Falls are the event described as “an unintentional coming to rest on the ground, floor, or lower level, but not as result of syncope or overwhelming external force” (Trepanier, S., 2014). Falls are preventable, unfortunately still happen in health care settings. “Risk factors for falls include sedative use, cognitive impairment, lower extremity weakness, poor reflexes, balance and gait abnormalities, foot problems, and environmental hazards” (Trepanier, S., 2014). When falls happen it may affect patient’s health, prolong patient’s stay in the hospital and increase the coast for the hospital. “Patient falls are a leading cause of injuries in hospitals, considered to be among the most expensive adverse events, and continue to be a patient safety concern” (Albert, S. M, 2014). It is very important for the hospitals to have fall prevention programs. First, patient’s who get admitted to the hospital are thoroughly assessed for potential fall risk. This initial step is very important to identify what preciouses should be taken to prevent the fall incident. Depending of the patient’s condition, age, history and medications the care plan is established and prevention actions are developed. Most common fall preventions measures, which apply for all the patients include putting the bed in low position, putting call light and personal items within the patient’s reach, putting non skid sucks on the patient, two side rails up. Patients with higher fall risk, such as those who has history of falls, has condition (mental or physical) and is taking specific medications will require more interventions by health care professionals like providing assistance with ambulation and transfers, relocating next to the nursing station, checking on the patient frequently, making sure no objects are in the way and providing adequate lighting.
Nurses play a major role in helping to establish