California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

What does an emergency environmental control plan address?

1. Resident preference for evacuation

2. Minimum temperature during a power loss

3. Instructions for residents to regulate thermostats

4. Securing food and water in emergencies

The correct answer is: Minimum temperature during a power loss

An emergency environmental control plan is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of residents during emergencies, particularly focusing on how to maintain a safe environment when usual systems fail. The correct response emphasizes the need to maintain a minimum temperature in the facility during a power loss, which is critical for preventing hypothermia in cold weather or overheating in hot weather. Maintaining appropriate temperatures is essential for residents’ health, especially for those who may be vulnerable due to age or medical conditions. The plan typically outlines specific temperature thresholds that must be maintained, steps to be taken if power outages occur, and protocols for the use of backup systems or alternative heat sources to protect residents. While other options might seem relevant—such as resident preferences for evacuation or instructions on thermostat regulation—they do not directly target the critical environmental aspect of temperature safety during emergencies, which is a key component of an effective emergency response plan in nursing homes. Additionally, securing food and water is vital, but it falls more under general emergency preparedness rather than specific environmental control.