Which of the following is an example of a falls prevention intervention in patient care?

• A. Environmental safety measures, such as removing trip hazards and ensuring adequate lighting.
• B. Prescribing high-dose sedatives to reduce activity.
• C. Restricting patient mobility without alternatives.
• D. Withholding assistive devices.

Answer: (A)

Falls prevention in patient care focuses on reducing hazards in the person’s surroundings and supporting safe movement. Environmental safety measures—like removing trip hazards and ensuring adequate lighting—directly lower the chance of a fall by making the environment easier and safer to navigate. Clear walkways, dry floors, proper lighting, and accessible call systems and assistive devices are practical ways to prevent falls without compromising activity.

Other approaches can inadvertently raise fall risk: high-dose sedatives can impair balance and judgment; restricting mobility without alternatives weakens strength and balance and can lead to deconditioning; withholding assistive devices removes needed support for transfers and mobility.