While ambulating,the patient becomes light-headed and starts to fall.What should the nurse do first?

A) Call for help.
B) Try to reach for a chair.
C) Ease the patient down to the floor.
D) Push the patient back toward the bed.

If the patient begins to fall,gently ease the patient to the floor by holding firmly onto the gait belt;stand with the feet apart to provide a broad base of support,extend the leg,and let the patient gently slide to the floor.As the patient slides,the nurse bends the knees to lower the body.The nurse can cause more damage to self and patient by trying to catch the patient.The nurse certainly will call for help,but this is not the first priority.The nurse must ensure the patient's safety before getting help by easing him to the floor.