Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 84%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a 75-year-old client with aspiration pneumonia. The nurse should recognize what age-related change can contribute to the development of aspiration pneumonia?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Diminished cough reflex. As people age, the cough reflex weakens, leading to a decreased ability to expel foreign substances from the airway. This can result in aspiration pneumonia when food or liquid enters the lungs. Degenerative joint changes (A) do not directly contribute to aspiration pneumonia. Decreased gastric secretions (B) may increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections but not aspiration pneumonia. Decreased sense of smell (C) may affect appetite but is not directly related to aspiration pneumonia.