An 81-year-old widowed white woman is admitted to the hospital for community-acquired pneumonia.She lives alone and has a history of hypertension,coronary artery disease,glaucoma,and a cataract in her right eye.Her daughter lives 2500 miles away.What factor makes her the most physically vulnerable?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Several co-morbid conditions make older adults more physically vulnerable; bone and joint problems are among these conditions.Although hypertension is an important problem for older adults,it does not particularly increase physical vulnerability.Widowhood and a lack of close social support are important factors,but are not among the co-morbid conditions specifically cited as increasing risk of physical vulnerability.Pneumonia is not one of the co-morbid conditions specifically cited as contributing to an increased risk of physical vulnerability.

An 81-Year-Old Widowed White Woman Is Admitted to the Hospital