Gerontological Nurse Test Falls Prevention and Safety in the Elderly

Question 1

Which standardized tool is most widely used in clinical settings to assess fall risk in hospitalized older adults?

Accepted Answer

Morse Fall Scale

Answer

Braden Scale

Answer

Norton Scale

Answer

Glasgow Coma Scale

Question 2

An older adult reports a fear of falling that has caused them to restrict their activities. The nurse recognizes this as:

Accepted Answer

Post-fall syndrome, which can lead to deconditioning and increased fall risk

Answer

Appropriate and adaptive caution that should be encouraged

Answer

A normal part of aging that requires no intervention

Answer

Anxiety disorder requiring psychiatric evaluation

Question 3

Which type of exercise has the strongest evidence for reducing fall risk in community-dwelling older adults?

Accepted Answer

Balance and strength training exercises such as Tai Chi

Answer

Aerobic exercise only

Answer

Swimming and water aerobics exclusively

Answer

Stretching and flexibility exercises alone

Question 4

A nurse is performing a home safety assessment for an older adult at risk for falls. Which finding requires the most urgent intervention?

Accepted Answer

Loose throw rugs throughout the hallways

Answer

A non-slip bath mat in the shower

Answer

Night lights installed in the bedroom and hallway

Answer

Grab bars installed beside the toilet

Question 5

Orthostatic hypotension is a significant fall risk factor in older adults. It is defined as a drop of at least:

Accepted Answer

20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic within 3 minutes of standing

Answer

5 mmHg systolic or 3 mmHg diastolic upon standing

Answer

30 mmHg systolic or 15 mmHg diastolic upon sitting

Answer

10 mmHg systolic or 5 mmHg diastolic upon standing

Question 6

Which patient factor is the single strongest predictor of future falls in an older adult?

Accepted Answer

History of one or more previous falls

Answer

Age older than 80 years

Answer

Female sex

Answer

Diagnosis of osteoporosis