Patient Falling Scenario

World UK

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Hi,

I'm a student nurse and was wondering- if you find a patient on the floor (conscious) then what would you do?

I know the DRABCDE approach to patients who are not consious but with regards to someone being conscious and needing to check for injuries etc?

Thanks! :sarcastic:

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

So what would you think you would do?

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So ask the patient if they are alright, how it happened, get assistance, ask the patient if any areas hurt or feel injured and check over for injuries? That's what I was thinking. But I don't want to miss anything and cause further injury! Also I suppose with more vulnerable or less mobile patients you might require a hoist to help them up? And protect their dignity with curtains or otherwise. Does that sound about right? :down:

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Ohh and of course monitor observations closely and document x

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Yes

First assess the situation. Call for assistance (never wrong in getting help) Is it safe to approach the patient, Is the patient safe/conscious/able to speak/able to move. If safe move to the patient's side.

Second. Talk to the patient. As talking to the patient do a physical exam. Check for bleeding/deformities. Get a history. Did they fall. Do they hurt anywhere. Can they get themselves up from the floor if not hurting.

Thirdly as long as safe to do so move them either by getting them to do it, you alone to do it or as a team depending on the outcome of your assessment

All the way through be calm, maintain their dignity, keep talking to them, keep reassuring them and keep them, your team and yourself safe

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Vitals will be part of the assessment and yes documentation as that is very important

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Thank you so much :)

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