Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

Upon identifying an increase in patient falls on the tele unit, what is the CNL's first action?

1. Implement hourly rounding

2. Understand patient care practices on the tele unit

3. Assign personal alarms to at-risk patients

4. Revise the current fall risk documentation form

The correct answer is: Understand patient care practices on the tele unit

The first action a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) should take upon identifying an increase in patient falls on the telemetry unit is to understand patient care practices on the unit. This step is crucial because comprehensively assessing the current practices allows the CNL to identify the root causes contributing to the increase in falls. Understanding the specific circumstances surrounding these incidents, including patient demographics, staff behaviors, environmental factors, and adherence to fall prevention protocols, provides a solid knowledge base upon which to develop a targeted intervention strategy. Gathering this information before implementing changes or assigning alarms ensures that any solutions are evidence-based and tailored to the actual needs and circumstances of the unit. This approach not only facilitates effective problem-solving but also promotes a culture of safety and continuous improvement. By understanding the existing practices, the CNL is better positioned to involve staff in discussions on potential changes and engage them in identifying solutions that may improve patient safety and reduce fall rates effectively.