Falls Continued

We've focused on some of the more general reasons for falling that may not involve a lawsuit, but now we'll begin to look at some of the causes of falls that are usually caused by negligence or a lack of awareness by others. 

For the next couple of weeks we will focus on patients that reside in a skilled nursing setting or an assisted living setting. 

Another story.  This client was admitted to the nursing home after a hospitalization. She was in the nursing home for rehabilitation.  While the staff was admitting the client to the nursing home she attempted several times to climb out of bed, and ambulate.  At that time it was clear that the client was at high risk for falls.  However the nurse left the client alone without any safety precautions in place.  A few hours later the client was found on the floor by the nursing staff. When the client arrived at the hospital it was discovered that she had broken her hip. 

The story is a bit dramatic (and I imagine that's why it has stuck with me), but it clearly outlines the potential for negligence in a skilled nursing or assisted living setting. 

What struck me the most when I reviewed this client's medical record, was that the nursing staff was so clearly aware that the client was at risk for falls yet failed to put ANY preventative measures in place. There were no bed alarms, side rails, or floor mats in place.  There was no close monitoring of the patient.  The fall risk assessment when it was completed showed that the client was at high risk for falls. 

This is pure negligence by the nursing staff.  They failed to do their job.  They did not set out to harm her, but managed to by failing to provide her with safe, adequate, and appropriate care.  This incident left the client permanently bedridden.  

I know its a very brief overview, but if you use a legal nurse consultant you can get this and so much more.