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Case 72: Fall from bed

An 82 year old lady who had been managing quite well at home was admitted to hospital acutely unwell with presumed pneumonia. She was confused and restless. Just after midnight she was found by the nurses on the floor next to her bed.

This was the xray taken after the incident.

1.What does the xray show?

A pertrochanteric fracture of the right hip. Also quite osteopaenic bones. There are saftey pins in what is probably an incontinence pad.

2.What measures can you take to prevent in-hospital falls?

There are many. See the link below for a simple summary. Importantly is the realisation of the significant harm that they can cause (both morbidity and mortality) and identifying the high risk patient.

Further Information