Which intervention will reduce the risk of falling in a patient who needs to go to the bathroom at night?
Chapter 3. Safe Patient Handling, Positioning, and Transfers Show
Patient falls are the most reported patient safety events in British Columbia and account for 40% of all adverse events (BCPSLS, 2015). Falls are a major priority in health care, and health care providers are responsible for identifying, managing, and eliminating potential hazards to patients. All patient-handling activities (positioning, transfers, and ambulation) pose a risk to patients and health care providers. Older adults may be at increased risk for falls due to impaired mental status, decreased strength, impaired balance and mobility, and decreased sensory perception (Titler, Shever, Kanak, Picone, & Qin, 2011). Other patients may be at risk due to gait problems, cognitive ability, visual problems, urinary frequency, generalized weakness, and cognitive dysfunction. Specific treatments and medications may cause hypotension or drowsiness, which increase a patient’s risk for falls (Hook & Winchel, 2006). Fall Prevention StrategiesAll clients should be assessed for risk factors, and necessary prevention measures should be implemented as per agency policy. Table 3.7 lists factors that affect patient safety and general measures to prevent falls in health care.
Lowering a Patient to the FloorA patient may fall while ambulating or being transferred from one surface to another. If a patient begins to fall from a standing position, do not attempt to stop the fall or catch the patient. Instead, control the fall by lowering the patient to the floor. Checklist 31 lists the steps to assisting a patient to the floor to minimize injury to patient and health care provider (PHSA, 2010). Checklist 31: Lowering a Patient to the Floor
Special considerations:
Take this Lowering a Patient to the Floor course for more information on lowering a falling patient to the floor. Video 3.7Watch the video Assisted Fall by Kim Morris, Thompson Rivers University.
Additional VideosVideo 3.8Watch the video How to Use a Hammock Sling by Kim Morris, Thompson Rivers University. Video 3.9Watch the video How to Use a Hygiene Sling by Kim Morris, Thompson Rivers University. What things can be done to reduce the risk of your patient falling?Take the right steps to prevent falls. Stay physically active. ... . Have your eyes and hearing tested. ... . Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take. ... . Get enough sleep. ... . Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. ... . Stand up slowly. ... . Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk.. What measures can be taken to help avoid patient falls during tub bathing?Place a non-slip mat or decals on the floor of the shower or bathtub and a non-slip rug on the floor outside the tub or shower. Non-slip mats – rather than fluffy rugs – are also the way to go in front of the toilet and the sink. Use a shower chair so your senior can sit while showering and prevent slips and falls.
Which of the following is most important intervention when trying to prevent a patient from falling?Keep the bed in the high position to discourage the patient from getting out of bed without assistance. Keeping the call bell and other frequently used items within easy reach will prevent the patient from having to reach, which increases the risk for falling.
What are 5 nursing interventions used to address a client with a risk for falls?Interventions to Prevent Falls. Familiarize the patient with the environment.. Have the patient demonstrate call light use.. Maintain the call light within reach. ... . Keep the patient's personal possessions within safe reach.. Have sturdy handrails in patient bathrooms, rooms, and hallways.. |