Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

In assessing an elderly patient for fall risk, which factor is most critical to evaluate?

1. Patient’s previous fall history.

2. Patient’s medication regimen.

3. Patient's mobility status.

4. Patient's family support.

The correct answer is: Patient’s previous fall history.

Assessing an elderly patient's fall risk requires a comprehensive understanding of various factors that contribute to their overall stability and safety. One of the most critical factors to evaluate is the patient's previous fall history. A history of past falls is often indicative of underlying issues that may predispose the patient to future falls, including balance problems, weakness, or environmental hazards. Knowing how many falls the patient has experienced, the circumstances surrounding those falls, and any resulting injuries can provide valuable insights for tailoring prevention strategies. This information helps guide interventions such as physical therapy, modifications to the living environment, and education focused on safety measures. Other aspects, while important, do not independently capture the multifaceted nature of fall risk as effectively as previous fall history. For example, a patient’s medication regimen may influence their risk through side effects like dizziness, but without knowledge of prior falls, these medications might not be addressed comprehensively. Similarly, mobility status and family support are relevant but don't provide as direct an insight into the risk as fall history does. Evaluating each factor is vital, but the patient's past falls serve as a key predictor of future risk.