A nurse reviews the history of a newly admitted patient. Which finding will alert the nurse that the patient is at risk for falls?
a. 55 years old
b. 20/20 vision
c. Urinary continence
d. Orthostatic hypotension
ANS: D
Numerous factors increase the risk of falls, including a history of falling, being age 65 or over, reduced vision, orthostatic hypotension, lower extremity weakness, gait and balance problems, urinary incontinence, improper use of walking aids, and the effects of various medications (e.g., anticonvulsants, hypnotics, sedatives, certain analgesics).
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