Which action is most effective for reducing hospital night-time fall risk?

Which action is most effective for reducing hospital night-time fall risk?

• A. Increase room temperature to reduce dizziness.
• B. Place bed in high position for easy exit.
• C. Remove call light to reduce distractions.
• D. Keep bed in the lowest position, call light within reach, adequate lighting, and non-slip footwear.

Answer: (D)

Night-time fall prevention relies on creating a safe, supportive environment that makes it easy for patients to stay put or get help quickly. Keeping the bed in the lowest position reduces the height a person would fall from, which lowers the risk of injury. Having the call light within reach ensures they can request assistance rather than attempting to move unaided. Adequate lighting helps them see where they’re going and spot potential hazards, while non-slip footwear reduces the chance of slipping if they do need to move. This combination directly addresses common fall pathways during the night. The other options don’t address these safety factors. Raising the bed increases fall risk by making falls from a greater height more likely. Removing the call light removes a critical way to get help promptly. Increasing room temperature doesn’t prevent falls and can create other issues.

Night-time fall prevention relies on creating a safe, supportive environment that makes it easy for patients to stay put or get help quickly. Keeping the bed in the lowest position reduces the height a person would fall from, which lowers the risk of injury. Having the call light within reach ensures they can request assistance rather than attempting to move unaided. Adequate lighting helps them see where they’re going and spot potential hazards, while non-slip footwear reduces the chance of slipping if they do need to move. This combination directly addresses common fall pathways during the night.

The other options don’t address these safety factors. Raising the bed increases fall risk by making falls from a greater height more likely. Removing the call light removes a critical way to get help promptly. Increasing room temperature doesn’t prevent falls and can create other issues.