Falls

Question 1

What is sarcopenia?

Answer 1

Loss of muscle mass and function

Question 2

What word describes a loss of muscle mass and function?

Answer 2

Sarcopenia

Question 3

How is ortostatic hypotension diagnosed?

Answer 3

Fall in SBP >20 mmHg
Fall in DBP >10 mmHg

After 3 mins of standing

Question 4

What is another description for orthostatic hypotension?

Answer 4

Postural hypotension

Question 5

How does cognitive impairment lead to falls?

Answer 5

Loss of:

• Judgement
• Visual-spatial perception
• Orientation

Question 6

Describe Romberg’s positive

Answer 6

Person stands and closes eyes

Positive test if they lose their balance

Question 7

What condition causes a high-stepping gait and positive Romberg’s test?

Answer 7

Cervical myelopathy

Question 8

What condition causes altered sensation and a wide-based gait?

Answer 8

Peripheral neuropathy

Question 9

What condition causes a wide-based gait and pain/paraesthesia in the legs?

Answer 9

Lumbar stenosis

Question 10

What type of gait do you get with cerebellar ataxia?

Answer 10

Wide-based

Question 11

Polypharmacy is an independent falls risk factor. How many drugs does a patient need to be taking for this to be classed as a risk factor?

Answer 11

More than or equal to 4

Question 12

Name some common drugs associated with falls

Answer 12

Benzodiazepines
Neuroleptics
Anti-hypertensives
Anti-depressants
Anticholinergics

Question 13

What in the elderly classically causes bone weakness?

Answer 13

Vit D deficiency

Question 14

What is the best intervention for a patient with falls?

Answer 14

Strength and balance training

MUST BE 3X PER WEEK FOR MIN 12 WEEKS