An 82-year-old patient who recently completed a course of an…

An 82-year-old patient who recently completed a course of antibiotics is admitted to a long-term care facility following a two-week hospital stay. The patient has a history of polypharmacy and multiple comorbidities, including Type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Over the past few days, the patient has experienced severe diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Given the patient’s recent history and symptoms, the medical team is concerned about a Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection.  Which of the following factors is most likely to have contributed to this patient’s increased risk of developing a C. diff infection? 

A 80-year-old female presents to physical therapy following…

A 80-year-old female presents to physical therapy following a recent hospitalization for a urinary tract infection. She reports increasing difficulty with mobility, recurrent falls, and episodes of confusion, especially in the evenings. Her medical history includes hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and mild cognitive impairment. The patient’s daughter mentions that her mother is on several medications for her conditions but often struggles to manage them correctly. The patient also experiences occasional urinary incontinence, feels weaker, and notes increasing fatigue over the past few months.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient’s clinical presentation? 

An 83-year-old female is referred to physical therapy after…

An 83-year-old female is referred to physical therapy after her family noticed a progressive decline in her ability to perform activities of daily living. She has a history of hypertension and arthritis, and she has recently lost weight without any changes in diet. Upon examination, the patient appears weak, undernourished, and is slow to respond to questions. She also reports low mood and feelings of hopelessness. A cognitive screening reveals mild cognitive impairment. The patient denies experiencing any acute illness.  What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?