A patient with left-sided muscle weakness is prescribed a bath every other day. What should the nurse do to reduce the risk of falling?

To reduce the risk of falling for a patient with left-sided muscle weakness during bathing, it is crucial to consider the safety measures related to the bath environment and the patient's condition. While options involving water temperature and duration are significant, the choice to decline the addition of scented oil holds particular importance in a safety context.

Scented oils can make the bath slipery, increasing the risk of falls. When a patient has muscle weakness, their ability to maintain balance and coordination is compromised, making it even more critical to ensure that the bathing environment is as safe as possible. Oils can create an unforeseen hazard, potentially leading to slips and falls that could result in serious injuries.

Focusing on this aspect of patient safety supports a proactive approach to maintaining a secure bathing experience and illustrates an understanding of how environmental factors can directly impact a patient’s ability to safely perform daily activities. Ensuring that the bathwater is safe and avoiding substances that can make surfaces slick are practical ways to mitigate risk in patients with mobility challenges.