Falls Flashcards

1
Q

What side effect can statins cause that may influence risk of falls?

A

Rhabdomyolysis > proximal myopathy

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2
Q

What is osteomalacia?

A

Vitamin D deficiency in adults

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3
Q

What is the level of alkaline phosphatase in osteomalacia?

A

Highish

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4
Q

What is dynamic balance?

A

Balance when ambulant

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5
Q

Why is falling backwards, rather than on outstretched hands more likely in the elderly?

A

Quick reflex to break fall by extending hands not present in many elderly

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6
Q

What is sick sinus syndrome?

A

Degenerative disease of SA node due to fibrosis

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7
Q

How do cholinesterase inhibitors work?

A

Increase acetylcholine in synapse

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8
Q

What is the major side effect of cholinesterase inhibitors?

A

Bradycardia

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9
Q

How can falls be classified?

A

Due to major external factors
With impairment/loss of consciousness
Hot falls = acutely unwell but present with fall as non-specific marker of ill health
Cold falls = frail older people with multiple contributing factors

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10
Q

What are the intrinsic risk factors for falls?

A
Gait and balance impairment
Peripheral neuropathy
Vestibular dysfunction
Muscle weakness
Vision impairment
Medical illness
Advanced age
Impaired ADLs
Orthostatic hypotension
Dementia
Drugs
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11
Q

What are the extrinsic risk factors for falls?

A

Environmental hazards
Poor footwear
Restraints

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12
Q

What are some precipitating causes of falls?

A
Trips and slips
Acute medical illness
Drop attacks
Syncope
Dizziness
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13
Q

What sensory systems are needed for balance control?

A

Visual
Vestibular
Somatosensory

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14
Q

What are some dynamic balance assessments?

A

Movements during gait
Step test
Functional reach
Sternal push

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15
Q

What are some static balance assessments?

A

Step stance/single limb stance
Clinical test of sensory integration of balance (CTSIB)
Static stance

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16
Q

What are some balance tests conducted by doctors?

A

Romberg’s test
Timed up and go
Sternal push/shoulder tug

17
Q

What does the timed up and go test involve?

A
Standardised chair
Stand
Walk 3 m
Turn and walk back to chair
Sit down
Measure time it takes
18
Q

What are some exercises that help reduce the risk of falls?

A
Gait, balance, and functional training
Strength/resistance
Flexibility
Tai chi, qi gong, dance
General physical activity
Endurance
19
Q

What interventions can decrease the risk of falls?

A

Exercise
Home safety intervention
Primary care physician prescribing modification
Vitamin D if deficient