Final answer:
The primary assessment tool for an elderly person with frequent falls, hallucinations, and increased muscle tone is a Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), which evaluates multiple health factors to identify potential causes of these symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary assessment tool in diagnosing an elderly person with frequent falls, hallucinations, and increased muscle tone is a Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). A CGA is an extensive evaluation designed to assess for multiple issues in older adults potentially contributing to physical and mental health problems. It includes a thorough review of the patient's medical, psychological, and functional capabilities. The elements of a CGA may cover a patient's medical history, physical examination, functional status, mental health, socio-environmental circumstances, and may also involve specific diagnostic tests to further evaluate the patient's condition.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to measure the electrical impulses in the heart and assess for problems with the heart's rhythm and electrical activity. This can be important when considering cardiac conditions that could contribute to falls, such as arrhythmias. However, an ECG is not specifically tailored to evaluate the broad range of potential causes for frequent falls and hallucinations in the elderly.
While there are several tests and measurement tools commonly used in medical examinations, including blood pressure measurements and bone density scans, these are not comprehensive enough to assess for the variety of issues an elderly person with these symptoms might be facing. Therefore, a CGA represents the most appropriate initial approach to capture the multifaceted aspects of the patient's health status that may be contributing to their presenting symptoms.