Which environmental factor can affect a patient’s health and safety in a hospital setting?

In a hospital setting, noise levels can significantly impact a patient’s health and safety. Elevated noise can lead to increased stress and anxiety, both of which can hinder recovery. High noise levels, especially in critical care areas, can disrupt sleep patterns, impair communication between healthcare providers and patients, and even affect vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure. Managing noise is essential in promoting healing and ensuring that patients can rest and recover effectively.

While other environmental factors like lighting levels, temperature settings, and air quality also play important roles in a patient's overall comfort and safety, the specific stressors related to noise have been widely studied for their immediate effects on patient outcomes. Inadequate management of noise can lead to a restless environment, which may complicate recovery and affect overall patient satisfaction.