Health and Safety in Activity Programming Flashcards

In the event of a facility fire alarm during an activity, the activity director's first responsibility is to:

Answer: Ensure resident safety by following the facility's emergency evacuation plan

Resident safety is the top priority; the activity director must immediately follow the facility's established emergency evacuation procedures.

Which federal regulation requires long-term care facilities to maintain a restraint-free environment as the standard of care?

Answer: OBRA 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987 established that residents have the right to be free from unnecessary physical and chemical restraints.

A resident participating in a garden activity reports feeling dizzy after taking her morning medications. The activity director should:

Answer: Immediately notify nursing staff and remain with the resident

Dizziness following medication administration may indicate an adverse reaction requiring clinical assessment; the activity director must notify nursing and remain with the resident.

When preparing a room for a large group activity, the activity director should ensure that walkways and exits remain clear primarily to comply with which type of regulation?

Answer: Life Safety Code and fire egress requirements

The Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) requires that exit routes and corridors in healthcare facilities remain unobstructed to allow safe evacuation during emergencies.

To prevent the spread of respiratory illness during activity programming, the activity director should routinely disinfect shared items such as cards, dice, and remote controls because these are considered:

Answer: High-touch fomites that can harbor pathogens

Frequently touched shared objects are fomites that can transfer pathogens between users and should be regularly disinfected to reduce infection transmission.

An activity director observes that a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is using improper body mechanics while helping a resident to a chair during an activity. The activity director should:

Answer: Privately speak with the CNA and report concerns to the supervisor if needed

Addressing safety concerns privately is respectful and professional; escalating to a supervisor if the issue persists ensures staff and resident safety.

Which practice best protects resident confidentiality and follows HIPAA guidelines during activity-related documentation?

Answer: Storing activity records in a locked area accessible only to authorized staff

HIPAA requires that protected health information, including participation records, be stored securely and accessed only by authorized individuals.