Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

If a patient starts to fall while being ambulated, what should the nurse's first action be?

1. Try to cushion the fall

2. Grasp the patient's hands

3. Grasp one of the patient's arms

4. Place arms around the patient's waist

The correct answer is: Place arms around the patient's waist

When a patient begins to fall while being ambulated, the first action the nurse should take is to place their arms around the patient's waist. This technique allows the nurse to provide support and stabilization to the patient, helping to manage the situation effectively. By securing the patient in this manner, the nurse can help to control the descent and prevent serious injury to the patient during the fall. This response also promotes the nurse's ability to guide the patient back to a safer position or to the ground more gradually, which can reduce the risk of injury. The other methods mentioned may not provide sufficient support or could inadvertently lead to more harm. For example, simply trying to cushion the fall may not provide the necessary support to stabilize the patient, while grasping the patient's hands or arms alone may not adequately control their weight and movement. Placing arms around the waist is the most effective and supportive approach in this critical moment.