When bath water temperature is tested for a resident who cannot read the thermometer, what is the best practice?

When bath water temperature is tested for a resident who cannot read the thermometer, what is the best practice?

• A. The resident must touch the bath water to avoid contamination.
• B. The resident should touch the water to be reassured it is not scented with a fragrance he dislikes.
• C. The resident is best able to identify his comfortable temperature.
• D. The number on the bath thermometer is difficult to see.

Answer: (C)

Best practice is to let the resident identify the comfortable temperature. When they can’t read the thermometer, your role is to gauge the water by touch and rely on the resident’s feedback. Test the water with the back of your hand or wrist, start cooler, and adjust until they say it feels right and not too hot or cold. This respects the resident’s preferences and keeps them safe. The other options don’t address temperature safety in this situation, either by asking the resident to touch the water for reassurance or relying on a reading they can’t interpret.

Best practice is to let the resident identify the comfortable temperature. When they can’t read the thermometer, your role is to gauge the water by touch and rely on the resident’s feedback. Test the water with the back of your hand or wrist, start cooler, and adjust until they say it feels right and not too hot or cold. This respects the resident’s preferences and keeps them safe. The other options don’t address temperature safety in this situation, either by asking the resident to touch the water for reassurance or relying on a reading they can’t interpret.