Falls Risk Assessment Case Study

The nurse would firstly identify if Mrs Jones is at risk of falls by conducting a falls risk assessment using an evaluation tool such as the Peninsula Health Falls Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) (ACSQHC, 2009). The falls risk assessment enables the nurse to identify any factors that may increase the risk of falls (ACSQHC, 2009). The falls risk assessment tool focuses on areas such as recent falls and past history of falls; psychological status for example, depression and anxiety; cognitive status; medications including diuretics, anti-hypertensives, anti-depressants, sedatives, anti-Parkinson’s and hypnotics; as well as taking into account any problems in relation to vision, mobility, behaviours, environment, nutrition, continence and activities

Fatigue, decreased mobility and impaired balance from the rheumatoid and osteoarthritis pain also increases the risk of falls (Stanmore et al., 2013). Age related changes such as sarcopenia causes muscle tone and strength to decrease, especially in the lower limbs and as a result, balance and gait become impaired (Culross, 2008). These factors significantly influence the risk of falls and also affect the ability to carry out daily activities therefore, with a physiotherapists assistance, the nurse could introduce a personalised exercise regime to enhance muscle tone and strength (Culross, 2008). According to Neuberger et al (1997), exercise lessens fatigue and improves muscle tone and balance in older people. Recommending an exercise programme for Mrs Jones that incorporates strength training exercises and aerobics, could potentially improve muscle tone and strength and as a result improve mobility, balance and lessen the risk of falls (Bird, Pittaway, Cuisick, Rattray & Ahuja, 2013). The nurse could also suggest safety precautions such as advising Mrs Jones to use a mobility aid (Gooberman-Hill & Ebrahim,

Dizziness is a common part of the aging process that can result from various factors including dehydration, malnutrition, peripheral and central disorders such as labyrinthitis; cardiovascular issues such as hypotension or the effects of certain medications (Fernández, Breinbauer & Delano, 2015). The nurse could speak with Mrs Jones to ascertain the type of dizziness that she experiences by identifying when the dizziness occurs and how often it occurs. If the dizziness is a result of dehydration or malnutrition, the nurse could recommend increasing fluid intake and refer Mrs Jones to a dietician to increase nutrient intake or if the dizziness is caused by any type of hypotension or inner ear problems, the nurse could refer Mrs Jones to her Doctor for treatment or provide strategies to reduce her symptoms (Bunn & Hooper, 2015; Fernández, Breinbauer & Delano, 2015; Gupta & Lipsitz,