Factors Affecting Patient/ Safety: Alterations in mobility related to paralysis, muscle weakness, diminished balance, and lack of coordination place clients at risk for injury. Spinal cord injuries or paralysis impair the client's ability to perceive discomfort, increasing the risk for injury or skin breakdown. Clients who have impaired mobility such as hemiplegia or leg casts are prone to falls related to poor balance. Clients weakened by illness or surgery may have impaired levels of alertness, placing them at risk for fall of injury