Falls Flashcards
consequences of falls
injury
social isolation
confidence
use of NHS resources
medical conditions that contribute to falls
diabetes (neuropathy and retinopathy) arthritis PD stroke (gait) incontinence (need to rush)
how does reduced cognition cause increased risk of falls?
reduced reaction time
what contributes to fall risk?
medical conditions cognition vision hearing age-related changes
examples of age-related changes contributing to falls
gait
proprioception
muscle strength
fitness
extrinsic factors contributing to falls
medications (diuretics, anti-hypertensives, sedatives)
environment
lighting
what are the negative impacts of a cautious gait?
decreases stability with decreased speed and step length which causes reduced physical conditioning and balance skills
polypharmacy side effects that risk falls
frequency/ nocturia sedation drowsiness diuretics psychotrophs have increased risk of falling
what is a drop attack?
event when someone suddenly collapses
diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension
lying/ standing BP
causes of orthostatic hypotension
decreased autonomic capacity
medication
autonomic neuropathy
PD/DLB
management of orthostatic hypotension
stop drug cause
avoid sudden changes in movement
water and salt loading
compression stockings, elevate legs, calf muscle exercises
pharmacological management of orthostatic hypotension
fludrocortisone
midodrine
what is the carotid sinus?
area of dilatation in the ICA which contains baroreceptors
role of baroreceptors
vasodilation
reduce HR
(when it feels increased pressure)
