Page 52 - UNC MC Assistive Personnel Orientation Manual 2020

Patient Safety: Falls Prevention

• Hourly rounding
How Can You
Prevent Patient • Environmental safety (360˚ Sweep)
Falls? • Understanding risk factors

• Reinforcing patient education

Universal Fall Precautions: applies to ALL patients
• Familiarize the patient with the environment
• Call Bell within reach
• Personal possessions within reach
• Hospital bed-low & locked
• Footwear on the patient
• Adequate lighting
• Keep floor surfaces clean and dry
• Keep patient room uncluttered
• Encourage patient and family to call for assistance as needed
•Remove unused equipment
•Maintain clear path
How to Complete Path •Keep IV poles, tubing, &
a Safety Sweep plugged in devices,
organized and out of the
patient's way

•Bed low & locked, side rails
up x 2
•Chair breaks functional
Furniture
•Bed controls working
•Bed/chair alarm plugged in
to call system

•Arrange room with all
personal items within patient
Easy reach
Access •walking aides, call bell, TV
remote, glasses, phone,
urinal, bedside table

Reference: Fall Precautions

Nursing Practice and Professional Development / Assistive Personnel Orientation 2020 Page 49