A woman admitted, "I did fall once, but it was an accident that I'm sure won't happen again." Which of the following responses would be most appropriate for the nurse? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. "Are you getting lots of calcium and vitamin D? Are you drinking milk or taking calcium pills?"
b. "Do you have a couple glasses of wine each evening to relax you before you go to bed?"
c. "Do you live in a one-story house and are your floors even without rugs to trip you up?"
d. "Let me give you some balance and leg muscle exercises to practice at home each day."
e. "Remember that if you start to fall, fall sideways if you can to minimize injury."
f.
"Review what medications you are taking."

Answer 1

ANS: A, C, D, F
Simple exercises that strengthen leg muscles and exercises that can improve balance are recommended to be done daily. Adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, obtaining a bone density test, and taking medications that are available for slowing bone loss are activities that can help prevent falls. Seniors can also improve their environment to reduce their risk of falling by checking floor surfaces and curb heights; identifying weather-related problems before venturing outside; wearing supportive, low-heeled shoes; making sure that rooms are well lit; and ensuring that safety equipment is installed in bathrooms and stairwells. In the event of a fall, if the senior remembers to fall forward or backward or to land on their hands to break a fall, it will lessen the risk of hip fracture. Uneven surfaces such as sidewalks, curbs, or floor elevations; wet or slippery ground; and climbing up on household items not intended for climbing can result in loss of footing or loss of traction. Drinking alcoholic beverages increases the risk of falling because alcohol slows reflexes and response time; causes dizziness, sleepiness, or light-headedness; and alters balance. Medications such as blood pressure pills, heart medicines, diuretics, and tranquilizers may increase the risk of falling.