1 Fall-Risk Assessment Free Online FlashCards

What three questions make up the STEADI fall-risk screen?

Ask: Have you fallen in the past year? Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking? Are you worried about falling?

What Stay Independent checklist score flags increased fall risk?

A score of 4 or higher meets the checklist’s at-risk threshold.

What areas should a focused fall-risk assessment cover?

Assess fall history, gait, strength, balance, orthostatic symptoms and blood pressure, vision, feet and footwear, medications, and relevant health conditions.

What details should follow-up questions gather about previous falls?

Ask how many falls occurred, when and where they happened, what the person was doing, whether there was an injury, and what happened immediately beforehand.

What might repeated falls while walking to the bathroom at night warrant assessing?

Repeated nighttime falls can point to circumstances needing further assessment, such as mobility, vision, toileting needs, or environmental conditions.

What Timed Up and Go time indicates increased fall risk?

A Timed Up and Go time of 12 seconds or longer indicates increased fall risk in CDC STEADI materials.

What is significant about a blood pressure change from 142/78 lying to 118/72 standing with dizziness?

The systolic pressure has dropped by 24 mm Hg, and dizziness on standing is an abnormal orthostatic finding associated with increased fall risk.

What medication-related effects matter in a fall-risk assessment?

Review prescription and nonprescription medicines and note effects such as sedation, dizziness, confusion, or low blood pressure.

Does having no fall history establish that a person is at low risk?

No. Interpret findings together and in the context of usual function; concerning gait or balance findings and improper use of a walking aid matter even without prior falls.

What does a “yes” to a STEADI screening question mean?

A “yes” to any question indicates increased fall risk and calls for a focused assessment. A positive screen is not a prediction that a fall will occur.

How should a reported fall be treated when the checklist score is below 4?

A reported fall still warrants attention even when the checklist score is below 4.

What should be observed during a Timed Up and Go test?

Observe gait, balance, turning, and use of any walking aid. Interpret the time alongside the person’s history and other findings.