What term describes the environment surrounding the nursing assistant that may pose hazards?

The term that best describes the environment surrounding the nursing assistant which may pose hazards is "physical hazards." This term encompasses a wide range of potential dangers present in the care setting that can lead to accidents or injuries. Examples of physical hazards include wet floors, cluttered walkways, faulty equipment, or any objects that might cause slips, trips, or falls. Understanding physical hazards is crucial for nursing assistants as it allows them to proactively manage their environment and ensure the safety of both themselves and their patients.

In contrast, other terms do not capture the full scope of environmental hazards in the same way. For instance, physical barriers might refer to objects that obstruct movement but do not necessarily indicate a hazard. Nonverbal barriers are related to communication issues rather than physical threats. Chemical hazards involve substances that could cause harm due to exposure but do not cover the broader environmental dangers that physical hazards encompass.