Which nursing intervention is crucial for a patient at risk for falls?

Implementing fall precautions such as non-slip footwear and bed alarms is vital for a patient at risk for falls because these measures are specifically designed to enhance safety and minimize the likelihood of a fall occurring. Non-slip footwear provides better traction, reducing the risk of slipping on smooth surfaces, while bed alarms alert healthcare staff when a patient attempts to get out of bed, allowing for timely support.

This approach is comprehensive; it addresses both environmental safety, by ensuring the patient has appropriate footwear, and procedural safety, through the use of technology like bed alarms to notify caregivers. Together, these strategies help create a safer environment for patients who may have mobility issues, cognitive impairments, or other risk factors for falling.

Other choices, such as encouraging physical activity without supervision or reducing the frequency of patient checks, do not prioritize patient safety and may actually increase the risk of falls. Monitoring a patient only in bed can lead to neglecting their safety when they attempt to ambulate. Therefore, the correct response focuses on proactive and preventive measures tailored to fall risk management.