The nurse is completing a fall risk assessment for a client. Which factor places the client at the highest risk for falls?

Answer: a. Removing tripping hazards from the client's environment. Explanation: Removing tripping hazards from the client's environment is the most important intervention for preventing falls. It helps create a safe and hazard-free environment, reducing the risk of accidental falls.

Incorrect choices: b. Providing the client with nonskid footwear is important for promoting stability and preventing slips and falls but may not address all potential fall risks. c. Educating the client on the correct use of handrails is essential, but it may not be the most critical intervention compared to removing environmental hazards. d. Assisting the client with toileting and ambulation is important, but it focuses on direct assistance rather than eliminating hazards from the environment.

Answer: c. History of previous falls. Explanation: A history of previous falls is a significant risk factor for future falls. Clients who have fallen before are more likely to fall again, making it a high-risk factor to consider in fall prevention strategies.

Incorrect choices: a. Age over 65 years is a general risk factor for falls but does not provide as much predictive value as a history of previous falls. b. Use of anticoagulant medications increases the risk of bleeding but does not necessarily indicate a higher risk for falls. d. Presence of sensory deficits, such as visual or auditory impairments, can contribute to fall risk but may not be the highest-risk factor compared to a history of previous falls.