A client in the hospital is concerned about the cost of receiving hospitalized care. What should the nurse realize is causing the increase in the client's medical expenses?

Question

1. Health care of the older adult
2. Number of uninsured population
3. Changes in birth rate over last 20 years
4. Cost of prescription drugs
5. State of inflation
6. Amount of diagnosed chronic illnesses

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Rationale 1: The total population is growing, especially the older adult segment that tends to have greater health care needs compared to younger persons.
Rationale 2: The uninsured numbers are on the rise: 17% of persons under age 65.
Rationale 3: Birth rates have dropped in the last 20 years, and so do not have a major impact on health care costs.
Rationale 4: The cost of prescription drugs is increasing, and represents 19% of total health care expenditures in the United States.
Rationale 5: Inflation increases all costs.
Rationale 6: The total population is growing, especially the older adult segment that tends to have diagnosed chronic illnesses.