What should you do if a patient falls?

When a patient falls, it's crucial to assess their condition first before taking any further action. This ensures that you understand the severity of the situation. By checking for any injuries, such as fractures or head trauma, you can provide important information to the nurse when reporting the fall. This assessment not only helps in prioritizing the patient's immediate needs but also assists in determining the appropriate level of care required.

Taking the time to assess the patient mitigates the risk of causing further injury, which could occur if the patient is moved without proper evaluation. It is important to monitor the patient's consciousness, breathing, and any visible injuries during this assessment phase. After evaluating, you can then report the findings to the nurse, who is trained to take the necessary steps based on the condition of the patient. Being thorough in this process is vital for the patient’s safety and well-being.