Question

A nurse is discussing the risk of falling with the family of a 75-year-old patient. The family asks, Why are you so worried about her falling? She falls all the time and doesn't get hurt much. To which fact should the nurse's response relate?

a. Falls are the most frequent cause of accidental injury and death among older adults.
b. Worrying is probably unnecessary because she hasn't been hurt in the past.
c. Falls usually occur in institutional settings.
d. Falls by older adults are not preventable.

Answer 1

The nurse should emphasize that falls are a significant risk for older adults and can lead to serious injuries such as fractures, head injuries, and complications like deep vein thrombosis. Preventing falls is important to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's response should relate to fact a. Falls are the most frequent cause of accidental injury and death among older adults. While the family may argue that the patient hasn't been seriously hurt in the past, the nurse should emphasize that falls are a significant risk for older adults and can lead to serious injuries such as fractures, head injuries, and complications like deep vein thrombosis. Preventing falls is important to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.