- Begin by asking questions. During the pre-op assessment, ask:
- “Have you fallen more than once in the past year or hurt yourself falling?”
- “Do you worry about falling?’’
- “Do you have trouble dressing, grooming, or bathing?”
- Before discharging the patient make sure you engage the caregiver who will accompany the patient home. Once the patient returns home, do they have adequate support and assistance?
- Discuss environmental factors that contribute to falls.
- In the OR, before tilting the OR table, make sure staff are positioned around the table. Communication is key. No one should adjust the OR table before announcing their intent to do so.
- Make sure to assess the patient’s gait before discharge and escort them.
- Do not leave the patient unattended when dressing.
- Do not leave the room if you assisted the patient to the bathroom.
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