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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Glatiramer acetate is incorrect because it is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) to reduce the frequency of relapses and delay disease progression. It is not indicated for spasm-induced incontinence.
Choice B Reason:
Dulaglutide is incorrect because it is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control. It is not indicated for the treatment of spasm-induced incontinence.
Choice C Reason:
Montelukast sodium is incorrect because it is a leukotriene receptor antagonist primarily used to manage asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is not indicated for the treatment of spasm-induced incontinence.
Choice D Reason:
Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to treat overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, including spasm-induced incontinence that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injury. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bladder, thereby reducing involuntary contractions that contribute to urinary urgency and incontinence.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypoxemia due to dead space is not appropriate. Dead space refers to areas of the lung where ventilation occurs but no perfusion takes place. In ARDS, hypoxemia typically occurs due to ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch and shunting rather than dead space.
Choice B Reason:
Impaired carbon dioxide elimination due to shunting is not appropriate. Shunting occurs when blood bypasses ventilated alveoli, leading to inadequate gas exchange. In ARDS, shunting contributes to hypoxemia, but it doesn't directly impair carbon dioxide elimination.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased pulmonary arterial pressure due to ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch is incorrect. V/Q mismatch occurs when ventilation and perfusion are mismatched in different areas of the lung. This leads to areas of low ventilation (dead space) and areas of low perfusion (shunting). V/Q mismatch contributes to hypoxemia in ARDS but does not typically lead to decreased pulmonary arterial pressure.
Choice D Reason:
Decreased pulmonary compliance due to stiffness is correct. This is a characteristic feature of ARDS. The inflammation and damage to the alveoli cause them to become stiff, reducing pulmonary compliance and impairing lung expansion during ventilation.
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