In the past year, you have noticed an increase in patient falls on your unit. In reading studies related to staffing and patient outcomes, you realize that you will need to plan for:
a. Higher patient care hours.
b. Safer facilities.
c. Institution of a patient classification system.
d. An increased number of RN positions.
ANS: D
Lower fall rates are shown to be related to higher total nursing hours and a higher percentage of nursing hours supplied by RNs.