Deck 24: Complications due to Aging

Question 1

Which of the following may develop in an elderly patient who has several medical problems and is markedly obese?

A) Osteoarthritis and cardiovascular complications
B) Decreased activity and diabetes mellitus
C) Undesirable interactions with multiple prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
D) A, B, and C

Answer 1

A, B, and C

Question 2

Lung expansion in the elderly may be reduced because of decreased:
1) tissue elasticity.
2) rib mobility.
3) control by the respiratory center.
4) skeletal muscle strength.

A) 1, 3
B) 1, 4
C) 2, 3, 4
D) 1, 2, 4

Answer 2

1, 2, 4

Question 3

Predisposing factors to osteoporosis in older women include all of the following EXCEPT:

A) decreased estrogen secretion.
B) genetic factors.
C) sedentary lifestyle.
D) decreased parathyroid hormone.

Answer 3

decreased parathyroid hormone.

Question 4

Which of the following does NOT contribute to the increasing life span of the general population?

A) Reduced cognitive and social activities
B) Improved living conditions
C) Better nutrition
D) Advancements in health care

Question 5

Vision in the elderly may be impaired when the eyeball becomes less elastic, thus preventing accommodation and resulting in:

A) presbyopia.
B) cataracts.
C) glaucoma.
D) damage to the retina.

Question 6

With advancing age, the major change in the cardiovascular system involves:

A) irregular impulse conduction in the heart.
B) a reduced number of collagen fibers to support cardiac muscle.
C) vascular degeneration, leading to arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.
D) the heart valves becoming thin and weak.

Question 7

Senescence refers to the period of time when:

A) mitosis is accelerated.
B) apoptosis is reduced.
C) aging changes become apparent.
D) cell death exceeds cell replacement.

Question 8

All are physiological changes that occur with aging EXCEPT:

A) reduced skeletal muscle mass.
B) degeneration of fibrocartilage in intervertebral discs in the spine.
C) increased basal metabolic rate (BMR).
D) reduced bladder capacity and incomplete bladder emptying.

Question 9

The term given to the change that occurs in women at around age 50 with the cessation of the menstrual cycle is:

A) menopause.
B) dysmenorrhea.
C) amenorrhea.
D) menarche.

Question 10

Recommendations to reduce the risk factors and the progression of osteoporosis with aging include:

A) reducing vitamin D intake.
B) maintaining walking and weight-bearing exercise.
C) increasing bone resorption.
D) maintaining glucocorticoid therapy.

Question 11

Theories about the causes of aging include:

A) apoptosis.
B) wear and tear.
C) altered protein (amyloid) accumulation.
D) All the above

Question 12

Which of the following factors lead to delayed wound healing in the elderly?
1) Reduced rate of mitosis
2) Inadequate circulation
3) High risk of infection
4) More effective immune system

A) 1, 2
B) 1, 3
C) 2, 4
D) 1, 2, 3

Question 13

What is a major factor leading to increased occurrence of cancer in the elderly?

A) Widespread vascular degeneration
B) Cumulative exposure to carcinogens
C) Hereditary factors
D) Increased immune surveillance

Question 14

All of the following changes are associated with aging EXCEPT:

A) loss of elastic fibers.
B) decreased metabolic rate.
C) decreased secretion of all hormones.
D) degenerative vascular changes.