Question

An 82-year-old client is admitted with a fractured hip from a fall at home. The initial assessment reveals that the client is incontinent at times, suffers from dizziness when standing, and is on multiple medications. Which is the primary safety risk for this client?

1.Infection
2.Falls
3.Violence
4.Poisoning

Answer 1

The primary safety risk for this client is falls, which for elderly individuals can lead to severe complications such as hip fractures and life-threatening conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary safety risk for an 82-year-old client admitted with a fractured hip from a fall at home, who is incontinent at times, suffers from dizziness when standing, and is on multiple medications, is falls. Falls in the elderly, especially those with conditions such as osteoporosis, can lead to serious complications like hip fractures. These injuries can pose significant health risks, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia, which are often more dangerous than the fracture itself. The prevention of additional falls is crucial, as immobility during the healing process can lead to further complications such as pressure sores and urinary tract infections.