What it means
Trouble keeping steady on the feet. It can come from weak muscles, inner ear problems, nerve damage in the feet, low blood pressure on standing, drugs such as sedatives, alcohol or a brain problem. It is different from dizzinessDIZ-ee-nesA feeling of being lightheaded, unsteady or off balance, or that the room is spinning.Full entry , though the two often go together.
For the nurse
Treat it as a fall risk: help the client up slowly, use a gait belt and nonslip footwear, and check orthostatic vital signs.
At a glance
| Also written | unsteady |
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Related terms
dizziness
A feeling of being lightheaded, unsteady or off balance, or that the room is spinning.
Romberg test
A balance test in which the person stands with feet together and arms at the sides, first with eyes open and then with eyes closed.