INACE Patient Care and Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first action you should take if a patient falls?
- Immediately move the patient to a sitting position.
- Check for injuries before moving the patient. (Correct answer)
- Call for help, then lift the patient back into bed.
- Take the patient’s vital signs right away.
Correct answer: Check for injuries before moving the patient.
If a patient falls, the immediate first action is to check for any injuries before attempting to move them. Moving an injured patient without assessing their condition could worsen potential fractures or other trauma. Once injuries are assessed and deemed safe, or medical help arrives, a plan for movement can be made.
Question 2: How should you assist a patient who is unsteady on their feet and at risk of falling?
- Allow the patient to walk without assistance to improve their balance.
- Use a gait belt to provide support while walking. (Correct answer)
- Encourage the patient to walk as quickly as possible to avoid fatigue.
- Hold the patient by the shoulders to keep them steady.
Correct answer: Use a gait belt to provide support while walking.
When assisting a patient who is unsteady on their feet and at risk of falling, using a gait belt is the most appropriate and safest method. A gait belt provides a secure handhold for the caregiver, allowing them to support the patient's balance and prevent falls without grabbing their clothing or limbs, which could cause injury.
Question 3: What is the most appropriate action to take when you notice that a patient's bed rails are not raised during a bed transfer?
- Leave the bed rails down to avoid inconvenience.
- Raise the bed rails before attempting the transfer. (Correct answer)
- Tell the patient to hold onto the bed rails.
- Immediately call for help to assist with the transfer.
Correct answer: Raise the bed rails before attempting the transfer.
If you notice that a patient's bed rails are not raised during a bed transfer, the most appropriate action is to raise them before attempting the transfer. Bed rails serve as a safety measure, preventing accidental falls from the bed, especially during movement or when the patient is unattended. Ensuring they are up before a transfer enhances patient safety.
Question 4: When assisting a patient who is weak or bedridden, which of the following actions is necessary to prevent pressure ulcers?
- Encourage the patient to remain in one position for long periods to rest.
- Reposition the patient at least every 2 hours to relieve pressure. (Correct answer)
- Use a single, thick layer of bedding to cushion the patient.
- Provide the patient with a soft mattress that does not require repositioning.
Correct answer: Reposition the patient at least every 2 hours to relieve pressure.
To prevent pressure ulcers in weak or bedridden patients, it is essential to reposition them at least every 2 hours. Prolonged pressure on the same areas of the body restricts blood flow, leading to tissue damage and ulcer formation. Regular repositioning redistributes pressure, promoting circulation and skin integrity.
Question 5: Which of the following is the correct procedure for assisting a patient with an unsteady gait to walk?
- Always allow the patient to walk at their own pace without assistance.
- Walk behind the patient, supporting them by holding their arm. (Correct answer)
- Walk in front of the patient to guide them forward.
- Have the patient hold your arm while walking.
Correct answer: Walk behind the patient, supporting them by holding their arm.
When assisting a patient with an unsteady gait to walk, the correct procedure is to walk slightly behind and to the side of the patient, providing support by holding their arm or using a gait belt. This position allows you to support them if they lose balance and prevents them from falling backward. Walking in front or having them hold your arm offers less effective support for an unsteady gait.
INACE Patient Care and Safety 1
What is the first action you should take if a patient falls?