A community health nurse is performing a home visit for a client and is evaluating the home environment for safety. Which of the following findings would indicate to the nurse that the client has a proper understanding of safety in the home?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. A single light fixture hangs along the sidewalk to the house: Adequate outdoor lighting improves safety, but a single light fixture may not sufficiently illuminate the walkway, increasing fall risk, especially at night. B. The water heater is set at 54°C (129.2°F): The water temperature is too high; it should be below 49°C (120°F) to prevent burns, especially for older adults and children. C. A small area rug is placed at the front door: Small rugs are tripping hazards, especially for elderly or mobility-impaired clients. Rugs should have non-slip backing or be removed. D. The batteries in the smoke alarms are changed annually: This demonstrates appropriate home safety maintenance. Working smoke alarms significantly reduce the risk of injury or death from house fires. The CDC and fire safety authorities recommend changing batteries at least once a year.