What is the appropriate nursing intervention for a geriatric patient who is experiencing frequent falls and gait difficulties at home?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Recommend the use of a walker or cane to assist with mobility: Mobility aids provide stability, improve balance, and reduce fall risk in older adults with gait difficulties. Proper instruction on their use helps the patient maintain independence while preventing injury from frequent falls. B. Advise the patient to avoid physical activity to prevent falls: Avoiding activity leads to deconditioning, muscle weakness, and joint stiffness, which actually increase fall risk over time. Promoting safe mobility rather than restriction is a better approach in geriatric care. C. Instruct the patient to only move around when someone is available to assist: While supervision can enhance safety, limiting independent movement reduces autonomy and may not be practical at home. D. Suggest wearing loose-fitting shoes for comfort: Loose shoes increase the risk of tripping and instability. Well-fitting, supportive footwear with nonslip soles is recommended to reduce fall risk.