Reference no: EM133640614
Instructions: Review the Continuing Education Document over the Hendrich II Fall Risk Tool.
Case scenario:
Mrs. Smith is an 89-year-old who lives independently in her home. She is an avid painter and loves to play card games with friends. Her daughter and son both live within a 10-mile radius and check in with her daily. She has lived alone since the death of her husband 10 years ago.
Mrs. Smith was admitted to your facility with a diagnosis of pneumonia after a bout of an upper respiratory infection.
PMHx:
- Total hip replacements
- Cataract surgery to the right eye (OD)
- Oa
- Depression
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Falls at home x1
- Urinary frequency
- Insomnia (sleeps about 3 hours per night)
The patient states "I don't take any medication, not even an aspirin." She uses her call light frequently to request assistance to the bathroom. Upon rounding, the nurse found her on the floor, having crawled out of her bed with the side rails up. She was assessed and found to have no injuries. Her gown was wet with urine. When asked to describe what occurred, she stated the following "I called for help to the bathroom and no one came so rather than wetting the bed, I managed to crawl over the side rails. I slipped on the floor trying to get to the bathroom."
Answer the following questions:
1. What are the patient's known fall risk factors while in the hospital? Differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
2. Using the fall risk tool, determine the fall risk score for the patient.
3. Identify 10 strategies to prevent falls in patients.