Never Events and Hospital Acquired Conditions Essay

586 WordsApr 16, 20133 Pages
Introduction A hospital setting should always be one to help or facilitate the process for a patient to feel and heal better. Never event is a serious and costly health care error that should have not happened in a hospital environment. (Colorado Business Group on Health, 2012). Falls and Trauma Fall and trauma can be prevented. A fall is often defined as “inadvertently coming to rest on the ground, floor or other lower level, excluding intentional change in position to rest in furniture, wall or other objects". (M. Tinetti, 2005). Falls and trauma can be more common among older adults however it can happen to anyone in a hospital setting if proper measurements are not taken. Causes of Falls and Trauma There are many causes as why a patient can have a fall, some of the reasons include; muscle weakness, postural instability, previous fall, confusion, visual impairment, prescribed medicines, urinary frequency or incontinence, agitation and environmental hazards. (Nursing Times, 2009). There are also certain medications that can make a person more likely to fall, such as Effexor, also taking four or more medications can increase the probability of falls. (Tara Parker-Rope 2008). Patients with dementia are three times more likely to fall. (Murbank, P. n.d.). Consequences of Falls and Trauma The consequences of falling can be emotional and physical. Falls can lead to complications and might increased the length of hospital stay and increase the hospital bill as well. It can lead to other health problems and might also lead to death. Nursing Strategies and Recommendations to Prevent Falls and Trauma There are a lot of things a nurse can do to prevent falls and trauma, after all it is a nurse’s job to help the patient feel and get better. Preventing a fall can be simple if all rules and regulations are followed accordingly to the hospital or location

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