A nurse is educating an older adult client about the changes in hair and nails that occur with aging. Which of the following statements should the nurse expect the client to make?

The correct answer is A.

Increased anteroposterior diameter.

This is a normal age-related change in the thorax that results from changes in the bones and muscles of the chest and spine.The ribcage becomes less flexible and more rounded, which increases the front-to-back dimension of the chest.

This can affect the lung function and breathing capacity of older adults.

Choice B is wrong because decreased kyphosis means reduced curvature of the spine, which is not a normal age-related change.In fact, kyphosis tends to increase with aging due to osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures.

Choice C is wrong because increased lung expansion means greater ability to fill the lungs with air, which is not a normal age-related change.In fact, lung expansion tends to decrease with aging due to loss of elasticity and shape of the air sacs (alveoli) and weakening of the respiratory muscles.

Choice D is wrong because decreased calcification means reduced deposition of calcium in the tissues, which is not a normal age-related change.In fact, calcification tends to increase with aging, especially in the costal cartilages that connect the ribs to the sternum.

This can make the chest wall more rigid and less compliant.

Normal ranges for anteroposterior diameter vary depending on age, sex, height and weight, but generally it should be less than the transverse diameter (the side-to-side dimension of the chest).

A ratio of anteroposterior to transverse diameter greater than 0.9 is considered abnormal and may indicate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The correct answer is A.

“I need to eat more foods that are rich in these nutrients.” This statement indicates that the client understands that low levels of iron, calcium and vitamin B12 can be caused by inadequate dietary intake of these nutrients.Iron, calcium and vitamin B12 are mainly found in animal-based foods, such as meat, eggs, milk and cheese.A diet lacking in these foods can lead to vitamin deficiency anemia, which is a condition where the body produces fewer and larger red blood cells that cannot carry enough oxygen.

Choice B is wrong because supplements may not be necessary or sufficient to correct these deficiencies.

Supplements can also interact with other medications or have side effects.The client should consult with their healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

Choice C is wrong because gastric acid inhibitors can actually worsen vitamin B12 deficiency.

Gastric acid inhibitors are medications that reduce the amount of stomach acid produced.However, stomach acid is needed to release vitamin B12 from food and to help it bind to a protein called intrinsic factor, which is essential for its absorption in the intestines.

Therefore, taking gastric acid inhibitors can impair vitamin B12 absorption and lead to deficiency.

Choice D is wrong because reducing dairy consumption can further lower calcium intake.

Dairy products are a good source of calcium, which is a mineral that helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth.Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, which is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle.

Normal ranges for iron, calcium and vitamin B12 in the blood are:.

• Iron: 50 to 170 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) for men; 40 to 150 mcg/dL for women.

• Calcium: 8.5 to 10.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

• Vitamin B12: 200 to 900 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).