How does sarcopenia impact functional independence in older adults?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, directly impacts balance and mobility in older adults. Muscle weakness from sarcopenia reduces stability and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. This affects functional independence as it limits the ability to perform daily activities safely. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as sarcopenia primarily affects muscle mass and strength, not body fat, lung capacity, or joint stiffness.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 2 years. A case manager typically requires a minimum of 2 years of nursing education to effectively coordinate care for patients. This level of education provides the necessary knowledge and skills to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. - A: 1 to 1.5 years - Insufficient to acquire the depth of knowledge needed for case management. - B: 4 to 6 years - Excessive for the role of a case manager, as it typically does not require a bachelor's degree. - D: 8 or more years - Overqualified for the position of a case manager, as this level of education is beyond what is necessary for the role.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: John Hartford Foundation. The John Hartford Foundation is known for its significant contributions to the field of gerontological nursing through funding research, education, and initiatives to improve care for older adults. The foundation has supported the development of gerontological nursing programs and resources, making it a key influencer in advancing the specialty. Explanation for other choices: A: American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) primarily focuses on advocacy and support for older adults but does not have a direct influence on the specialty of gerontological nursing. C: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, but it does not specifically impact the development of gerontological nursing as an organization. D: Mutual of Omaha Insurance is an insurance company and does not have a direct role in shaping the field of gerontological nursing.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because swelling in one leg with pitting edema is a classic sign of DVT. Pitting edema suggests fluid accumulation due to compromised venous circulation, which is common in DVT. Bilateral calf tenderness (choice A) is more indicative of muscle strain. Shortness of breath (choice C) is suggestive of a pulmonary embolism, a complication of DVT. Two plus palpable pulses (choice D) indicate good arterial circulation, not DVT.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Genetic research. Telomere shortening is primarily based on the theory of cellular senescence, which is related to genetic research. Telomeres are protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Genetic research has shown that telomere shortening is associated with aging and age-related diseases. Caloric restriction, oxidative stress, and cross-link theories of aging are not directly linked to telomere shortening. Caloric restriction focuses on extending lifespan by reducing calorie intake, oxidative stress theory suggests that aging is caused by cumulative damage from reactive oxygen species, and cross-link theory emphasizes the accumulation of non-reversible bonds between molecules as a cause of aging.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the Gerontological Society of America, because it includes members from various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, biology, and medicine. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a holistic understanding of aging. The other choices focus specifically on nursing (B), aging (C), or higher education (D), and do not encompass a wide range of disciplines like choice A. This makes them more specialized and less likely to have a diverse membership across different fields.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Loneliness in older adults can lead to increased stress, inflammation, and unhealthy behaviors, all of which can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and depression. Social isolation can also impact mental health. Choice A is incorrect as loneliness does impact health. Choice C is incorrect as loneliness typically weakens immune function. Choice D is incorrect as loneliness affects both mental and physical health.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetes. Healthy People 2020 focuses on improving the health of older adults, and diabetes is a chronic condition prevalent in this population. It can significantly impact health, function, and quality of life if not managed properly. Diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision problems. By targeting diabetes, the goal is to prevent these complications and improve overall health outcomes for older adults. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Arthritis - While arthritis is common in older adults, it is not a targeted chronic focus area identified by Healthy People 2020 for this population. C: Congestive heart failure - Although heart health is important, congestive heart failure is not specifically highlighted as a priority for improvement in older adults by Healthy People 2020. D: Dementia - Dementia is a serious concern in the aging population, but it is not one of the targeted chronic focus areas identified by Healthy People 202

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Smoking. Centenarians are individuals who live to be 100 years old or older and smoking is a known risk factor for various diseases and premature death. Exercise, weight control, and delayed onset of disease are commonly associated characteristics of centenarians as they promote overall health and longevity. Smoking, on the other hand, has been proven to have detrimental effects on health and is not typically seen in individuals who live to be 100 or older. Therefore, the absence of smoking is a more accurate characteristic associated with centenarians.