. Provide telephone numbers for local electricians.
2. Continue to persuade the client to have the home rewired.
3. Not bring the subject up again.
4. Document the findings and the client and spouse’s response to the concern.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: While not inappropriate, this option is not likely to be acted upon by the client.
Rationale 2: Home health nurses cannot expect to change a family’s living space and lifestyle and such an intervention may be resented by the client.
Rationale 3: The nurse has an obligation to bring safety issues to the client’s attention.
Rationale 4: Home health nurses cannot expect to change a family’s living space and lifestyle. However, they can express concern when a situation suggests the possibility for injury. Nurses must document information they provide and the family’s response to instruction as well as make ongoing assessments about the family’s use of safety precautions.