Trauma (Elderly/Frail Non-Injury Fall)

Question 1

What are the 3 categories for the cause of an elderly fall?

Answer 1

• environmental/mechanical
• known medical/pharmacological
  
  • unanticipated event (AMI or seizure)

Question 2

what are some key factors when assessing falls risk of an elderly patient?

Answer 2

• sensory impairment
• medications - recent changes to their medication regimen, multiple medications or specifically being on cardiovascular meds
• mobility issues or uses mobility aids
• altered cognitive state
• continence issues
• environment is unsafe - stairs, rugs, wires, poor footwear
• hx of falls
• depression

Question 3

Recite the CPG for Elderly/Frail Non-Injury Fall

Answer 3

Question 4

What assessment is required when assessing an elderly/frail non-injury fall?

Answer 4

• does the patient have full recall of how the fall occurred?
• is the fall likely due to a mechanical/environmental issue that can be resolved?
• was the patient able to get up without assistance or call for help relatively quickly?
  
  • considering the key factors when assessing a falls patient are they considered low risk to have subsequent falls?

Question 5

If a patient is a low risk of having falls you should

Answer 5

• contact the GP for falls risk assessment
• OR
• with the patients consent contact a family member or friend to support pt
• outline the risk of subsequent falls with potential for serious injuries and encourage follow up with the GP

Question 6

If the patient is at risk of having recurrent falls you should…

Answer 6

• the patient required medical follow up
• strongly recommend that the patient accepts transport to appropriate and/or nearest available hospital
• if within reasonable timeframe non emerg transport may be appropriate
• if pt refuses transport
  
  • contact GP to discuss falls risk assessment
  • AND
  • request pts consent to contact a family member or friend to support