Posted: October 19th, 2023

Nursing interventions to prevent falls

Nursing interventions to prevent falls

Falls are a major safety risk for older adults, especially those who live alone, have impaired mobility, balance or vision, or take multiple medications. Falls can cause serious injuries such as fractures, head trauma, and even death. Therefore, nurses have an important role in assessing the fall risk of their patients and implementing appropriate interventions to prevent falls.

Some of the nursing interventions to prevent falls are:

– Orient the patient to the environment and safety measures. Explain the location of the restroom, bed controls, call bell, and other items. Leave the bathroom light on and remove any obstacles from the floor.
– Assess the patient’s gait, strength, balance, and footwear. Provide assistive devices such as walker, cane, or wheelchair if needed. Instruct the patient to wear slip-resistant shoes or socks with grips.
– Identify patients at high risk of falling and alert all staff members. Use stickers, signs, armbands, or other methods to indicate the fall risk status of the patient. Implement specific programs such as “Red Slipper Program” to reduce falls.
– Implement safety measures for cognitively impaired patients. Place an alarm pad on the bed or chair to notify staff when the patient tries to get up. Use bed rails or other restraints only when necessary and with caution. Provide frequent supervision and redirection.
– Review the patient’s medications and medical history. Adjust or discontinue medications that may cause drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension, or confusion. Manage any underlying conditions that may increase the fall risk such as urinary or bowel incontinence, infection, dehydration, or pain.
– Educate the patient, family, and caregivers about fall prevention strategies. Teach them how to use assistive devices correctly, how to avoid environmental hazards, and how to report any fall incidents or near misses.

By following these nursing interventions, nurses can help prevent falls and improve the safety and quality of life of their patients.

References:

– Fall Risk and Fall Prevention Nursing Care Plan – Nurseslabs. (2023). Retrieved from https://nurseslabs.com/risk-for-falls/
– Nursing Care Plans Fall Risk | 29 Nursing Interventions – Nurse Mitra. (2021). Retrieved from https://nursemitra.com/nursing-care-plans-fall-risk-and-risk-for-falls/
– Fall Prevention in Elderly | Nursing Interventions For At-Risk Populations. (2022). Retrieved from https://nursingcecentral.com/fall-prevention/

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