Fall Prevention Flashcards
why do seniors fall?
• Mobility changes-lower extremity weakness,
poor grip strength, balance disorders
• Cognitive changes-dementia, confusion or
delirium
• Polypharmacy- medications that change
cognition.
• Physiological changes-orthostatic hypotension,
diabetes, cardiac arrhythmias,
• Sensory deficits-visual changes, neuropathy
• Environmental factors –lighting, faulty
assistive devices, wet floors, clutter on
floors
predisposing factors to falls
• Secondary diagnosis (especially cardiovascular disease)
• Advancing age
• Recent admission
• History of falls
• Changes in mental status
• Transferring activities or the use of
assistive devices
definition of a fall
• sudden,
• uncontrolled,
• unintentional,
• downward
displacement of the
• body to the ground or
other object
what is a near fall?
sudden loss of
balance that does
not result in a fall or
other injury
can include a person
who slips, stumble
or trips but is able to
regain control prior
to falling.
what is an unwhitnessed fall?
An un-witnessed fall
when a resident is
found on the floor
neither the resident nor
anyone else
knows how he or she
got there.
injuries from falls
- Fractures
- Hematoma
- Transient confusion
- Soft tissue injuries
assessment of older adults
• Physiological
• Age related changes
• Changes in body
systems
• Common conditions
• Atypical presentation
when should we do a fall risk assessmet
- Within 24 hours of
admission. - Any sudden change
of
status. - With quarterly
documentation.
how do you schore on the schmid assessment tool?
Mobility
• Mentation
• Elimination
• Prior Fall History
• Current Medications
fall risk reduction
• Gait assessment - 8 or 4 item assessment
tool
• Balance assessment-(Berg)
• Mobility review -(TUG)
• Falls risk assessment (Schmid or
Continuing care tool)
fall prevention
Strength and balance
exercises
• Medication review
• Protective and
assistive devices
• Environmental
modifications
• Orthostatic
hypotension
what is done for a medication review?
Conduct periodic medication
reviews such as:
Dosage
Side effects
Interactions with food or
other medications
Dosing schedules
environment modifiers to prevent falls
Instruct resident and family
members about appropriate
footwear:
• use of treaded socks
and/or non-skid footwear.
Instruct the resident to
request assistance with
ambulation.
Repeat instructions to call
for help on each shift
Risk factors for falls: Pathologic conditions and functional impairments
- age related conditions (nocturia, gait changes)
- cardiovascular disease
- resp disease
- neurological disorders
- metabolic disturbances (dehydration)
- MSK problems (osteoarthritis)
- transient ischemic attack
- vision impairments
- cognitive impairments (dementia, confusion)
- psychosocial factors (depression, anxiety)
Risk Factors for Falls: Medication effects and interactions
- antiarrythmias
- anticholinergics
- anticonvulsants
- diuretics
- benzos
- antipsychotics
- antidepressants
- alcohol
