Tools
This device should be present in every room and aids in supporting ambulation for patients that may have an unsteady gait.
What is a Gait Belt?
This assessment should be completed with each change of caregiver, post-op, and with any change in disposition.
What is a fall risk scale?
This is placed on the patient to identify them as a fall risk.
What is a fall risk band?
This procedure can alter the patient's electrolyte balance and indicates that the patient is at a high risk of falling.
What is dialysis?
This class of medications increases the risk of falling. Side effects include: increased ambulation due to frequency and urgency, orthostatic hypotension, and electrolyte imbalance
What are diuretics?
A device used for fall risks and designed to be an early warning sign that a fall could occur
What is a bed/chair alarm?
This assessment should be used by all caregivers each time a patient is ambulated and considers the patient's size, use of assistive device, functional ability, and extremities.
What is fall risk?
This should be on the wrist of every high fall risk patient at all times to alert team members that the patient is a fall risk.
What is a yellow fall risk bracelet?
This diagnosis places the patient at a high risk for massive blood loss, which makes the patient at a high risk for falling.
What is a GI bleed?
This class of medications increases the risk of falling. Side effects include: vasodilation, orthostatic hypotension, impaired perfusion and syncope.
What are Antihypertensives and/or Antiarrhythmics?
This should be initiated for all patients regardless of fall risk score. Includes: keeping patient care areas uncluttered, familiarizing the patient with the environment and placing the bed in a low and locked position
What are standard fall prevention interventions?
What is critical thinking?
These have non-slip pads on both sides to help prevent a patient from falling while ambulating.
What are non-skid socks?
This can cause a fluid shift in the body, which can make the patient feel dizzy and weak.
What is bowel prep for a colonoscopy?
This class of medications increases the risk of falling. Side effects include: sedation, confusion, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, altered gait and balance, and impaired cognition.
What are Analgesics/Narcotics
This tool can be used in the chair or bed as a gentle reminder to "call, don't fall."
What is a self release lap belt?
This tool helps to be proactive in attending to the patient's needs which can prevent falls.
What is purposeful hourly rounding?
This should be posted on the patients doorway to identify that a bed/chair alarm must be used.
What is fall risk signage?
This medical device placed to collect fluid can create a fluid shift and make a patient feel light headed when standing.
What is a drain?
This class of medications increases the risk of falling. Side effects include: muscle rigidity, impaired cognition, sedation and altered gait and balance.
What are Antipsychotics/Anticonvulsants?
This tool can assist a patient who is too unsteady to safely ambulate.
What is a walker?
This is a simple screening tool used to distinguish whether a patient can ambulate safely.
What is the Hendrick II fall risk scale?
This is included in the fall risk assessment and assesses the patient's likelyhood of falling
What is a history of past falls?
This diagnosis can cause hypotension, fever, and confusion along with many other acute problems that increase the patient's risk for falling.
What is sepsis?
Caution should be used, particularly with older adults, with this common and often over-the-counter class of medication. Side effects include: sedation, confusion, constipation, paradoxical agitation and loss of balance.
What are Antihistamines?