A patient with left-sided weakness that started 60 minutes earlier is admitted to the emergency department and diagnostic tests are ordered. Which test should be done first?

A. Sedate the client with PRN medications so they stay in bed:
Sedating a client to prevent movement is not an appropriate intervention for fall prevention. This approach could have adverse effects, such as increased confusion, sedation, and even a greater risk for falls once the medication wears off. It may also contribute to a decreased level of independence and quality of life for the client. Non-pharmacological interventions such as environmental modifications and supportive devices should be prioritized.

B. Implement the bed alarm and call light system:
Implementing a bed alarm and call light system is an effective and appropriate strategy to prevent falls in an older adult client. The bed alarm alerts the healthcare team when the client attempts to get out of bed, reducing the risk of falls. The call light allows the client to request assistance before attempting to move independently, ensuring timely support and reducing fall risk. This intervention promotes safety while maintaining the client’s autonomy.

C. Ensure all four side rails on the bed are up:
While side rails may prevent a client from falling out of bed, raising all four side rails can increase the risk of injury. Clients may try to climb over the rails, which can lead to entrapment or falls. In addition, side rails can create a false sense of security and reduce the client's ability to mobilize independently. A more appropriate measure would be using one or two side rails or providing assistance with repositioning or transferring when necessary.

D. Avoid night lights in the client's room to promote sleep:
Avoiding night lights is not advisable for older adults, particularly those at risk for falls. A dark environment can increase confusion and disorientation, leading to unsafe movements. Providing soft night lights in the room can enhance visibility during nighttime hours, reducing the likelihood of accidents and falls when the client needs to get up to use the bathroom or reposition. Adequate lighting is a key aspect of fall prevention.

A) "Be sure to bend at the hip, not the knee, to pick up items."
After hip replacement surgery, patients are instructed to avoid bending at the hip beyond 90 degrees, as this can dislocate the newly replaced hip. The correct guidance would be to avoid bending at the hip and instead bend at the knee when picking up items, ensuring the hip joint stays in a safe position.

B) "Internally rotating your leg is okay, but do not externally rotate it."
Internal rotation of the hip joint should also be avoided post-surgery, as it can increase the risk of dislocation. The correct teaching is to prevent both internal and external rotation of the hip to ensure the joint remains stable. Patients should be instructed to avoid twisting motions that can compromise the surgical repair.

C) "If we need to help you roll in bed, we will roll you towards the operative side."
This can place undue pressure on the newly replaced hip, potentially leading to dislocation or injury. The operative side should be kept stable and protected, so it is safer to roll the patient onto the non-operative side if necessary.

D) "You should keep your knees apart using a wedge or pillow."
It is essential to keep the knees apart, typically using a wedge or pillow between the legs. This prevents the hip from adducting (moving toward the midline) and reducing the risk of dislocation. Maintaining this position ensures the hip remains in a safe, stable alignment during the healing process.