A nurse caring for patients in a long-term care facility knows that there are factors that place certain patients at a higher risk for falls.
Which patients would the nurse consider to be in this category? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale
A patient who experiences postural hypotension is at a higher risk for falls. Postural hypotension, or a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, can cause dizziness and increase the likelihood of falling. This condition is common in older adults and those with certain medical conditions.
Choice B rationale
A patient who is experiencing nausea from chemotherapy is not necessarily at a higher risk for falls. While nausea can cause discomfort and weakness, it does not directly contribute to an increased risk of falling. Other factors, such as medication side effects or balance issues, are more significant in fall risk assessment.
Choice C rationale

A patient who has already fallen twice is at a higher risk for future falls. A history of falls is a strong predictor of subsequent falls, as it may indicate underlying issues such as balance problems, muscle weakness, or environmental hazards.
Choice D rationale
A patient who is older than 50 years old is not automatically at a higher risk for falls. While age is a factor, the risk significantly increases for individuals over 65 years old. Other factors, such as medical conditions and medication use, play a more critical role in fall risk assessment.
Choice E rationale
A patient who is transferred to long-term care is at a higher risk for falls. The transition to a new environment can be disorienting, and patients may be unfamiliar with their surroundings. Additionally, long-term care patients often have multiple health issues that contribute to an increased fall risk.

Choice A rationale
Planning is the phase of the nursing process where the nurse develops a plan of care based on the assessment data and identified nursing diagnoses. It involves setting goals and determining the appropriate interventions to achieve those goals. In this scenario, the nurse is not developing a plan but rather observing the effects of an intervention that has already been implemented.
Choice B rationale
Assessment is the initial phase of the nursing process where the nurse collects and analyzes data about the client’s health status. This includes gathering information through observation, interviews, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests. In this scenario, the nurse is not collecting new data but rather observing the outcome of a previously administered medication.
Choice C rationale
Evaluation is the phase of the nursing process where the nurse assesses the client’s response to the interventions and determines whether the goals of care have been met. In this scenario, the nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of the antihypertensive medication by noting the decrease in the client’s blood pressure. This assessment helps determine if the medication is achieving the desired therapeutic effect.
Choice D rationale
Analysis is the phase of the nursing process where the nurse interprets the assessment data to identify the client’s health problems and needs. It involves critical thinking and clinical judgment to determine the underlying causes of the client’s condition. In this scenario, the nurse is not analyzing data but rather evaluating the outcome of an intervention.