A 76-year-old has three falls in two months. She takes zolpidem and oxybutynin, has a 24-mm Hg systolic orthostatic drop, impaired vision and a

Question

A 76-year-old has three falls in two months. She takes zolpidem and oxybutynin, has a 24-mm Hg systolic orthostatic drop, impaired vision and a prolonged Timed Up and Go test. Which management plan is most likely to reduce future falls?

Accepted Answer

Deprescribe fall-risk medicines, address orthostasis and vision, and prescribe strength and balance training

Answer

Begin chronic opioid therapy to reduce movement-related discomfort

Answer

Order whole-body CT before addressing reversible risk factors

Answer

Recommend prolonged bed rest until the Timed Up and Go test normalizes

Answer

Increase zolpidem to reduce anxiety about falling during the night

Recurrent falls in older adult — ABIM Board MCQ

A 76-year-old has three falls in two months. She takes zolpidem and oxybutynin, has a 24-mm Hg systolic orthostatic drop, impaired vision and a prolonged Timed Up and Go test. Which management plan is most likely to reduce future falls?