An older adult needs a balance baseline and uses a handrail for confidence. What is a suitable assessment approach?
- AHave a family member guard while the trainer scores from across the room
- BUse a guarded, safe protocol and record the handrail use
- CAllow the handrail but compare the score with unassisted norms
- DAllow the handrail for practice trials and remove it for the scored trial
Show answer and explanations
Answer
B
For an older adult, the assessment should be safe and guarded. If a handrail is used, it is recorded so later scores are compared under the same conditions and not against unassisted norms.
A
Guarding is the trainer's responsibility; a family member is not trained to prevent a fall during testing.
C
Handrail-assisted scores cannot be compared with norms collected without support.
D
Removing support for the scored trial exposes a hesitant older adult to fall risk and changes the conditions from practice.
B
For an older adult, the assessment should be safe and guarded. If a handrail is used, it is recorded so later scores are compared under the same conditions and not against unassisted norms.