You have a patient who is an 84-year-old widow, presents to…
You have a patient who is an 84-year-old widow, presents to the clinic with her daughter after experiencing two falls in the past month. One occurred while getting up quickly after dinner, and the other when she slipped on her bathroom floor during the night. She reports feeling “lightheaded” after meals and admits she avoids using her walker because it’s “too bulky.” Her daughter mentions that her mom takes at least eight medications, including a diuretic, a sedative at bedtime, and daily aspirin. The nurse notices that the patient is wearing slip-on shoes with worn soles, and her blood pressure drops from 138/76 lying to 112/64 standing. What factor most likely contributed to her fall?
Read DetailsYou have a 79-year-old male patient admitted to the hospital…
You have a 79-year-old male patient admitted to the hospital for management of congestive heart failure. He has a history of type 2 diabetes, mild cognitive impairment, and osteoarthritis. He wears bifocal glasses and reports occasional dizziness when standing. During his hospital stay, the nurse notes that Mr. D frequently gets out of bed without using the call light and was recently found trying to walk to the bathroom without assistance. His medications include metformin, furosemide, and a low-dose antipsychotic for sleep disturbances. He requires help with grooming and dressing. The nurse observes his footwear are hospital-issued socks with non-slip grips. Which factor increases his fall risk during hospitalization?
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