What is the most important action after a resident experiences a fall?

• A. Check for injuries, provide safety, call for help, and notify the nurse and document.
• B. Immediately move the resident to a new position.
• C. Ignore and wait for a while to see if they feel better.
• D. Call the family and no one else.

Answer: (A)

After a fall, the priority is immediate assessment and stabilization to protect the resident and catch any injuries early. Start by checking for injuries and evaluating their condition—look for pain, swelling, bleeding, deformities, and whether they can move limbs or respond normally. Keep the resident safe by lowering the bed, keeping them comfortable, and ensuring the surrounding area is free of hazards; keep them in a safe position and use bed rails as ordered.

Call for help and notify the nurse right away so a professional evaluation can occur and any necessary actions, such as imaging or changes to care, can be ordered. Document the incident and the steps you took so the care team has a complete record for ongoing assessment and safety planning.

Choosing to move the resident to a new position immediately or ignoring the incident can hide serious injuries or cause further harm, and calling the family without involving the care team delays essential medical evaluation. This sequence—assessing injuries, protecting safety, seeking prompt professional help, and documenting—ensures appropriate, timely care.