The prevention of patient injuries is of primary concern in the modern health care environment. This issue is significant on the national level as well. Despite such attention and urgency, the rates of patients injuring because of fall increase across the United States. Statistics shows that many patients (more than 50%) face risks of becoming injured in nursing settings. Such a situation cannot be neglected.
Almost every nurse who has even the minimum experience can recall a case when the patient has fallen. A prolonged staying in the hospital due to injuries is a typical practice. (“Special Supplement to American Nurse Today — Best Practices for Falls Reduction: a Practical Guide,” 2011). The nurse should take into consideration aspects that influence the possibility of injuries in nursing settings.
Injuries and fall prevention measures should be chosen carefully. Thus, there are universal fall precautions that nurses use regardless of the health condition. Besides, it is the task of the nurse to assess possible risk factors. Universal fall precautions aim at making patient’s environment protected, safe, and comfortable (Which Fall Prevention Practices Do You Want to Use n.d.). Essential fall precautions include:
- To make the patient aware of his or her environment;
- Demonstrate the usage of the call light;
- Make sure that patient can reach call light without too many efforts;
- There should be secure and robust handrails in room, bathroom, and hall;
- The bed should be placed in low position when the patient is going to have a rest;
- Bed brakes should be locked;
- Floor surface should be dry;
- Wheelchair should also be in a locked position when it is not used;
- There should be not many objects in patient’s room;
These measures are essential. They assist in the efficient safeguarding of patients and improve the quality of health care services.
References
Special Supplement to American Nurse Today — Best Practices for Falls Reduction: a Practical Guide. (2011). American Nurse Today, 6, 3.
Which Fall Prevention Practices Do You Want to Use. (n.d.). Web.