Fall Risk Quiz: Can You Keep Patients Safe?

1. Which of the following is the primary cause of falls in hospitalized elderly patients?

Medication side effects and orthostatic hypotension

Poor lighting in patient rooms

Inadequate staffing ratios

Lack of patient education

2. What does the Morse Fall Scale primarily assess?

Patient's cognitive function

Fall risk level using six variables

Bone density and fracture risk

Balance and gait stability only

3. Environmental hazards that increase fall risk include all of the following except:

Wet or slippery floors

Adequate lighting and clear pathways

Loose carpets and clutter

Poorly placed furniture

4. Which medication class most commonly increases fall risk in older adults?

Benzodiazepines and sedatives

Antibiotics

Vitamin supplements

Topical ointments

5. A patient with a recent stroke demonstrates weakness on one side. What fall prevention strategy is most appropriate?

Complete bed rest to prevent activity

Supervised ambulation with assistive device and gait belt

Restrict all mobility for safety

Encourage independent walking without assistance

6. Orthostatic hypotension is best managed by:

Rapid position changes

Slow position changes and adequate hydration

Keeping patients supine

Increasing diuretic medications

7. Which intrinsic factor most significantly contributes to fall risk in the elderly?

Weather conditions

Impaired balance and proprioception

Hospital visiting hours

Television watching

8. True or False: Bed rails alone are an effective fall prevention strategy.

True

False

9. What is the most important intervention for a patient at high fall risk?

Implementing individualized fall prevention protocols

Restraining the patient

Avoiding mobilization

Increasing sedation

10. Which sensory deficit most directly increases fall risk?

Color blindness

Vision loss and depth perception impairment

Slight hearing loss

Reduced taste sensation

11. A patient on anticoagulation therapy falls and hits their head. What is the immediate priority?

Reassure the patient and monitor

Assess neurological status and evaluate for intracranial injury

Document the fall only

Increase fall precautions only

12. Footwear that best prevents falls includes:

Loose slippers with no grip

High heels or platform shoes

Non-slip soles with ankle support

Going barefoot for better balance

Submit

14. True or False: Vitamin D supplementation has no role in fall prevention.