Saunders NCLEX Developmental Practice Test

Making changes you can control to prevent falls is the key idea. Two modifiable fall risk factors are polypharmacy and home hazards.

Polypharmacy raises fall risk because taking many medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness upon standing, confusion, or interactions that affect balance and blood pressure. Addressing this involves medication reconciliation with a clinician or pharmacist, simplifying regimens, avoiding sedating or antihypertensive drugs when possible, and ensuring medications are reviewed and adjusted to minimize side effects.

Home hazards are environmental risks that can be altered to reduce falls. Poor lighting, loose rugs, clutter, uneven surfaces, lack of grab bars in the bathroom, and stairs without handrails all increase the chance of tripping or losing balance. Reducing clutter, improving lighting, securing rugs, installing grab bars and nonslip mats, and arranging furniture to keep pathways clear are practical ways to lower risk.

Other options listed are non-modifiable or not related to fall risk in a meaningful way. Age and height are fixed characteristics, while blood type, hair color, gender, and race do not constitute changeable fall risk factors.