An older adult patient experienced a fall and required treatment for a fractured hip on the orthopedic unit

Question

Which of the following are contributory factors to the incidence of falls and fractured hips among the older adult population? Select all that apply.
A) Loss of visual acuity
B) Adverse medication effects
C) Slowed reflexes
D) Hearing loss
E) Muscle weakness

Answer 1

Ans: A, B, C, E
Feedback:
Older adults are generally vulnerable to falls and have a high incidence of hip fracture. Weak quadriceps muscles, medication effects, vision loss, and slowed reflexes are among the factors that contribute to the incidence of falls. Decreased hearing is not noted to contribute to the incidence of falls.