Unit 2 - Hazards

Question 1

What are some environmental hazards in institutions? (7)

Answer 1

1. lighting (dark, glare, shadows)
2. Walking surface
   - potential to be slippery from spills
3. Hallways - cluttered
4. Furniture not at appropriate height
5. Bathrooms - lack of grab bars
6. Shoes/slippers
   - too loose, badly worn heels
7. Staff
   - too busy, inadequate number, attitude

Question 2

What are some hazards in the home? (7)

Answer 2

• lighting
• floors and hallways
• bathrooms
• Stairway
• furniture
• storage
• telephone accesible

Question 3

How can we decrease hazards in the home? (7)

Answer 3

1. Use of 100-200 watt bulbs
2. Night Light
3. Pathways clear (free of throw rugs, etc.)
4. Alarm device present and grab bars in bathroom
5. Hand-rail, step visibility for stairs
6. Have chairs with arms
7. Stepping stool for high shelves

Question 4

As per the WRHA, the use of restraint should be the least possible, in the best interest of the resident, and consistent with the overall therapeutic goal. When should they never be used? (4)

Answer 4

1. As a convenience for the staff of PCH
2. As a standing order
3. While the resident is on a commode or toilet
4. As a form of punishment or discipline

Question 5

What are interventions to promote mobility and safety? (7)

Answer 5

1. Medication review
2. Education
3. Exercise
4. Sensory
5. Modify Environment
6. Address fear of falling
7. Work as a team; communicating risk of falls to others

Question 6

How can education pose as an intervention to promote mobility and safety? (2)

Answer 6

• Educate clients on the risks associated with condition
• ie. change in posture leading to postural orthostatic hypotension

Question 7

How can exercise pose as an intervention to promote mobility and safety?

Answer 7

strength and balance training

Question 8

How can sensory help promote mobility and safety? (2)

Answer 8

• provide hearing or vision assessment and referral
• Ensure aids are worn and suitable

Question 9

How can modifying the environment promote mobility and safety? (5)

Answer 9

• remove environmental hazards
• ensure that clothing and footwear is appropriate and assess to ensure they fit properly
• encourage proper care of feet (use of podiatrist)
• beds at low height
• no side rails - fall mats

Question 10

How can addressing the fear of falling promote mobility and safety? (4)

Answer 10

• encourage the individual to verbalize feelings
• strengthen self-efficacy related to transfers
• provide a plan for ambulation
• verbal encouragement about capabilities and demonstrating to the individual their ability to carry out ADLs safely

Question 11

How does working as a team and communicating risk of falls to others promote mobility and safety? (4)

Answer 11

• identifying the client as being at risk for a fall or near fall reoccurrence
• communicate risk by use of visual identifier
• address causes of falls based on past fall assessment
• plans include monitoring change in status and risk

Question 12

How can we promote the proper use of assistive devices?

Answer 12

• assist person with cane, using a walker, and reducing falls while in a wheelchair