What is a recommended strategy for preventing falls in older adults?

Preventing falls in older adults is a critical concern in healthcare settings, and the choice to increase the number of bedside commodes on units directly addresses the issue of bathroom access and safety. Many older adults experience a strong urge to go to the bathroom, and if they are unable to access a commode quickly or safely, they may attempt to walk unassisted, increasing their risk of falling. By having more bedside commodes available, healthcare facilities can reduce the amount of time patients spend trying to reach a bathroom, thereby minimizing the potential for falls.

The other options, while they may address different aspects of patient care or safety, do not specifically target fall prevention in the same effective way that increasing bedside commodes does. For instance, standardizing diuretics to be given in the evening may lead to increased bathroom visits overnight, which could actually heighten fall risk rather than reduce it. Providing more hand sanitizer stations can improve hygiene and reduce infection risk, but it does not directly contribute to fall prevention. Lastly, implementing bedside handoff reporting for nursing staff enhances communication and can improve overall patient safety, but it does not directly relate to preventing falls in older adults. Focusing on immediate and practical measures like accessibility to commodes is a clear and effective