Fall Risk Assessment

Words: 1171
Pages: 5

My patient is a 72-year-old woman who was admitted to the medical-surgical unit due to dehydration. They have a history of falls, a previous stroke ten years ago, and Type II diabetes. According to Erikson's psychosocial theory of development, individuals in late adulthood (ages 65 and older) face the stage of integrity versus despair (Cherry, 2023). This stage involves reflecting on one's life and coming to terms with the choices made, achievements, and failures. Integrity is achieved when one can accept their life as meaningful and fulfilling, whereas despair arises when individuals feel regret and disappointment over missed opportunities or unmet goals. Based on my assessment of my patient, she appears to be in the stage of integrity. Despite …show more content…
Falls prevention measures should be implemented, such as ensuring her environment is free of obstacles and helping with mobility as needed (Potter, et al.). al., 2022). Addressing the patient's fall risk is crucial to their safety. Implementing fall prevention strategies, such as keeping the call light within reach, ensuring clutter-free pathways, and providing non-slip socks or shoes, can help reduce the chances of falls. Additionally, conducting regular assessments of the patient's mobility and cognitive status, along with educating the patient and their family on fall precautions, can further enhance their safety during their hospital …show more content…
Her optimistic outlook and belief in her ability to recover contributed to a favorable prognosis and enhanced her overall well-being during hospitalization. By focusing on her strengths and abilities, such as her determination and emotional resilience, her team of interprofessional health care providers (including me) can develop a care plan that supports her recovery and helps her achieve her goal of returning home safely.

The patient's history of falls and reliance on a walker indicates underlying issues with balance and mobility. Falls are a common concern among older adults (Ignatavicius, 2021). In this case, the patient's falls may be attributed to age-related factors such as muscle weakness and decreased coordination. The use of a walker suggests that the patient may have difficulty with ambulation and requires assistance to maintain stability while walking. These limitations can significantly impact the patient's independence and ability to perform activities of daily