Home Safety and Fall Prevention Flashcards
8 cards from real CAREGIVER practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 8 Home Safety and Fall Prevention flashcards as text
A home care caregiver notices a throw rug in front of the client's favorite chair. What should the caregiver do?
Answer: Remove the throw rug or secure the edges with non-slip tape and discuss the safety concern with the client
Throw rugs are a significant trip hazard; removing them or securing their edges addresses the safety risk while discussing the change respectfully with the client.
What does the 'A' in the SPLATT fall assessment mnemonic stand for?
Answer: Activity at the time of the fall
In SPLATT, A stands for Activity at the time of the fall, which helps identify high-risk activities and circumstances.
A bed alarm sounds in a resident's room. What is the appropriate caregiver response?
Answer: Respond immediately to the room to assist the resident before they attempt to transfer alone
Bed alarms are designed to alert staff before an at-risk resident attempts to transfer alone; the appropriate response is immediate attendance to provide safe assistance.
In a home setting, which lighting modification most effectively reduces fall risk?
Answer: Installing motion-activated nightlights along pathways and in the bathroom
Motion-activated nightlights along pathways and in the bathroom provide automatic illumination when the client moves at night, reducing the risk of falls in low-light conditions.
Which assistive device is most appropriate for a client with mild balance issues and weakness on one side?
Answer: A single-point cane held on the stronger side
A single-point cane held in the stronger hand provides support and balance correction for mild unilateral weakness or balance issues.
A client refuses to use their prescribed walker despite being at high risk for falls. How should the caregiver respond?
Answer: Educate the client on the fall risk, document the refusal, and report to the supervisor
Educating the client about fall risk, documenting their informed refusal, and reporting to the supervisor respects autonomy while fulfilling the caregiver's safety and reporting obligations.
Which of the following is a standard component of a comprehensive home safety fall assessment?
Answer: Assessing floor surfaces, lighting, stairways, bathroom safety, and the client's mobility and medication use
A comprehensive home fall safety assessment evaluates the physical environment and the client's personal risk factors including mobility and medications.
What is orthostatic hypotension and why is it a fall risk?
Answer: A sudden drop in blood pressure when changing position from lying or sitting to standing, causing lightheadedness
Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure with position change that causes lightheadedness and dizziness, significantly increasing fall risk during transfers.