Weakness, Paralysis & Falls [Case #2]

“An 86 year old lady attends your ED for the fourth time this year, having fallen at home. She remembers getting up from her chair and ending up on the floor. She has not injured herself but was unable to get back up off of the floor.”

Questions

Answer one question before attending the face-to-face teaching session. Add comments to answers already given if you think it's appropriate. The first part of teaching will be spent discussing this case:

1. Regarding your assessment in the ED what particular questions should your history include? 

2. Regarding your assessment in the ED which examinations are particularly important?

3. Which investigations are are important to perform on this lady?

4. How would you define a postural drop in blood pressure, and give three common causes.

5. What particular hazards for falls may be present in people's homes?