Why is it important for the home health nurse to interview an ...

[mwit1967]

Why is it important for the home health nurse to interview an 82-year-old patient following the patient's fall in the home?
 
  a. So that the incident can be reflected in the home health nurse's documentation
  b. To help the patient gain insight into the cause of the fall
  c. In order to guarantee no further falls
  d. To collect data for research purposes

Question 2

An older adult man has been diagnosed as having diminished depth perception. What does the nurse expect him to have difficulty with in his everyday activities?
 
  a. Judging the height of steps.
  b. Reading small print on food labels.
  c. Reading street signs.
  d. Seeing in dim light.

[joanwhite]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Gaining insight into the cause of falls will help the patient and family become aware of factors in the home that are so familiar that they are not seen as hazards. Recognition of hazards will lead to an alteration of the environment for improved safety. While the nurse will document the fall in her notes, that is not the primary reason to interview the patient. Further falls cannot be guaranteed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Diminished depth perception results in an inability to judge height and depth of steps and judge distance. These deficits result in falls.