California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

A patient who is a fall risk will be home alone for more than 4 hours. What should they be given before discharge?

1. A Phillips Lifeline referral form

2. Briefs stuffed with Northern bathroom tissue

3. A helmet

4. Your cell number, so they can call you if they fall

The correct answer is: A Phillips Lifeline referral form

Providing a Philips Lifeline referral form is the correct choice in this scenario, as it ensures that the patient has access to a medical alert system that can offer assistance in case of a fall. The Philips Lifeline service allows individuals, especially those at risk for falls, to quickly contact emergency services or family members simply by pressing a button, which is crucial for maintaining their safety while home alone. This proactive approach provides peace of mind to both the patient and their caregivers, knowing that help is readily available if needed. By facilitating this referral, the healthcare provider is taking an important step in promoting the patient's safety and reducing the potential consequences of a fall. Other options, while they may seem supportive, do not effectively address the critical issue of rapid response in case of an emergency. For instance, providing briefs stuffed with bathroom tissue or a helmet is unlikely to contribute to the patient's safety after a fall has occurred. Similarly, while giving one's cell number might be a thoughtful gesture, it does not substitute for a dedicated emergency response system that can promptly dispatch help.