27. A resident with a urinary tract infection has been incontinent several ×. While trying to get to the bathroom quickly by herself, the resident has fallen twice. Which of the following actions by the nurse aide is most appropriate in preventing future falls?
Answer: A
Offering to take the resident to the bathroom more frequently is the most appropriate action to prevent future falls.
By providing assistance and taking the resident to the bathroom more frequently, the nurse aide can help reduce the urgency and risk of falling that arises from the resident's incontinence.
A) Offer to take the resident to the bathroom more frequently.
This option is correct because it directly addresses the resident's urgent need to use the bathroom, thereby reducing the likelihood of falls. Frequent assistance can help manage incontinence effectively and ensure the resident is safely supported while moving.
B) Limit the resident's fluid intake until the incontinence improves.
This option is incorrect as it may lead to dehydration and other complications. Reducing fluid intake does not address the underlying issue of incontinence and could worsen the resident's overall health.
C) Apply a vest restraint to keep the resident from walking without assistance.
This option is inappropriate because restraints can lead to other complications, including increased risk of falls when the resident is attempting to move. Additionally, using restraints goes against best practices in resident care, which prioritize autonomy and safety.
D) Keep the resident in bed with the side rails raised and offer her a bedpan hourly.
While this option may seem to provide a solution, it limits the resident's mobility and independence. Keeping the resident in bed could lead to other issues such as pressure ulcers and does not promote a safer or more dignified approach to managing incontinence.
Conclusion
In summary, option A is the most effective strategy to prevent future falls by ensuring the resident receives timely assistance when needing to use the bathroom. The other options either compromise the resident's health and dignity or fail to address the immediate issue of incontinence effectively.