When assessing an older adult for intrinsic risk factors for ...

[Deast7027]

When assessing an older adult for intrinsic risk factors for falls, the nurse is particularly interested in which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. An unsteady gait when asked to walk without assistance
  b. The presence of throw rugs in the living room of the home
  c. The patient's report that he wears correc-tive lenses
  d. An inability to see changes in height be-cause of poor lighting
  e. Evidence of short-term memory deficien-cy

Question 2

Although the family of a newly widowed older adult patient lives several hours away, they are interested in providing appropriate support. The nurse suggests it would be most helpful if they would
 
  a. telephone daily and arrange for a neighbor to help with the shopping.
  b. assume responsibility for paying the bills and upkeep of the home.
  c. encourage the patient to move into a smaller home and learn to drive.
  d. include the patient in their yearly vacation plans

[mcabuhat]

Answer to Question 1

A, C, E
The most salient observations for intrinsic risk factors for falls relate to gait, balance, stability, and cognition. Intrinsic risk factors are a combination of age-related changes and concurrent dis-ease. The other two options are extrinsic factors, which relate to the environment.

Answer to Question 2

A
Loneliness and problems associated with the tasks of daily living are two of the most common and difficult adjustments for older bereaved spouses. Calling daily will help alleviate the loneli-ness. Taking over responsibilities may take away the only thing the patient has left. Learning to drive may be important, but the family should not encourage the patient to make a major life decision like moving now. Taking the patient on vacation is a nice idea, but this occurs yearly versus calling daily.