What does the CAT identify in gerontological assessments?

The correct choice is significant because the CAT, or Comprehensive Assessment Tool, is specifically designed to identify residents who are at risk for developing specific functional problems. This assessment tool helps clinicians evaluate various aspects of a resident's health and functioning, focusing on areas such as mobility, self-care, and cognitive ability. By identifying at-risk individuals, appropriate interventions can be developed to prevent the decline in these areas, which is crucial for maintaining overall health and quality of life in the elderly population.

While the other options focus on important aspects of gerontological care, they do not capture the primary focus of the CAT. For example, identifying residents in need of nutrition education or those with low physical activity levels is valuable, but these aspects fall under broader assessments rather than the specific focus of functional risk that the CAT addresses. Similarly, while recognizing residents who require social support services is critical for holistic care, it does not directly relate to the primary purpose of the CAT in assessing functional risk. The emphasis on functional problems is what makes option B the correct answer in this context.