9 - Immobility and Falls Flashcards
describe 3 MSK causes of falls?
Arthritis of weight bearing joints
Sarocopenia
Deformities of feet
describe 3 drug causes of falls?
Anti hypertensives
Sedatives
alcohol
describe 5 neuro causes of falls?
stroke
Parkinsonism
dementia
delirium
ataxia
describe 2 sensory causes of falls?
visual impairment
inattention (hearing)
describe 4 cardio causes of falls?
Postural hypotension
Arrythmia
Heart failure
Aortic Stenosis
describe a urinary cause for falls?
incontinence - running to the toilet
describe 3 things drugs decrease and how this may increase the risk of falls?
BP
HR
awareness
describe 5 things drugs increase and how this may increase the risk of falls?
Urine output Sedation Hallucinations qTC Dizziness
6 common types of drugs which cause falls?
Antihypertensive Beta blocker Sedatives Anticholingerics Opioids Alcohol
3 members of the falls clinic MDT?
nurse
physiotherapist
doctor
what does ataxic gait indicate?
cerebellar damage
what does arthralgia gait indicate?
arthritis
what does hemiplegic gait indicate?
stroke
what does small steps/ shuffling indicate?
Parkinsonism (vascular)
what does high stepping gait indicate?
peripheral neuropathy
what needs to be assessed if someone falls in A+E?
ABCDE assessment
bloods and ECG - check if they are acutely unwell
what 4 things should be paid close attention on the bloods for a patient who has fallen in A+E?
B12
folate
CK
TFTs
3 steps to assessing a fallen patient?
ABCDE
check GLC
top to toe survey
give 5 indications that a patient needs a CT scan if they have a head injury?
low GCS <13
focal neurology
signs of skull fracture
vomiting/ seizures
bruising around the eyes
name 3 causes of a patient to have a fall in hospital?
delirium
postural hypotension due to illness
low blood GLC
4 actions taken by nurses post-fall?
Repeat risk assessment
Datix
Call family
Try and prevent further fall - falls prevention care plan
name 5 things which should be in reach of patients to prevent a fall?
call bell
bed rail
height of bed shouldn’t be too high
table
walking aid
give 7 examples of causes for falls?
UTI
dementia
medication
arrythmia
aortic stenosis (on exertion)
seizure
TIA
