LVN Geriatric Care 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which assessment tool is most commonly used by LVNs to evaluate fall risk in elderly patients?
- Glasgow Coma Scale
- Morse Fall Scale (Correct answer)
- Braden Scale
- Norton Scale
Correct answer: Morse Fall Scale
The Morse Fall Scale scores patients on factors such as fall history, gait, and IV use to identify those at high risk for falls.
Question 2: An elderly patient with arthritis is at risk for skin breakdown. Which position change schedule is recommended to prevent pressure injuries?
- Every 4 hours
- Every 2 hours (Correct answer)
- Every 6 hours
- Once per shift
Correct answer: Every 2 hours
Repositioning every 2 hours is the standard recommendation to relieve pressure and prevent skin breakdown in immobile patients.
Question 3: A patient scores 14 on the Braden Scale. What does this indicate?
- Low pressure ulcer risk
- Moderate pressure ulcer risk (Correct answer)
- High pressure ulcer risk
- No risk present
Correct answer: Moderate pressure ulcer risk
A Braden Scale score of 13–14 indicates moderate risk; lower scores indicate greater vulnerability to pressure injuries.
Question 4: Which environmental modification is the most effective first-line intervention to prevent falls in a geriatric unit?
- Applying wrist restraints at night
- Ensuring adequate lighting and clear pathways (Correct answer)
- Keeping all bed rails raised
- Limiting fluid intake to reduce nighttime toileting
Correct answer: Ensuring adequate lighting and clear pathways
Adequate lighting and uncluttered pathways reduce tripping hazards and are the safest, most effective environmental fall prevention measures.
Question 5: An 85-year-old patient has a stage 2 pressure injury on the coccyx. Which wound description matches stage 2?
- Intact skin with non-blanchable redness
- Partial-thickness skin loss with a shallow open wound (Correct answer)
- Full-thickness tissue loss with visible bone
- Full-thickness skin loss with slough
Correct answer: Partial-thickness skin loss with a shallow open wound
Stage 2 pressure injuries involve partial-thickness skin loss presenting as a shallow open wound or intact or ruptured blister.
Question 6: Which footwear instruction should the LVN provide to reduce fall risk in an ambulatory elderly patient?
- Wear thick socks without shoes for comfort
- Wear well-fitting non-skid footwear at all times when up (Correct answer)
- Wear slippers that are easy to slip on and off
- Go barefoot to improve proprioception
Correct answer: Wear well-fitting non-skid footwear at all times when up
Well-fitting non-skid footwear provides traction and stability, directly reducing the risk of slipping and falling.
Question 7: A nursing home patient is found on the floor. After ensuring safety, what is the LVN's next priority action?
- Immediately assist the patient back to bed
- Document the incident and notify the family
- Assess for injury before moving the patient (Correct answer)
- Apply a vest restraint to prevent future falls
Correct answer: Assess for injury before moving the patient
The patient must be assessed for injury — especially fractures or head trauma — before being moved to avoid worsening any injuries.
LVN Geriatric Care 3
Which assessment tool is most commonly used by LVNs to evaluate fall risk in elderly patients?