Gerontological Nurse Test Falls Prevention and Safety in the Elderly 3

Question 1

A nurse is implementing universal fall precautions for all hospitalized older adults. Which intervention is a component of universal fall precautions?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring call lights are within reach and beds are in the lowest position

Answer

Universal fall precautions include keeping beds in the lowest position, call lights within reach, non-slip footwear provided, and bed brakes locked—applied to all patients regardless of assessed risk level.

Question 2

Which condition causing gait disturbance significantly increases fall risk in older adults and is characterized by a broad-based, shuffling gait and urinary incontinence?

Accepted Answer

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)

Answer

Normal pressure hydrocephalus presents with the classic triad of gait disturbance (magnetic gait), urinary incontinence, and cognitive decline, and is a treatable cause of falls in older adults.

Question 3

A nurse is assessing an older adult's vision as part of a fall risk evaluation. Which visual change associated with aging most directly increases fall risk?

Accepted Answer

Reduced contrast sensitivity and depth perception

Answer

Reduced contrast sensitivity impairs the ability to detect edges and surface changes, while decreased depth perception makes it difficult to judge distances and step heights, both directly contributing to falls.

Question 4

An older adult with a history of falls is started on a new antihypertensive. The nurse should prioritize teaching the patient to:

Accepted Answer

Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions and sit at the bedside before standing

Answer

Antihypertensives can cause or worsen orthostatic hypotension; teaching patients to change positions slowly allows time for compensatory cardiovascular adjustments and reduces fall risk.

Question 5

Hip protector pads are a secondary fall prevention strategy designed to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce the risk of hip fracture if a fall does occur

Answer

Hip protectors are secondary prevention devices that absorb or deflect impact forces during a fall, reducing hip fracture risk without preventing the fall itself.

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Falls Prevention and Safety in the Elderly 3