CPC Geriatric Care and Fall Prevention

Question 1

The 'STEADI' (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) initiative defines older adults as being at HIGH risk for falls if they:

Accepted Answer

Report 2 or more falls in the past year, 1 fall with injury, or have difficulty walking or balance problems

Answer

Are aged 65 and have taken a single over-the-counter pain medication

Answer

Have a BMI over 30 and live alone

Answer

Take more than 3 prescription medications for any condition

Question 2

Polypharmacy in geriatric patients is a significant fall risk factor. Which class of medications is MOST commonly associated with an increased fall risk in elderly patients?

Accepted Answer

Psychotropic medications (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics) and antihypertensives

Answer

Antibiotics

Answer

Proton pump inhibitors

Answer

Vitamins and supplements

Question 3

When assessing a 78-year-old patient for cognitive impairment during a home visit, which brief cognitive screening tool is most commonly used?

Accepted Answer

Mini-Cog (3-word recall + clock draw)

Answer

PHQ-9

Answer

CAGE questionnaire

Answer

Barthel Index

Question 4

The 'FRAT' (Fall Risk Assessment Tool) categorizes fall risk. A 79-year-old patient who has had 2 falls in the past year, takes a benzodiazepine, and lives alone would MOST likely be classified as:

Accepted Answer

High risk — multiple FRAT risk factors present

Answer

Low risk — single fall is common in the elderly

Answer

Moderate risk — only one modifiable factor identified

Answer

No risk — falls are normal in this age group

Question 5

Which environmental modification is MOST evidence-based for reducing fall risk in elderly patients living at home?

Accepted Answer

Installing grab bars in bathrooms and improving lighting, especially on stairs

Answer

Removing all furniture from the home to prevent obstacles

Answer

Purchasing thick carpeting to cushion falls

Answer

Advising the patient to avoid using the bathroom at night

Question 6

The Otago Exercise Programme is an evidence-based fall prevention exercise program that specifically includes:

Accepted Answer

Strengthening exercises and balance retraining in the home, tailored to the individual's ability

Answer

High-intensity cardiovascular training for older adults

Answer

Group aerobic classes at community centers

Answer

Aquatic therapy for patients with osteoporosis