CNA Preventing Patient Falls and Injuries — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which intervention is most effective in preventing falls in a long-term care facility?
- Applying physical restraints to all ambulatory residents
- Using bed rails on all beds
- Identifying high-risk residents, answering call lights promptly, and maintaining a safe environment (Correct answer)
- Limiting fluids to reduce bathroom trips
Correct answer: Identifying high-risk residents, answering call lights promptly, and maintaining a safe environment
A comprehensive fall prevention program includes identifying high-risk residents, using nonskid footwear, keeping call lights within reach, answering call lights promptly, keeping the environment clear of hazards, and implementing bed/chair alarms for high-risk individuals.
Question 2: A resident is identified as a high fall risk. What should the CNA do before the resident gets out of bed?
- Allow the resident to get up independently to promote autonomy
- Tie the resident to the bed for safety
- Lower the bed, lock brakes, apply nonskid footwear, and use a gait belt as needed (Correct answer)
- Call the family to stay with the resident
Correct answer: Lower the bed, lock brakes, apply nonskid footwear, and use a gait belt as needed
For high fall-risk residents, the CNA should ensure the bed is at the lowest position, the brakes are locked, nonskid footwear is on, and a gait belt is applied if needed. The CNA should also assess the resident's current condition before proceeding.
Question 3: What is the correct action if a CNA discovers a resident has fallen?
- Immediately lift the resident back to bed to prevent embarrassment
- Call family members first before notifying staff
- Stay with the resident, call for help, and wait for the nurse before moving them (Correct answer)
- Document the fall and check on the resident in one hour
Correct answer: Stay with the resident, call for help, and wait for the nurse before moving them
If a resident falls, the CNA should stay with the resident, call for help, and not move the resident until a nurse has assessed for injuries. Moving a fall victim before assessment can worsen injuries such as fractures or head trauma.
Question 4: Which resident characteristic is a major risk factor for falls?
- Being on a regular diet
- Having a history of previous falls (Correct answer)
- Being under 60 years old
- Having no chronic medical conditions
Correct answer: Having a history of previous falls
History of previous falls is one of the strongest predictors of future falls. Other major risk factors include muscle weakness, gait or balance problems, use of certain medications (especially sedatives and diuretics), cognitive impairment, and the use of assistive devices.
Question 5: When are bed rails considered a safety hazard?
- Bed rails are always safe and should be used on all residents
- When a resident attempts to climb over them, creating a risk of entrapment or injury (Correct answer)
- Only during nighttime hours
- When the resident has dementia
Correct answer: When a resident attempts to climb over them, creating a risk of entrapment or injury
Raised bed rails can be a physical restraint and a safety hazard. Residents can become trapped between the mattress and the rail (entrapment), sustain injuries attempting to climb over the rail, or suffer strangulation. Facility policy and physician orders must guide rail use.
Question 6: A resident uses a walker. What should the CNA confirm before the resident ambulates?
- That the walker is new and unused
- That the rubber tips are intact, height is correct, and the resident has nonskid footwear (Correct answer)
- That the walker is a specific brand approved by the facility
- That the resident is carrying the walker rather than leaning on it
Correct answer: That the rubber tips are intact, height is correct, and the resident has nonskid footwear
Before ambulation with a walker, the CNA should check that all four legs of the walker are on the floor, the rubber tips are intact and not worn, the height is adjusted appropriately for the resident, and the resident is wearing nonskid footwear.
CNA Preventing Patient Falls and Injuries
Which intervention is most effective in preventing falls in a long-term care facility?