Question

Explain the factors contributing to patients' risk of falling.

Answer 1

COMMON RISK FACTORS FOR FALLING:

the fear of falling.limitations in mobility and undertaking the activities of daily living.impaired walking patterns(gait)impaired balance.to monitor falls incidence is a consistent manner,healthcare professionals need to agree on the definition of a fall.a widely accepted definition is an unplannes descent to the floor with or withpout injury to the patient."the nursing daignosis for risk of falls is increased suspectibility to falling that may cause physical harm

to help identify patients risk factors for falls and guide interventions to prevent falls in acute care settings,falls commonly are classified as :

-anticipated physiologic falls

-un anticipated physiologic falls or

-accidental falls

in additional,some clinicians classify risk factors as intrinsic or extrinsic.

INTRINSIC :risk factors for falls-those originating with in the individual include:-

-low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension caused by standing,dehydration,or muscle weakness(most nostable in the lower extremities)

-impaired mobility,unstable gait,or poor balance due to pain,musculoskeletal deformities,or neurologic disorders.

-foot problems that cause pain or paresthesias (such as a peripheral neuropathy.

-impaired vision due to poor depth perception,glacoma,or cataract.

EXTRINSIC:risk factors originate outside the individual.they include conditions in the physical environment,such as poor lightining,clutter,a slippery floor due to a spill,and an uneven threshold.