A nurse is assessing an older adult client. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected physiological change associated with aging?

Choice A rationale:

Increased sensitivity to touch is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. Older adults often experience decreased sensitivity to touch due to changes in nerve endings and decreased skin elasticity. This can lead to decreased sensation rather than increased sensitivity.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased peripheral circulation is an expected physiological change associated with aging. With age, blood vessels can become less elastic and more narrow, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. This can result in cold extremities, delayed wound healing, and increased vulnerability to skin breakdown. Nurses should assess for signs of impaired circulation in older adult clients and provide appropriate interventions to prevent complications.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased airway resistance is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. Older adults often experience increased airway resistance due to changes in lung elasticity and chest wall compliance. This can lead to decreased lung function and a higher risk of respiratory issues such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Choice D rationale:

Increased appetite is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. In fact, many older adults experience a decrease in appetite due to factors such as changes in metabolism, decreased sense of taste and smell, and underlying health conditions. This reduced appetite can contribute to malnutrition and weight loss in the elderly population.

Choice A rationale:

Providing a cup of hot chocolate prior to bedtime is not a suitable intervention for a client reporting difficulty sleeping. Hot chocolate contains caffeine, which can act as a stimulant and interfere with sleep. Caffeine is known to disrupt sleep patterns and should be avoided close to bedtime.

Choice B rationale:

Scheduling exercise activities at least 3 hours before bedtime is the correct intervention for a client experiencing difficulty sleeping. Regular exercise promotes better sleep quality by helping to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep duration. However, exercising too close to bedtime can have a stimulating effect, making it harder for the client to fall asleep. By scheduling exercise activities earlier in the day, the client's body will have sufficient time to wind down before bedtime, leading to improved sleep.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping soft music playing at bedtime and throughout the night might not be effective for everyone. While soft music can create a calming environment and help some individuals relax, it may not address the underlying causes of the client's difficulty sleeping. Additionally, some people might find background noise disruptive to their sleep. Therefore, this option might not be as effective as adjusting the timing of exercise.

Choice D rationale:

Scheduling mealtime 2 hours before bedtime is generally a good practice, but it might not directly address the client's reported difficulty sleeping. Consuming heavy or spicy meals close to bedtime can cause discomfort and indigestion, which might interfere with sleep. However, adjusting mealtime alone might not be sufficient to resolve the client's sleep issues, especially if other factors are contributing to their insomnia.