The nurse recognizes that which factors place a client at increased risk for falls? Select all that apply. A)Age of 50 B)Diagnosis of ovarian cancer C)Lying pulse 80/min, standing pulse 110/min D)Osteoarthritis of knees E)Takes carbidopa/levodopa F)Uses a cane to ambulate

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Positive orthostatic vital signs (eg, rise in pulse of ≥20/min) indicate increased risk of syncope and falls (Option C). Osteoarthritis of the knees limits joint mobility, increasing the risk for falls. Presence of IV therapy, wet floors, rooms congested with furniture, and improper toilet seat or bed height are factors that increase this risk (Option D). Carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet) is an antiparkinson medication. Parkinson disease increases the risk of falls due to gait abnormality (eg, shuffling gait). Carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet) may also cause dizziness, involuntary movements, and orthostatic hypotension, further increasing the risk for falls (Option E). The use of an ambulatory aid such as a cane, walker, or crutches indicates a balance/gait problem and places the client at higher risk of falling (Option F). (Option A) Fall risk does not increase until age >65-75. (Option B) Ovarian cancer does not inherently affect cognition and neurologic or muscular function and is therefore not a risk for falling. Advanced disease with weakness, perhaps from the treatment, could constitute a risk for a fall. Educational objective: Fall risks include using assistive ambulatory devices, orthostasis, taking sedatives or antiparkinson medications, or being age >65-70.

The Nurse Recognizes That Which Factors Place a Client at Increased