Pn1 | Nursing homework help

Module 01 – Written Assignment – Patient Falls Worksheet

Name:

Date: 10/07/23

Complete all lesson content and assigned readings. Make sure that you are focusing on:

· Common causes of patient falls

· Actions to prevent falls.

Instructions:

How do I know if a source is credible?

How do I find evidence-based practice articles? Or nursing best practices?

1.
Identify the common causes of patient falls. (
2 Points)

Poor lightning, Slick floor, clutter, uneven floor, cords, wet floor, clothing or shoes, furniture, recent change in cognition, New Medication, Gait imbalance.

(a)

Previous fall history:
 Patients who have fallen recently are more likely to fall again and under similar circumstances unless the factors that led to the fall are addressed.

(b)

Gait instability and lower-limb weakness:
 Gait problems and lower-limb weakness can stem from physical illness, deconditioning from periods of inactivity, and age-related changes in gait and balance. Lack of access to walking aids, bedrest, and limited activity during hospitalization can exacerbate these problems.

(c)

Urinary incontinence, frequency, and/or the need for toileting:
 Medications and fluids given during an acute hospitalization can increase urinary urgency and the need for frequent toileting. To avoid incontinence, patients may get up quickly or ambulate without a walking aid/assistance, resulting in a fall.

(d)

Agitation, confusion, or impaired judgment:

 Patients who are agitated or confused are at risk of falling out of bed or getting up without assistance. However, even patients who are alert and oriented may overestimate their abilities, not realizing that they’re at risk for falls.

(e)

Medications, especially sedative hypnotics:
 Hospitalized patients often receive medications that may be new or given in addition to the medications they take at home. Medication side effects may cause dizziness, unsteadiness, postural hypotension, and urinary urgency, increasing fall.

2.
Define and describe actions to prevent falls. (
2 Points)

(a) Follow your mobility plan. Being active keeps you strong.

(b) Toileting schedule – offering bathroom break every 30mins and as needed. Call for help when you need to get up or go to the bathroom.

(c) Keep what you need within reach, especially your call button. Teaching patient the use of call light, the risk associated with a fall if they don’t call for help.

(d) Get out of bed slowly in three steps. First, sit up. Then, sit on the side of the bed. Then, stand up. This should stop you from getting dizzy.

(e) Bed/Chair Alarm – Goes off when patient tries to get off without assistance, and alert nursing staff to assist. Use your assistive device when you get up.

(f) Turn on the lights. Do not move around in the dark.

(g) Wear non-skid footwear such as rubber-soled slippers or non-skid socks.

(h) Keep your surroundings free of clutter. Ask your nurses to help you keep your room free of clutter.

(i) Use grab bars in the bathroom. Use the grab bars to sit down and to get up from the toilet.

11/16/2021

image1.png