Question

When assessing safety for the older adult, which of the following is of highest

priority to the nurse?
A. The client has a cataract in the right eye.
B. The client is not married and lives alone.
C. The client lives in a two-story building.
D. The client reports a history of repeated falls.

Answer 1

The most critical safety concern for an older adult that a nurse should prioritize is a history of repeated falls, as it poses an immediate risk of injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing safety for the older adult, the factor of highest priority for a nurse to consider would be if the client reports a history of repeated falls. Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults and can lead to serious health complications. While the presence of a cataract, living alone, and residing in a two-story building might also pose risks, the immediate and clear history of falls signals an ongoing safety issue that could result in significant harm or disability for the client.

Repeated falls are indicative of balance, vision, muscular strength, or medication-related problems, and addressing this issue is crucial in preventing further injury. Preventive measures can include home safety assessments, balance training, visual correction, and medication review. While cataracts, as mentioned, contribute to 50% of all blindness and can impair vision, potentially increasing the risk of falls, the direct history of falls is more critical to address urgently.