Which of the following is the most important intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in older adults?

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: 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.

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: Certainly! Regular strength training exercises are crucial for improving strength and overall function in older adults with frailty. Strength training helps build muscle mass, improve balance, and increase mobility, leading to enhanced functional abilities. It also helps prevent falls and maintain independence. High-protein diet (A) supports muscle health but alone is not sufficient. Medication management (B) is important but not the primary factor for physical function. Limiting physical activity (D) can worsen frailty by causing deconditioning and loss of muscle strength.