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: Yoga and tai chi. These exercises focus on balance, flexibility, and strength, which are crucial for preventing falls in older adults. Yoga and tai chi also promote mindfulness and body awareness, further enhancing balance and coordination. Swimming (choice A) is beneficial for overall fitness but may not specifically target balance and fall prevention. Weight training (choice B) is important for muscle strength but may not address balance and flexibility adequately. Running (choice D) is high-impact and may actually increase the risk of falls for older adults.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Verbal fluency is the correct answer because reading aloud improves language skills, vocabulary, and verbal expression. It requires cognitive processes like word retrieval, organization, and articulation. Logical analysis (B) is not directly related to reading aloud. Object naming (C) focuses on identifying objects visually, not verbally. Visuospatial skills (D) involve understanding and manipulating visual information, not verbal expression. Reading aloud specifically targets verbal fluency by enhancing communication abilities and language processing.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: cerebral vascular disease. Microvascular changes in diabetes mainly affect small blood vessels in organs like the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), and nerves (neuropathy). Cerebral vascular disease involves larger blood vessels in the brain, not typically considered a result of microvascular changes in diabetes. Retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy are well-documented complications of uncontrolled diabetes due to damage to small blood vessels in these specific organs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because increasing medications would not directly address xerostomia. Xerostomia is dry mouth, often caused by decreased saliva production. Using humidifiers (A) helps increase moisture in the air, mouth rinses/artificial saliva (B) lubricate the mouth, and sugar-free hard candies (C) stimulate saliva production. Increasing medications (D) would not target the root cause of xerostomia and may even exacerbate dry mouth symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a peak flow meter is used to monitor and measure the peak expiratory flow rate, which helps determine if the client is developing asthma symptoms such as airway constriction. It provides feedback on the client's lung function, helping to assess asthma control and guide treatment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a peak flow meter is not used for administering medications, identifying allergy triggers, or limited to specific healthcare professionals.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Speak clearly. This is important when addressing older adults as many may have hearing impairments. Speaking clearly helps ensure they can understand and follow instructions. Using an exaggerated pitch (A) may come across as patronizing. Using a lower quality of speech (B) can be perceived as disrespectful. Using endearing terms (C) may not be appropriate for all individuals and can be seen as condescending. In summary, speaking clearly is the most effective way to communicate respectfully with older adults.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Difficulty reading small print and decreased ability to focus on objects at varying distances. As people age, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, leading to presbyopia, which results in difficulty seeing close objects clearly. This explains the client's decreased ability to accommodate. This choice is correct because presbyopia specifically affects near vision, making it harder to read small print and focus on objects up close. A: Blurring of vision due to increased intraocular pressure - This choice is incorrect because presbyopia is not related to increased intraocular pressure. C: Narrowing of field of vision-loss of peripheral vision - This choice is incorrect because presbyopia does not affect peripheral vision; it specifically impacts near vision. D: Sensitivity to light (photophobia) - This choice is incorrect because presbyopia does not cause sensitivity to light; it is solely related to difficulty in focusing on near objects.

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.