In: Nursing
When using a gait belt to assist with ambulation, which of the following are appropriate techniques? Select all that apply.
Which medication classifications can pose safety risks for older adult patients? Select all that apply.
1. The gait belt should fit loosely around the hips. The gait belt should be removed or loosened after use. Walk behind the patient with the belt in hand to prevent falls. Walk beside the patient with one arm around the waist and the other hand on the belt.
How do I use a gait belt to assist someone with walking?
Stand behind and to the side of the person.
Place your hand up under the belt, palm side facing outward, using
a firm grasp.
While escorting the care recipient as they walk, support them, and
do not drag them around
Position the belt at the waist, just above the hips. The belt should not wrap right over the patient's hip bones, or around the bottom of their ribcage. Make sure it's wrapped over their waistline, so that the bottom of the belt is just at the tops of their hip bones.[3]
2.
Some drug categories (eg, analgesics, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, antiparkinsonian drugs, diuretics, hypoglycemic drugs, psychoactive drugs) pose special risks for older adults. Some drugs, although reasonable for use in younger adults, are so risky they should be considered inappropriate for older adults.