Reduced Mobility and Falls

Question 1

What are the risk factors for falls?

Answer 1

Lower limb muscle weakness,
Vision problems,
Balance/gait disturbance,
Polypharmacy,
Incontinence,
>65 years old,
Fear of falling,
Depression,
Postural hypotension,
Arthritis in lower limbs,
Psychoactive drugs,
Cognitive impairment

Question 2

Name some drugs which can cause postural hypotension?

Answer 2

Nitrites,
Diuretics,
Anticholinergic meds,
antidepressants,
Beta blockers,
L-Dopa,
ACEi

Question 3

What are some other meds which are associated with falls?

Answer 3

Benzodiazepines,
Opioids,
Antipsychotics,
Codeine,
Digoxin

Question 4

What are the investigations for a patient who falls?

Answer 4

BP,
Blood glucose,
Urine dip,
ECG
Routine bloods including bone profile.
X ray of chest/limbs, CT head

Question 5

How do you assess frailty?

Answer 5

Evaluation of gait speed,
PRISMA-7 questionnaire

Question 6

What factors can predispose to development of pressure ulcers?

Answer 6

Malnourishment,
Incontinence,
Lack of mobility
Pain which in turn reduced mobility

Question 7

What scorring system is used for pressure ulcers?

Answer 7

Waterlow score