Which tool is commonly used to screen fall risk in hospitalized patients?

Which tool is commonly used to screen fall risk in hospitalized patients?

• A. Morse Fall Risk Scale
• B. Barthel Index
• C. AMPAC
• D. Post Fall Assessment

Answer: (A)

Assessing fall risk quickly and accurately on admission is essential to prevent injuries in hospitalized patients. The Morse Fall Risk Scale is designed for this purpose because it combines multiple risk factors that increase the likelihood of falling—such as prior falls, the presence of a secondary diagnosis, use of ambulatory aids, IV/lines, gait, and mental status—into a simple score that categorizes patients into risk levels. This early screening supports immediate, targeted safety actions like aiding mobility, ensuring the call bell is reachable, keeping the bed low, removing hazards, and using non-slip footwear. Other tools focus on different goals: the Barthel Index measures independence in activities of daily living rather than fall risk; the AMPAC assesses mobility/functional status but is not the standard hospital fall-screen; and a Post Fall Assessment is used after a fall has occurred to analyze causes and prevent recurrence rather than identify at‑risk patients upfront.

Assessing fall risk quickly and accurately on admission is essential to prevent injuries in hospitalized patients. The Morse Fall Risk Scale is designed for this purpose because it combines multiple risk factors that increase the likelihood of falling—such as prior falls, the presence of a secondary diagnosis, use of ambulatory aids, IV/lines, gait, and mental status—into a simple score that categorizes patients into risk levels. This early screening supports immediate, targeted safety actions like aiding mobility, ensuring the call bell is reachable, keeping the bed low, removing hazards, and using non-slip footwear. Other tools focus on different goals: the Barthel Index measures independence in activities of daily living rather than fall risk; the AMPAC assesses mobility/functional status but is not the standard hospital fall-screen; and a Post Fall Assessment is used after a fall has occurred to analyze causes and prevent recurrence rather than identify at‑risk patients upfront.