Question

patient education on fall prevention and an evualuation of patient teaching on fall prevention.

for a 69 yearold man after heart surgery

Answer 1

Hospitalised patients after recent cardiovascular or heart surgery have an elevated risk for fall , which is associated with an increased risk in readmissions and death. Patient education may prevent readmissions and improve survivals. The patient education and evaluation of patient teaching on fall prevention includes :-

* Discuss your health condition with your physician and how comfortable you are when you walk - for example, do you feel any dizziness, shortness of breath or agitation.

* Instruct the patient to do simple physical activities - that can go a long way towards fall prevention. Simple activities reduce the risk of fall by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Closely evaluate the patient activities. The physical therapist can create a custom exercise program aimed at improving your balance, flexibility, muscle strength and gait.

* Instruct to wear sensible shoes - consider changing your footwear as part of your fall prevention plan. Sensible shoes may also reduce joint pain. So, instruct the patient and evaluate the benefits of wearing sensible shoes.

* Remove hazards from surrounding - Instruct the patient and caregivers to look around the room or surrounding and make the surrounding safe.

- Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walk way.

- Secure loose rugs with double faced tape , tacks or a slip resistant backing or remove loose rugs from surrounding

- Move coffee tables , magazine racks and plant stands from high traffic areas.

- Repair loose , wooden floor boards and carpeting right way.

- Immediately clean spilled liquids, greese or food .

- Store clothing, dishes, foods and other necessaries with in easy reach.

- Use nonslip mats in bath tub or shower, use a bath seat which allows you to sit while showering.

Closely monitor and evaluate the outcome of removing hazards from the surrounding.

* Instruct to light up the living space - Instruct to keep living space brightly light to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see. Instruct to :-

- Place a lamp with in reach of your bed for middle of the night needs.

- Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways

- Make clear paths to light switches that aren't near room entrances.

- Turn on the lights before going up or down stairs.

- Store flashlights in easy to find places in case of power outages.

* Instruct tobuse assistive devices - patient is instructed to use devises such as,

- Hand rails for both sides of stair ways.

- Nonslip treads for barewood steps.

- A raised toilet seat or one with arm rests.

- Grab bars for the shower or tub

- A sturdy plastic seat for the shower or tub plus a hand held shower nozzle for bathing while sitting down.

Evaluate the outcome of the patient after the patient education on fall prevention. The outcome will be the reduction in risk of fall of elderly patient after heart surgery.

Thankyou ?