Fall Prevention: Inpatient

Summary

This video from MD Anderson emphasizes fall prevention during cancer treatment. It outlines risks such as feeling weak, dizziness, and low blood counts, which can increase the chance of falls. The video advises patients to call for help when getting up and to be cautious with IV poles and bathroom use. It also suggests wearing non-skid shoes, using assistive devices, and following safety measures like bed alarms. The message is clear: patient safety is paramount, and proactive measures can prevent serious fall-related injuries.

Takeaways

• 🚑 Falling is a serious risk for all patients, potentially causing delays in cancer treatment or even death.
• 💊 Treatment side effects like weakness, tiredness, confusion, or dizziness increase the risk of falling.
• 🩸 Low blood counts heighten the risk of falls and injuries.
• 💊 Certain medicines, including chemotherapy, can increase the likelihood of falls.
• 🏥 Post-surgery, sedation, or extended bed rest can affect mobility and balance, raising the risk of falls.
• 👨‍⚕️ If you've had falls before or feel weak, be cautious and ask for help when moving around.
• 👵 Age, low blood pressure, poor nutrition, and dehydration can also contribute to the risk of falling.
• 💧 Urgent needs for the restroom due to medication or IV fluids can increase the risk of falls.
• 🏠 Familiarize yourself with the hospital room to reduce the risk of falling due to unfamiliarity.
• 🛑 Always use the call light for assistance when needing to get out of bed or use the restroom.
• 👟 Wear non-skid shoes or socks and avoid loose or backless footwear to prevent slipping and tripping.

Q & A

What is the primary concern addressed in the video?

The primary concern addressed in the video is the risk of falling among patients receiving treatment at MD Anderson, which can lead to serious injuries or even death.

How can a fall impact a patient's cancer treatment?

A fall can cause serious injuries that may delay cancer treatment or even result in death.

What are some factors that increase the risk of falling during cancer treatment?

Factors that increase the risk of falling include feeling weak, tired, confused, or dizzy due to the disease or treatment side effects, low blood counts, sedation during procedures, surgery, extended bed rest, and mobility issues like damaged nerves in the feet.

Why are certain medicines associated with an increased risk of falling?

Certain medicines like chemotherapy, cellular therapy, pain or nausea medications, steroids, allergy medications, and diuretics can affect balance or strength, thereby increasing the risk of falling.

What advice does the video give for patients needing to use the restroom urgently?

Patients should call for help before attempting to use the restroom urgently due to conditions like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medicines and IV fluids.

Why is it important to use the call light for help when getting out of bed?

Using the call light for help when getting out of bed ensures that staff can assist quickly, reducing the risk of falls in unfamiliar hospital environments.

What role do environmental factors play in the risk of falling in a hospital room?

Environmental factors such as furniture, IV poles, uneven floors, different floor surfaces, inadequate lighting, wet or cluttered floors can all contribute to the risk of falling.

What personal experience does Bob Rozinski, the lymphoma cancer survivor, share in the video?

Bob Rozinski shares his close calls with falls and emphasizes the importance of listening to nurses and not being embarrassed to ask for help with toileting needs for safety.

What is the significance of the 'call don't fall' campaign mentioned in the video?

The 'call don't fall' campaign is a safety initiative encouraging patients to always call for help when needing to get up or go to the bathroom to prevent falls.

How can patients ensure their safety while using the bathroom in the hospital?

Patients should call their nurse when getting up to use the bedside commode or the bathroom, and again after they are done to get back in bed. They should also use the bedside commode if they need to go urgently or feel weak.

What safety measures are recommended for patients identified as high risk for falling?

For high-risk patients, the nursing team will provide a yellow bracelet, use a gate belt for extra support, and may use bed and chair alarms. They will also take additional safety measures like staying close by during toileting tasks.