Medicare is a big issue for the older adult who depends on this medical insurance to pay for his or her hospital bills, medications, and rehabilitation. When talking to your older client about what Medicare will pay for and what it will not, what do you tell your client that Medicare will not cover the cost of?

A. Decreased serum albumin levels can be an indicator of protein malnutrition, but it may not reflect overall nutritional status comprehensively. It is more specific to protein status.

B. Decreased vitamin D levels are related to a specific nutrient (vitamin D) and may indicate a deficiency in that vitamin, but it doesn't provide a broad assessment of overall nutritional status.

C. Unintentional weight loss is a key indicator of potential nutritional deficit.

Unintentional weight loss is a significant concern, especially in older adults, as it can be indicative of various underlying health issues, including malnutrition. It is a more general indicator of overall nutritional status.

D. Anorexia lasting more than 24 hours may contribute to weight loss, but it is a symptom rather than a direct measure of nutritional status. Unintentional weight loss encompasses a broader view of changes in body weight that may signal nutritional deficits.

A. Defecation less than once each day is not necessarily constipation.

Explanation: The frequency of bowel movements varies among individuals, and defecating less than once each day does not necessarily indicate constipation. Normal bowel habits can differ, and what is considered regular for one person may not be the same for another. Constipation is better assessed by considering other factors such as stool consistency, straining during bowel movements, and feelings of incomplete evacuation.

B. Leaking liquid feces should be treated as diarrhea.

Explanation: Leaking liquid feces may be indicative of diarrhea, but it is not the only factor to consider. The cause of diarrhea should be investigated, and treatment will depend on the underlying reason, which may include infections, medications, or other medical conditions.

C. Mineral oil is recommended as a laxative for the older adult.

Explanation: Mineral oil is generally not recommended as a laxative for older adults. It can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and may have adverse effects. There are other safer and more effective laxative options that healthcare providers may recommend.

D. Excessive sleep can be a symptom of constipation.

Explanation: Excessive sleep is not typically considered a symptom of constipation. Constipation is more commonly associated with symptoms such as infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, and abdominal discomfort. Sleep disturbances may have various causes, but they are not a direct symptom of constipation.