Chapter 3. Safe Patient Handling, Positioning, and Transfers Show
Patient falls are the most reported patient safety events in British Columbia and account for 40% of all adverse events (BCPSLS, 2015). Falls are a major priority in health care, and health care providers are responsible for identifying, managing, and eliminating potential hazards to patients. All patient-handling activities (positioning, transfers, and ambulation) pose a risk to patients and health care providers. Older adults may be at increased risk for falls due to impaired mental status, decreased strength, impaired balance and mobility, and decreased sensory perception (Titler, Shever, Kanak, Picone, & Qin, 2011). Other patients may be at risk due to gait problems, cognitive ability, visual problems, urinary frequency, generalized weakness, and cognitive dysfunction. Specific treatments and medications may cause hypotension or drowsiness, which increase a patient’s risk for falls (Hook & Winchel, 2006). Fall Prevention StrategiesAll clients should be assessed for risk factors, and necessary prevention measures should be implemented as per agency policy. Table 3.7 lists factors that affect patient safety and general measures to prevent falls in health care.
Lowering a Patient to the FloorA patient may fall while ambulating or being transferred from one surface to another. If a patient begins to fall from a standing position, do not attempt to stop the fall or catch the patient. Instead, control the fall by lowering the patient to the floor. Checklist 31 lists the steps to assisting a patient to the floor to minimize injury to patient and health care provider (PHSA, 2010). Checklist 31: Lowering a Patient to the Floor
Special considerations:
Take this Lowering a Patient to the Floor course for more information on lowering a falling patient to the floor. Video 3.7Watch the video Assisted Fall by Kim Morris, Thompson Rivers University.
Additional VideosVideo 3.8Watch the video How to Use a Hammock Sling by Kim Morris, Thompson Rivers University. Video 3.9Watch the video How to Use a Hygiene Sling by Kim Morris, Thompson Rivers University. What precautions should a nurse take with a patient that is a fall risk?Familiarize the patient with the environment.. Have the patient demonstrate call light use.. Maintain call light within reach.. Keep the patient's personal possessions within patient safe reach.. Have sturdy handrails in patient bathrooms, room, and hallway.. What precautions should be taken for fall risk?Take the Right Steps to Prevent Falls. Stay physically active. ... . Have your eyes and hearing tested. ... . Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take. ... . Get enough sleep. ... . Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. ... . Stand up slowly. ... . Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk.. What precautions should you take with a patient that is a fall risk quizlet?Orient patient to surroundings. Ensure patient wears eyeglasses, if applicable. Ensure patient's footwear is adequate; if no footwear is available provide treaded socks. Keep bed in low position.
What is the most important intervention when trying to prevent a patient from falling?Keep the patient's personal possessions within safe reach. Have sturdy handrails in patient bathrooms, rooms, and hallways. Place the hospital bed in the low position when a patient is resting. Raise the bed to a comfortable height when the patient is transferring out of bed.
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