1. Nurses incorporate questions about driving to identify the need for a more comprehensive
assessment. What questions would you ask?
Some questions I would ask include do you have a valid driver’s license? Do you wear or
need corrective lenses? Do you have hearing problems? Do you have any health conditions that
can affect your ability to drive? Are you currently taking any medications that can compromise
your ability to drive? Do you have problems with your memory? Have you noticed any changes
in your driving recently? How do you feel about your personal driving abilities?
2. What are some common risk factors that can affect driving?
There are many common risk factors that can affect driving. These risk factors include
driving history, medications and side effects, medical illnesses such as Dementia and
Parkinson’s disease, physiological variables such as attention span and divided attention, use of
alcohol, use of safety restraints and weather (Carr, 2000). These risk factors can negatively
impact driving, especially for older adults. However, although there are many risk factors,
“older drivers, however, tend to drive less at night, during adverse weather conditions, during
rush hours or in congested thoroughfares” (Carr, 2000).
3. What are some common referrals related to driving safety?
Common referrals related to driving safety include referrals to “other health care
professionals, such as occupational or physical therapist” (Carr, 2000). Referrals to occupational
therapist involves test “visual, cognitive and motor skills before performing a road test” (Carr,
2000). There are also road tests available and it’s usually the preferred method to asses driving
abilities. Physical therapists can help with physical limitations such as “joint dysfunction from
cerebrovascular disease, arthritis or parkinsonism” (Carr, 2000).
Reference:
Carr, D. B. (2000). The Older Adult Driver. American Family Physician Journal, 61(1), 141–146.
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0101/p141.html