An elderly patient presents to the hospital with a history of falls, confusion, and stroke. The nurse determines that the patient is at high risk for falls. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for the nurse to take?
a. Place the patient in restraints.
b. Lock beds and wheelchairs when transferring.
c. Place a bath mat outside the tub.
d. Silence fall alert alarm upon request of family.
ANS: B
Locking the bed and wheelchairs when transferring will help to prevent these pieces of equipment from moving during transfer and will assist in the prevention of falls. Patients are not automatically placed in restraints. The restraint process consists of many steps, including thorough assessment and exhausting of alternatives. All mats and rugs should be secured to help prevent falls. Silencing alarms upon the request of family is not appropriate and could contribute to an unsafe environment.
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