During a home safety assessment, the nurse identifies that there are a

During a home safety assessment, the nurse identifies that there are a number of hazards present. Of the following hazards that are noted by the nurse, which one represents the greatest risk for this client with diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

1. Improper water heater settings
2. Absence of smoke detectors
3. Cluttered walkways
4. Lack of bathroom grab bars

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Clients with impaired tactile sensation, as the client with diabetic neuropathy, should be cau-tioned to have the setting on the water heater no higher than 120° F. The greatest risk for the cli-ent with diabetic peripheral neuropathy is an improper water heater setting, because the client would not be able to feel a setting that is too hot and could therefore experience injury. An ab-sence of smoke detectors is not the greatest risk for the client with diabetic peripheral neuropa-thy. It would be of greater risk for the client who has an olfactory impairment. Although a lack of bathroom grab bars may place a client at risk for falls, it is not the greatest risk for the client with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.