Chapter 11 (MIDTERM) Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is the leading cause of fatal injuries or non injuries in older adults
Falls
What is the type of fall that refers to a series of falls that occur before the onset of illness or disease?
Prodromal falling
After a fall what are the key initial assessment points??
Level of consciousness
Circulation
Airway and breathing
Head to toe assessment and vitals after assessing the patient is stable
What are risk for falling with older adults?
Vision changes
Hearing changes
Cardiovascular factors
Musculoskeletal factors
Neurologic factors
In advancing years and eye glare may occur, causing temporary visual disturbances. What is this called?
Cataracts
Loss of high tone frequencies is called what
Presbycusis
What is age related changes affecting the inner ear?
Atrophy of the ossicle in the inner ear, which causes changes in sound conduction
Older individuals with hearing impairments are more susceptible to falling because of what?
The feedback to the brain is altered and balance is disrupted
With orthostatic hypotension it is important to educate the client on what
Change position slowly, and dangle the legs a few minutes once arising from a supine position
One of the most universal age related changes affecting the neurological system is what
Slowing in reaction time
What type of shoes are preferred for fall risk patients?
Leather sole
Low heeled with laces
How is fall risk categorized?
Intrinsic factors (illness or disease related)
Extrinsic (environmental)
As you are keeping your patient safe from falls, it is still important to keep in mind what?
Still have respect for the patients autonomy
What is the most commonly cited place where falls occur in the home?
Last step of the staircase
What interventions can help patients with reducing the risk of falling on steps
Teach individual to count the steps
Reinstalling new hand rails
What should be avoided in a shower for an older adult?
Bar soap
Type of intervention that alter behaviors to achieve positive outcomes.
This intervention first requires the patient to recognize the behaviors that are contributing to problems. It also requires the patients to make conscious attempts
Behavioral modification
What is the term bipedal/ambulatory mean with falls
The patient is upright or walking when they fall
What is the term nonbipedal with falls?
The patient is sitting or lying down when they fall
What is Isolated falling?
A fall that is a one-time event that was most likely purely accidental
What are Cluster falls?
A group of falls that are observed among individuals with specific diseases who decompensate
What are premonitory falls?
Falls that are produced due to a specific medical illness.
Ex: new onset of stroke, seizure, positional vertigo
What is prodromal falling?
Onset of frequent fall heralding an acute medical problem.
Ex: infection
Type of fall:
Sudden leg weakness without loss of consciousness
Drop attack
