[Characterization of bed falls sustained by inpatients in a university hospital].

This is a descriptive study which aimed to characterize the profile, risk factors, and Nursing Diagnoses (NDs) of adult patients who have fallen from bed during hospitalization. We analyzed 53 reports of bed falls, during the period from December 2009 to May 2010, in a big hospital. Results showed higher occurrence in male patients. Greater prevalence occurred in patients age 60 and above, during the night shift and the clinical unit. Only 13% presented the "Risk for falls" ND, although they had on average of 11 risk factors for it. Findings resemble what is described in world literature, reinforcing the need to install preventive measures for falls and to mitigate risks.