Medical-Surgical Nursing: Fall Risk Medication Review Practice Questions
Test yourself on Fall Risk Medication Review with 12 original NCLEX-RN practice questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback and a full explanation.
Free original practice questions for study purposes. Open Exam Prep is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the makers of NCLEX-RN.
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Answer the questions below — you get instant feedback and a full explanation for each.
1. The nurse reviews medications for an older adult admitted after a fall. Which finding is the priority to discuss with the health care provider?
Explanation. Sedation and morning grogginess can impair balance, reaction time, and transfer safety. Medication effects that increase fall risk should be reviewed promptly with the prescriber.
2. A client reports dizziness when standing after starting a new antihypertensive. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
Explanation. Orthostatic dizziness is a fall risk. The nurse should assess, teach slow position changes, and escalate medication concerns through the care team rather than independently stopping therapy.
3. Which medication class requires focused fall-risk teaching because it can cause sedation and impaired coordination?
Explanation. Benzodiazepines can cause sedation, slowed reaction time, and impaired coordination, especially in older adults. These effects can increase fall risk.
4. The nurse is reviewing a medication list for duplicate therapy. Which combination is most concerning for fall risk?
Explanation. Combining sedating medications can compound drowsiness and impaired balance. Duplicate or additive central nervous system effects should be flagged for review.
5. A hospitalized client is prescribed a loop diuretic. Which fall-prevention concern is most relevant?
Explanation. Diuretics can increase urinary frequency or urgency, which may lead clients to rush or get up without assistance. Toileting plans and call-light use reduce risk.
6. Which client statement after medication safety teaching needs follow-up?
Explanation. Continuing to walk while dizzy increases fall risk. The client should stop safely, sit or call for help, and report symptoms rather than pushing through them.
7. A client starts an opioid for acute pain after surgery. Which nursing intervention best addresses fall risk?
Explanation. Opioids can cause sedation, dizziness, and slowed response. Fall prevention includes assessment before mobility, assistance, lighting, and clear pathways.
8. The nurse reviews a client's medication administration record and notes a new dose of an antipsychotic. Which observation is most important for fall-risk surveillance?
Explanation. Some antipsychotics can contribute to sedation, orthostatic hypotension, or movement changes. New unsteadiness or drowsiness should trigger fall-risk precautions and team review.
9. Which medication-review question is most useful when assessing fall risk at discharge?
Explanation. Recent medication changes and timing-related dizziness or sleepiness are directly relevant to fall risk. Appearance preferences do not assess physiologic safety concerns.
10. A client takes an antihistamine for allergies and reports feeling sleepy during the day. Which teaching point is best?
Explanation. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Clients should ask qualified clinicians about medication effects and use fall precautions when alertness is reduced.
11. The nurse plans care for a client taking several medications associated with dizziness. Which outcome best shows the plan is working?
Explanation. Calling for assistance before standing addresses immediate fall risk. Hiding symptoms, rushing, or raising the bed increases danger.
12. A family caregiver asks why medication review is part of fall prevention. Which response is most accurate?
Explanation. Medication effects such as dizziness, sedation, confusion, orthostatic hypotension, and drug interactions can increase fall risk. Review helps identify risks for the care team.
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FAQ
What medication review topics are high yield for NCLEX fall prevention?
High-yield topics include sedatives, opioids, antihypertensives, diuretics, antipsychotics, antihistamines, orthostatic symptoms, polypharmacy, recent dose changes, bathroom urgency, and when to call for assistance.
How should I prioritize fall-risk medication questions?
Prioritize immediate safety: dizziness, sedation, confusion, orthostatic hypotension, rushing to the bathroom, duplicate sedating drugs, and unsafe ambulation. Then consider teaching and provider or pharmacist review.
Are these medication review questions clinical advice?
No. These are original NCLEX-style study questions for exam preparation only. Medication changes and patient care decisions require licensed clinicians and local protocols.