During assessment, what should a nurse prioritize when identifying risk for falls in a client on risperidone?

Prioritizing the implementation of fall precautions is critical for clients on risperidone due to the medication's potential side effects, which include sedation, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension. These effects can significantly increase the risk of falls, especially in a vulnerable population such as the elderly or those with other comorbid conditions.

By focusing on fall precautions, the nurse can take proactive measures to create a safer environment for the client. This may include ensuring that the client's living area is free of obstacles, providing appropriate assistive devices, ensuring that the call bell is within reach, and educating the client and family about the signs of dizziness or sedation that may lead to falls.

While encouraging mobility is important for overall health and can help maintain strength and balance, it must be balanced with safety precautions when a client is on medications that pose a fall risk. Initiating bed rest may be appropriate in certain situations to prevent injury, but it does not address the need for safety in daily activities. Monitoring medication adherence is crucial for managing the client’s treatment plan but does not directly mitigate the immediate risk of falls associated with the side effects of risperidone. Thus, implementing fall precautions is the most relevant and effective action to address the heightened risk of falls