Which of the following is the most common reason for hospitalization in older adults?

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: 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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lack of physical exercise contributes the most to aging-related cognitive decline. Regular physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promotes neurogenesis, and enhances cognitive function. It also reduces the risk of developing conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Chronic stress (A) can impact cognitive function, but it is not the primary factor in aging-related decline. Poor nutrition (B) can negatively affect brain health, but exercise has a more significant impact. Social isolation (C) is also detrimental to cognitive health, but physical exercise has been shown to have a more substantial influence on cognitive decline in aging individuals.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Infection. Older adults with diabetes are more vulnerable to infections due to weakened immune systems caused by high blood sugar levels. Infections can lead to severe complications and hospitalization. Stroke (A) is a common complication of diabetes but not the most common cause of hospitalization. Hypoglycemia (B) and diabetic ketoacidosis (C) are acute complications of diabetes but are less common causes of hospitalization compared to infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cataracts. Cataracts are the most common type of vision impairment in older adults due to the clouding of the eye's lens. As people age, proteins in the lens can clump together, leading to vision issues. Glaucoma (B) is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, AMD (C) affects the macula in the retina, and diabetic retinopathy (D) is a complication of diabetes affecting blood vessels in the retina. However, cataracts are the primary cause of vision impairment in older adults due to the natural aging process of the eye.