An Older Patient Is Experiencing Shortness of Breath When Completing

Multiple Choice

An older patient is experiencing shortness of breath when completing household activities. Which age-related change in the respiratory system should be used to explain this patient's symptoms? Select all that apply.

A) Loss of lung elastic recoil
B) Larger and thinner alveoli
C) Increased surface area for gas exchange
D) Thickening of the alveolar-capillary membrane
E) Reduction in the number of functioning alveoli