Elderly Patients Who Require Critical Care Treatment Are at Risk

Elderly patients who require critical care treatment are at risk for increased mortality,functional decline,or decreased quality of life after hospitalization.Assuming each of these patients was discharged from the hospital,which of the following patients is at greatest risk for decreased functional status and quality of life?

A) A 70-year-old who had coronary artery bypass surgery. He developed complications after surgery and had difficulty being weaned from mechanical ventilation. He required a tracheostomy and gastrostomy. He is being discharged to a long-term, acute care hospital. He is a widower.
B) A 79-year-old admitted for exacerbation of heart failure. She manages her care independently but needed diuretic medications adjusted. She states that she is compliant with her medications but sometimes forgets to take them. She lives with her 82-year-old spouse. Both consider themselves to be independent and support each other.
C) A 90-year-old admitted for a carotid endarterectomy. He lives in an assisted living facility (ALF) but is cognitively intact. He is the "social butterfly" at all of the events at the ALF. He is hospitalized for 4 days and discharged to the ALF.
D) An 84-year-old who had stents placed to treat coronary artery occlusion. She has diabetes that has been managed, lives alone, and was driving prior to hospitalization. She was discharged home within 3 days of the procedure.