Chapter 20: Patient Environment and Safety

Chapter 20: Patient Environment and Safety

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. An older adult patient who is unable to get out of bed complains that the room is too cold because of the air-conditioning and asks the nurse to open the window. The nurse’s best reply is:

a.	“Certainly, that will let in warm air from outside and should make you warmer.”
b.	“The air conditioner is set to keep the most comfortable temperature in the room.”
c.	“I’ll adjust the thermostat in your room and get a blanket for you.”
d.	“Agency policy prevents me from opening the window.”

 

 

ANS:   C

Older inactive people need a warmer environment because of their poor thermoregulation. Rooms should be kept at a comfortable 68° to 74° F. Most health care facilities prohibit the opening of windows for safety reasons.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 321              OBJ:    Theory #1

TOP:    Environment Management                 KEY:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

2. An appropriate environmental nursing intervention for a patient with respiratory congestion is to:

a.	maintain the room temperature slightly cooler to decrease congestion.
b.	moisten the respiratory passages with the use of an air humidifier.
c.	order a large floor fan to make it easier to breathe.
d.	open the windows to encourage air circulation.

 

 

ANS:   B

A very low humidity will dry respiratory passages. Vaporizers or humidifiers may be ordered for a patient with a respiratory condition. Small table fans may help some persons to breathe more easily.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 322

OBJ:    Clinical Practice #1                            TOP:    Environment

KEY:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

3. The patient complains of an odor in his room that smells like something is rotting. The nurse makes an assessment of the room and:

a.	changes the linens, which are wrinkled and rumpled from 24-hour use.
b.	rinses out the emesis basin of used dry tissues.
c.	removes an old flower arrangement.
d.	heavily sprays room deodorant around the patient’s bed.

 

 

ANS:   C

Odors in health care facilities are frequently unpleasant. The odor from a deteriorating flower arrangement is offensive. The arrangement should be discarded in a container outside the patient’s room.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                  REF:    p. 322|Box 20-1

OBJ:    Theory #1       TOP:    Environment

KEY:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

4. A patient complains of not being able to sleep because of the noise in the hall at night. The nurse should:

a.	move the patient to the far end of the hall.
b.	ask the doctor for a sleeping medication for the patient.
c.	tell the patient to close the door.
d.	request that co-workers limit hallway conversations.

 

 

ANS:   D

The main cause of noise is people. Encourage the staff to limit conversations in the hallway and speak in lowered voices.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 322              OBJ:    Theory #2

TOP:    Environment                                       KEY:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

5. The best way to maintain safety measures relative to helping a patient get into bed is to:

a.	set the bed height at the nurse’s waist level.
b.	make sure that the bed wheels are locked.
c.	place the bed against the wall.
d.	insist that the patient stays in bed.

 

 

ANS:   B

The goal is to provide safety when getting a patient into or out of bed. Locking the wheels to the bed is one way to ensure this safety measure.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 323              OBJ:    Theory #4

TOP:    Safety             KEY:   Nursing Process Step: Planning

MSC:   NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment: Safety and Infection Control