Sturzprophylaxe: Sturzrisiken | Expertenstandards Pflege | Fortbildung Pflege | smartAware

Summary

The script focuses on assessing the risk of falls for patients, emphasizing the complexity of identifying various factors contributing to this risk. It outlines the categorization of fall risk factors, such as personal, medication-related, and environmental factors, and stresses the importance of evaluating these systematically. The role of healthcare professionals in assessing and documenting these risks is highlighted, including considerations for changes in medication or care conditions. The script also underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and adjustment of interventions to prevent falls and ensure patient safety.

Takeaways

• 😀 The assessment of fall risk is a complex task, as it involves multiple factors that can vary for each patient.
• 😀 Fall risk factors are categorized into personal, medication-related, and environmental risks.
• 😀 Fall risk factors are organized alphabetically in a table for easy reference in the documents section.
• 😀 Fall risk factors can vary depending on whether the patient is in a hospital, a nursing facility, or receiving home care.
• 😀 Patients with functional limitations but still able to perform self-care activities are at a higher risk of falling.
• 😀 Bedridden patients or residents have a lower fall risk due to the constant presence of care staff.
• 😀 Health issues such as dizziness, temporary loss of consciousness, or physical weakness can contribute to falls.
• 😀 Cognitive impairments like dementia also increase the fall risk due to reduced awareness and coordination.
• 😀 Visual impairments, such as restricted field of vision, can heighten fall risks, and patients should be tested for their ability to read signs or grab an outstretched hand.
• 😀 Medications, particularly those affecting the central nervous system, can increase fall risk, with some effects becoming apparent over time.
• 😀 Environmental hazards and inadequate equipment or safety protocols can also lead to falls.
• 😀 As a healthcare professional, it's important to assess fall risk factors systematically and document the findings, which will inform care planning and recommendations.
• 😀 Regular reassessment of fall risk is crucial, particularly after changes in the patient's condition, medication regimen, or following a fall.

Q & A

What makes assessing fall risk a complex task?

Assessing fall risk is complex because it involves many causes and factors that interact in different ways, leading to an increased risk for individual patients. These factors can include personal, medication-related, and environmental risks.

How are fall risk factors categorized?

Fall risk factors are categorized into three groups: personal factors, medication-related factors, and environmental factors.

Why do fall risk factors vary between settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or outpatient care?

Fall risk factors vary depending on the care setting because the patient’s condition, level of care, and environment differ. In hospitals, patients may be more actively monitored, whereas, in outpatient care, patients may be more independent, influencing their fall risk.

What is the fall risk for bedridden patients compared to those who are more mobile?

Bedridden patients generally have a lower fall risk due to the presence of caregiving staff, while patients with functional limitations who still engage in self-care activities have a higher fall risk since they are not constantly supervised.

How do cognitive impairments like dementia affect fall risk?

Cognitive impairments, such as dementia, increase fall risk because they can impair a patient's ability to maintain balance, recognize dangers, and respond appropriately to their environment.

How do visual impairments contribute to fall risk?

Visual impairments, such as limited visual fields, can increase fall risk as patients may have difficulty noticing hazards or navigating their environment. Tests like checking if a patient can read signs or grasp an outstretched hand can help identify visual limitations.

What role do medications play in increasing fall risk?

Medications, particularly central nervous system depressants like antidepressants, sedatives, and neuroleptics, can increase fall risk. These medications may take time to show their effects and can impair coordination, balance, and cognitive function.

What environmental factors can lead to falls?

Environmental factors such as unsafe surroundings, inadequate support, and poorly maintained equipment (e.g., furniture, flooring) can contribute to fall risk. These hazards are particularly concerning when patients are not supervised closely.

Why is it important to assess fall risk regularly?

Regularly reassessing fall risk is crucial because patient conditions can change, such as changes in medication, health status, or caregiving circumstances. This ongoing evaluation ensures that any necessary interventions or changes in care are implemented promptly.

What should be done after a patient falls?

After a fall, it is important to critically evaluate whether previous interventions were adequate. This includes reassessing the patient's fall risk and making necessary changes to care plans, medication, or the environment to prevent future falls.