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:
Bronchopneumonia is incorrect. Bronchopneumonia is characterized by patchy areas of consolidation involving multiple lobules scattered throughout the lungs. It typically results from bronchial obstruction and aspiration of infected material into the smaller airways and alveoli.
Choice B Reason:
Severe pneumonia is incorrect. "Severe pneumonia" is a broad term that can refer to pneumonia with various degrees of severity. It does not specifically describe the pattern of consolidation involving the entire lobe of the lung.
Choice C Reason:
Empyema is incorrect. Empyema refers to the accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity, often as a complication of pneumonia. It does not describe the pattern of consolidation within the lung tissue.
Choice D Reason:
Lobar pneumonia is correct. Lobar pneumonia is characterized by consolidation involving an entire lobe or lobes of the lung. It typically results from infection by a single pathogen, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, which leads to inflammation and consolidation of an entire lobe of the lung.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is a condition characterized by obstruction of the intestines due to paralysis of the intestinal muscles, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Paralytic ileus is not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome, which primarily affects the nerves in the lower back and lower extremities.
Choice B Reason:
Blood pressure 80/48 mm Hg is incorrect. While cauda equina syndrome can cause neurological symptoms such as lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction, it is not typically associated with alterations in blood pressure. Blood pressure changes may occur in response to pain or other systemic factors, but they are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Choice C Reason:
Weakness in one or both legs is correct. Yes, weakness in one or both legs is a characteristic finding of cauda equina syndrome. Compression of the nerve roots in the lower spinal cord can lead to motor deficits, including weakness, difficulty walking, and loss of reflexes in the lower extremities.
Choice D Reason:
Potassium 3.2 mEq/L is incorrect. Serum potassium levels are not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome. Abnormal potassium levels may be indicative of electrolyte imbalances, which can occur in various medical conditions but are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
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