Which action should a CNA take for a patient at risk for falls?

Which action should a CNA take for a patient at risk for falls?

• A. Leave the patient alone as much as possible
• B. Assess the environment for hazards
• C. Use restrictive devices to limit movement
• D. Encourage the patient to walk without assistance

Answer: (B)

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of assessing the environment for hazards to prevent falls for patients at risk. Conducting an environmental assessment allows the CNA to identify potential fall risks such as clutter, loose rugs, poor lighting, and obstacles that could contribute to a patient's chances of falling. By recognizing and addressing these hazards, the CNA can create a safer environment tailored to the patient's needs, ultimately reducing the likelihood of falls. In this context, focusing on the patient's surroundings is a proactive measure. Ensuring that the area is safe contributes significantly to the overall care and safety of the patient. This assessment should be continuous, as the patient's condition and their environment may change over time. Other options like leaving the patient alone, using restrictive devices without justification, or encouraging independent walking without assistance may increase risks rather than mitigate them. Effective patient care requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes safety and support, integral elements in fall prevention strategies.

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of assessing the environment for hazards to prevent falls for patients at risk. Conducting an environmental assessment allows the CNA to identify potential fall risks such as clutter, loose rugs, poor lighting, and obstacles that could contribute to a patient's chances of falling. By recognizing and addressing these hazards, the CNA can create a safer environment tailored to the patient's needs, ultimately reducing the likelihood of falls.

In this context, focusing on the patient's surroundings is a proactive measure. Ensuring that the area is safe contributes significantly to the overall care and safety of the patient. This assessment should be continuous, as the patient's condition and their environment may change over time.

Other options like leaving the patient alone, using restrictive devices without justification, or encouraging independent walking without assistance may increase risks rather than mitigate them. Effective patient care requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes safety and support, integral elements in fall prevention strategies.