Gerontological Nurse Test Falls Prevention and Safety in the Elderly

Question 1

Which standardized tool is most widely used in clinical settings to assess fall risk in hospitalized older adults?

Accepted Answer

Morse Fall Scale

Answer

The Morse Fall Scale assesses six risk factors—fall history, secondary diagnosis, ambulatory aids, IV therapy, gait, and mental status—to quantify fall risk in hospitalized patients.

Question 2

An older adult reports a fear of falling that has caused them to restrict their activities. The nurse recognizes this as:

Accepted Answer

Post-fall syndrome, which can lead to deconditioning and increased fall risk

Answer

Fear of falling leading to activity restriction creates a vicious cycle of deconditioning, muscle weakness, and balance deterioration that paradoxically increases fall risk.

Question 3

Which type of exercise has the strongest evidence for reducing fall risk in community-dwelling older adults?

Accepted Answer

Balance and strength training exercises such as Tai Chi

Answer

Tai Chi and other balance and strength training programs have robust evidence for reducing fall frequency and improving postural stability in older adults.

Question 4

A nurse is performing a home safety assessment for an older adult at risk for falls. Which finding requires the most urgent intervention?

Accepted Answer

Loose throw rugs throughout the hallways

Answer

Loose throw rugs are a major fall hazard because they can slip, bunch, or catch a shuffling foot; removing them is an immediate and high-priority intervention.

Question 5

Orthostatic hypotension is a significant fall risk factor in older adults. It is defined as a drop of at least:

Accepted Answer

20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic within 3 minutes of standing

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a systolic BP decrease of ≥20 mmHg or diastolic decrease of ≥10 mmHg within three minutes of moving from lying or sitting to standing.

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Falls Prevention and Safety in the Elderly