Psychiatric Patients Are at Increased Risk of Falling and Choking

Abstract

Acutely ill psychiatric patients experience symptoms and take medications that increase their risk of both falling and choking; however, nurses and other caregivers may not be keenly aware of these risks. This article will provide a brief review of the literature related to risk factors for falls and choking and interventions to prevent falls and choking. Increased education for nursing students and staff employed at inpatient psychiatric units has the potential to reduce both incidence and injuries related to falls and choking.