Which of the following statements accurately reflects data that the nu

Which of the following statements accurately reflects data that the nurse should use in planning care to meet the needs of the older adult?

1. 50% of older adults have two chronic health problems.
2. Cancer is the most common cause of death among older adults.
3. Nutritional needs for both younger and older adults are essentially the same.
4. Adults older than 65 comprise the greatest users of prescription medications.

ANSWER

ANS: 4
This is a true statement. Approximately two thirds of older adults use prescription and nonpre-scription drugs with one third of all prescriptions being written for older adults. Approximately 90% of adults older than 65 have at least one chronic health condition. Approximately 70% of older adults have multiple chronic conditions with arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, vision impairment, and diabetes mellitus being the most common in noninstitutionalized older adults. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in older adults. Nutritional needs of older adults are affected by their levels of activity and by clinical conditions.