Maintaining Mobility

Question 1

Define proprioception

Answer 1

the sense, independent of vision, of movements and position of the body in space

Question 2

Define sarcopenia

Answer 2

the loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function

Question 3

Define syncope

Answer 3

a brief lapse of consciousness, caused by transient cerebral hypoxia– fainting

Question 4

What effects mobility and agility?

Answer 4

strength of the muscles, flexibility, postural stability, vibratory sensation, cognition, and perceived stability

Question 5

What are some of the consequences of immobility?

Answer 5

-dehydration
-bronchial pneumonia
-contractures
-DVT
-constipation
-pressure ulcers
-incontinence
-hypothermia
-loss of independence
-isolation and depression

Question 6

What percentage of seniors fall each year?

Answer 6

20-30%

Question 7

What can a fall indicate?

Answer 7

neurological, sensory, cognitive, medication-related, osteoporotic, or musculo-skeletal problems, or may indicate impending physical illness– the cause of a fall is usually an interaction between an environmental factor, such as a wet floor, and an intrinsic factor, such as limited vision

Question 8

What makes up a post-fall assessment?

Answer 8

history, medication review, physical examination, functional assessment, environmental assessment

Question 9

Define restraints

Answer 9

physical (bed rails), chemical (medications) or environmental (seclusion) measures used to control the physical or behavioural activity of a person or a portion of their body

Question 10

What are some alternatives to using restraints?

Answer 10

-work with the interprofessional team
-lower the bed to the lowest level
-place a soft floor mat by the bed to cushion any falls
-remove the wheels from the bed
-ensure pain is well managed
-provide diversional activities

Question 11

What can be done to prevent falls in older persons

Answer 11

-gait training
-medication review
-exercise programs to improve balance training
-assessment and treatment of postural hypotension and cardiovascular disorders
-environmental hazard modification
-staff education

Question 12

Define hyperthermia

Answer 12

when the body termp rises above normal ranges because of environmental or metabolic heat loads, a clinical condition called heat illness– a medical emergency

Question 13

Define hypothermia

Answer 13

low body heat that is the clinical core temp below 35 degrees– a medical emergency

Question 14

What are the factors associated with low body temp in older persons?

Answer 14

aging
low environmental temp
thinness and malnutrition
poverty
living along
nocturia and night rising
orthostatic hypotension