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Fall Prevention

Unit 9 Lesson 6

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Identify clients who are at risk of falling
Describe environmental factors that contribute to falls
Explain the role of the nurse’s aide in fall prevention

Student Learning Outcomes

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Importance of Fall Prevention

National Patient Safety Goal for long-term care centers
Falls cause serious injuries, including head injuries and hip fractures
Impact on quality of life

Fear of falling may limit activities

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Identifying Clients at Risk of Falling

High-Risk Groups

Older adults are at the highest risk
Annually, 3 million treated for fall injuries in the US

800,000 hospitalized

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Identifying Clients at Risk of Falling continued…

Physical Conditions

Lower body weakness
Difficulties with balance
Vitamin D deficiency

Medications

Tranquilizers
Sedatives
Antihypertensives
Antidepressants

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Identifying Clients at Risk of Falling continued…

Sensory Impairments

Vision problems

Footwear and Physical Discomfort

Foot pain or poor footwear

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident with lower body weakness who takes medication for hypertension has recently been admitted. What should the nurse’s aide focus on to help prevent falls?

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Environmental Factors Contributing to Falls

Common Environmental Hazards

Throw rugs, clutter, and poor lighting
Slippery floors and unstable furniture
Lack of handrails in key areas

Impact of Environment

Combination of multiple risk factors increases fall risk
Importance of modifying environment to minimize risks

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident has vision problems and often complains about foot pain. What environmental modifications are recommended to reduce their risk of falling?

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Role of the Nurse’s Aide in Fall Prevention

Promoting Strength and Mobility

Encourage residents to engage in physical activities
Importance of fluid and nutritional intake to avoid dizziness

Monitoring and Reporting

Vigilance in observing changes in residents' strength or condition
Immediate reporting of any weakness, confusion, or medication changes

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Role of the Nurse’s Aide in Fall Prevention continued…

Assisting with Sensory Deficits

Visual Impairment Interventions

Ensure residents wear and maintain clean eyeglasses
Keep living areas well-lit and free from clutter or hazards
Arrange personal items consistently and inform residents of their locations

Hearing Loss Interventions

Confirm residents use their hearing aids and maintain them properly

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Role of the Nurse’s Aide in Fall Prevention continued…

Assisting with Sensory Deficits

Hearing Loss Interventions continued…

Use visual cues and face residents when speaking to enhance understanding
Encourage clear communication and assist with hearing aid fitting if needed

Supporting Residents

Provide guidance during mobility to prevent falls
Collaborate with therapists for personalized communication strategies
Foster an environment that reduces isolation and supports interaction

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident on sedatives has shown signs of confusion. Which action should the nurse’s aide take to prevent falls?

A) Encourage the resident to remain in their room to avoid risks.

B) Regularly check on the resident and assist with transfers.

C) Allow the resident to walk independently to build confidence.

D) Use bed alarms to monitor the resident’s movements.

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Fall Risk Assessment

Understanding Fall Risk Assessment

Conducted by nursing staff during admission and regularly
Evaluates potential risk factors specific to each resident

Nurse’s Aide Responsibilities

Awareness of each resident’s fall risk factors
Use of proper transfer techniques to prevent falls

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Fall Risk Assessment continued…

Tools and Resources

Familiarity with tools like the Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

During a fall risk assessment, a resident with balance difficulties uses a walker. Which additional step should the nurse’s aide take to ensure safety?

A) Encourage walking without the walker to improve strength.

B) Ensure the walker is within reach and pathways are clear.

C) Suggest using exercise equipment to build leg strength.

D) Limit movement to supervised areas only.

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References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

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