Medication Management and Fall Prevention in Older Adults

Question 1

Changes in body composition

Answer 1

Decreased lean body mass

Question 2

Changes in Cardiovascular system

Answer 2

Decreased myocardial sensitivity to beta-adrenergic stimulation
Decreased baroreceptor activity
Decreased cardiac output

Question 3

Changes in the CNS

Answer 3

Alterations in several aspects of cognition

Question 4

Changes in the pulmonary system

Answer 4

Decreased:
Respiratory muscle strength
Chest wall compliance
Total alveolar surface
Vital capacity
Maximal breathing capacity

Question 5

Changes in sensory system

Answer 5

Decreased accommodation of the lens of the eye, causing farsightedness
Presbycusis (loss of auditory acuity)
Decreased conduction velocity

Question 6

Changes in the skeletal system

Answer 6

Loss of skeletal bone mass (osteopenia)

Question 7

Non-modifiable risk factors for falls

Answer 7

Age-related (muscle weakness)
Comorbidities (impaired balance, mobility and ADL; arthritis; stroke; diabetes; HTN; heart disease; dementia)

Question 8

Modifiable risk factors for falls

Answer 8

Medication use
Poor foot care
Unsafe footwear
Impaired vision
Hearing problems
Unsafe environment

Question 9

Consequences of falls

Answer 9

Fear of falling
Loss of confidence, mobility, and ability to live independently
Admission to hospital
Eventual institutional relocation

Question 10

Medications that can lead to falls

Answer 10

Hypnotics-anxiolytics with long t 1/2
TCAs
Antipsychotics

Question 11

Possible FRIDs

Answer 11

Statins
PPI’s