Risk Factors/Complications
This is the #1 risk factor for a future fall.
What is history of previous fall?
You suspect your fall patient had a cardiac etiology to their fall, and therefore should ask for these symptoms in the history.
What are chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath?
Your patient fell after standing up out of a chair. You should make sure you include this measurement in your physical exam.
What is orthostatic blood pressure?
What is a hip XR?
These are 3 home improvement modifications you can suggest your patient do to reduce falls in the bathroom.
What are removing slip rugs, installing hand rails, and raising the toilet seat?
After suffering a fall with injuries, many patients have a decline in this.
This is the most common substance abuse of the elderly that contributes to falls.
What is ETOH?
This is an in-office exam test to evaluate gait/balance problem and the risk for falls, loss of function, and mortality.
What is the timed get up and go test?
CT imaging is indicated when you suspect this injury in your fall patient.
This is the reference that you consult when considering what meds to prescribe or adjust for the elderly.
What is the Beers Criteria?
Help, I've fallen and I can't get up! (for 2 hours)
This is
What is the kidney?
This is the question you should ask to rule out loss of consciousness associated with a fall.
What is: "Do you remember falling?"
For the timed get up and go test, what is the time in seconds that would suggest the patient is at increased risk of fall?
What is 12 seconds?
This is the technique you should suggest to a patient in the event they fall, so they can get up on their own.
What is turning over to prone position, crawling to a strong support surface and pulling up?
These are 3 major complications from a patient remaining on the floor for 2+ hours after a fall.
These are 3 most likely etiologies for falls that happen BEFORE loss of consciousness.
What are orthostatic hypotension, cardiac arrhythmia, and neurologic etiologies?
These are the essential parts of the complete neurological exam.
You suspect a cardiac issue to be the reason for your patient's fall and order this diagnostic test initially.
What is an EKG?
This is the USPSTF grade B recommendation to prevent falls in adults aged 65+ who are at increased risk for falls.
What are exercise and Vitamin D supplementation?
Name 3 types of Beers that could contribute to a fall?
What are stouts, Belgian strong ales, and Keystone light?
This is the definition of fall according to Current Geriatrics.
(Must be 80% verbatim or you have to remediate)
What is: "Inadvertently coming to rest on the ground or other lower level with or without a loss of consciousness?"
These are 4 required physical exam findings when you evaluate a fall in an elderly patient.
What are complete neurological, vitals (including orthostatic), cardiac, and visual?
You should also check pulm, footwear, orthopedic, cognitive status.
What is TSH (and T4)?
These are 3 different classes that have anti-cholinergic effects that could contribute to falls in the elderly.
What are: 1st gen anti-histamines, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-spasmodics?