Falls

Question 1

What are some cardiovascular causes of falls?

Answer 1

Arrhythmias - slow or fast
Aortic stenosis
Postural hypotension

Question 2

What are some broad categories that can cause falls?

Answer 2

Cardiovascular problems 
Neurological 
Medication 
Infection 
Environmental
Musculoskeletal (arthritis, disuse atrophy) 
Vasovagal syncope, situational syncope, carotid sinus syncope 
ENT (BPPV, Ménière’s disease) 
Metabolic 
Neoplasm

Question 3

What are some neurological causes of falls?

Answer 3

Stroke
Parkinson’s disease
Seizure
Diabetes - reduced sensation

Question 4

A patient who falls, even if not injured, are at risk of another fall. True or false?

Answer 4

True

Always ask about previous falls

Question 5

Having a low score on MMSE means the patient is a high risk of falls. True or false?

Answer 5

False

Question 6

What does the get up and go method of fall risk assessment involve?

Answer 6

Evaluating the time a patient takes to rise out a chair, walk 10 feet, turn around, walk back and sit back down

Question 7

What medication has been found to be effective in preventing falls in older adults?

Answer 7

Cholecalciferol (vit d)

Improves muscle function and strength

Question 8

What medication can increase the risk of falls?

Answer 8

Antidepressants 
Antipsychotics 
Antiemetics 
Sedatives 
Drugs for Parkinson’s disease
Cardiovascular drugs
Analgesics 
Anticonvulsants 
Drugs with anticholinergic side effects

Question 9

What percentage of falls result in an injury?

Answer 9

75%

Fractures occur in 38% of women and 28% of men

Question 10

What impact can a fear of falling have?

Answer 10

Limits performance of daily activities, lower quality of life, anxiety, depression, isolation

Question 11

What extrinsic risk factors are there for falls?

Answer 11

Rugs
Poor lighting 
Walking stick 
Polished floors
Poor fitting shoes

Question 12

What body systems are involved in maintaining stability?

Answer 12

Vision
Proprioception
Brain 
Vestibular system 
Effector mechanisms

Question 13

What visual problems can be a risk factor for falls?

Answer 13

Cataracts
Macular degeneration
Diabetic retinopathy
Bifocal lenses

Question 14

Who should receive a multifactorial risk assessment for falls?

Answer 14

Two or more falls in the past 12 months
Presentation for medical attention with fall
Difficulty with walking or balance