Nurse's Role in Preventing Slips, Strips and fall in An Acute Adult Ward

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Abstract

This research aims to find out the role of nurses in the prevention of falls among patients in the acute adult ward. In the acute adult ward, falls occur because of diverse reasons for instance, cognitive impairment, lack of body balance, weakness, and others. In some cases, older patients in the acute adult ward hesitate to discuss their problems with nurses. In these situations, the role of nurses is crucial. Nurses in the acute adult ward play a vital role in the prevention of falls, slips, and strips among older patients. In order to prevent falls among patients in the acute adult ward, it is imperative to carry out a risk assessment of diverse factors that contribute towards falls, strips, and slips. After this, the prevention strategies should be designed to control those factors. Some of the effective strategies that can be used to prevent falls and slips among patients include exercise and proper nutrition.

CHAPTER 01: RISK ASSESSMENT

During the last five years, there has been an increase in the amount of literature available on fall, slips and strips among elderly patients. However, the literature related to the topic of falls in acute adult wards is limited. The studies conducted on the topic demonstrate that it is imperative to conduct research on the area in order to determine the effectiveness of risk assessment to reduce falls and slips. Some of these studies were conducted by Shimada et al (2011), Gangavati et al (2011), Greany & Di Fabio (2010), and Erkal (2010).

Falls in Acute Adult wards are caused because of different risk factors. Some of these risk factors are long-term while others are short term. Falls and slips occur when there is a complex interaction between these risk factors. These interactions are modified by age, disease, and environment provided to adults. The risk factors that result in elderly fall can be characterised into two categories. These categories include intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic risk factors are related to the patient (Trujill et al, 2011, pp. 180). However, extrinsic factors are external to patients. There are a number of studies that have been conducted to determine the impact of fall on adults. The major risk factors that have been identified through studies include age, balance impairment, medicines, BMI, history of falls, toileting needs, cognitive impairment, depression, and others (Hawley, 2009, pp. 207).

The most important risk factor associated with adults fall and slips is age. With an increase in the age of adults, the chances for fall and slip increase. The functional capacity of adults in acute adult ward decreases with their age. It is because of the physical and mental changes in the human body that lead towards impairment, strength, and gait. There are numerous problems that can increase the probability of fall among adults with an increase in age. With advancing age, the impairments in vision and cognition increase. There are diverse medical conditions that are associated with falls with ...