Question 1 for each variable includes correct level of measure PLUS rationale supported by reference)

a) Age (age in years is 60-90)

b) Age group ( 2= 66-75 3= 76-90 4=>91)

c) Gender ( 1 = female 2 = male )

d) Number of prescription medications 1-15 (each medication = 1 in equal increments of 1)

e) History of chronic laxative use (0 = no history of chronic laxative use) (1 = history of chronic laxative use)

f) Functional ability for eating drinking and ambulation 0 - 50, 0- 10, 0 - 50, 0 = no functional ability with eating drinking or ambulation 0 = no ability to follow simple directions 0 = no functional ability with eating drinking or ambulation 50 = complete functional ability 10 = completely able to follow simple directions 50 = complete functional ability

g) Cognitive status to follow simple directions 10 = completely able to follow simple directions 50 = complete functional ability

h) Number of bowel movements per week 1-10 number of bowel movements per week in equal increments of 1