A 99-year-old resident has fallen. Which of the following ...

[Mr3Hunna]

A 99-year-old resident has fallen. Which of the following functional consequences of this fall most strongly impacts the plan of care?
 
  A) A 99-year-old is at much higher risk of a fracture from a fall than a younger person.
  B) A 99-year-old is more likely to have limited range of motion, impacting performance of some activities of daily living (ADLs).
  C) A 99-year-old who has fallen is unlikely to develop fear of falls.
  D) A 99-year-old will have diminished muscle strength related to muscle mass loss.

Question 2

Which of the following nursing interventions should be the priority for a nurse working in a retirement community?
 
  A) Using restraints to keep nursing home residents from getting out of chairs unattended
  B) Establishing a fall-prevention program for residents at risk
  C) Using cordless phones or emergency call systems for residents in assisted living
  D) Using a monitoring device for people who live alone in their own home

[bob]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
The functional consequence of the fall is risk for future falls which may include a risk for fractures. Osteoporotic fractures occur with little or no trauma to the older adult, and risk of fractures increases in direct relation to age. While a 99-year-old may have slowed performance of ADLs and decreased muscle mass, the high risk for falls is the most important factor (also note these are not consequences of the fall). Fear of falling is a major concern that impacts many residents of long-term care facilities.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Formal fall-prevention programs are implemented in home care and health care settings. These programs can address multiple risk factors, focusing on those who are at risk for falls and the consistent implementation of preventive measures.