Final answer:
When assessing why an elderly patient fell, it is important to ask questions about environmental factors, medical conditions and medications, symptoms, previous falls, and recent lifestyle changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing why an elderly patient fell, there are several important questions to ask. These include:
- Were there any environmental factors that contributed to the fall? For example, were there any hazards in the home such as loose rugs or cluttered walkways?
- Did the patient have any medical conditions or take any medications that could have affected their balance or coordination?
- Was the patient experiencing any symptoms prior to the fall, such as dizziness or weakness?
- Has the patient fallen before, and if so, what were the circumstances?
- Have there been any recent changes in the patient's lifestyle or routine that could have contributed to the fall?