117 Questions
Which of the following is NOT considered a condition or intrinsic fall risk factor for elders?
Urinary incontinence, urgency, nocturia
The purpose of a post-fall assessment is to:
All of the above
Which of the following is NOT a commonly used fall risk instrument in acute and long-term care settings?
Berg Balance Scale
When should a fall risk assessment be conducted for individuals admitted to acute care or long-term care facilities?
On admission, after any change in condition, and at regular intervals
Which of the following is considered an extrinsic or situational fall risk factor for elders?
Environmental hazards
What is the purpose of the Exercise and Screening for You (EASY) Tool mentioned in the text?
To establish safe exercise programs based on physical conditions
What can the Get-Up-and-Go test assess?
Mobility, gait, and gait speed
What is emphasized in the text as important knowledge for nurses in promoting healthy aging interventions?
Educating individuals about the importance of exercise
In the context of physical activity guidelines for adults aged 65 years and older, what does Box 18.4* present?
Guidelines for physical activity with no limiting health conditions
What role can nurses play in relation to exercise programs according to the text?
Designing and leading exercise programs
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of regular physical activity for older adults?
Promotes cognitive decline
Which of the following is an age-related change in mobility mentioned in the text?
Decreased muscle strength and flexibility
Which of the following should be included in a gerontological nursing assessment?
Exercise counseling and assessment of function and mobility
Based on the information provided, what is the most appropriate exercise program design for frail older adults?
A comprehensive assessment to adapt recommendations to individual abilities
According to the Healthy People 2020 guidelines mentioned in the text, what is the recommended physical activity for older adults?
Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of physical inactivity in older adults?
Improved cardiovascular health
Which of the following is the recommended amount of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for older adults per week?
At least 150 minutes
Which of the following is an effective strategy for incorporating physical activity into daily routines for older adults?
Engaging in household chores or gardening activities
When designing an exercise program for older adults, what should be the primary consideration?
Tailoring the program to individual needs and abilities
Which of the following strategies can help maintain physical function in older adults during acute care settings?
Early mobilization and ambulation
Which of the following is NOT a recommended tip for function-focused care in acute care settings?
Encourage patients to remain in bed as much as possible to avoid further deconditioning.
Which of the following is a key benefit of incorporating group exercise into a function-focused care plan for older adults in acute care settings?
It provides social and emotional health benefits to the patients.
According to the physical activity guidelines presented in the text, how many minutes of moderate activity per day are recommended to improve health?
30 minutes daily 5 times a week
Which of the following is a key principle for effectively incorporating physical activity into a person's lifestyle, as suggested by the text?
Expensive gym equipment is not necessary, and group exercise can provide social and emotional benefits.
Which of the following is a key recommendation from the text for maintaining function in acute care settings?
Develop individualized exercise programs based on the patient's baseline functional assessment.
Which of the following is considered a physical restraint?
Securing a patient's limbs with soft wrist or ankle restraints
What is a serious consequence of restraint use in healthcare settings?
All of the above
Which of the following is considered a standard of practice and an indicator of quality care in healthcare settings?
Restraint-free care
Which of the following is an alternative strategy to restraints, as suggested in the text?
All of the above
Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for falls?
Excellent physical fitness
What is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for people older than 65 years?
Falls
Which age group has the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalization and death?
Age 75+ years
Why is a history of falls considered an important risk factor for elders?
It predicts future falls
What is Fallophobia?
Fear of falling
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of falls?
Cognitive Impairment
What percentage of hip fractures are caused by falls?
95%
Why is fear of falling considered an important risk factor for elders?
It predicts general functional decline
What is the primary reason why a history of falls is considered an important risk factor for elders?
It is a sign of underlying gait and foot disturbances.
Which of the following fall risk factors is associated with a drop in blood pressure upon standing up?
Orthostatic hypotension
How do cognitive impairment and vision problems contribute to the risk of falls among older adults?
They result in poor judgment and reduced spatial awareness.
Which of the following is a common symptom seen in older adults with undiagnosed vision or hearing impairments?
Vertigo and balance issues
In the context of fall risk factors, what role does orthostatic hypotension play in contributing to falls among elders?
It can result in dizziness and lightheadedness upon standing, increasing fall risk.
What age-related changes in mobility are mentioned in the text?
Decreased range of motion in joints and shorter steps
Why is orthostatic hypotension considered a risk factor for falls among elders?
It may result in dizziness upon standing up, increasing the risk of falls
How does cognitive impairment contribute to fall risk among elders?
It may lead to confusion or poor judgment, increasing the likelihood of falls
Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for falls in elders?
Regular exercise routines
Which vision-related factor mentioned in the text can increase the risk of falls among older adults?
Visual disturbances or impairments such as poor depth perception
Orthostatic hypotension is a risk factor for falls due to:
Dizziness upon standing up
How does hearing impairment contribute to fall risk for elders according to the text?
Inability to hear warning sounds or instructions, leading to increased fall risk
Gait disturbances can be associated with a fall risk due to:
Decreased mobility
Which of the following is a common misconception regarding cognitive impairment and fall risk?
Cognitive impairment improves awareness of environmental hazards
Vision and hearing problems contribute to fall risk by:
Decreasing environmental cue recognition
Why is it important to include fall risk assessment as part of primary health care for older adults?
To promote early detection and prevention of falls
Which condition is NOT considered an intrinsic fall risk factor for elders?
Urinary incontinence
What is a common cognitive impairment that can increase the risk of falls in older adults?
Alzheimer's disease
How does orthostatic hypotension contribute to falls among elders?
Increases the likelihood of dizziness and fainting upon standing
How can vision and hearing impairments contribute to falls in the elderly?
By reducing the ability to detect obstacles or changes in terrain
Which of the following is a key risk factor for falls in older adults that can contribute to gait and foot disturbances?
Peripheral neuropathy
Older adults experiencing ___ are at an increased risk of falls due to the sudden drop in blood pressure that can lead to dizziness and loss of balance.
Orthostatic hypotension
Cognitive impairment, such as that seen in ___, can increase the risk of falls in older adults by affecting their ability to perceive and respond to environmental hazards.
Alzheimer's disease
Older adults with ___ may be at a higher risk of falls due to reduced depth perception, contrast sensitivity, and visual field changes.
Age-related macular degeneration
Which of the following is considered a key intrinsic risk factor for falls in older adults?
History of previous falls
What is the primary purpose of the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model?
To determine fall risk through the Get-Up-and-Go test
In gerontological nursing, what is the key focus of the EASY Tool?
Designing safe exercise programs based on physical conditions
Which condition does the nurse play a crucial role in educating individuals about, according to the provided text?
Cognitive impairment
What is a significant implication of implementing the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model in clinical practice?
Identifying potential fall risks through mobility assessment
Which factor is specifically addressed by the nurse when designing and leading exercise programs for older adults?
Reducing fall risks by focusing on mobility and gait
Which of the following fall risk factors for elders is primarily related to cognitive impairment?
Gait abnormalities
In the context of fall risk factors, what is a common condition related to orthostatic hypotension in elders?
Depression
Which sensory impairment is significantly associated with an increased risk of falls in elderly individuals?
Macular degeneration
Among the listed fall risk factors, which one is most likely to lead to asphyxiation in elders if not managed properly?
Sensory deprivation
Which of the following conditions can exacerbate agitation in elders, potentially contributing to fall incidents?
Meniere's disease
What is a significant consequence of gait disturbances in older adults that may lead to an increased fall risk?
Decreased muscle strength
Among the listed options, which condition is most closely associated with foot disturbances that can impact gait and balance in elders?
Bunions
What is a potential consequence of undiagnosed vision problems in older adults with regard to fall prevention?
Impaired depth perception
Which sensory issue can directly impact an elder's ability to maintain balance and avoid falls?
Presbyopia
What is a common cognitive impairment that may contribute significantly to an increased risk of falls in the elderly?
Dementia
Which of the following age-related changes in mobility can directly contribute to an increased risk of falls in older adults?
Decreased step height and shorter steps
How does orthostatic hypotension contribute to the risk of falls among older adults?
Orthostatic hypotension leads to a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, and increased fall risk.
Which type of cognitive impairment can significantly increase the risk of falls in older adults by affecting their ability to perceive and respond to environmental hazards?
Dementia
How can vision and hearing impairments contribute to falls in the elderly?
Vision and hearing impairments can directly impact an elder's ability to maintain balance and avoid obstacles, increasing their fall risk.
Which of the following is considered a key intrinsic risk factor for falls in older adults?
Decreased muscle strength and flexibility
Which of the following conditions is most likely to contribute to gait disturbances and an increased risk of falls in older adults?
Peripheral neuropathy affecting proprioception
Which of the following conditions is most closely associated with orthostatic hypotension, a risk factor for falls in older adults?
Dehydration and hypovolemia
Which of the following cognitive impairments is most closely linked to an increased risk of falls in older adults?
All of the above
Which of the following combinations of sensory impairments is most likely to contribute to an increased risk of falls in older adults?
Decreased visual acuity and hearing loss
Which of the following is considered a significant intrinsic risk factor for falls in older adults?
Polypharmacy and multiple medication use
How can orthostatic hypotension contribute to falls among older adults?
By leading to decreased blood pressure when standing up
Which sensory impairment is most significantly associated with an increased risk of falls in elderly individuals?
Hearing impairments
Why is cognitive impairment a significant risk factor for falls among older adults?
As it affects decision-making, attention, and reaction times
What role do gait and foot disturbances play in the increased risk of falls among the elderly?
They contribute to altered walking patterns and decreased stability
How do vision and hearing impairments contribute to fall risk among older adults?
By interfering with detecting environmental hazards and obstacles
Which of the following conditions is most closely associated with gait and foot disturbances that can contribute to falls in older adults?
Diabetic neuropathy
What is the primary mechanism by which orthostatic hypotension increases the risk of falls in older adults?
Sudden drop in blood pressure leading to dizziness and loss of balance
Which of the following cognitive impairments is most strongly associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults?
Lewy body dementia
Which of the following sensory impairments can directly impact an older adult's ability to maintain balance and avoid falls?
Peripheral vision loss
Which of the following is considered a modifiable risk factor for falls in older adults?
Use of certain medications
Which of the following is the most significant consequence of gait and foot disturbances among elders that can increase fall risk?
Reduced mobility and independence
Orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure upon standing up, can contribute to falls in elders due to:
Temporary loss of consciousness or dizziness
Which of the following cognitive impairments is most closely associated with an increased risk of falls among elders?
Dementia
How do vision and hearing impairments contribute to an increased risk of falls in elders?
By reducing depth perception and contrast sensitivity
Which of the following is considered a key intrinsic risk factor for falls in older adults?
Chronic pain or foot problems
Which of the following age-related changes in mobility is most likely to contribute to an increased risk of falls in older adults due to gait and foot disturbances?
Reduced proprioception and balance
Older adults experiencing ___ are at an increased risk of falls due to the sudden drop in blood pressure that can lead to dizziness and loss of balance.
Orthostatic hypotension
Which of the following cognitive impairments is most closely associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults due to their decreased ability to perceive and respond to environmental hazards?
Alzheimer's disease
Older adults with ___ may be at a higher risk of falls due to reduced depth perception, contrast sensitivity, and visual field changes.
Macular degeneration
Which of the following is considered a key intrinsic risk factor for falls in older adults that can contribute to gait and foot disturbances?
Muscle weakness and balance impairments
Which of the following conditions can contribute to an increased risk of falls in older adults by affecting their gait and foot disturbances?
Parkinson's disease
What is the primary mechanism by which orthostatic hypotension increases the risk of falls in older adults?
Decreased blood pressure upon standing
Which type of cognitive impairment is most closely associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults?
Lewy body dementia
How do vision and hearing impairments contribute to the risk of falls among older adults?
All of the above
In the context of fall risk factors, what role does orthostatic hypotension play in contributing to falls among elders?
Orthostatic hypotension leads to decreased cerebral blood flow and dizziness
Which of the following combinations of sensory impairments is most likely to contribute to an increased risk of falls in older adults?
Vision and hearing impairments
Which of the following cognitive impairments is most closely linked to an increased risk of falls in older adults?
Lewy body dementia
In the context of fall risk factors, what is a common condition related to orthostatic hypotension in elders?
Parkinson's disease
Which of the following is a common misconception regarding cognitive impairment and fall risk?
Cognitive impairment does not increase fall risk in older adults
What is a potential consequence of undiagnosed vision problems in older adults with regard to fall prevention?
Increased risk of falls due to reduced depth perception and contrast sensitivity
Study Notes
- Falls are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for individuals over 65 years old, with 1 in 3 experiencing a fall each year.
- Two-thirds of falls among older adults are preventable, making prevention crucial.
- Consequences of falls include hip fractures, which account for 95% of hip fractures caused by falls, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), with older adults over 75 having the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalization and death.
- Risk factors for falls include cognitive impairment, vision and hearing problems, foot deformities, and taking four or more medications.
- Assessment tools like the STEADI, Morse Fall Scale, and Hendrich II Scale are commonly used in acute and long-term care settings to assess fall risk.
- Mobility screening tools such as the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model and the Get-Up-and-Go test help assess mobility, gait, and gait speed in older adults.
- Interventions to reduce fall risk include vision screening, medication reduction, cardiovascular assessment, hip protectors/assistive devices, education, environmental modifications, and safe patient handling practices.
Test your knowledge on strategies for maintaining function in hospitalized older adults in acute care settings. Learn about the importance of baseline functional assessments and setting appropriate goals for individuals in hospitals.
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