Deck 45: Pathophysiologic Concepts of Aging

Question 1

Which theory of aging explains apoptosis of the ovary?
1)Immunosenescence theory
2)Telomere shortening theory
3)Programmed aging of the cell
4)Damaged-based theory of aging

Answer 1

3

Question 2

Which statement by the spouse of an older adult client causes the nurse to suspect Pick's disease in the client?
1)"My partner frequently eats paper products."
2)"My partner has short-term memory loss."
3)"My partner has tremors and difficulty walking."
4)"My partner tells me she sees dead relatives daily."

Answer 2

1

Question 3

While reviewing the case file of an older adult client, the nurse finds the client's vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is untreated. Which physiological change in the nervous system does the nurse suspect to cause gait instability and paresthesia in the client?
1)Degeneration of neurons
2)Lack of acetylcholine in the hippocampus lobe
3)Abnormalities in the basal ganglia of the midbrain
4)Demyelination of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord

Answer 3

4

Question 4

The nurse reviews the tests performed on an older adult's gastrointestinal system. Which condition does the nurse associate with the presence of flattened villi of the intestine?
1)Pain in the lower quadrant of the abdomen
2)Indigestion, gas accumulation, and diarrhea
3)Changes in the composition of the intestinal flora
4)Decreased transport of nutrients into the bloodstream

Question 5

In which manner does the nurse describe the role of multicausality in the immune function of an older adult client?
1)It refers to the decreased ability of a cell to repair damage.
2)It refers to the progressive loss of a cell's ability to replicate over time.
3)It refers to the combination of internal processes and environmental influences.
4)It refers to the weakening of both the innate and adaptive immune system with increasing age.

Question 6

The nurse is assessing an older adult client whose family members are concerned about the loss of social skills coupled with crude language and sexual acting out. The client's spouse states, "He is acting just like his father did." Which probable diagnosis does the nurse recognize?
1)Vascular dementia
2)Parkinson's disease
3)Alzheimer's disease
4)Frontotemporal dementia

Question 7

The nurse observes an older client with dementia exhibiting antisocial behavior and loss of social skills. Which therapy is the nurse most likely to find in the client's prescription?
1)Antidepressants
2)Antipsychotic drugs
3)Antiplatelet drugs
4)Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Question 8

An older adult client is being assessed by the nurse. The client states, "I seem to get sicker more often. I was a robust and healthy person for many years." In which manner does the nurse explain the theory of immunosenescence and aging?
1)Natural killer cells become sparse and less effective.
2)T lymphocytes have a decreased ability to recognize and attack antigens.
3)B lymphocytes become more effective in producing antibodies to antigens.
4)Immunizations are vital to boost the immune system and promote health.

Question 9

The x-ray of an older adult client shows kyphosis with collapse of the intervertebral discs. Which changes does the nurse anticipate in this client?
1)Increased stiffness of the chest wall
2)Decreased strength of respiratory muscles
3)Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest
4)Less oxygen diffusion into the pulmonary capillaries

Question 10

An older adult client reports frequent constipation to a nurse. Which age-related change in the gastrointestinal system does the nurse identify as the cause?
1)Stomach lining atrophies
2)Diminished amount of lactase enzyme
3)Loss of strength of the lower esophageal sphincter
4)Denervation in the distal portion of the gastrointestinal tract

Question 11

Which heart tissues are more prone to connective tissue infiltration in older adult clients? Select all that apply.
1)Aorta
2)Carotid artery
3)Bundle of His
4)Sinoatrial node
5)Atrioventricular node

Question 12

The nurse is reviewing the factors that diminish the ability to mount a febrile response in older adult clients with staff nurses. Which statement made by a nurse indicates the need for additional review?
1)"Decreased vasodilation reduces the ability to cause fever."
2)"Decreased subcutaneous fat reduces the ability to cause fever."
3)"Decreased ability to raise blood pressure reduces the ability to cause fever."
4)"Decreased responsiveness of the hypothalamus reduces the ability to cause fever."

Question 13

The nurse is performing a routine assessment for an older adult client in an assisted living setting. The client's blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate are within normal range, but the client seems unusually disoriented. Which prescription is the nurse most likely to expect to be prescribed?
1)White blood cell (WBC) count
2)Chest x-ray study
3)Pain level assessment
4)Temperature monitoring

Question 14

The nurse is reviewing the prescription of azithromycin for an older adult client with an infection. Which aspect of nursing knowledge causes the nurse to contact the prescribing health-care provider?
1)Macrolides do not concentrate well in older adult clients.
2)Acidic anti-infectives can reach higher levels than in young adults.
3)Culture and sensitivity testing needs to be performed.
4)Consideration is not given to the immunosuppression of the client.

Question 15

Which classes of medication are beneficial to manage the cognitive decline in a client with vascular dementia? Select all that apply.
1)Antipsychotics
2)Antidepressants
3)Antiplatelet medications
4)Antilipidemia medications
5)Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Question 16

While reviewing the medical history of a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the nurse notices the client has impaired renal function. Which prescribed medication for the client does the nurse expect to be replaced?
1)Aspirin
2)Metformin
3)Insulin lispro
4)Anti-inflammatory

Question 17

Which change in the integumentary system of older clients is responsible for difficulties in thermoregulation?
1)Loss of subcutaneous fat
2)Fewer sebaceous glands
3)Decreased function of melanocytes
4)Increased fragility of small blood vessels in the skin

Question 18

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scan reports of an older adult client show cerebral atrophy in the frontal and temporal lobes. Which condition does the nurse suspect in the client?
1)Pick's disease
2)Vascular dementia
3)Alzheimer's disease
4)Dementia with Lewy bodies

Question 19

The registered nurse is teaching a group of students about functional consequences of physiological aging on the cardiovascular system. Which statement made by a student nurse indicates the need for additional teaching?
1)"An increased risk of arrhythmias is due to changes in conductive tissues."
2)"The heart of an older client may have some degree of diastolic dysfunction."
3)"A higher response of baroreceptors in arterioles is seen with increasing age."
4)"A decreased ability of arteries to vasodilate is associated with free radical damage of cell membranes."

Question 20

After reviewing the single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) report of a client who has dementia with Lewy bodies, the nurse anticipates delusional behavior in the client. In which area of the brain does the nurse observe hyperperfusion according to the SPECT?
1)Parietal region
2)Occipital region
3)Frontal cortex region
4)Cranial blood supply

Question 21

Which changes in the renal system are associated with increasing age of an individual? Select all that apply.
1)Less excretion of glucose
2)High specific gravity of urine
3)Low levels of serum creatinine
4)High levels of blood urea nitrogen
5)Less excretion of water from the bloodstream

Question 22

Which age-related changes in the respiratory system are responsible for an increased susceptibility to pneumonia in older clients? Select all that apply.
1)Weaker cough reflex
2)Diminished gag reflux
3)Calcified costal cartilage
4)Osteopenia in the vertebrae
5)Increased stiffness of the thoracic cage

Question 23

Which changes in an older client result in presbycusis? Select all that apply.
1)Loss of color vision
2)Degradation of ganglia
3)Collapse of basement membrane
4)Deterioration of the organ of Corti
5)Weakening of the immune system

Question 24

Which changes in the neurotransmitters are seen with increasing age? Select all that apply.
1)Increased glutamate levels
2)Decreased serotonin levels
3)Decreased dopamine levels
4)Increased β-endorphin levels
5)Decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Question 25

Which are the symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies? Select all that apply.
1)Delusions
2)Visual hallucinations
3)Resting tremors
4)Loss of social skills
5)Compulsive oral behavior