Fall Assessment, Prevention & Management

The Morse Fall Risk Assessment tool is used to objectively evaluate a patient's risk of harm from falls. It categorizes the fall risk as High, Moderate, or Low. This tool is commonly used in healthcare settings to identify patients who are at a higher risk of falling and implement appropriate interventions to prevent falls and minimize harm. The other options listed are not specific fall risk assessment tools and may not provide the same level of objective evaluation.

The correct answer is "All of the above." This is because diuretics, hypoglycemic medications, and laxatives can all have an impact on the patient's physiological balance. Diuretics increase urine production and can affect fluid and electrolyte levels in the body. Hypoglycemic medications lower blood sugar levels and can impact the body's glucose regulation. Laxatives stimulate bowel movements and can affect the digestive system and nutrient absorption. Therefore, all of these medications have the potential to disrupt the patient's physiological balance.

A near fall refers to a sudden loss of balance that does not lead to a fall or any physical harm. It is a temporary loss of equilibrium that can be caused by various factors such as tripping, stumbling, or momentarily losing control of one's body. Unlike an accidental fall, a near fall does not result in an actual fall or injury. This term is commonly used to describe incidents where an individual experiences a brief moment of imbalance but is able to regain their stability without falling.

An un-witnessed fall refers to a situation where a patient is found on the floor without anyone observing or knowing how they ended up there. This term is used when neither the patient nor anyone else can provide an explanation for the fall. It implies that the fall was not witnessed by anyone, making it difficult to determine the cause or any contributing factors.

The FPOC should submit the completed form to the Quality Team within 24 hours from the time of the physician follow-up visit. This time frame allows for a reasonable amount of time for the FPOC to complete the necessary documentation and submit it to the Quality Team for review. It ensures that the information is received in a timely manner, allowing for efficient processing and follow-up actions if needed.

A fall is defined as a sudden, uncontrolled, unintentional, downward displacement of the body to the ground or other object, excluding falls resulting from violent blows or other purposeful actions.

The correct answer is "Mobilize cervical spine if head and neck pain is reported or suspected." The other steps mentioned in the question are part of the post-fall management procedure. However, mobilizing the cervical spine should not be done if there is head and neck pain or suspicion of injury, as it can potentially worsen the condition. It is important to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient by not moving them initially, calling for assistance, and checking for other potential injuries.

A basic home safety assessment should include assessing and documenting the patient's functional limitations, impaired mobility, and patient history of falls. However, it does not need to include documenting normal balance, gait, or strength as these factors are not typically considered part of a home safety assessment.

The correct answer is "Assure improper lighting." This means that ensuring there is improper lighting is not a recommended intervention for preventing falls. Proper lighting is important in order to provide a safe environment and prevent accidents.

The correct answer is 72 hours. This means that if a patient experiences a fall, the BAH physician must conduct a follow-up visit to the patient within 72 hours. This is important to ensure that any injuries or complications from the fall are properly assessed and treated in a timely manner. A follow-up visit within 72 hours allows the physician to monitor the patient's condition and provide any necessary interventions or referrals.