Quail G G
Monash University.
Aust Fam Physician. 1994 May;23(5):873, 876-82.
In assessing the elderly it should be remembered that about 75% of falls are unreported. It is essential therefore to inquire about falls and balance problems in any assessment of the aged. Falls are common during a severe acute illness such as stroke, pneumonia or any condition causing hypotension or severe pain; the elderly having little reserves to meet such stress. Vigilance on the part of the carer to prevent falls is essential at such times. Although trips or falls are inevitable in the elderly and are usually inconsequential, each reported fall needs careful evaluation. In many cases causes can be identified and corrected. This in turn will improve the quality of life by reducing the fear of falling and in so doing help avoid a serious fall with its possible long term consequences.
在评估老年人时，应记住约75%的跌倒事件未被报告。因此，在对老年人进行任何评估时，询问跌倒和平衡问题至关重要。在严重急性疾病如中风、肺炎或任何导致低血压或剧痛的情况下，跌倒很常见；老年人几乎没有储备来应对这种压力。在这种时候，护理人员保持警惕以防止跌倒至关重要。尽管绊倒或跌倒在老年人中不可避免且通常无关紧要，但每一次报告的跌倒都需要仔细评估。在许多情况下，可以找出原因并加以纠正。这反过来将通过减少对跌倒的恐惧来提高生活质量，并以此帮助避免严重跌倒及其可能产生的长期后果。
