Author Question: The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a patient who has equilibrium alterations. Which ... (Read 129 times)

Tirant22 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a patient who has equilibrium alterations. Which instructions should be included? (Select all that apply.)

a. Use grab bars in the tub and/or shower at home.
b. Keep rooms well lit and focus ahead when walking.
c. Change positions quickly to avoid dizziness.
d. Use a cane or walker for stability.
e. Ride in the back seat of the car and look ahead.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a patient who has tactile alterations in his legs. Which instructions should be included? (Select all that apply.)

a. Verify bath water temperature is approximately 39.5 C.
b. Do not use hot or cold therapy on any extremity.
c. Use sturdy shoes when walking outside or on hard surfaces.
d. Report any changes in skin color on your legs to your health care provider.
e. Set your water heater so that scalding is not possible.

spencer.martell · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, D
The patient experiencing dizziness or vertigo exercises caution when changing positions. The patient suffering from motion sickness should ride in the front seat of the car and look far ahead through the car windshield. Keeping rooms well lit and focusing ahead when walking, using grab bars in the shower and/or tub, and using canes or walkers are all good safety measures.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C, D, E
Bath water temperature should be approximately 37.8 C (100 F), and hot and cold therapy should not be used on the affected extremities, although it can be used on other areas of the body. Sturdy shoes can prevent foot injuries when there is decreased sensation in the lower extremities. Any decrease in sensation, change in the color of the skin, or wounds are reported to the health care provider. Water heaters are set so that scalding is not possible.