In assessing an older adult, you question his cognitive skills when you notice that

A. Driving in heavy traffic is fine as long as it is not raining.
Explanation: Driving in heavy traffic can pose challenges for individuals, especially those who may experience age-related changes in vision, reaction time, and cognitive function. The recommendation is to avoid heavy traffic, especially if it might increase stress and the likelihood of accidents.

B. If you have a passenger, you may drive at any time of the day.
Explanation: The presence of a passenger does not necessarily eliminate the potential challenges associated with age-related changes in driving abilities. It is important for older individuals to consider factors such as time of day, visibility, and overall driving conditions.

C. Limit driving to familiar places close to home.
Explanation: Limiting driving to familiar places close to home is a safer practice for older individuals who may face challenges with vision, reaction time, and other factors that can impact driving. Familiar routes are more likely to be navigated confidently, reducing the risk of getting lost or encountering unexpected challenges.

D. Playing music will help keep you alert.
Explanation: While playing music can be enjoyable, it may not be an effective strategy for maintaining alertness, especially during challenging driving conditions. The focus should be on adopting safe driving habits and minimizing distractions to ensure overall safety on the road.

A. He is able to name objects with which he comes in contact correctly.

Explanation: Being able to name objects correctly indicates intact language and object recognition skills, which are positive aspects of cognitive function.

B. He is constantly checking to see whether what he did is correct.

Explanation: Constantly checking to see whether what he did is correct may be an indicator of anxiety or uncertainty about cognitive performance. While this behavior alone does not confirm cognitive impairment, it raises a question about the individual's confidence or potential challenges in decision-making.

C. He is able to hold a conversation with you.

Explanation: Holding a conversation demonstrates language and communication abilities, suggesting intact cognitive skills for social interaction.

D. His attention span will last as long as the project he is working on.

Explanation: Having an attention span that matches the duration of a project suggests a focused and goal-oriented approach, which can be a positive aspect of cognitive function.