Which of the following interventions is most effective in preventing the development of pressure ulcers in older adults with limited mobility?

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because social isolation is not directly related to decreased tactile sensations. A, C, and D are consequences of decreased tactile sensations in older individuals. A can occur due to not feeling the temperature, C due to not feeling pressure and injury, and D due to decreased sensation causing falls. Social isolation is more related to emotional or psychological factors rather than physical sensations. It is crucial to differentiate between physical consequences and social consequences when considering the effects of decreased tactile sensations in older individuals.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pneumonia. Older adults are more susceptible to pneumonia due to weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions. Pneumonia can lead to severe complications, requiring hospitalization. Osteoarthritis (A) primarily affects joints and does not typically lead to hospitalization. Stroke (B) and heart failure (D) are serious conditions but may not be as common for hospitalization as pneumonia in older adults. Pneumonia's impact on the respiratory system and its ability to progress rapidly make it the most common reason for hospitalization in this population.

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Asian and Pacific Island Americans. This group has the highest life expectancy in the US due to various factors such as healthy dietary habits, lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, access to quality healthcare, and strong social support systems. They also tend to engage in regular physical activity and have lower rates of obesity and chronic diseases compared to other racial or ethnic groups. In contrast, choices A, B, and C have lower life expectancies due to factors such as higher rates of poverty, inadequate healthcare access, systemic racism, and higher prevalence of chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Disengagement theory. This theory suggests that as people age, they naturally withdraw or disengage from societal roles and responsibilities. Mandatory retirement at age 65 aligns with this theory as it reflects the societal expectation of older individuals stepping back from work roles. Role theory (A) focuses on how individuals adapt to various social roles throughout their lives, not specifically related to retirement. Age-stratification theory (C) emphasizes how age impacts societal structures and opportunities, not retirement policies. Social exchange theory (D) focuses on relationships and interactions based on the exchange of resources, not specifically related to retirement age policies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are a common cause of delirium in hospitalized older adults due to their impact on the central nervous system. UTIs can lead to systemic inflammation and affect cognitive function, resulting in delirium. Other choices like medication side effects, sleep deprivation, and electrolyte imbalances can contribute to delirium but are not as common or direct as UTIs in this population.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crusting. Crusting on the skin of an older client can indicate a potential complication such as an infection or skin condition. It suggests that there may be an issue with the skin's integrity, leading to the formation of crusts. Wrinkling (B) and thinning/loss of elasticity (C) are common age-related changes and not necessarily indicative of a complication. Choice D is a duplicate of choice A, so it is incorrect. In summary, crusting is a sign of a potential skin complication, while the other choices are more likely to be normal age-related changes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Regular repositioning every 2 hours. Repositioning helps to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas, improving blood flow and preventing tissue damage. This intervention is evidence-based and recommended in pressure ulcer prevention guidelines. Administering pain medications before repositioning (B) does not address the root cause of pressure ulcers. Encouraging excessive hydration (C) may have other health benefits but does not directly prevent pressure ulcers. Using restrictive bandages (D) can actually increase pressure and worsen the risk of pressure ulcers.