RISK FACTORS
A history of falls
What is a strong predictor of future falls?
Throw rugs
What is a common home safety TRIPPING hazard?
These assessments can help identify people who are at high risk of falling
What is a Fall Risk Assessment?
Leave exam room door ajar
What intervention should be done to keep patient in view in exam room?
Vision problems
This problem can sometimes be fixed with wearing glasses or surgery (cataracts).
Postural hypotension
This can happen when blood pressure suddenly drops when rising from a laying or sitting position?
Tai Chi, Pilates, weight bearing exercises
What are examples of balance and strength training exercise?
A history of 2 falls or 1 with injury in the last year
What is a positive screen for fall risk?
Lock wheels
What intervention should we do to make sure wheelchair doesn't move?
Inner ear problems
This problem can cause dizziness and balance issues.
Spills, water from rain/snow/ice from shoes
What is a cause of wet conditions on the floor that could precipitate a fall?
Polypharmacy and side effects of medications
What can be a medication problem?
They should receive EDUCATION for fall risks
Anyone with a positive fall risk assessment should receive this?
Falling man
What intervention indicator should be placed outside door of patient at risk for falling?
Parkinson's disease
This problem can attribute to shuffling and tremors.
Shuffling, waddling, dragging foot
What is an example of an abnormal gait risk factor?
Bundle cords together
What is a safety measure to prevent falls over electrical cords?
DAILY DOUBLE!!
Falling man on schedule
What is the symbol on the SCHEDULE indicating a patient is a fall risk?
Advise patient to call for assistance before standing
What intervention should we tell the patient do before standing up if alone and at risk for falls?
Osteoporosis
This problem can increase risk for fracture after a fall.
Cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma
What is a risk factor related to a patient's vision?
Grab bars, handrails, non-slip mats
What item can be installed to help prevent falls?
Initiative created after noticing many falls occur because patient's are rushing to keep us with caregivers walking
What is the Walk Beside Me Initiative?
Assist with transfers into chairs
What intervention should we should we do when having an at risk patient move to a chair?
Lewy Body Dementia
This disease can result in movement issues similar to Parkinson's disease, such as slow walking, balance issue and difficulty initiating movements.