Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Practice Exam

In fall risk assessments, switching to antipsychotic medications is generally discouraged for older adults. This is primarily due to the increased risk of falls and other adverse events associated with antipsychotics in this population. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to side effects like sedation, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension that can arise from antipsychotic use, which can greatly enhance the risk of falling.

Additionally, antipsychotics may not be necessary for managing behavioral issues in many cases and should be used cautiously, if at all. Non-pharmacological interventions are typically preferred for addressing behavioral disturbances, especially in individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairments. The emphasis is on finding safer alternatives that pose less risk for this sensitive population.

The other options provided—discontinuing benzodiazepines, using SSRIs, and changing to non-benzodiazepine sedatives—can potentially be considered safer approaches aimed at minimizing fall risk. For instance, discontinuing benzodiazepines has been shown to lower fall risk in older adults, as these medications can contribute to instability and impaired balance. Similarly, SSRIs and non-benzodiazepine sedatives may present a lower risk for falls when compared to antipsychotics, making