A Medical-Surgical unit reports an unusually high incidence of falls in the previous quarter. Which of the following interventions made by the manager best reduces the occurrence of falls?

Choice A Reason:

Activate the fire alarm. The nurse’s top priority in this situation should be to activate the fire alarm. This action ensures that the entire facility is alerted to the fire, allowing for a coordinated and timely response. Activating the fire alarm initiates the emergency protocols, including evacuation procedures and the arrival of the fire department. This step is crucial because it addresses the safety of all individuals in the facility, not just those in the immediate vicinity of the fire. By activating the fire alarm, the nurse ensures that everyone is aware of the danger and can take appropriate action to protect themselves.

Choice B Reason:

Move any clients in the immediate vicinity. While moving clients in the immediate vicinity is important, it is not the top priority. This action addresses the safety of those closest to the fire but does not alert the rest of the facility to the danger. Without activating the fire alarm first, other staff members and clients may remain unaware of the fire, potentially putting more people at risk. Therefore, while moving clients is a necessary step, it should follow the activation of the fire alarm to ensure a comprehensive response to the emergency.

Choice C Reason:

Use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Using a fire extinguisher to put out the fire is a valid action, but it should not be the nurse’s top priority. Attempting to extinguish the fire without first alerting others can be dangerous, especially if the fire spreads quickly or if the nurse is unable to control it. Activating the fire alarm ensures that help is on the way and that evacuation procedures are initiated. Once the fire alarm is activated, the nurse can then attempt to use a fire extinguisher if it is safe to do so.

Choice D Reason:

Close the fire doors on the unit. Closing the fire doors is an important step in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading. However, this action should come after the fire alarm has been activated. Closing the fire doors without alerting others to the fire may delay the overall response and evacuation efforts. By activating the fire alarm first, the nurse ensures that everyone is aware of the fire and can take appropriate actions, including closing fire doors as part of the containment strategy.

Choice A Reason:

Filing a grievance about inadequate funding and an unsafe work environment might address some systemic issues, but it does not directly resolve the immediate problem of back injuries. While it is important to advocate for better resources and safer working conditions, this action alone does not provide a practical solution for the current misuse of mechanical lifts.

Choice B Reason:

Reminding employees who experience back injuries that they are solely responsible for their actions is not an effective or supportive approach. This method can lead to a blame culture, which is counterproductive and can demoralize staff. It is essential to focus on training and support rather than placing blame on individuals.

Choice C Reason:

Copying and adopting the mechanical lift procedures implemented in neighboring hospitals might be beneficial if those procedures are proven to be effective. However, this approach assumes that the neighboring hospitals’ procedures are superior without first understanding the specific issues within the unit. It is better to tailor solutions to the unique needs and challenges of the unit.

Choice D Reason:

Reviewing the correct procedure with staff members who use the mechanical lifts incorrectly is the most immediate and practical solution. This approach addresses the root cause of the injuries by ensuring that staff are properly trained and aware of the correct usage of the equipment. Proper training and adherence to safety protocols can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Additionally, this method fosters a culture of continuous improvement and safety.