Which of the following is a strong predictor of functional decline in older adults?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Depression. Depression is a strong predictor of functional decline in older adults because it can lead to decreased motivation, social withdrawal, and physical symptoms that affect daily activities. Depression is also associated with cognitive impairment, which can further impact functioning. Being physically active (A) and high socioeconomic status (B) are generally positive factors for maintaining function. Advanced age (C) alone is not a strong predictor of functional decline compared to depression.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Medications and polypharmacy. In older adults, incontinence is commonly caused by medications that affect bladder control, such as diuretics, sedatives, and anticholinergics. Polypharmacy can worsen this by increasing the likelihood of drug interactions. Chronic urinary tract infections (A) can cause incontinence but are less common in older adults. Neurological disorders (B) like dementia or stroke can also lead to incontinence but are not the most common cause. Poor hydration (D) can exacerbate incontinence but is not the primary cause.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fewer taste buds. As people age, they tend to have fewer taste buds, leading to a decreased ability to taste food. This can result in a loss of interest in eating, which may contribute to anorexia and weight loss. Excessive saliva (A) does not directly contribute to anorexia or weight loss. Wearing dentures (C) may affect chewing but is not a major factor in anorexia. Softened tooth enamel (D) is more related to dental health rather than appetite and weight loss.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Low calcium intake. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. Calcium is essential for bone health, and a low intake can lead to decreased bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis. Physical activity, while beneficial for overall health, is not a significant risk factor for osteoporosis. High alcohol consumption can contribute to bone loss but is not as significant as low calcium intake. Genetics play a role in predisposing individuals to osteoporosis, but it is not a modifiable risk factor like low calcium intake. Thus, B is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Role theory. Role theory suggests that individuals continue to seek fulfilling roles and activities in older age to maintain a sense of purpose and identity. In this scenario, the older woman's transition from a career as a school principal to volunteering at the library aligns with the idea of seeking meaningful roles. B: Disengagement theory posits that older adults withdraw from society as they age, which contradicts the woman's active engagement in volunteering. C: Age-stratification theory focuses on how age influences opportunities and constraints within society, not on individual choices like volunteering. D: Social exchange theory emphasizes reciprocal relationships and benefits gained from social interactions, which is not the primary focus in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides inaccurate information. Osteoarthritis commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, not the hands, elbows, and shoulders as stated. The other choices are incorrect due to the following reasons: A: Correct - describes osteoarthritis B: Incorrect - describes rheumatoid arthritis D: Incorrect - describes risk factors for osteoarthritis, not rheumatoid arthritis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, which does not directly cause pneumonia. Aspiration from a poor swallow (A), community acquired pneumonia (B), and compromised immune function (D) are all known risk factors for pneumonia in older adults. Aspiration can lead to the entry of bacteria into the lungs, community-acquired pneumonia is a common cause of infection in the elderly, and compromised immune function makes older adults more susceptible to infections. Thus, sleep apnea is the only option that does not directly contribute to the development of pneumonia in older clients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Checking postural blood pressures is essential to assess for orthostatic hypotension in an elderly client with a history of falls and hypertension medication. Orthostatic hypotension can lead to falls, so monitoring postural B/Ps is crucial. Checking B/P every 2 hours (choice A) is not necessary and could cause unnecessary discomfort to the client. Checking serum sodium levels (choice C) and serum creatinine levels (choice D) are not directly related to the client's risk factors for falls post-prostate surgery.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because life expectancy is influenced by multiple factors such as gender, ethnicity, and living environment. Gender does play a role, but it is not the sole determinant. Ethnicity and living environment also significantly impact life expectancy. Genetic factors may contribute, but they are not the primary factor affecting life expectancy. Therefore, choice C is the most comprehensive and accurate statement. Choices A and B are incorrect as they oversimplify the factors that influence life expectancy, while choice D is also incorrect as it overlooks the significant impact of other factors beyond genetics.