A nurse is assessing an older adult's nutritional status. The nurse understands that which of the following is the most important indicator for a potential nutritional deficit?

A. Balance:

The Get-Up-and-Go test assesses the patient's ability to maintain balance during the process of standing up from a chair, walking a short distance, turning around, and sitting down. Impaired balance can be a significant risk factor for falls.

B. Stride:

Stride, or the length of a person's step, is not explicitly assessed in the Get-Up-and-Go test. However, the test may indirectly provide information about the patient's walking pattern and step characteristics.

C. Flexibility:

While flexibility is not a specific focus of the Get-Up-and-Go test, the test involves movements that require a degree of joint flexibility, such as bending the knees to stand up and sit down.

D. Speed:

Speed is an important aspect of the Get-Up-and-Go test. The time taken by the patient to complete the entire sequence of standing up, walking, turning, and sitting down is considered. Slower performance on the test may indicate an increased risk of falls.

A. Semiprivate room.

Explanation: Medicare can cover the cost of a semiprivate room during a qualifying hospital stay or skilled nursing facility stay.

B. Hospice care.

Explanation: Medicare provides coverage for hospice care for individuals with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less.

C. Custodial care.

Explanation: Custodial care, which involves assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, is generally not covered by Medicare. Medicare primarily covers medically necessary and skilled care, such as hospital stays, certain nursing home stays, hospice care, and some home health care services. Custodial care, which focuses on assistance with routine personal care, is considered non-medical and is typically not covered by Medicare.

D. Skilled care.

Explanation: Medicare covers skilled care, including services provided by healthcare professionals such as nurses and therapists, when deemed medically necessary. Skilled care is typically required to improve or maintain a person's condition.