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Which patient has the highest risk of falling?

A. A 75-year old female with episodes of syncope.
B. A 36-year old female with a fractured tibia.
C. A 22-year old male with 3 fractured ribs and right arm in a cast.
D. A 63-year old male with angina pectoris.

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

A 75-year old female with syncope (option A) has the highest risk of falling due to the increased risk of osteoporotic fractures in the elderly, which can lead to serious complications from falls, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient with the highest risk of falling is A. A 75-year old female with episodes of syncope. This patient's age is a significant factor for increased risk of osteoporotic fractures and their episodes of syncope, which are sudden temporary losses of consciousness, can lead to falls. Osteoporosis mainly affects elderly individuals and can lead to serious complications such as hip fractures. Hip fractures in the elderly can be extremely dangerous, not due to the fracture itself, but due to the potential for life-threatening complications that arise from the immobility during the recovery process, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. Considering this, the 75-year old female is likely to have weakened bones and be at a higher risk for a fall and subsequent fracture, potentially resulting in severe health consequences.

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