Author Question: A nurse is assessing an older adult's risk for falls. One of the questions that she asks is whether ... (Read 78 times)

justinmsk · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

A nurse is assessing an older adult's risk for falls. One of the questions that she asks is whether the older adult has fallen in the past year. She asks this because individuals who have fallen:

a. have a higher risk of falling again than persons who did not fall in the past year.
b. are more likely to sustain injuries if they fall again than persons who did not fall in the past year.
c. have most likely developed a fear of fall-ing as compared to persons who did not fall in the past year.
d. are most likely to have a balance disorder as compared to persons who did not fall in the past year.

Question 2

Which assessment finding is a contributor to an older client's risk for falls? (Select all that apply.)

a. Client is awaiting cataract surgery on right eye.
b. Client's type 2 diabetes is poorly con-trolled with diet and exercise alone.
c. Client reports a fall in the last year.
d. Client has a history of contact dermatitis and psoriasis.
e. Client attends Tai Chi classes at the senior center.

nixon_s · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
A history of falls is an important risk factor and individuals who have fallen have three times the risk of falling again than persons who did not fall in the past year. There is no evidence to sup-port the other three options.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, C
The correct options are those that affect the client's vision, presence of factors affecting sensa-tions in the legs and feet, and a history of falls. There is no research to connect the risk of falls with either of the skin conditions mentioned. Tai Chi improves balance, which decreases risk of falls.