Falls, fractures & osteoporosis in the Kenntnisprüfung

Falls are one of the most common dangers in everyday nursing – an exam topic because fall prevention, correct action after a fall and the limits of measures depriving liberty (freiheitsentziehende Maßnahmen) are asked about.

Content created with AI assistance from public clinical sources (RKI, AWMF) – may contain mistakes; if in doubt, your textbook is right

Translated from the German original, which is authoritative. The exam itself is in German.

Sample questions from exam preparation

A resident has fallen. What do you do first?

With a colleague, I quickly help her into bed so that she does not get cold, and then measure vital signs
I first fill in the fall report while I still remember exactly what happened
I check consciousness, pain, deformities and vital signs before she is moved
I let her get up by herself: if she manages, a fracture is definitely ruled out

Explanation: Every movement is preceded by the initial check: consciousness, pain, deformity, vital signs. If a fracture or head injury is suspected, the person must not simply be lifted up. The report comes later. Even impacted femoral neck fractures sometimes still allow standing and walking.

A shortened, externally rotated leg after a fall suggests …

a femoral neck fracture (Schenkelhalsfraktur)
an inward dislocation of the hip
a torn muscle fibre
an ankle fracture

Explanation: Shortening and external rotation of the leg are the classic clinical picture of a femoral neck fracture. Do not mobilise the person; inform the doctor or the emergency medical service.

Key German terms for Falls, fractures & osteoporosis

der Sturz / stürzen – fall / to fall
das Sturzrisiko / sturzgefährdet – fall risk / at risk of falling
die Sturzprophylaxe – fall prevention
das Sturzprotokoll – fall incident report
die Fraktur / der Bruch – fracture

All terms: Falls & mobility

20 exam questions on Falls, fractures & osteoporosis, plus case simulations with an AI examiner and graded feedback – practise until you feel confident.

Start for free