Safety and Fall Prevention Flashcards
6 cards from real Senior Care practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Safety and Fall Prevention flashcards as text
Which exercise type is most beneficial for reducing fall risk in older adults?
Answer: Balance and strength training
Balance and strength training directly target the muscle weakness and instability that contribute to falls in seniors.
Why is the bathroom considered a high-risk fall zone for seniors?
Answer: Wet slippery surfaces, confined space, and the effort of transfers increase fall risk significantly
Wet floors, confined space, and the physical effort of sitting and standing during toileting make bathrooms a frequent fall location.
What does a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test assess in older adults?
Answer: Mobility, balance, and fall risk
The TUG test measures the time to rise from a chair, walk a short distance, turn, and return to sitting as a fall risk indicator.
Nocturia (frequent nighttime urination) increases fall risk in seniors because:
Answer: It forces residents to navigate to the bathroom when drowsy, in low light, and with reduced muscle readiness
Nighttime trips to the bathroom combine drowsiness, dim lighting, and reduced neuromuscular coordination, creating ideal conditions for a fall.
Which medication class prescribed to seniors with heart disease can cause dizziness leading to falls?
Answer: Antihypertensives (blood pressure medications)
Antihypertensives lower blood pressure, and if levels drop too much they can cause dizziness and orthostatic hypotension.
A caregiver notices that a resident's shoes are worn and the soles are smooth. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Document the observation and notify the nurse or social worker to arrange for proper footwear
Worn shoes with smooth soles are a fall hazard that must be reported so the care team can arrange for appropriate footwear.