Parkinson's Parkinson's Fall Prevention and Safety

Question 1

What is the most common serious injury resulting from falls in Parkinson's disease patients?

Accepted Answer

Hip fracture

Answer

Hip fractures are the most common serious injury from falls in PD patients and can significantly worsen long-term prognosis.

Question 2

The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is used in Parkinson's disease primarily to assess:

Accepted Answer

Fall risk and mobility

Answer

The TUG test — timing a patient standing, walking 3 meters, turning, and returning to sit — is a reliable predictor of fall risk in PD.

Question 3

Freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease increases fall risk primarily because:

Accepted Answer

The sudden inability to move forward disrupts balance and momentum

Answer

Freezing of gait causes sudden motor blocks where feet feel glued to the floor, disrupting balance and momentum and frequently triggering forward falls.

Question 4

Which environmental modification is most recommended for Parkinson's patients to reduce fall risk at home?

Accepted Answer

Removing loose rugs and clutter from walkways

Answer

Loose rugs and clutter are major trip hazards; removing them is a primary fall prevention strategy since PD patients shuffle and cannot easily lift their feet over obstacles.

Question 5

Which medication class used in Parkinson's disease is most associated with increased fall risk due to orthostatic hypotension?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine agonists

Answer

Dopamine agonists can cause orthostatic hypotension — a sudden blood pressure drop when standing — leading to dizziness and increased fall risk.

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Parkinson's Fall Prevention and Safety