Fall Reduction Strategies
Before ambulating, the nurse should instruct the patient to...
Change positions slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a few moments (Johns Hopkins).
Why are strength exercises important for preventing falls in older adults?
They help maintain muscle mass, improve coordination, and support joint stability (Overbaugh et al., 2021).
What type of lighting should be added to hallways and bathrooms to prevent nighttime falls?
Night light (Overbaugh et al., 2021).
Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults aged...
65 and older (Center for Disease Control).
Name two interventions the nurse can do to prevent falls in the hospital setting
Place call light in reach, keep bed in lowest position, conduct a medication review, bed alarms, and provide the patient with non-slip socks (Cleveland Clinic, 2025).
Which balance exercise is described as standing with feet shoulder-width apart, arms extended to the side, and lifting one leg from the floor?
Single-leg balance exercise (Johns Hopkins).
What home bathroom modification provides stability and support near the shower or toilet to help prevent slips and falls?
A grab bar (Overbaugh et al., 2021).
True or False: the TUG test assesses how long it takes a patient to stand up from a chair, walk 10 feet, turn around, and sit back down.
True. A tug time greater than 12 seconds indicates a risk for falling (Center for Disease Control).
What are three questions the nurse should ask when conducting a fall risk assessment?
Does the patient have a fall history? Does the patient have an altered mental status? What medications is the patient taking? Does the patient have mobility issues? (Cleveland Clinic, 2025).
A senior center wants to prevent falls. What kind of group classes could they offer?
Tai Chi, gentle yoga, or balance and strength training classes (Cleveland Clinic, 2025).
Name three home safety aids that can reduce falls
Shower chairs, bed rails, raised toilet seats, stair lifts, hand-held shower head, nonslip treads for wood stairs (National Institute on Aging).
True or False: 1 in 4 adults fall each year.
True, but less than half tell their doctor (Center for Disease Control).