Postepidural falls

babyktchr, BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2011

Have not kept up with national trends in this area, but I bet it is a HOT topic. I know my last units fall numbers were going up, and post vag delivery showers with and without epidurals were the cause. In my opinion, I think we get newly delivered moms out of bed way too soon, and leave them to their own devices probably too soon also. With bed crunches and short staffing, who couldn't see this coming, but patient safety is paramount. Our anesthesia group had specific orders that any patient with epidural could not get out of bed for 2, preferrably 3 hour after delivery. The also could not be left alone in the shower or if out of bed to bathroom x 6 hours post delivery. We even went so far as to making this a standard for any vag delivery. Extra teaching to patient and family to call nurse or CNA to get up to go to the bathroom, and bathroom door open for shower (at least the first time). Even on those crazy busy days, you have to make the time for this patient population. Even the strongest of women go down in that shower with that steam going and the hot water.

Thanks for this post, got me thinking to do a bit of research.