For an older adult on cyclobenzaprine, which assessment should be prioritized to mitigate a common adverse outcome?

• A. Fall risk
• B. Hearing acuity
• C. Skin integrity
• D. Blood glucose

Answer: (A)

Fall risk is the priority because cyclobenzaprine can cause sedation, dizziness, and impaired balance, and older adults are especially susceptible to these effects. The combination of CNS depressant action and age-related changes (slower drug clearance, multiple medications, and common comorbidities) makes a fall the most likely and potentially serious adverse outcome. By focusing on fall risk, you can monitor for dizziness, assess gait and balance, check orthostatic changes, and implement safety measures (like assistive devices, non-slip footwear, and a clutter-free environment) to reduce injury. Hearing acuity, skin integrity, and blood glucose aren’t typically the primary concerns with this medication in the context of common adverse outcomes, so they’re not the central focus for immediate risk mitigation.