What it means
A step in which the nurse looks for a client's risk factors, often with a scored tool: the Morse Fall Scale for falls, the Braden Scale for pressure injuries, and suicide screening questions. The result guides which safety measures go into the plan of care. It is repeated when the client's condition changes.
For the nurse
Complete the agency's risk tools on admission and as required, and put the matching safety measures in place, such as a low bed, turning schedule or close observation.
At a glance
| Spanish | evaluación de riesgos |
|---|---|
| Also written | risk assessments, risk-assessment |
Related terms
assess
To gather information about a client by looking, listening, asking, measuring and examining.
plan of care
A written plan that lists a client's problems, goals and the nursing actions to reach them.
screening
Testing people who have no symptoms to find a disease or risk early.