Falls Flashcards
1
Q
What are causes/risk factors for falls? (Use DAME mnemonic)
A
D - polypharmacy, antihypertensives, sedatives, opioids, psychotropics, anticholinergics
A - Vision problems, cognitive decline, gait abnormalities, >65yrs old
M - cardiac, neurological, cataracts, arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower limb muscle weakness, incontinence, diabetes, cognitive impairment
E - asking aids, footwear, home hazards, fear of falling
2
Q
What medications can cause falls?
A
Due to postural hypotension: Nitrates Diuretics Anticholinergics Antidepressants Beta blockers L-Dopa ACE inhibitors
Due to other mechanisms: Benzodiazepines Antipsychotics Opiates Anticonvulsants Codeine Digoxin Other sedative agents
3
Q
How is a patient who has fallen assessed?
A
ABCDE approach
4
Q
What investigations are carried out for falls patient?
A
General Obs:
HR, BP, Temp, SaO2, RR
Bloods:
FBC, U&Es, LFTs, TFTs, B12/Folate, Bone profile
Imaging:
ECG, CXR, X-ray of injured limb, CT head, cardiac echo, tilt table, loop recorder
Others:
Urine MC&S
