Page 29 - MCMcKinney Digest Guide

Hospital Falls Prevention:
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimates that 700,000 to 1 million patients fall in U.S. Hospitals each year.
At least 30% of falls result in moderate to severe injury. Falls in the hospital not only increase overall healthcare costs,
but can add more days
to the average length
of a patient's stay.
• Falls may occur when
a patient tries to get out
of bed to go to the bathroom or walk around the room.
• Patients may be weak or unsteady due to illness, inactivity, or the side-e ects of medications.
• Patients with altered mental state are also at risk for falling.
• USE CALL BUTTON to ask for help if you feel unsteady or weak.
• ASK FOR HELP getting to the bathroom or walking around the room or in the hallways.
• ALWAYS USE HANDRAILS in the bathroom and hallways.
• WEAR NON-SLIP FOOTWEAR.
• DON'T LET YOUR ROBE OR PAJAMAS DRAG THE FLOOR.
• PLACE CALL BUTTON and items you need within easy reach.
• LOWER THE BED HEIGHT and side rails to reach items you need.
• TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR if your medicine makes you light-headed, sleepy, sluggish or confused and ask how to reduce these side-e ects.
Pressure Ulcers
A Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcer, (sometimes called a bedsore) is an injury to the skin or underlying tissue caused by pressure, friction and moisture.
Ulcers may occur when patients have limited mobility and can't change positions in bed on their own.
Prevention:
REPOSITIONING:
• Frequent turning and repositioning
• Use of support cushions
SKIN CARE
• Frequent skin examination • Keep skin clean and dry
• Keep dry skin moisturized NUTRITION
• Maintain your healthy diet • Drink plenty of water
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PREVENT FALLS, PRESSURE ULCERS