Question

Difficulty: HardAccident, Error, and Injury Prevention

A client with a documented severe latex allergy and progressive macular degeneration (causing significant visual impairment) is being admitted to a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following safety interventions should the practical nurse (PN) implement to prevent accidents, errors, or injuries? Select all that apply.

  1. A
    Confirm the client's identity by having them verbally state their name and date of birth in lieu of checking the physical identification band.
  2. Place a facility-approved latex allergy alert band on the client's wrist alongside their standard identification band.Answer
  3. C
    Delegate the collection of a detailed, comprehensive allergy history to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
  4. Orient the client to the physical layout of the room, keeping the pathway to the bathroom clear of all obstacles.Answer
  5. Utilize a dedicated latex-free supply cart containing items such as non-latex gloves, syringes, and blood pressure cuffs.Answer
  6. F
    Apply bilateral soft wrist restraints at night to prevent the client from wandering and falling in the dark.

Answer

The correct interventions are placing a latex allergy alert band on the client, orienting the client to the room layout to keep pathways clear, and utilizing a dedicated latex-free supply cart.
Placing an allergy alert band communicates a critical risk to all staff, reducing the chance of an accidental exposure error. Utilizing a dedicated latex-free cart ensures that all medical equipment is safe for use on the client, preventing a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Orienting the client to the physical layout and keeping the environment free of clutter directly mitigates the fall risk associated with the client's severe visual impairment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's specific safety risk factors.
The client has a high risk for severe allergic reactions (latex) and physical injury (falls due to macular degeneration).
Identifying specific risks dictates which targeted safety interventions are required.
2
Evaluate interventions for latex allergy safety.
Applying an allergy alert band and using a latex-free supply cart are correct actions.
Systematic communication and environmental control prevent life-threatening errors and accidental exposure.
3
Evaluate interventions for visual impairment safety.
Orienting the client to the room and removing clutter are appropriate fall prevention measures.
These actions promote environmental safety using the least restrictive methods.
4
Evaluate care delivery and procedural safety actions.
Delegating the allergy assessment to a UAP, bypassing the physical ID band check, and using physical restraints are unsafe and incorrect.
These actions violate the scope of practice, medication administration safety rights, and restraint protocols.

Key Concept

Comprehensive Client Safety and Error Prevention
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