safe

Fall Risk

Outcome:

After reading the following article and reviewing the Nursing Care Center National Safety Goal 9, answer the questions that follow.

https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ant7-Falls-630_FULL.pdf

https://www.jointcommission.org/-/media/tjc/documents/standards/national-patient-safety-goals/2022/npsg_chapter_alc_jan2022.pdf

1. Are falls in older adults a normal part of aging? Explain.

2. What can cause falls? (Think about diagnoses, medication, and environment)

3. What safety precautions would be required for the above-mentioned causes?

4. If safety precautions are not currently in place, who would you contact and what information will you provide?

5. What factors will you assess in your patient regarding fall risk?

6. You are working as the LPN in the nursing home and one of the residents has fallen in the bathroom. What will you do? Any specific assessments you will perform?

7. You are working in a Long-Term Care (LTC) facility and there have been 3 falls within the past week. You have been selected to work with a team on a policy to reduce the risk of falls. What general safety precautions could you suggest adding to the policy from the article? Are they evidence-based and relatable to National Patient Safety Goal 9? Explain.

8. Why is it important as an LPN to use evidence-based research when working with RNs in developing and revising policies and procedures?

9. What would be the value for you, as an LPN, in developing and revising policies and procedures to prevent falls for the residents?