Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 64%
Simulated
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about physiological changes in the digestive system that occur with aging. The nurse should include older adults might experience which of the following physiological changes?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Decreased intestinal peristalsis. As individuals age, the muscles in the digestive system weaken, leading to slower movement of food through the intestines. This can result in constipation and other digestive issues. Increased gastric acid production (B) is less likely in older adults as it tends to decrease with age. Increased muscle tone of the bowel (C) is not typically seen in older adults due to muscle weakness. Decreased pH of the stomach (D) is also unlikely as stomach acid production tends to decrease with age.