Patient Education
Most common place in the home to fall.
Bathroom
Unfamiliar surroundings contribute to this falls risk factor.
Environmental.
Patients who were independent and active at home may require assistance in the hospital.
True.
A key strategy for fall care plans to be effective.
Patient and family engagement.
Name the 4 P's of Fall Prevention.
Pain, position, placement, and personal needs.
This sensory system contributes to balance and should be checked at least once per year.
Hearing.
Patients who are admitted for a fall or who have a history of falls should have a fall risk assessment completed within what time frame?
24 hours.
Restraints are an acceptable fall prevention intervention.
False.
Define a fall prevention bundle.
An set of evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing the risk of falls in vulnerable populations, such as older adults and hospitalized patients.
Name two strategies to proactively address the 4 P's.
Examples: Call light within reach, frequent rounding, effective pain management, personal possessions within reach, clear communication.
You need this to be able to see obstacles and should have it checked once regularly?
Vision.
There are many medications that can increase risk of falls. Name one category.
Examples: benzodiazepines, hypnosedatives, diuretics.
People who fall once without injury are at a higher risk for future falls.
True.
A strategy to decrease the risk of falls when ambulating to the bathroom?
Examples: IV assistance when ambulating, assistive devices, assist to the bathroom, call light in reach, bed alarm if indicated.
Name 2 environment modifications to reduce the risk of falls?
Examples: Adequate lighting, bed in lowest position with wheels locked, lack of clutter, assistive devices available and within reach.
A thin type of flooring that can increase fall risk?
Throw rugs.
Assess for this common medication side effect.
Dizziness.
Falls only need to be reported if the patient hits the ground.
False. Any instances where the patient is lowered to the ground or catches themself should be reported to the care team (and safety event reporting per your organizational policy).
What is a key step for the team to complete after a fall occurs?
Falls debrief.
This item of clothing can decrease fall risk.
Non-slip footwear.
A result of diabetes that decreases sensation And can increase fall risk?
Diabetic neuropathy.
Name a scenario in which to use a bed alarm?
Patients who forget or choose not to call for help.
Patient And family engagement in their fall prevention care plan can significantly decrease their risk of falls.
True.
Name a key component of implementing Falls TIPS?
Securing buy-in from hospital leadership and training unit champions.
Visual cues to reduce fall risk.
Fall risk sign on the door, fall risk banner in the EHR, specific colored non-skid socks.