A home health nurse is completing a home safety visit for a client who had a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Home safety is a critical component of care for clients who have had a Cerebrovascular accident because they often experience weakness, impaired balance, visual deficits, and decreased coordination. These limitations increase the risk of falls and injuries in the home environment. The nurse’s role is to identify and correct hazards that could contribute to accidents while promoting independence and safety. Environmental modifications are key to reducing preventable harm. Rationale: A. Setting the water heater to 54.4°C (130°F) is unsafe because it increases the risk of thermal injury or burns, especially in clients with sensory or mobility impairments. The recommended safe setting is typically lower (around 49°C/120°F) to prevent scalding injuries. This does not promote safety. B. Replacing burned-out light bulbs is an appropriate safety intervention because adequate lighting reduces the risk of falls and improves mobility in clients with neurological deficits. Good visibility is essential for clients recovering from stroke who may have impaired balance, coordination, or visual field deficits. This directly enhances environmental safety. C. Running extension cords under throw rugs is unsafe because it creates a tripping hazard and increases the risk of falls. Additionally, covering cords can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. This practice should be avoided in home safety planning. D. Ensuring the client wears soft-soled slippers may improve comfort but does not provide optimal safety if the footwear lacks proper support or traction. In stroke clients, supportive, non-slip footwear is recommended to reduce fall risk. Soft slippers may actually increase instability if they do not fit securely.