A nurse is caring for a client with asthma. Which of the following statements are true regarding physiological changes of the respiratory system in the aging adult client?
Dyspnea is not commonly seen in other chronic conditions of the aging older adult.
Aging is associated with decreased sensitivity to medications.
Adverse reactions to medications in the aging older adult are lower.
Physiological changes in the respiratory system can mimic the presence of airway obstruction.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Dyspnea is not commonly seen in other chronic conditions of the aging older adult: This statement is incorrect. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur in various chronic conditions commonly seen in aging adults, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and pulmonary fibrosis, among others. Dyspnea can be a symptom of respiratory or cardiovascular issues and is not exclusive to asthma.
Choice B Reason:
Aging is associated with decreased sensitivity to medications: This statement is generally incorrect. Aging can affect drug metabolism and clearance, leading to changes in medication sensitivity. Older adults may have altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, which can increase their sensitivity to certain medications, particularly those with sedative or CNS depressant effects. This increased sensitivity can potentially increase the risk of adverse drug reactions.
Choice C Reason:
Adverse reactions to medications in the aging older adult are lower: This statement is incorrect. While some physiological changes associated with aging may decrease the risk of adverse drug reactions, such as decreased renal function and altered drug metabolism, older adults are still at risk for adverse drug reactions due to factors such as polypharmacy, drug interactions, and increased sensitivity to medications.
Choice D Reason:
Physiological changes in the respiratory system can mimic the presence of airway obstruction: This statement is true. Physiological changes in the aging respiratory system, such as decreased lung elasticity, increased chest wall stiffness, and reduced respiratory muscle strength, can mimic the symptoms of airway obstruction seen in conditions like asthma or COPD. These changes can lead to decreased lung function, reduced exercise tolerance, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Temperature 36.3°C (97.4°F) is correct. Hypothermia is a characteristic finding in neurogenic shock due to the loss of sympathetic control over temperature regulation and peripheral vasodilation. This can lead to heat loss from the skin surface and a decrease in core body temperature.
Choice B Reason:
Respirations 12/min is incorrect. Respiratory rate is usually not significantly affected in neurogenic shock. However, individuals with high cervical or upper thoracic spinal cord injuries may experience respiratory compromise due to paralysis of respiratory muscles, but this is not a typical feature of neurogenic shock.
Choice C Reason:
Incorrect: Neurogenic shock typically results inhypotension(low blood pressure) due to vasodilation. The given blood pressure reading is elevated, which is not consistent with neurogenic shock.
Choice D Reason:
Heart rate 54/min is correct. Bradycardia is a common finding in neurogenic shock due to unopposed parasympathetic activity resulting from the loss of sympathetic tone. The heart rate may be slow and may decrease further over time.
Choice E Reason:
Calcium level 7.0 mg/dL is incorrect, Calcium levels are not directly related to neurogenic shock. Neurogenic shock primarily involves the loss of sympathetic tone and the resulting hemodynamic changes, rather than alterations in calcium metabolism.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Epithelial cells is correct. Epithelial cells lining the airways play a role in initiating the inflammatory response in asthma by releasing cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. These cells can contribute to the circulatory surge of inflammatory cells and cytokines seen in status asthmaticus.
Choice B Reason:
OT lymphocytes is incorrect. There is no specific cell type known as "OT lymphocytes." It's possible this may refer to T lymphocytes (T cells), which are involved in the immune response in asthma but are not typically associated with a circulatory surge in status asthmaticus.
Choice C Reason:
Hyperreactivity is incorrect. Hyperreactivity refers to the exaggerated response of the airways to various stimuli, leading to bronchoconstriction and inflammation. While hyperreactivity is a characteristic feature of asthma, it does not directly contribute to a circulatory surge of inflammatory cells and cytokines.
Choice D Reason:
Mast cells is correct. Mast cells are key players in the pathophysiology of asthma. They release various inflammatory mediators, including histamine and leukotrienes, which contribute to airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production. Mast cells can participate in the circulatory surge of inflammatory cells and cytokines in status asthmaticus.
Choice E Reason:
Inflammation is correct. Inflammation is a hallmark feature of asthma and plays a central role in the pathogenesis of status asthmaticus. The inflammatory response involves the recruitment and activation of various inflammatory cells, release of cytokines, and other mediators that contribute to airway obstruction and systemic effects.
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