Deck 20: Nutrition in Aging

Question 1

Home-delivered meals provided for under the Older Americans Act nutrition program are administered by what agency?

A) USDA
B) USDHHS
C) ALF
D) CMS

Answer 1

B
Explanation: In the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Agency on Aging administers a network of local agencies to provide both home-delivered and congregate meals for elderly adults. This is the only food assistance program through USDHHS. All other food assistance programs are provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Assisted-living facilities are residential programs that provide access to supportive health care to older residents. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provide health care services but no food assistance.

Question 2

Which changes are associated with the normal process of aging?

A) Loss of lean body mass, decreased metabolic rate, and decreased function
B) Loss of lean body mass, increased metabolic rate, and increased physical activity
C) Increased lean body mass, increased metabolic rate, and increased physical activity
D) Increased muscle strength and function

Answer 2

A
Explanation: As lean body mass decreases, the loss of muscle mass results in decreased strength, function, and metabolic rate. Sarcopenia occurs more rapidly in people with limited physical activity; therefore, elderly adults who are also obese tend to be less active and retain excessive adipose tissue.

Question 3

Why does constipation occur in elderly adults?

A) Increased motility in the small intestine
B) Decreased motility in the small intestine
C) Increased motility in the large intestine
D) Decreased motility in the large intestine

Answer 3

D
Explanation: Constipation involves a reduction of bowel movements, and one potential reason is a decrease in the motility in the large intestine. The longer intestinal contents remain in the colon, the more water is absorbed and the harder the stool is to transit and eliminate. Delayed transit time, medications, and reduced stimulation of the gut through reduced physical activity all contribute to the development of constipation.

Question 4

Which of the following can result from atrophic gastritis associated with aging?

A) Decreased calcium and nonheme iron absorption
B) Diminished absorption of vitamin B₁₂
C) Decreased absorption of carbohydrates
D) Increased intestinal transit time

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT true of The Dining Practice Standards?

A) Are guidelines for long-term care dining
B) Recommend against canned nutrition supplements
C) They encourage strict dietary control for diabetes and heart disease
D) They are endorsed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid

Question 6

Which of the following theories of aging is a predetermination theory?

A) Genetic theory
B) Wear and tear theory
C) Free radical theory
D) Somatic mutation theory

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT one of the four syndromes known to be predictive of adverse outcomes in older adults?

A) Depression
B) Diabetes
C) Cognitive impairment
D) Malnutrition

Question 8

What is dysgeusia?

A) Diminished sense of smell
B) Loss of sense of taste
C) Dry mouth from decreased salivation
D) Result of hypochlorhydria

Question 9

The Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA)

A) is aimed at assisted living facilities.
B) pays for dietitian consults for those older than 65 years of age.
C) is reform legislation aimed at improving skilled nursing care.
D) is reform legislation aimed at congregate meal sites.

Question 10

A supercentenarian is

A) a woman who is currently 65 years of age who is expected to live to be 100 years old.
B) someone born today who can expect to live to be 100 years old or older.
C) someone who is 100 years old or older with no disease.
D) someone older than 110 years.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about elderly adults is FALSE?

A) Among the oldest old, there are more women than men.
B) More elderly men than women are married.
C) Most elderly live in nursing homes.
D) The life expectancy of older adults is greater than it was 100 years ago.

Question 12

A 70-kg man with a Stage 4 pressure ulcer needs ___________ g/day of protein and __________ kcal/day.

A) 84; 2100
B) 70; 2800
C) 105; 2450
D) 140; 2100

Question 13

Nutrition screening using the BMI as an indicator

A) is the best indicator for those 85 years of age and older.
B) may not be accurate because of body composition changes in elderly adults.
C) is better than using mid-arm muscle circumference.
D) is not part of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA).

Question 14

In Medicare benefits, for which of the following are MNT services NOT included?

A) Preventive services
B) Cancer
C) Diabetes
D) Preend-stage kidney disease

Question 15

Which of the following theories of aging is an accumulated damage theory?

A) Rate of living theory
B) Pacemaker theory
C) Immune system theory
D) Cross-link theory

Question 16

Increased intake of which nutrient may be required in a patient who has pressure ulcers?

A) Water
B) Vitamin B₁₂
C) Protein
D) Potassium

Question 17

How would a pressure ulcer be classified if it involves a partial-thickness skin loss involving the epidermis and dermis, presenting as an abrasion or shallow crater?

A) Stage 1
B) Stage 2
C) Stage 3
D) Stage 4

Question 18

The 2010 health care reform legislation expands Medicare to include

A) an annual wellness visit.
B) education and counseling.
C) expanded coverage for reimbursement for dietitians.
D) all of the above.

Question 19

Presbycusis is

A) inability to swallow.
B) loss of sense of taste.
C) hearing loss.
D) lack of dentition.