What describes a common physical change of aging that can affect an older adult's nutrition?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Reduced salivary output is a common physical change in aging. This can affect an older adult's nutrition by impacting chewing, swallowing, and taste perception. The decrease in saliva production can make it harder to chew and swallow food effectively, affecting the overall eating experience. Additionally, saliva plays a role in taste perception, so a reduction in salivary output can lead to alterations in how food tastes, potentially impacting an individual's appetite and food choices. Increased gastrointestinal motility (choice B) is not typically associated with aging and would not directly affect nutrition. Abnormal cortisol production (choice C) is related to hormonal changes and is not a common physical change of aging that affects nutrition. An increase in the number of taste buds (choice D) is not a typical change associated with aging and would not have a significant impact on an older adult's nutrition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, contracting the uterus. Breastfeeding helps contract the uterus after childbirth, reducing postpartum bleeding and helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because conserving calcium stores, protecting against future hypertension, and speeding the resumption of ovulation are not direct benefits of breastfeeding to the mother.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Generalized weakness is a key indicator of malnutrition and is often assessed as part of functional status, reflecting muscle wasting and reduced physical function. The other choices, such as severity of illness, presence of pressure sores, and localized edema, are important factors to consider in a clinical assessment but are not primarily indicative of malnutrition risk. Generalized weakness directly relates to the functional impact of malnutrition on physical performance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct term for diseases of the heart and blood vessels is cardiovascular disease. While coronary artery disease (Choice A) specifically involves the narrowing of coronary arteries, it is just one type of cardiovascular disease. Coronary heart disease (Choice C) is also a specific condition related to the heart's blood vessels. Choice D, coronary vessel disease, is not a commonly used term to describe diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, Choice B, cardiovascular disease, is the most inclusive and appropriate term to refer to these conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.