A nurse is assisting with the admission of an older adult client who has impaired mobility and is at risk for falls. Which of the following fall precautions should the nurse plan to implement first?

A. "Apply rubber-soled slippers before ambulation.": This is important for safety, but it is not the first step in fall prevention. The client needs to be able to call for assistance if needed before moving around. B. "Determine the client's ability to use the call light.": This should be the first step. Ensuring that the client can easily use the call light in case they need help is a foundational fall prevention strategy. It is essential for maintaining the client’s safety and enabling them to request assistance when needed. C. "Create a schedule with an assistive personnel to do hourly rounding for the client.": Hourly rounding is an important fall prevention measure, but it should follow initial steps such as ensuring the client can call for help. It can be implemented after determining how the client will communicate needs. D. "Move the bedside table with the client's personal items close to the bed.": This is a helpful precaution, as it reduces the need for the client to reach or stand to access their belongings. However, the most critical initial step is ensuring the client can safely summon help if needed.