What are the key principles of fall prevention in hospitalized patients?

Fall prevention requires identifying high-risk patients using a validated tool like the Morse Fall Scale, which assesses history of falls, secondary diagnoses, ambulatory aids, intravenous therapy, gait, and mental status. Interventions include keeping the bed in the lowest position with wheels locked, ensuring the call light is within reach, keeping the environment well-lit and free of clutter, assisting with ambulation, using non-skid footwear, providing toileting assistance on a schedule, and reviewing medications that increase fall risk such as sedatives, opioids, and antihypertensive