What is the primary factor contributing to medication nonadherence in older adults?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Complicated medication regimens. Older adults often have multiple medical conditions requiring several medications, leading to confusion and difficulty in following complex regimens. This complexity increases the likelihood of medication nonadherence. Lack of health literacy (A) may contribute but is not the primary factor. High cost of medications (B) and limited access to healthcare providers (C) are important barriers, but they are not as directly linked to nonadherence as the complexity of medication regimens.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Home health care support. This is because having access to home health care support can provide ongoing monitoring, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living, which can help prevent complications and reduce the need for hospital readmissions. Minimizing polypharmacy (A) is important but may not have as significant an impact as continuous home health care support. Frequent medication adjustments (B) may lead to confusion and potential adverse effects in older adults. Specialized geriatric assessments (D) are beneficial but may not directly address the day-to-day support needed to prevent hospital readmissions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most effective approach to improve quality of life in older adults with Alzheimer's disease is non-pharmacological interventions like music therapy and structured routines. This is because these interventions have been shown to reduce behavioral symptoms, enhance cognitive function, and promote overall well-being without the potential side effects of pharmacological treatments. Music therapy can help calm and stimulate memory recall, while structured routines provide predictability and familiarity, reducing confusion and agitation. Pharmacological management of behavioral symptoms alone may not address the root causes of the behaviors and can lead to adverse effects. Physical immobilization is harmful and can worsen cognitive decline. Sedatives can have detrimental effects on cognition and may increase the risk of falls and other complications. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions are the most effective and holistic approach to enhancing the quality of life for older adults with Alzheimer's disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Delirium in older adults results from reversible metabolic changes, such as electrolyte imbalances. Delirium is a multifactorial condition often triggered by physiological imbalances, including electrolyte disturbances. These imbalances can disrupt normal brain function, leading to confusion and cognitive impairment. Other choices are incorrect: A is more typical of sepsis, C is more associated with conditions like dementia, and D is not a primary cause of delirium.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because regular repositioning every 2 hours, along with the use of pressure-relieving devices, is the most effective intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in older adults with limited mobility. Repositioning helps to redistribute pressure, reducing the risk of tissue damage. Pressure-relieving devices like cushions or mattresses further help to alleviate pressure points. Choice A is incorrect because strict bed rest and minimal repositioning can actually increase the risk of pressure ulcers by concentrating pressure on specific areas. Choice B is incorrect as high-protein diets and supplements alone do not address the primary cause of pressure ulcers, which is prolonged pressure on the skin. Choice D is incorrect because leaving wounds uncovered can increase the risk of infection and hinder the healing process.