Fall risk question. Need help

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Is there fall risk for people with panic disorder? If they are admitted to the hospital should certain precautions be taking? Like keeping bed at lowest position? Thanks!

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Specializes in Cardiac/Neuro Stepdown.

It's been studied that people with panic disorder are calmed by heights. You should put the bed in the highest position at least 6ft, put some blocks underneath to get that extra height, take the brakes off for some extra soothing rocking back and forth.

SORRY I'm an @$$ :rotfl::jester:

Check with your policies, they will have a list of criteria spelled out for you.

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It's been studied that people with panic disorder are calmed by heights. You should put the bed in the highest position at least 6ft, put some blocks underneath to get that extra height, take the brakes off for some extra soothing rocking back and forth.

SORRY I'm an @$$ :rotfl::jester:

Check with your policies, they will have a list of criteria spelled out for you.

I had to laugh at this. Kinda made my day

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Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.
It's been studied that people with panic disorder are calmed by heights. You should put the bed in the highest position at least 6ft, put some blocks underneath to get that extra height, take the brakes off for some extra soothing rocking back and forth.

SORRY I'm an @$$ :rotfl::jester:

Check with your policies, they will have a list of criteria spelled out for you.

Bwahahaha!

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All patients are measured on a scale to determine risk of falls. So their should be some paperwork available in your facility in regards to where they fall on a fall scale. Very few people are a "0". Age, mental status, medications, sensory defects all cause someone to have no risk, low risk, or high risk. Even the low risk needs a care plan. In the case of a panic disordered patient, should they be medicated with something that makes them less that 100% alert and oriented, they should be on a posey alarm. But it also depends on your doctor's order for activity level. The last thing you want is for your patient to be zonked on Ativan, and furniture walking to the bathroom cause they forgot to use the call bell. Care plans can be amended, and if the person becomes more "with it" as time goes on, then of course the plan changes. Just be particularly careful with those who are on sedatives, even if they are 25.

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Well for starters the bed should ALWAYS be in the lowest position ( I had a lady roll over and right out of bed - poor thing). I cant see why that would classify someone in a higher risk then any mental health disorder, or even verses someone with, say nausea.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, retirement, home care..

Not sure if Dx panic disorder puts the patient at a high risk for falls, but the medications they take for anxiety would - sedatives/psychotropic meds increase risk for falls.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

To answer your direct question: No.

However, you should always assess fall risk separately.

"sedatives/psychotropic meds increase risk for falls."

(edited this quote in, because it's very important and true. However, this is not directly related to fall-risk/panic)

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No you should supervise that she or he does not fall

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