Fall

Preventing patient falls; adhering to safety measures during hospitalization.

The yellow wristband marked with the letter F means that:

• Don’t get out of bed alone.
• Always use the call bell to notify nurses or aides when you need help.
• If a companion knows how to use the call bell and is with the patient, the patient should also be informed on how to use it.
• When a patient intends to get out of bed, they must inform a nurse or aide.
• If a patient’s companion plans to leave them alone (even for a few minutes), they should notify the staff for extra care.
• For high-risk patients, bed rails must be up.
• When getting out of bed with a companion present, the patient should sit on the bed for a few minutes with their legs dangling before attempting to get up, ensuring they don’t feel dizzy.
• Wear appropriate slippers or shoes while walking.
• Never get out of bed by stepping over the rails or through the gaps between them.
• Avoid moving in areas where the floor is wet and slippery, and inform staff to dry that part.
• If the patient feels dizzy or unsteady in the restroom, they should use the call bell and have a companion with them.
• If the patient has frequent urination or diarrhea, avoid getting out of bed alone due to the risk of blood pressure drops; they should have a companion or staff present (especially in the evening and at night).
• The patient’s room should not be completely dark at night; the lights above the patient should be on.
• If the patient needs glasses, hearing aids, a walker, or a cane, they must use them.
• If there is a history of falling out of bed (even at home), this should be communicated to the nurse during hospitalization.