Hi Class,
a. Identify ONE client-focused quality or safety issue that may be
pertinent to your future advanced nursing practice role. Medication
error may NOT be used as a topic for this assignment.
b. Describe the scope and impact of the issue.
a. One safety issue that is pertinent to my future role as an
advanced practice nurse is the increased risk for hospital falls in
older adults. About 40% to 60% of falls lead to injuries among
the older population, and these injuries result in considerable
morbidity, mortality, and high costs to health services (Qian et
al., 2020). In older adults, the risk of falls is high due to factors
such as age, muscle weakness, chronic disease or medication
related. Falls can be critical for older adults as they can lead to
bigger issues such as fractures, loss of independence and
reduced quality of life.
c. Discuss three possible roles advanced practice nurses may play in
addressing the issue.
a. APN’s play a major role in reducing falls in older adults during
hospitalization. This can start during the admission process. APNs
can begin by doing a full risk assessment on patients who are
potential fall risks and initiate early interventions. Some risk
factors to assess may include age, gender, history of falls,
limitation on physical activity, physical disability, instrumental
disability, low educational level, use of walking aid, depression,
urinary incontinence, rheumatic disease, dizziness and vertigo,
increment of comorbidity, self-perceived low health status, fear
of falling, Parkinson’s disease, use of antihypertensives, and
vision impairment (Qian et al., 2020).
b. Second, APN’s may play a role in educating patients and families
on fall prevention. Education may include fall prevention
strategies such as proper footwear, mobility aids and medication
teaching. Some medications can induce dizziness and vertigo in
patients, and they must be educated on how to call for help
when getting out of bed.
c. Lastly, APN’s may collaborate with other members of the
healthcare team to reduce falls during hospitalization. Team
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