Risk factors for Falls Flashcards
1
Q
What is a fall?
A
A fall is an event that causes a person to unintentionally rest onto the ground. It is not the result of a major event such as stroke.
2
Q
Who is at risk?
A
- Children; they fall during developmental stages due to being curious to their surroundings/ risk taking as levels of independence increase.
- Older adults; men have higher death rates due to falls as they have a higher level of risk taking behaviours and hazardous occupations.
3
Q
The Ageing process
A
- Ageing does not mean that you have a illness, but it means that illness can slowly cause an impact on you.
- The immune system is slower to respond and less able to defend attacks.
- Homeostasis is harder to maintain.
4
Q
The Ageing process (systems)
A
- Cardiovascular system: increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Musculoskeletal system: osteoporosis, osteoarthritis weakness.
- Digestive system: reduced gut motility and taste buds.
- Urinary/renal system: more likely to get a UTI.
- Endocrine system: type 2 diabetes.
- Immune system: less resistance to infection and less ability to cope with disease and illness.
- Nervous system: reduced response time, change in sleeping pattern and reduced cognition.
5
Q
The senses
A
- Hearing: problems maintaining balance as you sit, stand and walk.
- Vision: sensitivity and reduced visual field as well as poor lighting can increase falls.
- Sensation: decreased sensation in the feet or legs can cause individuals to underestimate surroundings causing them to fall.
6
Q
Falls= multifactorial
A
A fall is a result of a combination of many risk factors.
7
Q
Risk factors (P F)
A
8
Q
Risk factors (M)
A
9
Q
Risk factors (A)
A
10
Q
Risk factors (Pre F)
A
11
Q
Risk factors (M C)
A
12
Q
Risk factors (E H)
A
13
Q
Risk factors (I)
A
14
Q
Risk factor (M W)
A
15
Q
Risk factor (C I)
A
