Week 8 - Mobility Flashcards
What is Australia’s number one cause of injury hospitalization and death?
Falls.
What is the definition of a fall?
A fall is an event where an individual comes to rest on the ground or lower level, with or without loss of consciousness.
What are some risk factors for falls?
Walking unsteadily, confusion, agitation, physical inactivity, incontinence, physical health issues, previous falls, alcohol, and medication use.
Name three facts about seniors’ falls.
1) If you fall once, you’re more likely to fall again.
2) Women are three times more likely than men to be hospitalized due to falls.
3) Men are more likely to die from a fall-related injury.
What are the six fall injury levels?
None, minor, moderate, major, death, and unable to determine (UTD),
List four fall prevention steps.
Educate staff and families
Make environmental changes
Review medications
Assess clients after a fall to identify risk factors.
What is the HEAR ME checklist used for?
To help identify and mitigate hazards, educate residents, anticipate needs, round frequently, and ensure materials are in good condition to prevent falls
What are the goals of fall prevention for clients?
To maintain client safety and reduce the risk of injury.
Describe the “Timed Up and Go (TUG)” Test.
A mobility test where a client stands, walks three meters, turns, and sits down. A time of 12 seconds or more indicates an increased fall risk.
What are some impacts of falls?
Psychological effects, prolonged hospital stays, loss of independence, secondary complications (e.g., DVT), and low survival rates after hip fractures.
Name three assessment tools for fall risk.
Falls Risk for Older People in the Community (FROP-Com).
Timed Up and Go (TUG).
Test, and the Sit-to-Stand Tests.
What factors increase fall risk in the environment?
Design issues, lack of space, obstacles like wheelchairs, equipment misuse, and inadequate staffing.
What are some fall prevention interventions for high-risk clients?
Apply all low- and moderate-risk interventions, raise side rails, place a mattress on the floor, review medications, and assess the need for 1:1 monitoring.
What is the FROP-Com screen?
A shortened version of the FROP-Com assessment tool for quickly identifying common fall risk factors in older adults.
Describe the basic gait cycle phases.
Stance phase (weight on one limb) and swing phase (limb moves forward).
