NURSE-3101 Lecture 10: Chapter 26 Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness
Document Summary
Leading cause of injury fatality among adults over age 65. Most common reason for admissions to hospitals for injuries in older adults. Grandma"s throw rug at home: physiological cause. Documented history of falls: best predictor of fall risk is someone who already fell! Impaired mobility: get up and go test . Indicate fall risk on chart, bracelet, on door, in room (usually a color code). Orient patient to room and environment: cues for orientation like clock or calendar. Bed in low position: wheels on bed/wheelchair locked. Call light within reach: instruct patient in use. Hourly rounds: offer assistance while you"re there. Leave water, tissues, urinal, etc. within reach. Report cognitive changes to doctor, at shift change, etc. Room near nurses" station: frequent observation. Take to bathroom at regular intervals: many falls rushing to bathroom. Ask family members to stay with patient. Put patient in wheelchair and place them near nurses" station.
