Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 84%
Simulated
A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about expected physiological changes in older adult clients. Which of the following changes should the nurse include? A. Increase in gag reflex B. Increase in muscle mass C. Decrease in body fat D. Decrease in systolic blood pressure Which of the following changes should the nurse include?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Decrease in body fat. As individuals age, there is typically a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat due to changes in metabolism and hormonal fluctuations. This is important for the nurse to include in teaching about expected physiological changes in older adults.
Explanation of other options:
A: Increase in gag reflex - This is not a typical physiological change in older adults. Gag reflex tends to decrease with age.
B: Increase in muscle mass - Muscle mass tends to decrease with age due to factors such as decreased physical activity and hormonal changes.
D: Decrease in systolic blood pressure - Systolic blood pressure may actually increase or remain stable with age due to changes in arterial stiffness and other factors.
Explanation of other options:
A: Increase in gag reflex - This is not a typical physiological change in older adults. Gag reflex tends to decrease with age.
B: Increase in muscle mass - Muscle mass tends to decrease with age due to factors such as decreased physical activity and hormonal changes.
D: Decrease in systolic blood pressure - Systolic blood pressure may actually increase or remain stable with age due to changes in arterial stiffness and other factors.