What is the recommended course of action if a gerontological nurse suspects a patient is at risk for falls?

When a gerontological nurse suspects that a patient is at risk for falls, the most appropriate and foundational action is to conduct a fall risk assessment. This assessment serves multiple purposes: it identifies the specific hazards or conditions that may contribute to falls, evaluates the patient's physical capabilities and limitations, and considers environmental factors that might increase the risk.

By performing a fall risk assessment, the nurse can gather essential data that guides the implementation of tailored interventions aimed at mitigating those risks. This could include strategies such as enhancing the patient’s strength and balance, modifying the environment to make it safer, and educating the patient and caregivers about fall prevention strategies.

Other options, such as shifting activity to bed rest, prescribing supplements, or increasing medication dosage, do not directly address the underlying factors that contribute to fall risk and may even lead to increased immobility or adverse effects. Bed rest can further weaken a patient's strength and balance; prescriptions or dose adjustments could have unintended consequences without careful monitoring of their effects on the patient’s overall stability and safety. Hence, initiating with a comprehensive fall risk assessment is crucial for ensuring patient safety and promoting optimal health outcomes.