In Hospital Admission Risk Profile assessment, which area would indicate risk if the score is poor?

• A. Age 87
• B. Manual dexterity score of 14
• C. Cognitive function score of 7
• D. Ability to self-feed score of 2

Answer: (C)

In the Hospital Admission Risk Profile, cognitive function stands out as a strong predictor of adverse hospital outcomes. A poor cognitive score signals vulnerability in understanding and following directions, managing medications, and participating in rehabilitation. This increases the risk of delirium, slower recovery, safety issues, and a greater likelihood of needing higher levels of care after discharge.

While age indicates overall risk, and physical abilities like dexterity or self-feeding reflect functional status, cognition directly affects how a patient engages with treatment and adheres to discharge plans. So a poor cognitive score points to a higher risk more strongly than the other areas.