Preventing Falls

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Specializes in I.C.N..

Hi

I'm looking for an up to date test to determine which patients are at risk to fall. We are using Morse's test at the moment, but I wondered if you have any ideas for other tests? :balloons:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC.
Hi

I'm looking for an up to date test to determine which patients are at risk to fall. We are using Morse's test at the moment, but I wondered if you have any ideas for other tests? :balloons:

Well, I don't know if this helps, but at our facility we use these three tests to determine if someone is able to weightbear if you're going to transfer them and it helps to determine what kind of assist they need. First test: While the patient is lying in bed, ask them to "Bridge" ie. lift their hips while keeping their knees flexed and feet flat on the bed.

Second test: When sitting up, can the patient keep their balance while they raise both arms above their head?

Third test: When sitting up, can the patient extend both legs off the floor? If they can do all three, they should be able to weightbear. This can prevent quite a number of falls with transfers.

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Specializes in I.C.N..

thanks 4 the suggestions

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