Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 83%
Simulated
A nurse is assisting in preparing a presentation at a senior center about age-related musculoskeletal changes. Which of the following alterations is appropriate for the nurse to include?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Decreased muscle mass. As individuals age, there is a natural decline in muscle mass known as sarcopenia. This is due to a decrease in muscle fiber size and number. The nurse should include this alteration in the presentation because it is a common age-related musculoskeletal change that can lead to weakness, decreased mobility, and increased risk of falls in older adults.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because thickened vertebral disks, decreased chest width, and increased force of isometric contractions are not typical age-related musculoskeletal changes. Thickened vertebral disks are more associated with degenerative disc disease, decreased chest width is not a common age-related change, and increased force of isometric contractions is not a typical alteration seen in older adults.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because thickened vertebral disks, decreased chest width, and increased force of isometric contractions are not typical age-related musculoskeletal changes. Thickened vertebral disks are more associated with degenerative disc disease, decreased chest width is not a common age-related change, and increased force of isometric contractions is not a typical alteration seen in older adults.