Chapter 12 Flashcards
Preventing Falls
falling risk increases with age
≥ 65 years old
history of falls can cause an ?
increase the risk of falling again
injuries due to falling ?
broken bones / head injuries
bed rail
a barrier device along the side of a bed; side rail
position change alarm
physicals / electronic device monitoring a person’s movement and alerts staff
transfer belt
belt used to support unsteady / disabled when TRANSFERRING
gait belt
when used to help person WALK
properly positioned transfer / gait belt ?
snuggly worn over clothing on the waist, under the breasts and buckle never on person’s spine (positioned to left / right), excess tucked in; unsafe for anyone with conditions regarding the chest / abdomen
how to use transfer / gait belt ?
grasp underneath (upward motion), using entire hand
fall prevention ?
1) needs are met
2) items within reach
3) help is given when needed
4) lessen agitation with warm drink / soft lights / back massage
5) proper positioning
6) correct procedures / equipment
7) involved in excercise
8) setting is safe
when are wheels locked
giving care / transferring to and from bed
types of position change alarms ?
1) chair / bed sensor pads
2) bedside mats
3) alarms clipped to clothing
4) seat-belt alarms
5) wireless motion sensors
how to use position change alarms safely ?
1) following manufacturer’s instructors
2) mount / secure the alarm
3) alarm ≥ 2ft away from persons ear
4) test the alarm
5) respond to alarm at once
6) attach clip our of person’s reach
7) check the cord; should allow movement but not too short
when are bed rails used ?
when to use by nurse / care plan; unconscious / drugged / confused / disoriented or when giving care
bed rails must be
in person’s best interest
bed rails can only be used when ?
person / legal rep. gives written consent; noted in persons’ medical record / care plan (CONSIDERED RESTRAINTS)
what to do when persons falling ?
DON’T PREVENT fall, can cause injury; hold person close to body / use body to slide person down to floor, insist they stay on the floor until nurse gets there, write incident report afterward
should you force a person to stay on the floor if they’re trying to get up ?
NO, forcing them to stay down may cause injury; never use force
what to do if bariatric person falling ?
chanamo person
DO NOT use falling procedure, move other items out of the way to avoid more unnecessary injury, protect the person’s head and call for nurse
how to move person from the floor ?
nurse will assess the person and handle what procedures are needed, assist as needed; use minimal amounts of manual lifting
