The nurse best addresses the possible intrinsic factors that ...

[Pea0909berry]

The nurse best addresses the possible intrinsic factors that contribute to falls experienced by older adult patients in an acute care setting by
 
  a. encouraging patients to wear their glasses.
  b. keeping a low-level light on in the room at night.
  c. keeping the patient's bed low to the floor.
  d. assessing the room for clutter on the floor.

Question 2

A nurse is mediating a family meeting with an older adult and four grown children
 
  One daughter, who has three small children of her own, keeps volunteering to do tasks until she has agreed to do about 90 of what is needed for the older adult. What action by the nurse is best?
  a. Praise the daughter for being so willing to do so much for her father.
  b. Ask the other children why they are so unwilling to help out.
  c. Ask the daughter if she can realistically accomplish all these items.
  d. Tell the daughter that she is unable to do all these things and to delegate.

[af]

Answer to Question 1

A
Risk factors for hospital falls include both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors include age-related physiologic changes and diseases, as well as medications that affect cognition and balance. The other actions are important safety measures that are helpful to some patients as well, but good vision is critical for safety.

Answer to Question 2

C
Caregivers often overestimate their abilities. All caregivers should be asked to honestly reveal their limitations. This daughter may well be overcommitted. Praise is helpful, but it is not the best option. The nurse is mediating and is not there to criticize. Telling the daughter what to do is likely to lead to resentment.