Which of the following is a universal fall precaution measure?

Which of the following is a universal fall precaution measure?

• A. Standard isolation precautions
• B. Hourly rounding that addresses the client's needs
• C. Providing sedative medications
• D. Prohibiting ambulation

Answer: (B)

Hourly rounding that addresses the client's needs is a universal fall precaution measure because it involves proactively checking on patients at regular intervals to assess their safety, comfort, and needs. This practice allows healthcare providers to identify any potential issues before they lead to falls, such as needing assistance to get out of bed or using the restroom. By attending to patients regularly, staff can help ensure that individuals feel secure and are less likely to attempt to move without assistance, thereby reducing the risk of falls. In contrast, standard isolation precautions are primarily aimed at preventing the transmission of infections rather than specifically addressing fall risks. Providing sedative medications may actually increase the risk of falls due to sedation effects, which could impair a patient's coordination and judgment. Prohibiting ambulation, while it might seem like a direct approach to prevent falls, is not a feasible long-term solution, as mobility is crucial for patient health and can lead to negative outcomes, such as muscle atrophy and decreased independence.

Hourly rounding that addresses the client's needs is a universal fall precaution measure because it involves proactively checking on patients at regular intervals to assess their safety, comfort, and needs. This practice allows healthcare providers to identify any potential issues before they lead to falls, such as needing assistance to get out of bed or using the restroom. By attending to patients regularly, staff can help ensure that individuals feel secure and are less likely to attempt to move without assistance, thereby reducing the risk of falls.

In contrast, standard isolation precautions are primarily aimed at preventing the transmission of infections rather than specifically addressing fall risks. Providing sedative medications may actually increase the risk of falls due to sedation effects, which could impair a patient's coordination and judgment. Prohibiting ambulation, while it might seem like a direct approach to prevent falls, is not a feasible long-term solution, as mobility is crucial for patient health and can lead to negative outcomes, such as muscle atrophy and decreased independence.