Which statement about reporting falls is true?

Which statement about reporting falls is true?

• A. An incident report is required for all falls.
• B. The resident can decide if the NA needs to report the fall.
• C. A fall does not need to be reported unless the resident complains of pain.
• D. If the resident can get up after the fall, the NA should not notify the nurse.

Answer: (A)

All falls must be reported and documented with an incident report. This ensures the nurse can promptly assess for injuries and illnesses that may not be immediately visible, and it provides a record that helps the care team review safety and prevent future falls. After a fall, stay with the resident, call for the nurse, and assist only as directed while keeping the resident safe. Check for injuries and monitor the situation, noting what happened, the resident’s condition, any pain, and responses. Do not move the resident unnecessarily, and document objective details for the incident report. The nurse should be notified right away regardless of what the resident says or if the resident can get up afterward. Reporting isn’t up to the resident; it’s a standard policy to protect the resident and guide safety improvements.

All falls must be reported and documented with an incident report. This ensures the nurse can promptly assess for injuries and illnesses that may not be immediately visible, and it provides a record that helps the care team review safety and prevent future falls. After a fall, stay with the resident, call for the nurse, and assist only as directed while keeping the resident safe. Check for injuries and monitor the situation, noting what happened, the resident’s condition, any pain, and responses. Do not move the resident unnecessarily, and document objective details for the incident report.

The nurse should be notified right away regardless of what the resident says or if the resident can get up afterward. Reporting isn’t up to the resident; it’s a standard policy to protect the resident and guide safety improvements.