WGU C475 Study Guide for Care of the Older Adult Exam with complete solutions | Latest 2025/2026 Update.

WGU C475 Study Guide for Care of the i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,-




Older Adult Exam with complete i,- i,- i,- i,- i,-




solutions | Latest 2025/2026 Update. i,- i,- i,- i,-




What is the definition of a fall? And what can happen to an older
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adult after a fall? What are the risks for falls? (Past history of falls
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is a major risk factor!)
i,- i,- A fall is defined as "an event which
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results in a person unintentionally coming to rest on the ground
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or another lower level; not as a result of a major intrinsic event
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(such as a stroke) or overwhelming hazard".
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Falls can result in injury, loss of independence, reduced quality of
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life, and death in the elderly.
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Fractures are the most serious health consequence of falls. Of
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those who fall, 20-30% suffer moderate to severe injuries such as
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hip fractures or hip traumas. 87% of all fractures among older
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adults are due to falls. The most common fractures are of the
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vertebrae, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand.
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What are intrinsic risk factors? What are extrinsic risk factors?
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InTrInSiCs-changes associated with aging and with disorders of i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,-



physical functions needed to maintain balance.
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,:) vestibular, :) proprioceptive, :) visual function, as well as
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cognition and musculoskeletal function. :) LE weakness, dizziness
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Elderly persons who fall in institutions are usually more physically
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and/or cognitively impaired, and therefore intrinsic factors
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contribute most to falls and fall-related injuries. i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,-




EXTRINSIC related to environmental hazards i,- i,- i,- i,- i,-




>> poor lighting, >>stairs, >>clutter, >>throw rugs >> poor
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shoes >> cluttered enviroment i,- i,- i,- i,-




Extrinsic factors are implicated in up to 50% of all falls in the
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elderly in community settings. i,- i,- i,-




Among older adults living in the community, when and where do
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most falls occur? most falls occur during usual activities such
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as walking. Indoor falls occur most often in the bathroom,
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bedroom, and kitchen. i,- i,-




Explain what you can do to prevent falls.
i,- Suggestions of i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,-i,- i,- i,- i,-



possible changes to the environment, facilitation of modifications,
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and training in the use of adaptive equipment were helpful in
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reducing the number of falls in a group of frail elderly with a
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history of falls. However, modifications to the environment alone
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were not sufficient to make the difference. Compliance with the
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,physical changes as well as with the suggested behavioral
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changes was also important. i,- i,- i,-




Identify the types of restraints used
i,- Types of Physical
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Restraints Wrist and leg restraints; Wheelchair safety bars; Vest
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restraints; Mitts; Chairs with lapboards; Beds with side rails;
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Bedsheets; Lap belts i,- i,-




Chemical restraints - Medication i,- i,- i,-




Explain the effects of restraint use on the elderly
i,- i,- The use of i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,-i,- i,- i,- i,- i,-



physical restraints increases the risk for falls, confusion, death by
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strangulation, and complications of immobility (e.g., contractures,i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,-



pressure ulcers, pneumonia, UI, and learned helplessness).
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Physical restraints are not recommended, because they may
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increase fear and agitation. Distraction and soothing conversation
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should be tried instead.
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Identify alternatives techniques (instead of restraints) to deal with
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wandering, combative or confused patients. • • Personal
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strengthening and rehabilitation program i,- i,- i,- i,-




• • Use of personal assistance devices such as hearing aids, visual
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aids, and mobility devices
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• • Use of positioning devices such as body and seat cushions or
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padded furniture i,- i,-

, • • Safer physical environment design, including removal of
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obstacles that impede movement, placement of objects and
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furniture in familiar places, lower beds, and adequate lighting
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• • Regular attention to physical and personal needs, including
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toileting, thirst, hunger, socialization, and activities adapted to
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current ability and former interests
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• • Design of physical environment for close observation by staff
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• • Efforts to increase staff awareness of a person's individual
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needs, including assignment of staff particularly to the person, in
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an effort to improve function and decrease difficult behaviors
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• • Living environment designed to promote relaxation and
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comfort, minimize noise, provide soothing music, and maintain
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appropriate lighting i,- i,-




• • Provision of massage, art, movement activities, and
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complementary therapies (e.g., Healing Touch, energy work) i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,- i,-




• • Use of bed, chair, and door alarms to alert to the need for
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assistance


Identify ways to promote healthy living among the elderly
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Social interactions, proper nutrition, and physical activity have
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been found to help maintain healthy behaviors and thus promote
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optimal aging. i,-